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FLORIDA - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom on Wednesday to five prominent Floridians for their contributions to the state’s culture, politics, and public service.
The honorees include musician Jimmy Buffett, the late Democratic governors Bob Graham and Buddy MacKay Jr., Congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart, and former Florida State University President John Thrasher.
Buffett, who died in 2023, was not born in Florida but spent much of his life in the state and maintained strong ties through music and environmental work.
He performed at the Florida Capitol in 2015 for the Everglades Coalition and has been honored with the designation of A1A as the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.
Bob Graham, born in Coral Gables, served as Florida governor from 1979 to 1987 and as a U.S. senator from 1987 to 2005.
He remained active in public policy and civic education through the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida before passing away in April 2024.
Buddy MacKay Jr., who briefly became governor after the death of Lawton Chiles in 1998, had previously run for the U.S. Senate and lost narrowly to Connie Mack.
MacKay, the last Democrat to serve as Florida governor, died in January 2025.
Lincoln Díaz-Balart, born in Havana, Cuba, represented South Florida in the U.S. House for 18 years.
He authored portions of the Cuban Liberty Act and co-founded the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute to support economic opportunities for Hispanic communities.
He died in March 2025.
John Thrasher, raised in Jacksonville, served as FSU president from 2014 to 2021.
His career included legislative service in both chambers of the Florida Legislature and two years as Speaker of the House.
The Governor’s Medal of Freedom was established in 2020 to honor individuals who make exceptional contributions to Florida’s citizens, culture, or public and private endeavors.