US EditionDeSantis awards posthumous Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Jimmy Buffett, Florida lawmakers
Governor DeSantis honored five posthumous recipients for their lasting impact on Florida's culture, public service, and policies, including raising over $1 billion for education and advocating for human rights.
- On Aug. 20, Gov. Ron DeSantis honored five Floridians with the Governor's Medal of Freedom, including Jimmy Buffett and former officials Bob Graham, Buddy MacKay, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and John Thrasher.
- The Governor's Medal of Freedom, created in 2020, honors meritorious contributions to Florida's culture and interests, with Bobby Bowden as inaugural recipient on April 7, 2021, and past honoree Benjamin Ferencz.
- Jimmy Buffett, who died in 2023, became Florida's adopted son and influenced coastal music and culture; the state honors him with a commemorative license plate and renaming part of A1A as 'Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway'.
- One day after a ceremony honoring John Thrasher, who died May 30 at age 81, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he is "proud to recognize the legacies of these great Floridians."
- Together, the honorees represent contributions to public service, environmental protection, education and cultural influence across Florida, with Lincoln Diaz-Balart authoring the Cuban Liberty Act and others impacting diplomacy and leadership.
25 Articles
25 Articles
DeSantis posthumously awards Governor's Medal of Freedom to Jimmy Buffett, politicians: 'Great Floridians'
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has posthumously awarded five Floridians, including Jimmy Buffett and former Republican and Democratic politicians, with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.
DeSantis Honors Jimmy Buffett with Governor’s Medal.
PULSE POINTSWHAT HAPPENED: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) posthumously awarded five Floridians, including tropical rock legend Jimmy Buffett and former politicians, with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ron DeSantis, Jimmy Buffett, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Bob Graham, Buddy MacKay, and John Thrasher.WHEN & WHERE: Florida on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.KEY QUOTE: “Our state is better for their contributions, and we’re proud they ca…
Five Floridians honored with gubernatorial medal
After they co-created the Save the Manatee Club, Jimmy Buffett and then-Gov. Bob Graham spoofed each other at the 1984 Capitol Press Corps Skits. (Florida State Library and Archives) Five famous Floridians who identified as Sunshine State residents, including musician Jimmy Buffet, were awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom Wednesday. In addition, Gov. Ron DeSantis bestowed the medal upon the late Democratic Govs. Bob Graham and Buddy MacKay J…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
