CHARITY REGINELLI
No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Charity Reginelli who was born and raised in the Florida Keys and is a mom of three. She loves spending her days exploring the Keys’ incredible ecosystems, paddleboarding, snorkeling, gardening and turning everyday adventures into hands-on learning opportunities for her kids. She told the Weekly that faith is the foundation of her home, and she strives to teach her children to choose kindness, value free will, and appreciate God’s creation.
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve called the Florida Keys home my entire life. I was born in Key West in 1982, and my mom actually drove across the old Seven Mile Bridge while she was in labor with me just before the new bridge opened.
If you were given $1 million, what would you do with it? I’d create an outdoor nature and homeschool education center in the Florida Keys where families could learn through hands-on experiences, conservation, gardening and exploring the amazing environment we’re so blessed to have. I’d also make sure my family was secure and give generously to causes that help children and families.
What is the craziest thing you’ve done with your kids as a homeschool parent that taught a life lesson? We’ve paddled out to tiny islands, snorkeled coral reefs and learned lessons right in the middle of nature. One of my favorite things is showing my kids that the greatest classroom isn’t always four walls.
Describe your ultimate day. Coffee at sunrise, paddleboarding with my kids over crystal-clear water, spotting wildlife, a picnic on a little island, snorkeling together and ending the day with fresh food, family and watching the sunset over the ocean.
What is one thing you always have in your purse? Lip balm and probably a random seashell or tiny treasure one of my kids handed me to keep safe.
If you were a flower, what type of flower would you be and why? A sunflower. They naturally turn toward the light, are resilient and bring a little joy wherever they grow. That’s how I try to live my life.
Which living person do you most admire? Mike Card. He took me under his wing at the young age of 16 and has always been there for me, showing me unconditional love and support like I was one of his own.
What is your favorite book, movie or TV show right now? I honestly spend more time reading about health, homeschooling and nature than watching TV, but if I’m relaxing, I love anything that inspires adventure or teaches me something new.
What is your greatest extravagance? Experiences with my kids. I’d much rather spend money making memories than buying things.
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? I’m pretty much an open book, so there aren’t many secrets. People usually either appreciate that I’m willing to speak openly about difficult topics or strongly disagree with me. One thing that often surprises people is that I had my youngest daughter at home in a freebirth. It was one of the most empowering and meaningful experiences of my life, and I cherish the opportunity to have welcomed her peacefully in the comfort of our home, surrounded by the people I love.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
