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 Hollie Flores, who has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 15 years. She is a simple soul who likes nature walks, sunrises and exploring new areas. She tends to live life on the edge, enjoying sky diving, bungee jumping and motorcycling. She has three amazing children.
HOLLIE FLORES
USPS
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve been in the Keys for about a year and a half. I put in a handful of transfers through my job and took the first one I got. I’m not mad about it!
What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? The views, the serenity it brings to my life and definitely the sunsets.
What’s a local business you couldn’t live without? USPS of course!
What is your greatest fear? I’m 100% afraid of heights.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? I would have to say my voice. I love karaoke, but the audience sometimes doesn’t love me.
What is your most marked characteristic? My honesty and having no filter when I’m speaking. I’m definitely the person that says the things others want to say but don’t.
Who is one of your real-life heroes? My sons who both serve in the military. My oldest son is in the Army and the youngest is a Marine.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? I’m kind of living it right now, minus having to work my 9-5. To wake up every morning with the sunrise on the beach – life doesn’t get much better than that.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would have to say a bird. Something about the beauty in a bird flying high and being able to see the world from above is magical.
What’s a habit you’d love to break? Smoking.
What’s something you’re really proud of? My children. Raising them alone was a challenge in itself, working two to three jobs every day and making sure I made it to EVERY sporting event (and there were a lot). They made it easy. Watching them grow into the young adults they are today warms my heart and reassures me that I did a great job.
What is your most treasured possession? I have a locket that was passed down from generations of my great-grandparents.
What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty and honesty. Respect goes a long way in life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never live in the past – always look ahead and walk with your head held high.
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? I’m a total introvert outside of work.
What are your favorite and least favorite smells? My favorite smell is food, and my least favorite is vanilla.
What was in the last Amazon package that arrived? An elf costume.
What’s one of your all-time favorite movie quotes? “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” – Forrest Gump
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?”
Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
