Strong Connections Between South Florida and Jimmy Buffett
West Palm Beach, Florida – Renowned singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who recently passed away at the age of 76, had deep connections to South Florida, particularly in Palm Beach County. Buffett’s influence extended beyond his musical talents, as he left his mark on the area with a cruise ship and a resort bearing his brand.
Buffett was no stranger to Palm Beach County, where he resided part-time for many years. In 2020, he sold one of his Palm Beach homes for a staggering $7 million. Additionally, his family owns other residential properties on the island and in West Palm Beach through Sadeca Realty LLC. Buffett was actively involved in charity work in Palm Beach, serving as an advisor to the Piper Angels Foundation. This foundation focuses on supporting and enhancing the lives of families in the cystic fibrosis community.
During an interview with the Palm Beach Post in 2015, Buffett expressed his love for living in Palm Beach, stating that the lack of intrusion from fans was astonishing. He relished the ability to enjoy anonymity while walking around, as people often failed to recognize him. Buffett humorously recounted his trip to Disney World, where he was only stopped twice despite freely strolling through the park.
On May 13, 2022, the Grand Classica cruise ship, departing from the Port of Palm Beach, was rebranded with the theme Margaritaville at Sea. The title song, “Margaritaville,” made its debut back in 1976. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line orchestrated this transformation, providing fans, fondly referred to as Parrotheads, with an immersive Margaritaville experience. The ship, originally built in 1991, encompasses ten passenger decks, over 600 cabins, multiple pools, a St. Somewhere spa, a Fins Up! fitness center, a casino, a theater, and a variety of restaurants.
Passengers aboard the Margaritaville cruise ship can expect to encounter vibrant Margaritaville-themed elements, such as a colorful parrot sculpture, themed bedding and pillows in the cabins, and even a restaurant offering cheeseburgers. Furthermore, an awe-inspiring giant flip-flop sculpture adorns the atrium, while a monstrous margarita blender, aptly named “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” takes center stage at the back bar. Entertainment options range from a piano bar to a musical titled “Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show.”
This delightful two-night cruise sails to Freeport, Bahamas, three to four days each week. As the ship sets sail from the port, plans for a Margaritaville-branded hotel are already underway nearby. Riviera Beach Councilman Douglas Lawson revealed that the hotel will feature a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and three additional restaurant options. Developers anticipate breaking ground in December, contingent upon approval by the Community Redevelopment Agency and the City Council. Buffett himself played a role in the hotel’s history, as he filmed the music video for “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” at the Jupiter Square Grooper tiki bar.
Notably, the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood has been a significant part of Buffett’s legacy since its opening in 2015. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the resort provides an idyllic setting for visitors to escape the mundane and immerse themselves in tropical tranquility and coastal luxury. The 369 guest rooms, blessed with waterfront views, epitomize the resort’s lively and carefree ambiance.
Briana Nespral from WPTV interviewed loyal fans at the Margaritaville Beach Resort, who expressed both sadness and gratitude for Buffett’s contributions to their lives. Marcelo and Patricia Lopez traveled from Kendall to pay their respects to the “son of a sailor.” Patricia fondly reminisced about the memories, music, and stories that Buffett shared, emphasizing that his legacy will endure. Her husband expressed his heartfelt message to Buffett, hoping that he enjoys an island paradise in the sky and assuring him that they will eventually reunite.
Warren Delano, another hotel guest, reflected on Buffett’s impact on countless individuals, noting his ability to spread happiness and joy. Despite feeling melancholic, Delano stressed the importance of celebrating Buffett’s life, stating that every visit to Hollywood will serve as a personal commemoration. Brian Toney concurred, describing Buffett as an inspiration and expressing his desire for Buffett to revel in eternal bliss while relishing cheeseburgers in paradise. Toney firmly believes that Jimmy Buffett and the beach lifestyle are synonymous, emphasizing the immense joy and pleasure that the singer brought to their lives.
Buffett’s final concert took place on February 15 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. However, his connection to Key West dates back even further. In 1985, Buffett established his first successful Margaritaville retail store in Key West. The impact of his hit song “Margaritaville” on the city was significant, as it became an anthem associated with Key West, according to Key West City Commissioner Clayton Lopez.
Buffett’s company released a statement expressing deep sorrow for the loss of a national treasure. Buffett was an artist, performer, writer, navigator, friend, and entrepreneur who brought unparalleled fun to the lives of countless individuals. He cherished the opportunity to perform on any stage, big or small, and transport audiences to a carefree vacation state of mind. Buffett’s original concept for Margaritaville aimed to share his beloved lifestyle with as many people as possible.
Even though Buffett may no longer be physically present, his spirit and influence will endure like an everlasting encore. Every time the sun shines, his radiant smile and mischievous glint will remind us of the joy he brought. Margaritaville will continue to be a way of life that we share with others, honoring the legacy of Jimmy Buffett. Fins Up Forever.
