Medal of Freedom awarded posthumously to five Florida icons
Tallahassee, Florida —On August 20, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis presented five iconic Floridians with a posthumous award of the Governor’s Medal of Freedom, one of the highest honors in the state of Florida. These Floridians—Daniel Robert “Bob” Graham, Kenneth Hood “Buddy” MacKay Jr., James “Jimmy” Buffett, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and John Thrasher—exemplified what it means to be a great Floridian and left a lasting impact on their communities and the state of Florida.
“I’m proud to recognize the legacies of these great Floridians,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “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.”
The Governor’s Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the state of Florida and its citizens, and today’s recipients have done that.
Jimmy Buffett (1946–2023) was an American singer-songwriter, author, and entrepreneur best known for his laid-back island-inspired music and lifestyle brand. Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in Alabama, Buffett rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise," which became anthems of escapism and coastal living. Beyond music, he built a business empire that included restaurants, resorts, and merchandise under the "Margaritaville" brand. Buffett was also a bestselling author and environmental advocate, especially passionate about ocean conservation and protecting Florida’s state marine mammal, the manatee. His legacy continues to influence music and culture in Florida’s coastal communities.
Lincoln Díaz-Balart (1954–2025) was a Cuban-American attorney and Republican politician who represented South Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2011. Born in Havana, Cuba, he and his family were exiled following the communist revolution, eventually settling in Miami. As a strong advocate against communism and a defender of those living under oppression, in Cuba and around the world, Lincoln authored key pieces of legislation including provisions of the Cuban Liberty (Libertad) Act which codified the U.S. embargo against the Cuban dictatorship in 1996. He also co-founded the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute in 2003 to help advance economic opportunities for the Hispanic community in Washington, DC and across the country. Prior to Congress, he served in the Florida House and Senate. He remained active in advocating for solidarity with the oppressed Cuban people until his passing in 2025.
Bob Graham (1936—2024) was a former U.S. Senator and Governor of Florida, known for his long and distinguished career in public service. Born on November 9, 1936, in Coral Gables, Florida, he served as Florida’s 38th Governor from 1979 to 1987 and as a U.S. Senator from 1987 to 2005. A Democrat, Graham was widely respected for his work on education, environmental conservation, and national security. He also chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee and co-chaired the congressional inquiry into the 9/11 attacks. After retiring from the Senate, he remained active in public policy and civic education, giving back to his alma mater, the University of Florida, through the Bob Graham Center for Public Service.
Buddy MacKay (1933—2024) was a citrus farmer, lawyer, and Florida public servant who served as Lieutenant Governor and then as Florida’s 42nd governor following the death of Governor Lawton Chiles in 1998. A Democrat, he began his public service in the Florida House, later becoming a state senator, U.S. Congressman, and serving in statewide office as lieutenant governor and governor. After retiring from politics, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as a Special Envoy for the Americas, becoming the second person to hold this position. During his tenure, he traveled to 26 countries in the Americas, 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.
John Thrasher (1943—2025) was an attorney, Vietnam War-veteran, and prominent Florida public servant who served in both chambers of the Florida legislature, being elected Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in 1998. He also served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, helping the party to sweep the Florida Cabinet races in 2010, pick up four U.S. House seats, win a U.S. Senate race, and deliver Republican supermajorities in the state legislature. Following his time in office, he was named the 15th President of Florida State University, his alma mater, in 2014. During his seven-year tenure, he led major fundraising campaigns—which raised over $1 billion—and was instrumental in elevating 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.
The Governor’s Medal of Freedom was established in 2020 under Section 14.35, Florida Statutes, which allows the Governor to recognize any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the interests and citizens of the state, its culture, or other significant public or private endeavor. The legendary Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden was the inaugural recipient of the Governor’s Medal of Freedom on April 7, 2021. Other recipients of the Governor’s Medal of Freedom include Felix I. Rodríguez-Mendigutía, who received the award on September 16, 2021, Barbara Nicklaus, who received the award on February 25, 2022, and Benjamin Ferencz, who received the award on April 7, 2022.