Florida celebrated the first-ever Bob Graham Day on Saturday, honoring the legacy of one of the state’s influential public servants. The observance was established earlier this year during the 2025 Legislative Session through SR 1890: Bob Graham Day, sponsored by Senator Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee), Representative Dan Daley (D-Coral Springs), and House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa).
The resolution designates August 9 as Bob Graham Day in recognition of his decades of service and in honor of the founding date of the Save Our Everglades program in 1983.
Graham, Florida’s 38th governor and a 74qU.S. senator, was celebrated for his commitment to protecting the environment, advancing education, and fostering civic responsibility.
Senator Arrington noted that Graham’s lifelong dedication to public service has left a lasting mark on the state. “Governor Graham’s dedication to protecting our environment, advancing education, and fostering civic responsibility set a high bar for public service,” Arrington said. “It’s truly an honor to dedicate this day to a man whose life’s work has motivated generations of Floridians to follow in his footsteps.”
“Governor Bob Graham spent his life putting Floridians first,” Leader Driskell said. “His legacy of service, integrity, and compassion is a model for all who dedicate their lives to public service and is a reminder of how we should treat one another.”
Representative Daley called the Capitol ceremony in April a “truly special occasion” to honor Graham alongside his family and friends. “Today, we proudly celebrate a leader who dedicated decades to serving the State of Florida,” Daley said. “His legacy continues to inspire and guide countless individuals.”
Bob Graham Day will now be celebrated annually on August 9, serving as a tribute to a leader whose work continues to influence Florida’s future.
