Melinda Van Fleet

“Wow, this is a lot of fun!” That’s the feedback that Niall Farrell and Kellie Butler Farrell said they hear the most from their clients when they rent an electric power bike, or “e-bike,” from their business Keys Ebikes. “We started renting them when we lived in Naples and bought...

Are you someone who’s dealing with pain? Stress? Allergies? Migraines? Keys Weekly recently sat down with Natalie Shea, licensed acupuncture therapist, to learn more about this ancient healing practice and how her business, Shen Health Acupuncture, can help you feel better. I had wanted to be a veterinarian my whole...

"Bring the phone up to your head — the phone moves. No one thinks to do that, and I see so many people whose heads and shoulders are slumped. I am seeing this more and more. And it's not about age; even teenagers are doing this."  That's a typical conversation...

The Star of The Sea Foundation’s (S.O.S.) healthy food pantry in Key Largo is serving a need within the community. A location in Key West opened in 2006 and the second location in Key Largo opened in 2014. The Keys Weekly recently sat down with manager Emily Hopkins, who...

For many people, travel is more than just a pleasurable pastime; it's a way to chase their dreams and turn their vision into reality. And in the case of Ilja Chapman, her passion for travel vision has also become a successful business, Voyage Blue Travel, based in Key Largo. Chapman...

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida International University helps small businesses learn and make changes so they can grow, leverage best practices, expertise, and data they have. As a consultant with SBDC in the Florida Keys, Margie Smith, business consultant with SBDC, advocates for diversifying the economy...

It is often said that “when passion meets purpose, one becomes successful.” The saying is true for Angela Pantaleo and her store Sea Turtle Gallery & Gifts.  Located in Islamorada next to Martini’s Fine Wine & Spirits, the gallery is beautifully curated. You can see Pantaleo’s obvious passion for sea...

"Sending our 18-year-olds out of Monroe County and off on their own when they were on the right track, it's just something that didn't sit well with any of us,” said Brad Copeland, chair of the executive board for the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. We're very proud to now...

A new Tavernier book store is bringing back the smell of fresh pages. And it’s getting owner Becky Washam plugged in to the community, “I wanted to be involved and make a difference,” she said.   Originally from Oklahoma, Washam and her husband, Michael, had been in Dallas for 20-plus years...

Local residents Glenn Wright and Jill Kuehnert created a unique business model that caters to a personalized scuba experience. They were awarded Tripadvisor Travelers Choice for 2021. Keys Weekly recently sat down with co-owner Kuehnert to discuss all things lucky. Here’s what she had to say.  It's just so remarkable...

With the increased awareness on mental health, a recent visit to Kinder in the Keys became an enlightening experience to learn more about this incredible private women’s residential treatment center located in Key Largo.  Kinder (KIND) celebrated its third anniversary this past summer. Kinder offers non-substance disorders women the opportunity...

Ever wonder what it’s like owning and running a successful diner that is open 364 days a year and having three small children, one being a newborn? Meet Gina Boilini of Doc’s Diner in Key Largo for some inspiration and a good old-fashioned dose of hardworking skills and people...