Jimmy Buffett Day: Music Legend To Be Honored In The State Of Florida
Buffett’s musical legacy will live on in the Sunshine State.
Jimmy Buffett; Photo by Jean-Philippe Piter
The state of Florida has a new set of plans in place to honor the late musical legend, Jimmy Buffett, following his passing on September 1, 2023.
When Is Jimmy Buffett Day?
Most recently, the Florida legislature officially declared August 30, 2024 to be Jimmy Buffett Day in the state of Florida. This announcement was shared by the official social media accounts of Margaritaville, Buffett’s US-based hospitality company that he named after his 1977 signature tune.
The post revealed that this honorary date will be dedicated to celebrating “the life and music of Jimmy Buffett, whose free-spirited life and significant contributions to national and state culture are commended and celebrated.”
Fans Plan To Celebrate The Special Day In Florida And Beyond
Jimmy Buffett has always had a special connection to the Sunshine State, as he’s made clear through his collection of beachy tunes that represent the laid-back lifestyle on the water that he loved so much.
Even fans who do not live in Florida filled the comment section with excitement and anticipation for the date. Many shared that they will still be celebrating from wherever they are.
“We don’t celebrate it here in Colorado , but I will be celebrating it 😎 yea!!! 🏝️🍹🌞❄️,” one fan wrote.
“I will celebrate in solidarity with you from East Troy, WI,” said another user.
Which Highway In Florida Could Be Named After Jimmy Buffett?
This news comes hot on the heels of another exciting way Florida hopes to honor the “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” singer.
Central Florida’s WFLA News Channel 8 reported that with a 119-0 vote, the Florida House has unanimously approved legislation of the House Bill 91. This Bill would allow the Florida A1A, the famous state road that runs about 340 miles along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, to be renamed as the “Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway.”
“Over the course of the last 50-plus years, he went from busking on the streets in Key West for nickels and dimes to being the architect of diverse, big, big enterprises all over the globe,” the bill’s co-sponsor Chuck Clemons, R-Newberry, said in a statement. “And his success is the American dream. His success is a testament to what can be built with just six strings, an idea and talent that lends itself to a catchy song.”
The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee has already approved the Senate version (SB 84) and the next step is to receive approval from the chamber. According to the report, “If approved, the Department of Transportation will then erect suitable markers designating the memorial highway by Aug. 30, 2024.”
The A1A was especially meaningful to Jimmy Buffett. Not only did he reference the road in his song, “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season,” but he also made it the title of his fifth studio album of 1973.
With this set of news, the Mayor of Margaritaville will continue to be honored for his lasting legacy and breezy tunes that serve as the perfect soundtrack to a day on the water or at a Florida where margaritas are encouraged at any time of the day.
Jimmy Buffett’s Legacy Lives On
Jimmy Buffett died on September 1 after a four-year battle with a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. Buffett was 76 years old when he passed away.
The statement posted to his official social media accounts on the fateful day read, “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs…He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Just a week after fans learned the devastating news, Buffett’s estate announced that he had finalized a new album before he passed away. This full-length collection titled Equal Strain in All Parts arrived posthumously on November 3 and debuted at No. 1 on both the Top Rock & Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums tallies, a first-time feat for the two-time GRAMMY nominee.
This project marked the perfect send off to his incredibly successful career that spanned over five decades.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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