On August 20, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis posthumously awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to five individuals whose lives and careers left an indelible mark on the state. The list of honorees reads like a roll call of Florida icons: musician Jimmy Buffett, former Governors Bob Graham and Buddy MacKay, former Florida State University President John Thrasher, and former U.S. Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart. The announcement, which arrived just a day after a ceremony honoring Thrasher, underscored the breadth of their contributions and the deep respect held for each by Floridians across the political and cultural spectrum.
“I’m proud to recognize the legacies of these great Floridians,” DeSantis said in a written statement, as reported by The Associated Press and Florida Politics. “Our state is better for their contributions, and we’re proud they called Florida home.” The Governor’s Medal of Freedom, created in 2020, is one of the state’s highest honors. Previous recipients include legendary Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden and Benjamin Ferencz, the last surviving prosecutor from the Nuremberg war crimes trials.
Each of the five honorees brought a unique legacy to the Sunshine State. Jimmy Buffett, who died in 2023 after a four-year battle with cancer, was far more than a singer-songwriter. His hits, like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” became anthems for generations of Floridians and visitors alike, encapsulating the state’s laid-back, sun-soaked spirit. But Buffett’s reach extended well beyond music. He built a sprawling business empire under the Margaritaville brand, spanning restaurants, resorts, and merchandise. According to a release from the governor’s office, “Buffett was also a bestselling author and environmental advocate, especially passionate about ocean conservation and protecting Florida’s state marine mammal, the manatee.”
Buffett’s influence on Florida’s culture and environment has been recognized in other ways, too. The state has introduced a commemorative license plate in his honor and has renamed a portion of the iconic A1A highway after him. These gestures, as noted by WFLA, ensure that Buffett’s memory and message of environmental stewardship will continue to inspire future generations.
Former Governor Bob Graham, who passed away in 2024, was another towering figure in Florida’s political landscape. Serving as governor from 1979 to 1987 and as a U.S. Senator from 1987 to 2005, Graham was known for his innovative “workdays,” during which he took on a variety of jobs—from horse stall mucker to FBI agent—to better understand his constituents’ lives. “A Democrat, Graham was widely respected for his work on education, environmental conservation, and national security,” DeSantis’ office stated in a press release cited by Florida Politics. Graham also chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee and co-chaired the congressional inquiry into the 9/11 attacks, cementing his reputation as a thoughtful and diligent public servant.
Graham’s passion for civic engagement and education lives on through the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida. His legacy, as described by WFLA, is one of dedication to the public good, with an emphasis on both local and national issues.
Buddy MacKay, who died in 2024, was the last Democrat to serve as Florida’s governor, stepping into the role after the death of Lawton Chiles in 1998. Before that, he served as Lieutenant Governor and represented Floridians in the state legislature and the U.S. Congress. MacKay’s career didn’t end with his time in Tallahassee. President Bill Clinton appointed him as Special Envoy for the Americas, a role in which he traveled to 26 countries, 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,” DeSantis’ office noted.
Lincoln Diaz-Balart, who died in 2025, was a fixture in South Florida politics and a staunch advocate for Cuban freedom. Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2011, Diaz-Balart authored key provisions of the Cuban Liberty (Libertad) Act, which codified the U.S. embargo against Cuba in 1996. DeSantis’ office described him as “a strong advocate against communism and a defender of those living under oppression, in Cuba and around the world.” Diaz-Balart’s personal history as a Cuban immigrant who fled to Florida with his family gave his fight for liberty and democracy a deeply personal resonance, according to WFLA. His legacy is one of relentless advocacy, shaped by both his own experience and his commitment to the broader cause of human rights.
John Thrasher, who died on May 30, 2025, at the age of 81 after a battle with cancer, was remembered at a special ceremony on August 19, just one day before the official announcement of the awards. Thrasher’s career spanned service in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, a stint as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, and a transformative seven-year tenure as President of Florida State University. As FSU president, Thrasher led fundraising campaigns that brought in over $1 billion and helped propel the university into the top 20 public universities in the country. “Thrasher was a respected leader known for his integrity, humility, and devotion to education and public service,” DeSantis’ office said in its press release.
Thrasher’s background was as varied as it was distinguished—he was also a Vietnam War veteran and an attorney. According to Florida Politics, his leadership and vision left a lasting mark on the university and the state’s higher education system as a whole.
The Governor’s Medal of Freedom, as described in the state’s announcements, is intended to honor those who “exemplified what it means to be a great Floridian” and who have left a lasting impact on the state. The 2025 class of honorees certainly fits that bill, representing a wide range of backgrounds and accomplishments. From the sun-soaked lyrics of Jimmy Buffett to Bob Graham’s hands-on approach to governance, from Buddy MacKay’s diplomatic missions to Lincoln Diaz-Balart’s unyielding stand for freedom, and John Thrasher’s transformative work in education—each recipient’s story is a chapter in Florida’s ongoing narrative.
As the state pauses to remember these five remarkable individuals, Floridians are reminded that greatness can take many forms. The legacies of Buffett, Graham, MacKay, Diaz-Balart, and Thrasher will continue to shape the state’s culture, politics, and values for years to come.
