Gov. Ron DeSantis authorized portions of State Road A1A to be designated as the “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway” in honor of the late singer-songwriter
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday authorized the designation of portions of State Road A1A as “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway,” commemorating the late singer-songwriter who passed away in September.
The bill, passed unanimously in both chambers, designates specific segments of S.R. A1A spanning Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Duval, and Nassau counties. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is tasked with erecting markers by August 30 to honor Buffett, whose music and lifestyle were “inextricably linked to the Florida Keys and coastal regions,” according to the bill.
“In his album notes, Jimmy Buffett explained that “A1A is the beach access road that runs occasionally on and off U.S. 1,” the bill’s legislative analysis reads. “It can take you to some of the prettiest beaches in Florida east of St. Augustine, right through the middle of ‘Wrinkle City’, better known as Miami Beach, and ending suddenly 90 miles north of Havana and four blocks from my house.”
Legislative designations like this serve an honorary purpose without altering the official names of the roads. Therefore, local governments and private entities are not required to change street signs, mailing addresses, or 911 emergency listings.
Buffett’s 1974 album “A1A,” named after the scenic beach access road, includes iconic songs that evoke the region’s natural beauty.
“Jimmy Buffett’s name is synonymous with Florida and the iconic road known as 1A, and I am so proud to honor his legacy through the iconic Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway,” said Sen. Lauren Book. “With this road naming, we are paying tribute to Jimmy not only as a musical icon, but also as a fierce protector of Florida’s natural treasures and our precious manatees.”