The City of Apopka recognized May 20 as Florida Emancipation Day during the City Council meeting on May 20, 2026. The proclamation commemorates the end of slavery in Florida and acknowledges its historical significance to both the state and the nation.
According to the proclamation, “the observance of the end of slavery is part of the history and heritage of the United States and the State of Florida.” The document also states that “as a governmental body, the City Council opposes and rejects any form of oppression and supports residents and organizations working to achieve genuine equality and protection of human rights for everyone.”
The proclamation references President Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, which declared that enslaved persons in rebelling states would be free starting January 1, 1863. It also notes that federal authorities arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to inform enslaved people there that they were free—an event commonly celebrated as Juneteenth.
In Florida, Emancipation Day is traditionally observed on May 20. This date marks when General Edward M. McCook announced from Tallahassee’s Knott House in 1865 that slavery had ended in Florida—eleven days after the Civil War concluded and two years after Lincoln’s original proclamation.
“As a result, many Floridians celebrate May 20th as Emancipation Day in Florida,” according to the proclamation. The city council stated it commemorates this announcement while recognizing “the significant contributions of African Americans to this state and our nation.” Mayor Nick Nesta said he encourages all citizens to recognize and honor this day in Apopka.
At its meeting on May 20, city commissioners along with Mayor Nesta presented the official proclamation honoring Florida Emancipation Day.
