HERE’S TO THE MOTIVATORS & JOKESTERS THIS FATHER’S DAY

To the fathers in the world, kick back in that favorite recliner, enjoy an ice-cold brew and watch some golf. For fathers in the Keys, jump on the boat, go fishing with the family and enjoy a fresh catch for dinner. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, as sons and daughters, wives and loved ones show their love and express their gratitude to the rocks in their lives, the jokesters that provide needed comical relief and the repairmen that know what to do when the car has issues. In advance of Father’s Day, the Keys Weekly reached out to a few rad dads in the Keys on some advice they’ve received, a proud father moment and that “honey do” item they’ve been putting off for some time now. 

MATT TURK 
Father of Matthew and Emma 
Contractor with CBT Construction

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any dad? Accept failure, don’t quit and keep moving forward.

Proudest dad moment thus far? Matthew graduating and getting a job on what he set out to do, and Emma having a heart of service and helping at church and Rotary.

What “honey do” have you been putting off for the longest and why? Buying a house. Not having a mortgage is fantastic.

MICHAEL “MJ” ED
Father of Kennedy and Brooklyn
Florida Keys Windows

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any dad? “Pull my finger!”

Proudest dad moment thus far? Cheering for both my daughters competing in their first swim meet together.
What “honey do” have you been putting off for the longest and why? Painting the interior of the house because I HATE painting.

TED YATES
Father of Emily, Andrew and Brad
Islamorada Village Manager

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any dad? 

“Let faith and family guide your heart and every decision you make.”

Proudest dad moment thus far?

There are so many! I have been blessed with three amazing children that continue to make us proud as they moved on as adults. I will always cherish the time I spent with my kids when they were young. … it goes by so quick!

What “honey do” have you been putting off for the longest and why?

Fortunately, we sold or gave away everything we owned when we moved down from up north. We were lucky to buy a beautiful little home that doesn’t need any work. So right now, I get to coast for a while!

JAVIER EXPOSITO
Father of Lincoln
Photographer/videographer

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any dad? The best advice I’ve ever gotten from a dad figure in my life is to enjoy every moment and don’t let a single second pass you by. Time really does go by fast.

Proudest dad moment thus far?

My proudest dad moment so far was when my child was born, it’s not a big one but my baby is only 2 months old so he has not achieved much yet.

What “honey do” have you been putting off for the longest and why?

The “honey do” that I’ve been putting off the longest is probably cleaning out our spare bedroom. It’s a big project that I’ve been meaning to tackle, but I haven’t had the time or motivation to get started. But I know it needs to be done, so I’m planning to set aside some time and just dive in soon.

A EVENT FOR THE DADS & FAMILIES THIS SUNDAY

Postcard Inn Resort & Marina & Pelican Cove host ‘Hops for Pops’ with Islamorada Brewery & Distillery
Fathers and their families can take a swing and feed the fish with eco-friendly golf balls this Father’s Day. The fun begins at noon at Pelican Cove and Postcard Inn Resort & Marina, both located in Islamorada. Receive one complimentary beer from Islamorada Brewery & Distillery with the purchase of a bucket of balls. Slots are still available. Visit https://www.islamoradaresortcollection.com/experiences/experience-calendar?prop=pelican-cove–postcard-inn#!/e/ocean-golf-45350609/ to learn more and book a spot.

Jim McCarthy
Jim McCarthy is one of the many who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures in Western New York. 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 5-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club. When he's not working, he's busy chasing his son, Lucas, around the house and enjoying time with family.