A lot has transpired in the Florida Keys since my first day on the job with the Keys Weekly Newspapers five years ago.
Nov. 1, 2018 marked the start of a new gig in the Upper Keys — my first big adventure on my own, away from western New York where I spent the first 26 years of my life. The move was a huge leap. My excitement oozed as I packed my belongings, mainly short-sleeved clothes and shorts, and thought about the endless summer days, leaving the cold winters and the lake-effect snow.
But I remember feeling some angst moving so far away from family and friends and breaking from my routine and lifestyle I had in New York. And I really didn’t know all that much about the island chain other than the family trips we took during Easter holidays to camp near Key West.
I was introduced to the Keys rather quickly during my first weekend as a resident and Keys Weekly employee. I woke up during the wee hours on a Saturday morning to attend the Key Largo Bridge Run with my colleague at the time, Nola Acker, to set up a booth. By afternoon, we hopped on over to participate in the chili cookoff in Key Largo. As the evening rolled around, I ventured to the Keys History & Discovery Center for a bootlegger bash. As I gazed out at the crowd dressed to the 1920s, I thought to myself that this gig was going to keep me quite busy. And boy, was I ready for it.
As editor of the Upper Keys Weekly, I’ve had the great pleasure of establishing many connections with members of the community, from the nonprofit and business worlds to the fish and dive industry. Not a day goes by when I don’t run into someone I know while out and about at the store, the gas station or a restaurant. Outside the many visitors, there’s a tight-knit community in the Upper Keys that I’ve come to enjoy. And everyone in the community has a story idea worth sharing.
The job has also afforded me the opportunity to be an active member of the community. In 2019, I decided to become a Rotarian after speaking with Jen McComb, who I met during her time at the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. I eventually became president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which was something I never thought I’d take on. Seeing the dedication and energy of fellow members, I said to myself, “Why not?”
I’ve made many memories in my first five years in the Keys. Obtaining my diver certification, visiting the Everglades, putting on the first Best of Upper Keys last year with my beloved Keys Weekly crew and speaking with Travis Pastrana before a stunt are some of the clips I replay in my head. I also have to include carving a pumpkin underwater in Key Largo, which somehow made the news on my dad’s television in New York. I told him, “Yeah, I was part of that group.”
More than anything, the job has given me the opportunity to establish roots in a community with my family. I never knew where the journey would take me as I began my new life in the Keys solo. Today, I live in a beautiful home with my love, Brie, our 11-year-old, Liam, and our energetic 1-year-old, Lucas.
Finally, I wouldn’t be where I am without my hard-working crew at the Keys Weekly Newspapers. From our writers and photographers to our business development team, we are committed to bringing the best news and opportunities to help grow our local businesses in town. After all, we’re all local. And we all care.
