President Barack Obama spent the weekend in Florida to show Americans that most beaches along the Gulf Coast are oil-free, but he isn’t the only famous person drawing attention to the region.

“Baywatch” alum David Hasselhoff will host the televised special “The Gulf Is Back,” set to air Aug. 27 on the CW. Along with highlighting the resilience of Gulf Coast residents, the show will feature performances from artists including Lonestar, Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks and Brian McKnight, who will give free concerts at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss.

But those performances aren’t the first held to benefit the region — singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett also gave a free show in Gulf Shores, Ala., in July, designed to lure business to the region. And when the House came back into session last week, Rep. Jo Bonner seized the opportunity to thank to the man who reminds us that “Margaritaville” is always a step away, especially considering “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”

“When the chips were down and spirits were mighty low, it was our very own ‘Son of a Son of a Sailor’ who came home to South Alabama to help remind his friends, his family and all who watched the concert live on CMT that the Gulf Coast will weather this storm,” the Alabama Republican said.

Bonner notably referred to Buffett as “Jimmy” throughout his speech, breaking House tradition to call people by their last name while speaking on the floor. “It’s kind of hard to call him ‘Mr. Buffett’ when he often goes to work barefoot, wearing only shorts and a T-shirt,” Bonner joked.

Submit your hot tips, juicy gossip or comments here.
Can’t get enough HOH? Get a midday dose of fun and gossip with HOH’s One-Minute Recess, delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here — because everyone deserves more recess.