The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, named themselves after Christopher Columbus, who was considered an American hero at the time, to demonstrate their patriotism as well as their faith. A statue of Columbus was unveiled at the Knights of Columbus Council 4357 hall during a ceremony led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Oct. 12, 2026.
The statue was funded by private donors and given to the Knights by the State of Florida as part of an ongoing America 250 outreach celebrating people who have contributed to western civilization. Gov. DeSantis said Columbus had a spirit of adventure whose voyage in 1492 helped develop the building blocks of what the United States has become today.
“This statue of Columbus stands in Naples as a testament to the pioneering spirit of Western Civilization, essential to appreciating Florida’s and America’s history,” the governor said. Additional statues of the founding fathers of the U.S. have been placed throughout the state.
Representing the Knights for the unveiling were Supreme Director Scott O’Connor, and State Deputy Mike Gizewski, both of whom gave a letter of thank you to the governor on behalf of local, Supreme and state council. In addition, members of Council 4537, including Grand Knight Selem Lake, as well as the Knights Color Corps and Knights of Bikes, were present for the ceremony. Father Casey Jones, pastor of nearby St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, offered the opening prayer for the unveiling ceremony.
Father Jones said the donation of the statue from the state was a great moment of recognition for the hard work of the men of the small, but very active and passionate, Knights Council, while also spotlighting the many charitable works of the Knights of Columbus.
Also present for the unveiling were Brian Griffinmen, Visit Florida President and CEO, and Michele Mistò, Italy’s consul general from Miami.
