Florida’s Rick Scott Targets NYC with Aerial Ad: Escape Socialism, Move South

Florida Senator Rick Scott took to the skies over New York City this past weekend with a bold message for residents: if you’re fed up with socialism, pack your bags and head to the Sunshine State. Flying an aerial banner over popular spots like Coney Island and Jones Beach, Scott’s ad was hard to miss. It read, "Hate socialism? Us too! Move 2 FL."

This stunt comes as Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist, emerges as a frontrunner in the race for New York City mayor after clinching the Democratic primary against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Scott, a former Florida governor himself, didn’t hold back in his critique of the Big Apple’s current political climate. He painted a grim picture of a city once synonymous with the American Dream now plagued by radical ideologies, where, in his words, only billionaires thrive while others struggle.

Reflecting on the banner, Scott emphasized Florida’s appeal beyond just its beaches. He touted the state as a refuge from what he sees as destructive socialist policies creeping into places like New York. Drawing stark comparisons, he pointed to nations like Cuba and Venezuela, arguing that their failures are a cautionary tale for what could await under leaders like Mamdani.

Scott’s message was clear: Florida represents a bastion of opportunity, with a focus on jobs, education, and safety—core elements of the American Dream he believes are slipping away in New York. Whether this aerial pitch will convince New Yorkers to trade skyscrapers for palm trees remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a conversation starter.