In a move that celebrates the enduring legacy of iconic singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, the state of Florida has officially designated a significant portion of the A1A coastal highway as the "Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway."
The bill was signed into law Thursday by Governor Ron DeSantis and pays tribute to Buffett's profound impact on the Sunshine State and its vibrant culture.
The Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway will span the entirety of Florida's A1A, a scenic coastal route that winds approximately 340 miles along the state's Atlantic coastline, from the Florida Keys to the Georgia state line.
Read: Late Singer Jimmy Buffett Honored At Florida Capitol
This designation not only honors Buffett's musical legacy but also recognizes his deep connection to the Florida Keys and his role as a fierce protector of the state's natural treasures, including its beloved manatees.
Born in Mississippi, Jimmy Buffett's brand became synonymous with the Florida Keys, a region he celebrated in countless songs and albums. His 1994 hit "Everybody's Got a Cousin in Miami" perfectly encapsulates his umbilical connection to the "temperate zone" that "brought him life and love." Buffett's sun-drenched tunes, which captured the carefree spirit of life by the shore, have become a beloved part of Florida's cultural fabric.
In addition to the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, the state of Florida has also introduced a new specialty license plate featuring the iconic "Margaritaville" branding. This license plate, which was authorized by the recently passed HB 403, will allow Floridians to showcase their affinity for Buffett's signature song and the laid-back lifestyle it represents.
Read: Jimmy Buffett ‘Margaritaville’ License Plate Heads To Florida Gov. DeSantis
The proceeds from the sale of the "Margaritaville" license plate will be directed to the SFC Charitable Foundation, also known as Singing for Change, a charity founded by Buffett himself. This foundation aims to support Florida-based nonprofits that assist victims of hurricanes and other natural disasters, further cementing Buffett's enduring commitment to the state and its people.
Jimmy Buffett's association with Florida extends beyond the new highway and license plate designations. He has already been closely linked to the state's popular Save the Manatee license plate, which benefits the Save the Manatee Club that Buffett helped establish in the 1980s with the late Governor Bob Graham.
As with most specialty license plates in Florida, the "Margaritaville" plate must reach a minimum of 3,000 pre-sales before it can go into production and must maintain that number year after year. This requirement ensures the plate's ongoing popularity and financial viability.
In addition to the "Margaritaville" plate, the recently passed legislation will also introduce several other new specialty license plates, including designs for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, general aviation, The Villages, Cure Diabetes, Recycle Florida, Boating Capital of the World, Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma, and various service organizations.
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