Jimmy Buffett smiling on stage – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Adam McCullough
A Florida senator has introduced a bill that would rename a famous state road in honor of Sunshine State icon, Jimmy Buffet.
SR-A1A along Florida’s east coast, from the Georgia state border to Key West, would be renamed the “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway” under HB-91, which was introduced by Rep. Chuck Clemons on Friday.
With successes like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” which combined elements of the country, rock, and folk genres with a tropical touch, Buffett, who was born and reared on the Gulf coast, carved himself a niche in popular music. Under the Margaritaville brand, he built an empire of eateries, hotels, goods, timeshares, and even cannabis products with themes drawn from his music and his Key West hometown.
Florida beach lifestyle has come to be associated with A1A. Buffett gave the roadway its own moniker for his sixth studio album. In the album’s song “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season,” it is also alluded to.
The singer-songwriter passed away last month after a four-year battle with a rare form of skin cancer. Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Key West and at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee after his passing.
By August 30, 2024, the Florida Department of Transportation would have to “erect suitable markers designating Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway” under Clemons’ proposed legislation. The moment it was signed into law, it would become operative.
In January 2024, the Florida legislative session will get underway.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.