As tributes continue to pour in for former President Jimmy Carter following his passing, memories of his time in southwest Florida remain fresh in the minds of those fortunate enough to have met him. It was exactly 20 years ago that President Carter made that memorable visit to our community—an occasion still talked about with fondness by locals who met him in person.
Watch Senior Reporter Emily Young’s report here:
A LASTING LEGACY: Remembering Jimmy Carter’s unforgettable 2004 visit to southwest Florida
One of the highlights of Carter’s trip was a visit to Bubba’s Roadhouse in Cape Coral, where he walked into the popular steakhouse and ordered a Bubba Sirloin. Jay Johnson, the owner of Bubba’s, recalls the moment vividly.
“President Carter walked around the dining room and shook hands with everyone who was here,” Johnson said.
He even made time for photos, joking around while he did so.
The warmth and accessibility of the former president were evident to everyone who met him. Johnson fondly remembers a light-hearted moment when Carter joked about posing with his girlfriend.