Ron DeSantis disregards protocol to honor Jimmy Buffett, the ‘Margaritaville’ singer.
In Honor of Jimmy Buffett, Florida Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff
In a heartfelt tribute to the late soft rock legend Jimmy Buffett, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made the decision to fly some U.S. and Florida state flags at half-staff.
A memo released by the governor’s office recognizes Buffett as the embodiment of the ”Florida lifestyle,” stating, ”Born in Mississippi and raised in Alabama, Buffett moved to Key West in his early years to build a legacy. An inductee of the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, Buffett captured the Florida lifestyle and entertained generations of Floridians with his relaxed ‘Floridays’ style that embodied the spirit of the Gulf Coast and Conch Republic.”
The memo goes on to highlight Buffett’s global success as an entertainer, with his song ”Margaritaville” becoming a namesake for his various business ventures, including restaurants, resorts, and a lifestyle brand.
Jimmy Buffett played by his own rules wrote songs he wanted to sing and always to sold out shows.
Parrotheads hold a margarita in your honor. #jimmybuffett #margaritaville pic.twitter.com/pGLGuQ8CVe
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) September 2, 2023
Buffett’s dedication to wildlife conservation is also acknowledged in the memo. As a co-founder of the Save the Manatee Club, he spearheaded efforts to protect Florida’s State Marine Mammal through the Save the Manatee License Plate. Additionally, Buffett’s philanthropic efforts and songs showcased his appreciation for Florida’s landmark Everglades.
The memo concludes by encouraging Floridians to raise their margarita glasses and enjoy a cheeseburger in paradise to commemorate Buffett’s legacy.
Governor DeSantis has ordered that U.S. and Florida state flags be flown at half-staff at various locations, including the Monroe County Courthouse, Key West City Hall, and the State Capitol in Tallahassee. The order, which went into effect on Thursday at 5:00 p.m., lasted until 5:00 p.m. Friday, in reference to Buffett’s song “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”
While lowering the flag is typically reserved for specific circumstances, such as the death of a public official or a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty, DeSantis has previously made exceptions to honor public figures. In 2021, he ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of conservative radio icon Rush Limbaugh.
Despite previous objections to DeSantis’ order, Nikki Fried, who now serves as chair of the Florida Democratic Party, requested that flags be flown at half-staff for Buffett. She thanked DeSantis for his order in a post on X.
Jimmy Buffett passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with skin cancer that developed into lymphoma. He died at home surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs.
Source: The Western Journal
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