Jimmy Buffett died nearly a year ago , but parrotheads are keeping the party going in Southwest Florida and the rest of the state.
The Florida Legislature has declared Friday, Aug. 30, to be Jimmy Buffett Day in the Sunshine State. Concerts and other events are happening everywhere to celebrate the tropical troubadour and his easygoing songs about pirates, beach bums, fruity drinks, smoking weed and the glory of the Florida lifestyle.
Here's a look at what's happening in Southwest Florida:
Jimmy Buffett Day Bash at The Shell Factory
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Calling all Parrotheads: The Shell Factory wants you to come party in North Fort Myers.
The popular tourist attraction celebrates Jimmy Buffett Day with cocktails and food specials inspired by Buffett songs, a 50/50 raffle and Buffett hits performed by Tina Soloman and Sheldon Upchurch.
The fun takes place 3-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Admission is free.
— The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. 995-2141, shellfactory.com or facebook.com/shellfactoryfl
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Jimmy Buffett Day at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is hosting Jimmy Buffett Day events throughout Labor Day weekend, starting Friday, Aug. 30, on Jimmy Buffett Day.
SiriusXM personality JD Spradlin from Radio Margaritaville broadcasts live from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31.
Live music and many other activities are scheduled all weekend, including deejays spinning music from 1-5 p.m. daily in Fins Up! Beach Club. Here are some highlights:
- Friday, Aug. 30: A visit from the Bird Gardens of Naples (3-5 p.m. on Sunset Terrace), music by Castaways Duo (5-8 p.m. at License to Chill and Sunset Terrace), Orlando Phillips (7-10 p.m. at Lah de Dah) and Buffett Under the Stars (music videos shown on a big outdoor screen from 8-11 p.m. on Sunset Terrace).
- Saturday, Aug. 31: Face painter (1-3 p.m. on Sunset Terrace), Taps Flow for H20 (a Calusa Waterkeeper event featuring craft beer, food, music, games and giveaways from 2-9 p.m. on Sunset Terrace) and various other activities from 3-6 p.m., including a celebrity dunk tank and a beer tent.
- Sunday, Sept. 1: Jimmy Buffett Music Trivia (3-4 p.m. at License to Chill), a stilt walker (6-8 p.m. throughout the resort) and music by Trop Rock Junkies (7-10 p.m. at License to Chill).
For a limited time, a “Keep the Party Going” room package gives resort guests 20-percent off their stay and two commemorative cups. The package can be purchased through Aug. 31 for stays through the end of 2024.
As part of a new, annual day of service for all U.S. Margaritaville properties, the hotel will donate $5 from each "Keep the Party Going" stay to FMB Strong , a nonprofit that helps support the Fort Myers Beach community as it rebuilds from Hurricane Ian.
Additionally, 15 percent of all Jimmy Buffett merchandise sales will be donated to the foundation Jimmy’s Singing for Change . A portion of signature drink sales will go to FMB Strong and a portion of beer sales to Calusa Waterkeeper .
The resort is also asking people to donate crayons, backpacks, pencils and notebooks to the Foundation for Lee County Schools and Fort Myers Beach Elementary School . Donations can be dropped off in the hotel lobby at the resort lobby or Fins Up! Beach Club.
— Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach, 251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach. 899-4001, facebook.com/MargaritavilleFortMyersBeach or margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-fort-myers-beach
Jimmy Buffett Day at Naples' Compass Hotel By Margaritaville
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Jimmy Buffett Day will be celebrated throughout Labor Day weekend at Naples' Compass Hotel By Margaritaville. The fun includes daily ring-toss and cornhole contests, live music and more.
SiriusXM host JD Spradlin of Radio Margaritaville broadcasts live from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1.
Musical acts perform Buffett songs all weekend. Scheduled live music includes Rob Hannon (6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30) and three musicians on Saturday, Aug. 31 (Orlando Phillips, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Beth Travers, 2-4 p.m.; and Rudy Cox, 6-8 p.m.).
For a limited time, a “Keep the Party Going” room package gives resort guests 20-percent off their stay and two commemorative cups. The package can be purchased through Aug. 31 for stays through the end of 2024.
As part of a new, annual day of service for all U.S. Margaritaville properties, the hotel will donate $5 from each "Keep the Party Going" stay to Harry Chapin Food Bank .
Additionally, 15 percent of all Jimmy Buffett merchandise sales will be donated to Jimmy’s Singing for Change. A portion of sales from signature drinks will go to Harry Chapin Food Bank and other sales over Labor Day weekend will be given to both the Naples and SWFL Parrot Head Clubs.
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The hotel is also asking people to donate toiletries, blankets and socks to St. Matthew’s House to help fight hunger, homelessness, addiction, and poverty in Southwest Florida. Donations can be dropped off in the hotel lobby.
— Compass Hotel By Margaritaville Naples, 4805 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. 659-3500, facebook.com/CompassHotelNaples or compasshotel.com/compass-hotel-naples
— Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 (for tickets to shows, call the venue) or email him at crunnells@gannett.com .
Follow or message him on social media: Facebook ( facebook.com/charles.runnells.7 ), X (formerly Twitter) ( @charlesrunnells ), Threads (@crunnells1) and Instagram ( @crunnells1 ).
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida's new Jimmy Buffett Day keeps the party going in N. Fort Myers, Naples, FM Beach
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