"We are all being mass gaslighted": Internet reacts as Lake County names road after Charlie Kirk

Lake County has honoured Charlie Kirk after his assisination. Lake County, Florida, has officially named Schofield Road in Clermont the “Charles James Kirk Memorial Highway.” The decision was made by the county commission on September 23, 2025. The vote to approve the road naming was unanimous at 5-0.

The naming honors Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated during a speaking event at Utah Valley University earlier this month. Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA and known for his role in conservative politics. His death has sparked local and national discussions on civic honor and political violence.

Commissioners said the road naming was not only about honoring Kirk’s work but also about sending a message against violence in political spaces. While the move was supported by many, it also drew criticism from those who questioned whether a road naming was the right way to remember him. Many people reacted to this news on social media platforms.

NotBeyoncebutViolence

@ourhermitage

I feel like we are all being mass gaslighted.

"I feel like we are all being mass gaslighted." said a comment on X

"They just installed it right off the corner of Kl*nsman Rd" said another comment

"Nothing says progress like glorifying controversy—Florida’s road signs now double as political statements." said another netizen

"This feels like a political statement rather than an honor. Public infrastructure shouldn't be partisan territory." said a netizen

"Wild to think Charlie Kirk now has a road named after him in Florida. Love him or hate him, that's legacy you can literally drive on." remarked a netizen

Lake County names road after Charlie Kirk: debate and decision

Commissioner Anthony Sabatini proposed to name a road after Charlie Kirk. He noted how Kirk was a civic influencer and the President Donald Trump had just awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. The dedication was originally planned for Wellness Way, but Schofield Road was chosen instead during the discussion with Sabatini.

The commission meeting experienced both support and opposition. Kirk inspired a number of young people to participate in civic life. His impact in the form of Turning Point USA and his national participation in conservative activism was hghlighted by his supporters.

Critics wondered why this particular person should have received such recognition, given that a local or even a law enforcement officer would have made a better candidate. People also said that it was unsafe to name a publicly accessible road after political activist because it would divide the people through honors. Despite these fears, the commissioners unanimously voted in support of the naming of the road.

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Community response and implementation

The decision has received a divided community reaction. The fans add that the work of Charlie Kirk should be remembered and the road naming is an excellent message against political violence. They regard the dedication as a method of commemorating his contribution to the civic discourse.

The issue of precedent still raises laments with critics. They contend that erection of roads bearing names of political leaders may lead to the division of the residents rather than uniting them. Others proposed alternative methods of honoring Kirk rather than through the use of public roads e.g. scholarships or educational programs.

The Lake County Public Work Department has been instructed to install the memorial signs along the Schofield Road. According to the officials, the signs would be installed at no extra cost to taxpayers. The dedication will be visible to anyone who passes by Clermont.

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