On April 30, 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a notable stop at The Landing Strip Tavern in Palm Coast. Located at 202 Airport Road, right by the Flagler Executive Airport, this lively eatery was buzzing with excitement as DeSantis arrived just after 11 a.m., following a press conference at Destination Daytona. You could almost feel the anticipation in the air!
As it turns out, the restaurant owner, Jamie Bourdeau, received a call from DeSantis’ staff requesting a fried fish sandwich for the governor. Now, that’s a pretty neat request, right? DeSantis took his sandwich to go but not before engaging warmly with guests—smiling, shaking hands, and posing for photos. It’s moments like these that bring a little extra life to a local spot!
The Governor’s Choice
In the wake of the visit, The Landing Strip Tavern proudly introduced a special fried fish sandwich dubbed “The Governor’s Choice.” Talk about a delicious way to commemorate a special occasion! The restaurant, which opened its doors in May 2025 after a 10-month renovation (it used to be known as Highjackers Restaurant), has quickly become a go-to for locals and visitors alike. With a full bar and outdoor seating offering views of aircraft, it’s a charming place to kick back and enjoy some great food.
Speaking of food, the menu here is diverse—ranging from various seafood dishes and sandwiches to unique items like the B1 Bomber Burger and blackened shrimp pasta. After DeSantis’ visit, the restaurant’s social media post about the encounter garnered over 3,000 interactions! That’s some serious buzz for a local tavern.
A Taste of Florida
But DeSantis’ connection to Florida’s culinary scene goes beyond this one visit. He’s currently in the final year of his term as governor and has gained quite a bit of national attention for his COVID-19 policies, positioning him as a contender for the GOP nomination. Although he may not be in the media spotlight as much these days, he’s taken to a new project: a series called “Diners, Drive-Ins & DeSantis.” In a format reminiscent of Guy Fieri’s food-travel shows, he visits various restaurants across Florida, engaging with local owners and promoting the state’s delicious cuisine—everything from grouper to New Haven-style pizza.
So far, nine episodes have been filmed and uploaded to social media, and the show has a mostly non-partisan vibe, focusing on food rather than politics. DeSantis seems to have softened his political rhetoric, chatting about lighter topics like baseball and fiscal policy. Interestingly, he’s even made subtle remarks about the stock market and inflation, hinting at some criticism of Trump. Speculation about his future in politics continues to swirl, as people wonder if he is trying to craft a more relatable public persona.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Landing Strip Tavern is definitely a place to check out—especially now with the Governor’s Choice on the menu! Who knows, maybe you’ll run into DeSantis next time he’s in town. And if you want to know more about his latest culinary adventures, check out the full story here and dive into the details of his food show here. You might just find your next favorite dish!