Jimmy Buffett and Florida: A Love Story for the Ages

Last Updated on February 24, 2024

Jimmy Buffett and Florida have always had a special connection.

In fact, August 30, 2024, is now officially Jimmy Buffett Day in Florida … one of the few things Florida politicians could vote unanimously on.

Additionally, in a spirited display of unity, the members of the Florida House voted unanimously in favor of a bill (HB 91) to rename the iconic A1A highway to the “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.”

Should the Senate give the green light, the Florida Department of Transportation will be tasked with placing “suitable markers” along the highway in 13 counties that line the state’s eastern coast, with a deadline set for August 30.

A1A stretches from the northern tip in Fernandina Beach (Amelia Island) to the southernmost point at Mile Marker 0 in Key West.

The renaming holds particular significance for Buffett fans; A1A is not only the title of his fifth album.

A1A is also featured in the lyrics of a song from that album, “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season.”

In the Beginning

A 1971 trip to Key West was the catalyst to Buffett’s distinct and authentic musical genre, a blend of “Gulf and Western” and Tropical Rock. His music is also called beach bum soft rock.

Born James William Buffett on December 25, 1946 (Christmas Day) in Pascagoula Mississippi, Jimmy Buffett grew up to become a treasured entertainer, celebrated singer, songwriter, and musician who made an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond. 

For a big portion of the 1970s, Buffett lived in a second-story apartment at 704 Waddell Street in Key West. 

It’s important to note that Key West was NOT a tourist destination back then. It was full of artists, smugglers, con men, and free spirits. Buffett felt right at home.

A Brief Overview

As time passed, Buffett was often referred to as the Mayor of Margaritaville, the leader of the Parrotheads, and the Son of a Son of a Sailor.

In addition to being an iconic artist, Jimmy Buffett was an environmental activist and an astute businessman.

From the beginning, Mr. Buffett advocated for protecting Florida’s natural environment. He spent decades promoting marine wildlife conservation.

“It takes no more time to see the good side of life than it takes to see the bad.”

Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett and Florida both represent an attractive form of escapism. It’s about embracing the good life and creating memories.

To sum up the mass appeal of Jimmy Buffett and Florida in a few words, they both inspire others to chill out, enjoy life, and make the most of the present moment.

But, it’s not just fun and games.

Buffett frequently spoke out against the destruction of mangrove swamps, overfishing, dredging, and other Coastal Development issues. 

He believed that by creating sustainable practices, we can ensure that Florida’s natural resources remain alive for future generations.

It’s essential to recognize the legacy of Jimmy Buffett and Florida as we continue the work involved in bettering our planet.

Jimmy Buffett and Florida

The Jimmy Buffett Legacy

From living on a sailboat to riding his motorcycle on the open highway, Jimmy Buffett created a legendary lifestyle that fans have followed and respected for over five decades. 

His music captures the spirit of adventure and spreads a message of relaxation, peace, and the good life.

Jimmy Buffett’s music has inspired millions of people around the world. His impact will never be forgotten, especially in the Sunshine State.

The Big 8 Hits

Jimmy Buffett’s special connection to the Keys was well documented in several of his songs.

These are the songs considered Jimmy Buffett’s most popular hits by his fan base:

• Margaritaville
• Come Monday
• Fins
• Volcano
• A Pirate Looks at Forty
• Cheeseburger in Paradise
• Why Don’t We Get Drunk
• Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

New Jimmy Buffett Album

Jimmy’s new album, Equal Strain on All Parts, dropped on November 3, 2023.

Three new tracks were released in advance with messages of love, inspiration, playfulness and Jimmy’s unique sense of humor. You can listen to the tracks here.

A Love for Key West

The town of Key West is where Jimmy Buffet opened the first Margaritaville Store, Cafe, and a recording studio.

The Original Margaritaville Store

In the 1980s, stores in Key West began selling Jimmy Buffet (yes, his name was spelled incorrectly) t-shirts. Buffett was always looking for ways to diversify beyond music and thought why not create his own shirts.

He partnered with a well-known local named Sunshine Smith and rented a little space in Lands End Village across from the Half Shell Raw Bar.

It may have been small, but it was whimsical space that attracted a lot of excitement. The original concept was to use Jimmy’s music and lyrics as the inspiration for the t-shirts.

They opened in 1984 and sold out of their inventory in a month.

Shortly after opening, it was clear a bar and restaurant were needed as well as more space. They eventually moved to Duval Street which put them on the road for a successful future in the hospitality industry.

The Original Margaritaville Cafe

The Original Margaritaville Cafe in Key West was established in 1985 and has been a popular restaurant ever since.

It offers Caribbean-inspired cuisine and boasts an extensive margarita menu. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with outdoor seating on the patio.

Inside, customers find a fun and relaxed setting with live music playing in the background.

The food is excellent. They are known for their conch fritters (which we highly recommend) and shrimp tacos as well as their famous key lime pie.

Margaritaville Cafe Key West Address: 500 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

Shrimpboat Sound Recording Studio

He eventually owned a recording studio in Key West called Shrimpboat Sound. The unmarked studio (with the exception of thousands of stickers) is where Buffett recorded a lot of his music, including his final album.

Other artists who have rented the studio include Alan Jackson, Zac Brown, The Eagles, George Strait, Toby Keith, and Kenny Chesney.

Shrimpboat Sound Address: (no address, but it’s right by Conch Republic Seafood, 631 Greene St, Key West, FL)

The Buffett Concert Experience

Jimmy Buffet hosted multiple concerts throughout each year all over the United States – but none quite like those held in Florida.

Jimmy Buffett and Florida went hand in hand. Jimmy played all over the state. His concert on Duval Street for Parrot Heads was extra special.

Thousands would gather each year for what’s known as ‘Buffettville.’ These South Florida concerts packed a lot of people full of energy anticipating hearing all the signature Buffett songs. 

Buffett concerts became the most anticipated events on any fan’s calendar.

The Last Concerts in Florida

In February 2023, Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band played three concerts in Florida that kicked off the 2023 Second Wind Tour.

They played two shows at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West before heading to Hollywood.

The following is the set list from his last concert at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Resort & Casino in Hollywood.

1. Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
2. Pencil Thin Mustache
3. Fins
4. Grapefruit—Juicy Fruit
5. Growing Older but Not Up
6. Volcano
7. Son of a Son of a Sailor
8. It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere
9. Come Monday
10. Cheeseburger in Paradise
11. Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season
12. Coconut Telegraph
13. Little Martha
14. Knees of My Heart
15. The Wino and I Know
16. He Went to Paris
17. One Particular Harbour
18. A Pirate Looks at Forty
19. Back Where I Come From
20. Margaritaville
21. Last Mango in Paris
22. Tin Cup Chalice

Parrot Heads

Parrotheads are diehard Jimmy Buffett fans who attended his concerts dressed up in parrot costumes, Hawaiian shirts, pirate attire, and more!

They come from all over the world to join in on the fun of being part of this unique fan base. Parrotheads love everything related to Mr. Buffett’s music and have made lifelong friends in the process.

From tailgating parties before shows to forming their own parrot-themed clubs across America – Parrotheads have become synonymous with Jimmy Buffett’s music culture! 

Buffett often created social media posts to communicate directly with his loyal fans. 

There’s no doubt that the legions of fans will continue celebrating the historic significance of their hero and idol.

You can watch the Parrot Head documentary on YouTube and numerous streaming channels.

Buffett’s Charitable Contributions

Throughout his career, Jimmy Buffett has been very generous in giving back — donating millions to multiple charities.

Singing for Change

Singing for Change funds organizations that inspire personal growth, community integration, and the enhanced awareness that, collectively, people can bring about positive change.

Some of the recipients have been The Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund, The Marine Mammal Conservancy, and Save The Manatee Club — proving once again his love for Florida and how he wanted others to enjoy it too!

Save the Manatee Club

Jimmy Buffett was a long-time supporter of the Central Florida-based conservation group, Save the Manatee Club.

He co-founded the club with Former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham in 1981.

Buffett helped raise awareness about manatees, aka “gentle giants”, through concerts and other appearances.

He also spearheaded the Adopt-A-Manatee program, a personal favorite of Jimmy Buffett and Florida.

The non-profit organization, dedicated to protecting manatees and their habitats, is now the world’s leading manatee conservation organization.

Learn more at Support Save the Manatee Club and the Protection of Manatees.

Last Mango Boatworks

What started out as the name of a boat turned into a simple way to make a big difference.

Did you know that when you purchase cool apparel and performance gear, Last Mango Boatworks gives the proceeds to charity?

If you want to understand more about his commitment to great causes, visit Jimmy Buffet’s website page on Philanthropy.

Jimmy Buffett’s Books

Jimmy Buffett is one of only nine authors in the history of the New York Times Bestseller List to have reached #1 on both their fiction and non-fiction lists.

Jimmy Buffett has published several books, starting with Tales from Margaritaville in 1989.

Since then, he released such titles as A Pirate Looks at Fifty, Where Is Joe Merchant?, Swine Not?, and A Salty Piece of Land.

Each of these books offers a unique insight into the life and travels of Buffett and his devoted Parrot Head fans.

In addition to his novels, he has authored a collection of short stories called The Jolly Mon, a children’s book titled The Very Seriously Coconut Cake Contest, and two cookbooks focusing on Caribbean cuisine.

There is something for every fan in Jimmy Buffett’s library.

Radio Margaritaville 

Besides touring, writing books, and supporting charities, Jimmy Buffett created his own satellite radio station – Radio Margaritaville!

Broadcasting 24/7 on the Sirius XM Satellite network, fans can tune in from anywhere worldwide, any time of day, to listen to their favorite songs. 

Listen to Jimmy Buffet’s music here.

The Honorary Dr. Jimmy Buffett

In 2015, the University of Miami gave Jimmy Buffett an Honorary Doctorate in Music.

Buffett spoke at that year’s graduation ceremony telling the graduates to see the world, do everything in moderation, and “be Santa Claus when you can.”

Jimmy Buffett’s Famous Friends

​Many legends have come forward with tributes to Mr. Buffett on Facebook. We are highlighting just a handful.

Paul McCartney

These friends/fans include Sir Paul McCartney.

Sheryl Crow, Dolly Partin, and Emmylou Harris

Other friends/fans showing their support included Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, and EmmyLou Harris.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda gave a shout-out to Buffett and his wife, Janie, in a Facebook post.

James Taylor

James Taylor posted his heartfelt condolences to his friend on Facebook.

Other famous fans who shared their thoughts on Facebook included Sir Elton John, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Former President Bill Clinton, and President Joe Biden. 

Jimmy Buffett’s Final Performance

Jimmy Buffet’s last performance was a surprise appearance in Rhode Island in early July 2023.

His longtime bandmate, Mac McAnally, from Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers, performed at the Sunset Cove in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, a restaurant with a few hundred people in attendance.

Jimmy decided to fly over and join his close friend for a few songs. This exemplifies how Jimmy’s spontaneous and adventurous spirit was how he rolled his entire life even in this 70s.

He created a memory of a lifetime for those fortunate attendees and the team at Sunset Cove. (By the way, their lobster rolls look amazing).

The Soundtrack of Many Lives

Though his physical life has ended, Jimmy Buffett left behind a powerful legacy that will live on forever through his music.

Here are just a few of Buffett’s lyrics we love:

It’s those changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes. Nothing remains quite the same. With all of our running and all of our cunning. If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

And wrinkles only go where the smiles have been. Barefoot children in the rain, Got no need to explain.

Barefoot Children in the Rain

Let those winds of time blow over my head. I’d rather die when I’m living than live when I’m dead.

Growing Older But Not Up

We’ve gotta roll with the punches. Learn to play all of our hunches. Makin’ the best of whatever comes your way. Forget that blind ambition. And learn to trust your intuition.

Cowboy in the Jungle

Don’t forget, Jimmy’s new album drops on November 3rd, 2023

From living on a sailboat to riding his motorcycle on the open highway, Jimmy Buffett has created a legendary lifestyle that fans have followed and respected for decades. 

His music captures the spirit of adventure and spreads a message of relaxation, peace, and a good life – many compare it to an island margarita! 

Jimmy Buffett’s music has inspired millions of people around the world. His impact will never be forgotten.

To learn more about Jimmy Buffet, visit the official website of Singer-Songwriter Jimmy Buffett.

Honoring A Life Well Lived

Jimmy Buffet died on the night of September 1st, 2023, after battling Merkel cell skin cancer for the past four years.

He was at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York when he took his very last breath.

Jimmy Buffett’s influence on Florida and worldwide will be remembered for generations to come.

Jimmy Buffett’s Obituary is here.

A Buffett Tribute Down Duval Street in Key West

The City of Key West came together four days after Buffett’s death with a procession in honor of their cultural icon. Parade attendance attracted over 9,000 people!

By popular demand, this is set to become an annual event. The next celebration will be on September 1, 2024.

Expect another singing parade down Duval Street that leads to the Truman waterfront for music, food, and more celebrations.

Latitude Residents Gather at Buffett’s Daytona Beach Home

Latitudes Daytona Beach residents gathered outside the home of Jimmy Buffett to pay tribute to the legend and founder of their 55+ community.

Stacy Cantu, the Daytona Beach City Commissioner Zone 4, captured the heartfelt celebration on her Facebook page.

Sand Sculpture Tributes in Key West

Sand sculptor Marianne van den Broek from Just Sand and Water created this masterpiece for a good friend of Jimmy Buffett who lives in Key West.

Dan Anderson, aka Dan in the Sand, of Dan Castles (with the help of Keith Byrd) created a sand sculpture on the beach in the Panhandle.

In the process of creating their sand sculpture, they were able to teach 8-10 kids how to make sand sculptures.

Petition to Change the Name of Key West Airport

Brad Russell started a petition to officially rename Key West Airport to Jimmy Buffett Airport.

“I believe Buffett being an aviator himself would be honored to have the airport he always called home named after him,” he said.

“I’m asking fans all over the world to sign and share this petition so that we can honor Mr. Jimmy Buffett for many generations to come.”

Sign the Petition! https://chng.it/jKvbXQpk via Change.org

Jimmy Buffett and Florida had an emotional connection that millions of people felt as well. This is part of the reason the Margaritaville brand is successful.

Let’s make a commitment to share the same enthusiasm and energy Jimmy Buffett brought to his life into our own lives! 

With a grateful yet broken heart, we thank Mr. Buffett for being the epitome of a true Authentic Floridian.

May all the joyful memories of Jimmy Buffett and his music remain a blessing to all forever more.

Cheers!🍹

First Official Jimmy Buffett Day in Florida

January 25, 2024, was Jimmy Buffet Day at the Florida Capitol.

Florida legislatures approved the new Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville plates.

Parrotheads celebrated at the Capitol building in Tallahassee following a press conference.

Learn more about Jimmy Buffett Day here.

Jimmy Buffett’s Obituary is here.

If you want to visit some of Jimmy Buffett’s favorite places, check out:

• Cheeseburger in Paradise: Authentic Cabbage Key
• Best Places to Swim with Dolphins in the Florida Keys
• A Weekend Full of Fun Things to Do in Key West
• The Islands of Marathon in the Heart of the Florida Keys
• Visiting Islamorada – Small Town Island Charmer
• Florida Upper Keys Road Trip (Key Largo)
• Best Things to Do in Hollywood, FL
• Seven Things Spring Breakers Missed in Fort Lauderdale
• 16 Best Things to Do in Orlando at Night
• Best Fishing Spots in Destin
• 9 Fun Things to Do in Destin – The Emerald Coast