Jimmy Buffett Stages Free Concert For Gwen Graham

HOLLYWOOD, FL — With only days to go before Tuesday's gubernatorial primary in Florida, Democrat frontrunner Gwen Graham got a boost from Jimmy Buffett Thursday as thousands turned out for a free concert at Hollywood's Arts Park. Some people said they still hadn't made up their minds while others said they just wanted to hear the singer's toe-tapping favorites like "Margaritaville," "Come Monday" and "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes."

Graham, a former Congresswoman has extended her lead to 7.8 points over fellow Democrats, according to RealClearPolitics polling averages as of Friday morning. Graham is the daughter of former Florida Gov. Bob Graham, who introduced her at Thursday's event.

Subscribe to Miami Patch for FREE and never miss another alert like this one

Graham's toughest competition comes from popular former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene, who suspended his television ad buys, according to a report on Miami's ABC affiliate. Both Greene and Levine are wealthy businessmen, but Levine has the added advantage of government experience, something that Greene lacks but has attempted to downplay in interviews.

Voters like Debi Flannagan said she has been turned off by a series of negative television ads in support of Levine and Greene.

"I hate the nasty stuff," Flannagan told Patch, adding that she was initially planning to vote for Levine but opted instead to support Graham based on the negative ads that have flooded Florida airwaves. "Every day it's like you're this. You did this. I don't see it from her though."

Heidi Feser of Deerfield Beach said that the negativity has damaged friendships. "I took myself off social media because of all that," she said. "Friends are tearing friends apart. They ask me what I am and it's like it's none of your business. That's why it's a secret ballot. You're not supposed to be talking religion and politics."

Marla Silverman, who was born in Brazil, said she supports Graham because it's time for a change in Tallahassee.

"As far as I'm concerned, a woman's place is in the governor's mansion," she said.

Dan Shefferly of Hollywood and his wife brought their two young children to Thursday's concert though they are likely to vote for one of the Republican candidates.

"We're pro life so here's how we vote: We vote pro life. No matter what party," explained Sherfferly. "We vote for things that we like: Less taxes, pro life."

Graham averaged 26.3 points from RealClearPolitics while Levine averaged 18.5 points as of Friday morning. Greene trailed with 14.3 points. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum trailed all three candidates with 10.5 points. Entrepreneur Chris King trailed the field with 6.7 points.

The RealClearPolitics average is based on a statistical average of multiple polls.

Some people at Thursday's event told Patch that they still hadn't decided which candidate they will vote for on Tuesday.

"I need to do a lot of research," confided Hannah, who works in a grocery store and said she came out primarily to see Buffet rather than for the politics.

"I'm not going to lie," she declared.

Watch below as Jimmy Buffett performs in Hollywood, Florida to benefit Democrat gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham:

Photo gallery and video by Paul Scicchitano