In the first bill of its kind for Florida’s 2026 legislative session, a Republican lawmaker is proposing to rename a portion of a state road after slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
State Rep. Juan Carlos Porras, R-Miami, filed his measure (HB 33) on Sept. 23.
If approved, a “portion of S.R. 985/S.W. 107th Avenue between S.W. 24th Street and S.R. 90/S.W. 8th Street in Miami-Dade County” would be renamed “Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue,” the bill says.
The bill also would direct the Florida Department of Transportation “to erect suitable markers designating Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue.” It would take effect July 1, 2026.
Vigils held across country since Kirk’s death
Mourners across Florida and throughout the nation have held vigils to honor Kirk, who was killed Sept. 10 during a speaking tour stop at Utah Valley University.
Kirk, 31, was a prominent and polarizing political figure – an author, radio host, and podcaster – whose outspoken critiques of what he described as dangerous liberal ideas made him both an influential voice and a lightning rod in political circles.
During a tearful address at his recent memorial in Arizona, Kirk’s widow said she forgave the man accused of killing him, and that her husband had wanted to “save young men just like the one who took his life.”
“I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do,” said Erika Kirk, 36, to a standing ovation at Glendale, Arizona. “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the Gospel is love.”
Porras had personal connection to Kirk
Porras has a personal reason for filing the bill: Shortly after Kirk’s death, he posted on social media that he “would not be who I am today without the friendship of @charliekirk1776,” referring to Kirk’s online handle.
“In my earliest years of college I helped him create one of the first @turningpointusa chapters in FL at FIU,” wrote Porras, first elected to the chamber in 2022 and the self-billed “first Gen Z member of the FL House.”
“I am devastated and heartbroken to hear of his senseless assassination, violence has absolutely no place in political discourse,” he added.
Florida previously has renamed sections of roadways for other conservative icons, most recently for the late radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh.
The 2026 legislative session convenes Jan. 13, and committee weeks begin Oct. 6.
This story contains previously published reporting, including from USA TODAY. Jim Rosica can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida lawmaker seeks to rename road as tribute to Charlie Kirk