‘Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway’ Signs On Florida State Road A1A Likely To Go Up This Summer
Although he was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in Alabama, Jimmy Buffett is Florida. So much so that after his death last September, flags in Tallahassee and Key West were flown at half-staff at government buildings. His death was also felt here locally as the newly built Margaritaville was nearing completion on Fort Myers Beach. Would Jimmy have come to Fort Myers for the grand opening of the resort? We’ll never know. Now, to honor the legend, Florida representatives look to rename the iconic Florida State Road A1A as the ‘Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway’. And not just some of it – all of it.
House Bill 91 states the change will affect “All of those portions of S.R. A1A located in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Duval, and Nassau Counties are designated as “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.” That stretches from Ferdinand Beach at Jacksonville all the way down to the official ending sign in Key West.
The measure passed unanimously in the House and expects the same in the Senate, clearing the way for the name change. As it should, if you’re a politician in Florida, you’re likely a Jimmy Buffett fan. The bill also states “By August 30, 2024, the Department of Transportation is directed to erect suitable markers designating Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.”
Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway
The Senate version of the bill needs to clear one more committee hearing before it heads to a floor vote. I can’t imagine anyone trying to do anything to hold this bill up. Especially not in an election year. So by later this summer, expect to see those signs on your next drive down to Key West. And it also looks like you’ll need a fresh selfie at the sign that commemorates the southern tip of the road. Bonus if you can get some of those famous Key West chickens in the background.
