I've started this campaign on my own as one person, and now we are over 1800 and growing. I'd like to say Thank You for signing and sharing this petition.
My Jimmy story starts in the 80's in Miami. My dad introduced me to his music early on LP. Dad was old school didn't believe in those cassettes that were becoming so popular.
In 1985, I attended my first Buffett concert. It was at the Miami Marine Stadium, and I a mere lad of 13. That concert was later immortalized on VHS (later DVD) as LIVE BY THE BAY
My parents split. And the one thing my dad and I shared was Jimmy and music in general. As he only had me on weekends, Key West became OUR playground. This was before the cruise ships invaded the island, and KW was a melting pot of Conchs, Gay Culture, Bahamians, and Navy ⚓.
In '86, Jimmy performed a benefit concert smack dab in the middle of the diamond at Key West Little League for the Salt Flats. I remember it was a day long party of early Parrotheads enjoying life and listening to Jimmy and his Friends play! (I was even passed my first doobie that day!)
Dad, my new stepmom and I continued to spend as much time in KW at Jabour's Trailer Court right at the end of Caroline St. And I spent those days riding my bike all over the island and the conch lifestyle was infused in me.
In 1989, I joined the Navy. And wouldn't you know it, I was stationed on Card Sound Rd. on the way to Key Largo. And spent quite a bit of time at NAS KEY WEST. Margaritaville was just my second home!
After I got out of the Navy, and Hurricane Andrew had destroyed my home in what is now Cutler Bay, I moved to Orlando. And in 1995, had found a Parrothead fiance. In 1997, I found myself to be the Assistant Manager of A Shop Called Mango smack dab in the downtown Orlando tourist district. We were a Buffett-Themed store with his Carribean Soul Merchandise, CDs, and Books.
Many years and many tailgate parties at venues across the South, here I am A Pirate Looking At 52.
So thank you again for joining my campaign to honor an artist that has meant so much to my life - as he has to so many of yours.... We love ❤ you JB.