Jimmy Buffett Remembered As Governor Orders Flags Flown At Half Staff

FLORIDA — A Florida folk hero known for his tropical rock music and island vibe, singer, songwriter, restaurateur and conservationist Jimmy Buffett will be remembered at the Florida Capitol and at county government centers and city halls throughout Florida Friday when flags will be flown at half staff in his honor.

Buffett died Friday, Sept. 1, at the age of 76 after battling cancer. "Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of Sept. 1 surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs," read a statement on Buffett's website.

The website also announced the release of "Jimmy Buffett — Bubbles Up" on streaming music services at midnight on Thursday.

Although the singer's music epitomized Florida's island lifestyle and inspired fans worldwide known as Parrot Heads in Paradise, Buffett wasn't actually a native Floridian. He was born in Mississippi and raised in Alabama, settling in Key West as an adult where he launched his career as a professional musician.

Nevertheless, Buffett managed to capture the Florida lifestyle and island spirit that led to chart-topping Florida anthems like "Margaritaville," "A Pirate Looks at 40," "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere."

In January 1977, he released his first album, "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," which featured his breakthrough hit song, "Margaritaville," that Buffett claims he wrote in six minutes.

A lifelong conservationist, Buffett spearheaded efforts to protect the manatee through the sale of Save the Manatee license plates; advocated for the preservation of the Everglades and other environmentally sensitive lands throughout the state; and was a vocal proponent of clean water legislation.

"Floridians 'Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season' are encouraged to commemorate the legacy of our adopted native son by raising their margarita glass and enjoying a cheeseburger here in paradise to wish the 'Son of a Son of a Sailor' well," said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Making reference to another well-known Jimmy Buffett song, DeSantis announced an unprecedented tribute to Buffett on Thursday.

"To commemorate his life and legacy, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half staff at the Monroe County Courthouse in Key West, Florida, City of Key West City Hall, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, from 5 p.m. today (Thursday) through 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, because it’s always five o’clock somewhere."