BUSINESS BOOMS IN THE UPPER KEYS IN 2022

By
Jim McCarthy
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F—ing Bagels opened in Islamorada to serve breakfast and lunch items. Trinity VanSteenburg is the owner. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

Business bustled in the Upper Keys as locals and visitors frequented new restaurants and storefronts in 2022. Various owners celebrated anniversaries, while family-owned operations changed hands.

A taste of Italy came to Islamorada in July with the opening of Italian Food Company at the former Bentley’s restaurant. Owners are Tony and Isis Wright. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
im and Sara Bernardin recently sold Pines and Palms Resort after 25 years of ownership to Nick and Raynie Reizen and Chad and Katie McKimm of Naples, pictured. CONTRIBUTED
Sandbar Books brought fresh pages and some reading time to Tavernier. Becky Washam is the owner. MELINDA VAN FLEET/Keys Weekly
Located above Square Grouper, Sunset Lounge became one of the hot spots for a night out in Islamorada in 2022. Lynn Bell is the owner. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
Cafe Largo Owner Robert DiGiorgio and family celebrate 30 years of business. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly
Pilates in Paradise and owner Christi Allen Franchini celebrated 20 years of business. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly
Jim McCarthy
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Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.
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