Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday discussed the renewed Florida State Guard at a news conference in Pinellas County, announcing retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Chris Graham as its new director.

ST. PETE, Fla. – Beachgoers have spoken and St. Pete Beach along Florida’s western coast is the best beach in America, according to the 2021 Travelers’ Choice TripAdvisor awards. The top-rated activity in St. Pete is a sunset cruise along St. Pete Beach, according to TripAdvisor. The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches was based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from TripAdvisor travelers as well as the number of “saves” during a 12-month period. This year, of the 25 best beaches in the U.S., Florida and Hawaii dominated the list, according to TripAdvisor. “After a devastating 2020 for travel, we’re especially honored to receive the Travelers’ Choice Award this year,” Hayes said.