Jimmy Buffett’s Shrimpboat Sound Studio in Key West Faces a New Chapter

Tucked away on Lazy Way Lane in Old Town Key West sits one of the most meaningful creative spaces in country and coastal music history — Shrimpboat Sound Studio, the longtime recording home of Jimmy Buffett.

For decades, the unassuming building served as Buffett’s island headquarters. It was where songs were shaped, albums were tracked, and the Coral Reefer Band gathered to turn Gulf breezes into global anthems. Unlike the commercial studio scene of Nashville or Los Angeles, Shrimpboat Sound reflected Buffett’s personality: relaxed, nautical, intimate — but fully professional.

A Studio With Real Recording History

Shrimpboat Sound was more than a creative hideaway — it was an active recording facility used by Buffett and fellow artists over the years. Buffett recorded multiple projects there, particularly later-career releases crafted while he was living and writing in Key West.

Artists connected to recording or working at the studio include Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Mac McAnally, and members of the Coral Reefer Band. The space became a destination for musicians seeking a professional environment infused with Key West’s laid-back energy. It played a quiet but meaningful role in shaping modern coastal country and Gulf & Western-influenced sounds.

What Happened After Buffett’s Passing

When Jimmy Buffett passed away on September 1, 2023, following a private battle with Merkel cell carcinoma, questions surfaced about the future of his physical creative spaces — including Shrimpboat Sound.

The studio did not immediately reopen as a public attraction. Instead, discussions began behind the scenes about how to preserve the space in a way that honored Buffett’s legacy while maintaining its musical integrity.

Now, a formal proposal outlines a potential path forward.

Key West Historic Seaport Oversight and Lease Negotiations

Because Shrimpboat Sound sits within the Key West Historic Seaport district, the property falls under the oversight of the Key West Historic Bight Management District Board — commonly referred to as the Bight Board.

Public meeting records show that in the months following Buffett’s passing, the board addressed the future of the property through formal lease discussions. Rather than designating the studio as a historic landmark or preservation site, the board’s role centered on lease governance and property management under the city’s established Historic Seaport framework.

In 2025 and early 2026, agenda items before the Key West Bight Board included formal requests directing the City Manager to negotiate a lease agreement with Shrimpboat Sound Key West, LLC. The board voted to move forward with lease negotiations tied to the redevelopment proposal presented by the Spottswood/Bernsen group.

Public comments submitted during those proceedings reflected strong community interest in preserving the studio’s cultural significance. Several residents urged the board to ensure the space remain connected to Jimmy Buffett’s musical legacy rather than transition solely into a standard commercial operation.

The board did not vote to demolish the building, nor did it issue any declaration removing Buffett’s association from the property. Its actions were procedural — advancing lease negotiations within the city’s governance structure while redevelopment plans were evaluated.

Who Is Behind the Proposal

The plan has been submitted by Spottswood Management, Inc., affiliated with Spottswood Companies, Inc., a long-established, family-owned organization with investments across the Florida Keys. Robert A. Spottswood, Jr., a seventh-generation member of the Spottswood family in Key West, serves as president.

The proposal also includes Shrimpboat Sound Key West LLC, managed by David A. Bernsen, whose Republica de Conch LLC owns several properties in Old Town Key West.

The proposal notes the active participation and support of Mac McAnally, Savannah Buffett, Lucy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, and members of the Coral Reefer Band — linking the studio’s history directly to its potential future.

The Proposed Vision for Shrimpboat Sound

At its core, the proposal calls for restoring Shrimpboat Sound as a fully operational recording studio. Modern updates — reportedly planned following Buffett’s final recording session — would bring the facility up to current standards while preserving its historic character. Commitments have reportedly been secured from Mac McAnally, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, and the Coral Reefer Band to utilize the studio moving forward.

Additional elements of the proposal include:

• Public tours showcasing the restored studio and Buffett’s equipment and memorabilia
• A small margarita and tropical drink bar with limited indoor seating and outdoor seating for approximately 20 guests
• Retail space featuring lifestyle art and Coral Reefer Band memorabilia
• Live broadcasts, streaming, podcast production, and musical performances (pending proper permits)
• Use of the venue for private events, weddings, and approved charitable fundraisers

The proposal states that Margaritaville Enterprises has provided initial approval and support to ensure the proper and legal use of the Buffett name in connection with the studio.

A Living Studio — Not a Static Memorial

The vision for Lazy Way Lane does not involve demolition or unrelated redevelopment. Instead, it aims to preserve Shrimpboat Sound as a living, working creative space — one that continues producing music while honoring Jimmy Buffett’s legacy.

For Parrotheads and country music fans alike, the studio represents more than a building. It is where island stories became timeless songs — and where the next chapter of that legacy may soon be written.

Country Entertainment News will continue to follow developments surrounding Shrimpboat Sound Studio and Jimmy Buffett’s legacy in Key West.

About Post Author

Country Entertainment News

Christina Keys has over a decade of experience in NASCAR, building a dynamic career spanning media, public relations, sponsorship acquisitions, and brand representation. Her 13-year journey included roles ranging from promotional model—as Miss Valvoline—to business owner, having launched an apparel line specifically tailored for female motorsports fans. She also owned and operated two media outlets within NASCAR, and her work behind the lens led to shooting for Getty Images at some of the sport’s biggest events. These diverse experiences gave her a 360-degree view of the motorsports industry, both on and off the track. Outside of NASCAR, Keys worked in minor league baseball with the Pioneer League, broadening her understanding of sports marketing and fan engagement in a different arena. In addition, she holds a degree in audio engineering and began her career in music at the renowned Sumet-Burnet studio in Dallas, Texas. Having grown up in recording studios from the age of nine, music has always been her first love. Her time in Dallas also included hands-on experience in artist booking and management, where she supported emerging bands through label signings, tours, and the often unpredictable realities of the music business.

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