Ron DeSantis honored five Florida legends with one decision that left fans celebrating

Governor Ron DeSantis just reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the smartest politicians in America.

The Florida governor made a move that bridges political divides and celebrates the people who made the Sunshine State what it is today.

And Ron DeSantis honored five Florida legends with one decision that left fans celebrating.

DeSantis awards Medal of Freedom to Jimmy Buffett and four political giants

Ron DeSantis just did something that’ll have you scratching your head wondering why more politicians don’t think this way.

The Florida governor handed out the state’s highest honor to five people who actually made Florida better – and yeah, that includes the guy who wrote “Margaritaville.”

The recipients represent both sides of the political aisle and include beloved musician Jimmy Buffett, whose “Margaritaville” became an anthem for Florida living.

“I’m proud to recognize the legacies of these great Floridians,” DeSantis said. “Our state is better for their contributions, and we’re proud they called Florida home.”¹

https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1958215781189136460

The other four recipients were former Democratic Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham, former Democratic Governor Buddy MacKay Jr., former Republican U.S. Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and former Florida State University President John Thrasher.

Now, Jimmy Buffett wasn’t just some guy with a guitar who got lucky in the ’70s.

Sure, “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise” made him famous, but here’s what the media won’t tell you about Buffett – he was a business genius.

The man turned beach bum songs into a billion-dollar empire that put Florida on the map for millions of tourists.

His first Margaritaville store opened in Key West in 1985, followed by a café two years later.

“His legacy continues to influence music and culture in Florida’s coastal communities,” the governor’s office noted.²

Buffett was also a bestselling author and passionate environmental advocate who worked to protect Florida’s manatees and coastal waters.

The state is already honoring Buffett with a commemorative license plate and by renaming part of A1A after him.

Anti-communist fighter and bipartisan leaders honored

Lincoln Diaz-Balart’s inclusion shows DeSantis recognizing someone who spent his career fighting the kind of tyranny that destroys freedom.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Diaz-Balart and his family were exiled following the communist revolution and eventually settled in Miami.

The Republican congressman served South Florida in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2011 and authored key provisions of the Cuban Liberty Act, which codified the U.S. embargo against the Cuban dictatorship in 1996.

“As a strong advocate against communism and a defender of those living under oppression, in Cuba and around the world,” Diaz-Balart remained active in advocating for the oppressed Cuban people until his death earlier this year.³

Bob Graham served as Florida’s governor from 1979 to 1987 and as a U.S. Senator from 1987 to 2005.

The Democrat was widely respected for his work on education, environmental conservation, and national security, including chairing the Senate Intelligence Committee and co-chairing the congressional inquiry into the 9/11 attacks.

Graham was famous for his “workdays” when he took on the jobs of regular Floridians, working everything from horse stall mucker to FBI agent.

Buddy MacKay served as lieutenant governor under Lawton Chiles and became Florida’s 42nd governor following Chiles’ death in 1998.

After retiring from politics, President Bill Clinton appointed him as Special Envoy for the Americas, where he traveled to 26 countries working on regional trade agreements and human rights issues.

John Thrasher, who died earlier this year at age 81, served as Florida House Speaker and later as president of Florida State University.

Thrasher didn’t just warm a chair in the president’s office at FSU.

The guy went to work and delivered results – $1 billion in fundraising that turned Florida State into a top 20 public university.

That’s the kind of leadership that actually moves the needle instead of just talking about it.

Here’s what DeSantis gets that other politicians miss

Look at what DeSantis pulled off here.

He managed to honor beloved cultural figures like Jimmy Buffett – who pretty much every conservative over 60 has listened to at some beach bar – while also recognizing serious political leaders from both parties.

But he didn’t just throw names in a hat.

Look at the choices: an anti-communist freedom fighter, governors who actually got things done, a university president who delivered results, and a musician who became part of Florida’s cultural DNA.

These aren’t participation trophies handed out to check boxes.

The Governor’s Medal of Freedom was established in 2020, with legendary FSU football coach Bobby Bowden as the first recipient in 2021.

Previous honorees also include Benjamin Ferencz, the last surviving prosecutor of Nazis at the Nuremberg war crimes trials.

DeSantis keeps the standard high – these are people who actually made Florida better, not just people who held titles.

And you know what? Including Jimmy Buffett alongside serious political figures makes perfect sense.

Buffett didn’t just sing songs – he created a brand and lifestyle that drew millions of people to Florida and generated billions in economic activity.

His environmental advocacy helped protect the state’s natural treasures that make Florida special.

That’s the kind of impact that deserves recognition alongside senators and governors.

DeSantis understands something a lot of politicians miss: great leadership means recognizing greatness in others, even when they’re from the other party.

¹ Kate Payne, “DeSantis awards posthumous Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Jimmy Buffett,” Associated Press, August 20, 2025.

² Governor Ron DeSantis, “Governor Ron DeSantis Posthumously Awards Medal of Freedom to Five Florida Icons,” State of Florida Press Release, August 20, 2025.

³ Ibid.

⁴ Gabrielle Russon, “Governor awards Medal of Freedom to Bob Graham, John Thrasher, Jimmy Buffett and others,” Orlando Sentinel, August 20, 2025.