From FoxNews: DeSantis posthumously awards Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Jimmy Buffett, politicians: ‘Great Floridians’
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has posthumously awarded five Floridians, including singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett and former Republican and Democratic politicians, with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.
“I’m proud to recognize the legacies of these great Floridians,” DeSantis said in a statement.
“Our state is better for their contributions, and we’re proud they called Florida home,” he continued. “They have each earned the honor of being awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.”
The governor awarded one of the state’s highest honors to Buffett, former GOP U.S. Rep. and state legislator Lincoln Diaz-Balart, former Democratic governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, former Democratic governor and U.S. Rep. Buddy MacKay, and former Republican Florida House Speaker John Thrasher.
Buffett, who died in 2023 at the age of 76, was a legendary music icon who rose to fame in the 1970s and was best known for hits like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
On top of his musical pursuits, Buffett was involved in business as well, launching restaurants, resorts and merchandise under the “Margaritaville” brand, including opening his first Margaritaville store in Key West in 1985 and opening a Margaritaville Café nearby just two years later.
“His legacy continues to influence music and culture in Florida’s coastal communities,” a release from the governor’s office said.