Gov. Ron DeSantis is posthumously recognizing five Floridians for their impact by giving them one of the state’s highest honors.
DeSantis announced that he is awarding the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to former Gov. Bob Graham, former Gov. Buddy MacKay Jr., former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, former House Speaker and Florida State University President John Thrasher, and musician Jimmy Buffett.
“I’m proud to recognize the legacies of these great Floridians,” DeSantis said in a statement. “Our state is better for their contributions, and we’re proud they called Florida home.”
The press release described the five men as exemplifying “what it means to be a great Floridian.”
The Governor’s Medal of Freedom was created in 2020 with the first-ever recipient being legendary FSU football coach Bobby Bowden in 2021.
The latest awards come one day after a ceremony was held to honor Thrasher, who died May 30 at age 81 from cancer.
“During his seven-year tenure, he led major fundraising campaigns — which raised over $1 billion — and was instrumental in elevating the university into the top 20 public universities in the country,” DeSantis’ Office said in a press release. “Thrasher was a respected leader known for his integrity, humility, and devotion to education and public service.”
All of the honorees had incredibly influential careers.
Graham served as Governor from 1979 to 1987 and as a U.S. Senator from 1987 to 2005.
“A Democrat, Graham was widely respected for his work on education, environmental conservation, and national security,” DeSantis’ Office said. “He also chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee and co-chaired the congressional inquiry into the 9/11 attacks.”
MacKay served as Lieutenant Governor under Lawton Chiles and was sworn in as Florida’s 42nd Governor following Chiles’ death in 1998.
“After retiring from politics, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as a Special Envoy for the Americas, becoming the second person to hold this position,” DeSantis’ Office said.
“During his tenure, he traveled to 26 countries in the Americas, working on regional trade agreements, hemispheric security, and human rights in Latin America. A respected public servant, MacKay’s legacy reflects decades of commitment to environmental protection, civil rights, and crisis management in Florida and across the Americas.”
Díaz-Balart served in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2011.
“As a strong advocate against communism and a defender of those living under oppression, in Cuba and around the world, Lincoln authored key pieces of legislation including provisions of the Cuban Liberty (Libertad) Act which codified the U.S. embargo against the Cuban dictatorship in 1996,” DeSantis’ Office said.
Buffett, meanwhile, became Florida’s adopted son. His infectious hits, such as “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” became anthems in the Sunshine State.
“Beyond music, he built a business empire that included restaurants, resorts, and merchandise under the ‘Margaritaville’ brand,” DeSantis’ Office said. “Buffett was also a bestselling author and environmental advocate, especially passionate about ocean conservation and protecting Florida’s state marine mammal, the manatee. His legacy continues to influence music and culture in Florida’s coastal communities.”
The state is already honoring Buffett with a commemorative license plate and by renaming part of A1A after him.
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