Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded five Floridians posthumously with the Governor's Medal of Freedom on Wednesday. The five honored were Daniel Robert “Bob” Graham, Kenneth Hood “Buddy” MacKay Jr., James “Jimmy” Buffett, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and John Thrasher.
The Governor's Medal of Freedom is given to "individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the state of Florida and its citizens." The governor added that the five honorees exemplified what it meant to be a Floridian by leaving a lasting impact on their respective communities and the state.
“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. They have each earned the honor of being awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.”
Jimmy Buffett (1946-2023): Buffett was a singer-songwriter, author, and entrepreneur best known for his laid-back, island-style music, which became synonymous with South Florida's tropical living. Buffett's career particularly took off in the 1970s with hits "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise," which became stress-free anthems of relaxation and escapism, much like life in the Florida Keys.
Outside of his legendary music career, which spanned five decades, Buffett founded more than 30 Margaritaville restaurants and wrote countless books. Buffett also had a passion for ocean conservation, which included protecting the Florida manatee.
Lincoln Díaz-Balart (1954–2025): Diaz-Balart was a Republican politician who represented South Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2011. Born in Cuba, Diaz-Balart's family was exiled during the country's communist revolution before settling in Miami.
Living with those experiences, Diaz-Balart became a leading advocate against communism and oppression around the world. The brother of Florida Congressman Mario-Diaz Balart, Lincoln authored provisions of the Cuban Liberty (Libertad) Act, which codified the U.S. embargo against the Cuban dictatorship in 1996.
Bob Graham (1936—2024): Graham's distinguished political career in the state began in 1966 as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. He later went on to become governor of Florida from 1979 to 1987 and as a U.S. Senator from 1987 to 2005. A Democrat, Graham was known for his work on education, environmental conservation, and national security.
Buddy MacKay (1933—2024): MacKay was Florida's 14th lieutenant governor from 1991 to 1998. A Democrat, MacKay briefly served as Florida's governor from December 12, 1998, to January 5, 1999, following the death of Governor Lawton Chiles. MacKay is currently the last Democratic governor of Florida.
MacKay was also a member of the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate in the 1970s and 1980s. Following his service in state politics, MacKay was appointed by then-President Bill Clinton as a Special Envoy for the Americas.
John Thrasher (1943—2025): Thrasher was a long-time Republican member of both the Florida Senate and House, where he served as Speaker from 1998 to 2000. He also presided as Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, helping the GOP earn victories in four U.S. House seats and a Senate race, which helped secure a Republican supermajority in the state legislature.
Thrasher later went on to become the 15th President of Florida State University (FSU) in 2014. A Nole alum, Thrasher helped FSU raise over $1 billion and elevate the school into a top 20 public university in the country during his tenure.
