What can you say about Jimmy Buffett that hasn’t been said in the past week and a half? He was an American musician and singer-songwriter, best known for his tropical rock music. He was also an entrepreneur who made a name for himself with:
- restaurant chains (Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Cheeseburger in Paradise, LandShark Bar & Grill )
- record label (Margaritaville Records and Mailboat Records)
- beer (Land Shark Lager)
- casinos (Margaritaville Casino)
- sports teams (he was part owner 2 minor league baseball teams)
- video games (Margaritaville Online)
- retirement communities (Latitude Mararitaville)
- cannabis (Coral Reefer brand)
I mean, through his Margaritaville brand alone, Buffett licensed hotels, casinos, cruise experiences, restaurants and bars, packaged foods, beverages, spirits, outdoor furniture, home goods, appliances, and apparel and accessories. He also dabbled in book writing, show writing and acting, and was involved in charity work (environmental conservation, charity performances and disaster relief).
Although he was born in Mississippi, Jimmy Buffett eventually settled in Key West in the early 1970s. The Conch Republic was Buffett’s home during some of his most productive years. Key West was also where he developed the “tropical rock” style that flavored his music throughout his career. The island’s characters, landmarks and lifestyle are referenced repeatedly in his lyrics.
Two days after Buffett’s death, Key West honored him with a second line parade, reminiscent of the kinds done in New Orleans to mark the death of people.
From WPLG Local 10:
Jimmy Buffett moved us all and made us want to slide on our flip-flops and head to Key West to Margaritaville. It’s more than just a restaurant or a hotel; it’s an anthem, a way of life, and a sense of belonging to a family of millions you’ve never met. He lived, played, worked, fished, flew into Key West for decades and put that tiny island on a global map. With his passing, there’s a hole in a lot of fans’ hearts who would love to say they’re flying into Jimmy Buffett airport. It’s been done for John Wayne, Bob Hope, Louis Armstrong just to name a few. I believe Buffett being an aviator himself would be honored to have the airport he always called home to be named after him. I’m asking fans all over the world to sign and share this petition so that we can honor Mr. Jimmy Buffett for many generations to come: Jimmy Buffett international Airport.
- Louis Armstrong (New Orleans)
- Bob Hope (Burbank)
- John Wayne (Santa Ana)
- Charles Schultz (Santa Rosa)
- John Lennon (Liverpool)
- Leonardo da Vinci (Flumicino)
- Mozart (Salzburg)
- And the inventor of the greatest swimming pool game in the world 😜, Marco Polo (Venice)
Changing the name of an airport isn’t an impossible feat. If they were to rename the airport to just ADD Buffett’s name, I’m betting it would be even less impossible. Key West Jimmy Buffett International Airport, anyone? Kinda long, but still doable. Someone’s already played around with the sign… This was the Sept. 10th update to the change.org petition:
Fingers crossed, Parrotheads. Fingers crossed.
Feature photo: Monroe County FL
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29 comments
Another airport named for a musician is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (in Hungarian: Budapest Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér), named for the composer Ferenc Liszt, usually called Franz Liszt in English.
I think is a wonderful idea to rename the Key West airport after Jimmy Buffett. You have my vote. Love his music, his songs loved him. R.I.P Jimmy 🙏🌹
He deserves this! Count me in saying YES! CAN’T EVEN THINK of the Keys without thinking of Jimmy!
No…just no. Key West is much more than Margaritaville, Inc. If it should be named after anyone, Ernest Hemingway should be at the top of the list.
Hell yeah! Even when he moved to Palm Beach and Long Island, he remained tied to Key West in many ways!
Definitely Jimmy Buffett Intl Arpt
An absolutely amazing idea. We lived in Key West in the mid 80’s for 3 years when my husband was stationed there. Loved it then, loved it now. Jimmy Buffett is a legend who will live on forever.
Sounds like a great idea ! Has a good ring to it !
It makes Perfect sense!! When Ever I come to the Keys Twice a year, I think of Jimmy Buffet. I wouldn’t expect anything but. JIMMY BUFFET INTERNATIONAL… Salute!!❤️✌️😎🍺
Fins up, Bubbles up
You will be missed !!
Yes he defentally deserves reconition in the keys, it would be absoutly awesom for thst to hsppen
Awesome idea!! Where can I sign? I am a Florida resident👍🦜🏝️
Yes…. please!!
i like the idea
Yes!
Yes I believe Jimmy Buffett International would be perfect
Jimmy Buffett’s Key West International Airport
NO. NO. NO. Not Jimmy Buffett Airport. Margaritaville Resort & Margaritaville Restaurant & Shrimpboat Studio are enough Buffet on Key West. I’m a Buffet fan but I’m also a Key West regular for over 25 years (sporadically before that). There is a lot more to Key West than Jimmy Buffet.
How about Tom Corcoran International or Michael McCloud International (although Michael is still alive). Hemingway International also come to mind..
Alas No Welcome to the Conch Republic International Airport is just fine EYW
Absolutely!
Key West Jimmy Buffet International.
Perfect tribute for the man who loved the Keys and all of us.
Yes!! He deserves it!!
Absolutely 💯
Adrift 1371 Newport Rhode Island 🏝️
Today’s the day Jimmy Aroach ahh!
As a Honorary Conch and ex citizen of Key West for 18 years. I would love to fly into Jimmy Buffett International Airport. Great idea !!
Floridian’s will never go for it. Maybe the Ron DuhSantis Intl Airport instead. He is much more beloved by Florida.
Yes, yes, yes
Key West Belongs to Jimmy! Honor his life by renaming the airport for him!!!!
If they can name bridges, buildings, highways, money, and more after politicians, some whose presence we just tolerate, they can listen to the people and name an airport after a popular singer we loved whose music made a significant mark in our lives.
Yes it should be changed to Jimmy Buffett International Airport. You have my vote. He deserves this and would be honored.
YES! Key West Jimmy Buffet International Airport