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9h ago

DeSantis Posthumously Awards Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Five Prominent Floridians

The selections highlight bipartisan contributions spanning public office, academia, culture.

FILE - This photo combination shows, from left, Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., in Miami, Feb.11, 2010, Florida State president John Thrasher, Dec. 8, 2019, in Tallahassee, Fla., former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay in Gainesville, Fla., on Oct. 12, 2012, Jimmy Buffett performing in Los Angeles, June 9, 2015. and Bob Graham speaking in Gainesville, Fla., Oct. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz, Phil Sears, Phil Sandlin, Matt Sayles)
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Overview

  • Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Aug. 20 that five deceased figures received the Governor’s Medal of Freedom, one of Florida’s highest civilian honors.
  • Honorees are former governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham, former governor Buddy MacKay, former Florida State University president and legislative leader John Thrasher, former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and musician Jimmy Buffett.
  • DeSantis said in a written statement that the recipients “exemplified what it means to be a great Floridian” and left a lasting impact on the state.
  • The group reflects cross-party public service and varied domains of influence, from government leadership to higher education and cultural life.
  • Previous recipients cited for context include FSU football coach Bobby Bowden and Nuremberg prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz.