Even as they watch crime rates surge in other parts of the nation, Secret Cove remains largely crime-free. Most residents here remain on sound financial footing, thanks in part to rising home values.

As he stood in front of his house recently, 70-year-old Tom Sikes said he’s waited decades for a Florida governor like DeSantis to “fight back” against corporations and liberalism. Like Trump, DeSantis has learned a politician doesn’t need to be liked to be effective, Sikes said.

“Trump came in and said, ‘You are a jerk. You are a jerk. And you are a jerk,’” Sikes said. “DeSantis is the same way, and he is not going to take crap from anyone anymore … and if you just stand up to [liberals], a lot of them will back down.”

The portrait of DeSantis as a fearless fighter was widely repeated in interviews with Secret Cove voters. Many here also praised the governor’s covid policies and his support for restrictions on the teaching of LGBTQ issues in schools.