John Anderson’s ‘Seminole Wind’ Named Florida’s Official Anthem by Gov. Ron DeSantis
DeSantis shared the announcement on social media, along with plans to further honor Anderson’s legacy in his hometown of Apopka, Florida.
John Anderson, Ron DeSantis; Photos Provided
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order designating John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind” as the official anthem of the Sunshine State.
DeSantis announced the news on social media this afternoon, sharing additional plans to honor the late country singer’s legacy in his hometown of Apopka, Florida.
“I have also directed the Department of State to erect historic markers in the City of Apopka depicting John Anderson’s contribution to Florida’s heritage,” he wrote. “In addition, I have tasked Department of Environmental Protection to work with the St. Johns River Water Management District to designate wildlife drive and trail system within Lake Apopka North Shore as the John Anderson Wildlife Drive and Trail System.”
The executive order highlights Anderson’s longstanding connection to Florida and recognizes how he used his music to celebrate the state’s history, heritage and natural landscapes.
“WHEREAS, on December 13, 1954, John Anderson was born in Orange County’s Apopka, a place his family called home for generations; and WHEREAS, Anderson grew up in natural Florida, between rows of orange trees and the Central Florida swamplands that existed prior to the arrival of theme parks in 1971 and the tourism boom that followed; and WHEREAS, in 1972, Anderson graduated from Apopka High School, where the musical talents he developed throughout adolescence led him to Nashville to get his start; and WHEREAS, Anderson’s songbook reflects an effort to incorporate Florida’s history, heritage, and landscapes into his writing, positively impacting the protection of natural Florida at a critical time in the state’s growth and development,” the order reads in part.
The move comes less than a week after Anderson’s unexpected passing at the age of 71. According to a statement, he died peacefully in his sleep on October 21.
Following his death, Anderson’s longtime friend and songwriting collaborator, John Rich, took to social media to urge DeSantis to designate “Seminole Wind” as Florida’s state song.
At the time, Rich wrote, “@RonDeSantis should consider making “Seminole Wind” the official state song of Florida. John Anderson captured the spirit of this state in his song, and was a native born Floridian. Gov DeSantis, would you consider making that happen? A bunch of us would fly down if you would.”
The designation is a fitting tribute to Anderson, a proud Florida native whose music often reflected the places and stories that shaped him. “Seminole Wind” references landmarks such as the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee, along with Osceola, the famed Seminole leader.
Anderson wrote “Seminole Wind,” which was released in August 1992 as the fourth single and title track from his 12th studio album. In addition to the song, he was known for hits including “Swingin’” and “Straight Tequila Night.” He was a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Anderson was laid to rest Sunday in a private service.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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