Life-Size DeSantis Statue Melts at Climate Protest

A life-size gallium statue of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis began melting shortly after its unveiling in Tallahassee, exposing a skull beneath its face in a protest installation titled “DENIAL.” Organizers 350 Action and Uncommon Creative Studio said the sculpture criticized DeSantis’ climate record, including a 2024 law that removed climate-change references from state statutes and restricted offshore and nearshore wind energy. The campaign urges voters to support candidates who prioritize climate action. DeSantis has defended the law as a common-sense energy policy and disputed claims linking climate change to stronger hurricanes; scientists say warming can contribute to heavier hurricane rainfall and faster intensification, while long-term trends in overall hurricane frequency and intensity are less certain.