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 Donna Jean Stenbach who owns The Salty B vacation rental in Marathon. You may have seen her logo posted around town of a blonde mermaid, which she also has on her boat.
DONNA JEAN STEINBACH
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here?
I moved to the Keys in June of 2021. During COVID I felt very unsettled and needed a quick getaway from the large daycare I own in Cincinnati, Ohio. During the evenings I would walk outside and the wind would just speak to me. I loved the idea of boating all year so I bought a house six months later and haven’t looked back since.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys?
The many adventures on the water. I’ve taken my little boat to the Everglades and as far as the Dry Tortugas. Many, many shenanigans happen in the Keys.
What’s a local business you couldn’t live without?
Irie Island Eats! I love their breakfast bacon.
What is your greatest fear?
I don’t have many fears in life, I have God in my pocket, and knowing that, I fear very little.
Which living person do you most admire?
Definitely Pink.
What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now?
Believe it or not, I’m already watching Christmas movies on Hallmark. I’m that girl.
What’s a talent you wish you had?
I’ve always wanted to sing. Nobody needs to hear that!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
My heart is extremely large and very giving. It often leads to disappointment. I would love to change that.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My freckles and blonde hair.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness for me starts with peace, surrounded by family and friends.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would choose to be my dogs. Nova and Kane have the best lives – I’m jealous of them daily.
What’s a habit you’d love to break?
I have the mouth of a true sailor.
What is your greatest regret?
Buying my condo in Cincy. It’s currently on the market if anyone wants to relocate.
If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
I wish I had bionic hearing, especially for other conversations.
What is your most treasured possession?
My boat. I have a 2022 234 Seahunt Ultra. She’s a beauty!
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and loyalty! I have the best group of hand-picked ladies in my life.
What is your greatest extravagance?
To travel as often as I can.
What’s a simple pleasure that brings you joy?
I enjoy floating at the sandbar with friends and family.
What are your favorite & least favorite smells?
My favorite smell is walking into Kilwins in Key West! My least favorite is definitely chum.
What was in the last Amazon package that arrived?
Velcro strips to secure couch cushions. Dang, I am boring.
What’s one of your all-time favorite movie quotes?
“You can do it all night long.” (“The Waterboy”)
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn?
I’ve had 2 hip replacements in my life. The first was at age 35 (right hip) and then at 54 (left hip).
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
