Florida is currently faced with a great injustice.

    Through all the political turmoil and division present in our big beautiful state, something that I believe all Floridians can agree on is that Margaritaville is just about as Florida as Key Lime Pie. The song both written and produced by Jimmy Buffett is a love letter to Florida and since its release in 1977, has been the anthem for having fun in the sun. In an interview with the Arizona Republic, Buffett claims Margaritaville was based on his life in Key West, FL, and has suggested that the lyrics for the song came from a feeling of longingness on his many shows on the road for his laid-back life on the sunny beaches of Florida.

     Margaritaville, with its breezy feel, warm chord progression, and simple yet comforting chorus, somehow perfectly encapsulates the feeling of a warm summer day on a Florida beach, something that almost every Floridian has experienced and holds fond memories with.  Due to Jimmy Buffett's recent passing, (Rest In Power)  myself along with many others feel as though changing the state song to Margaritaville would not only be a perfect way to honor his legacy and show respect but is also a more current and accurate representation of Florida's people and culture than our current state song, "Old Folks at Home". It has been Florida's regional anthem since it was adopted in 1935, but as the passage of time slowly marches on "Swanee River" becomes more and more outdated and isn't truly representative of Florida as a whole.

    Without a shadow of a doubt the most breathtaking part of the many things Florida has to offer is its beaches, why not have a regional anthem that appreciates the best that Florida has to offer? If you consider yourself a true Floridian there should be no doubt in your mind that Margaritaville should be our state song and should sign this petition to see Florida have the state song it deserves.