The Republican Party of Sarasota County has announced it has named Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis its 2021 "Statesman of the Year." The governor will accept the award and be the featured speaker during a dinner on Oct. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota.

Previous "Statesman of the Year" awardees include former President Donald Trump, Sen. Lindsay Graham, Sen. Ted Cruz, former Vice-President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Rep. Liz Cheney, and Sean Hannity.