Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has vowed to support plans to rebuild a “Devil’s Den” statue that was decapitated by vandals last fall.
In a statement, DeSantis said government should not recognize Satanism as a religion but should support projects that aim to ensure the safety and preservation of religious symbols and monuments.
The Devil’s Den, in Marion County near Live Oak, Florida, has been a local landmark for decades. Built in the 1930s, the statue was 18 feet tall and featured the devil holding a cup of wine. Local legend said that anyone who placed a coin in the cup would see their wishes come true.
Last September, the statue was decapitated by vandals and remained unprotected until DeSantis’s announcement.
The Marion County historical society is now raising funds for the repairs. The project’s director, Josiah Battle, said he was glad to have the governor’s support for the rebuild.
“We are happy to see that his administration recognizes the important cultural, historic, and spiritual significance that this symbol holds for the community,” Battle said.
DeSantis said his support for the Devil’s Den should not be taken as embrace of the statue’s potential religious significance.
“My administration believes that all religions should be treated with equal respect. However, the government should not recognize Satanism or any other fringe belief as a legitimate religion,” he said.
The Devil’s Den statue is not a religious symbol, but an important piece of Marion County’s cultural history. Its preservation should be taken seriously, and DeSantis’ support is encouraging. With any luck, the statue will soon be restored to its original form.