A1A Highway Is Now Named After Jimmy Buffett

In 1974, Jimmy Buffett released his fifth studio album, A1A, named after the iconic coastal highway that runs from Fernandina Beach to Key West, his beloved adopted home. This scenic route winds along the Atlantic Ocean, passing through charming seaside towns, embodying the laid-back, carefree spirit that Buffett’s music is known for. The album’s back cover even featured a photograph of this famous highway, making it a perfect homage to the coastal life that Buffett cherished.

The album A1A also gives a nod to the highway in one of its tracks, “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season.” Alongside this song, the album includes other timeless Buffett classics like “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” “Life Is Just a Tire Swing,” and “Migration.” These tracks, with their storytelling lyrics and island vibes, have become fan favorites over the years. The album itself was a hit, peaking at #25 on the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart, marking a significant moment in Buffett’s career.

On September 1, 2023, Buffett passed away, leaving a musical legacy celebrating the easygoing, beach-bum lifestyle. Fans gathered on Key West’s Duval Street the day after his passing, donning vibrant, tropical attire and playing his songs to honor his memory.

A1A Renamed in Honor of Jimmy Buffett on the First Anniversary of His Death

Nearly a year later, on August 30, 2024, the A1A highway was officially dedicated in Buffett’s honor and renamed the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway. The ceremony took place just two days before the first anniversary of his death. At the dedication, Buffett’s sister, Lucy, reflected on the significance of the highway to her brother’s life: “When Jimmy was 25, his life forever changed as he drove down the A1A for the first time and found a home in Key West.” She added:

“He would be humbled, yet sheepishly thrilled, in his ‘school-boy heart’ way that the Florida Legislature unanimously honored his legacy.”

According to ClickOrlando, the newly named Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway spans the entire length of A1A, covering Flagler, Volusia, and Brevard counties in Central Florida. New signs along the route now display Buffett’s name alongside the A1A marker, serving as a lasting tribute to the man whose music captured the spirit of the coast.