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 Dawn Paderick, who is a happy hippie originally from North Carolina living the gypsy lifestyle in the Keys as an Uber and Lyft driver.
DAWN PADERICK
What brought you to the Keys? Jan. 3 marked five years in the Keys. I love the constant warm weather and being surrounded by the ocean.
What’s a local business you couldn’t live without? Definitely Broil for the ambiance, impeccable service, amazing owner and staff. It has the most scrumptious food and is by far my favorite.
What is your greatest fear? With God as my protector, fear is minimal in my life.
Which living person do you most admire? I admire my mom the most. She is an angel walking on this earth. She is the strongest, most gentle, caring, loving and humble woman I know.
What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? “The Watcher” was the last thing I binge watched.
What is your greatest extravagance? Traveling is most definitely my extravagance. The money flows and goes, but memories are priceless.
What’s a talent you wish you had? Learning to play guitar is a talent I want to master.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be an octopus. They’re so mysterious – majestic, smart and beautiful creatures of the sea.
What’s a habit you’d love to break? I would have to say my potty mouth. Bartending for years tends to do that to ya.
What is your greatest regret? My greatest regret is not having the tools, knowledge and self awareness of my inner strengths and ability to overcome obstacles of life at a much younger age.
What is your current state of mind? I am at peace with my mind, body and soul on this journey and path currently. I’m happy with my life right now and the goals I have set for myself.
What is your most treasured possession? My most treasured possessions are my faith, family and friends. Without them, life is just mundane.
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? I was ejected out of my vehicle years ago and walked away with just a few bruises, some road rash and two black eyes. This all happened right before Halloween, might I add, so you can imagine my costume.
What are your favorite & least favorite smells? My favorite smells are mama’s home cooking, the ocean and patchouli. My least favorite smells are flood waters.
What’s one of your all-time favorite movie quotes? “Bye Felicia” is my all-time favorite from the original “Friday.”
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
