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 Michael Ingalsbe who is the maintenance director for the Jolly Roger RV Resort.
MICHAEL INGALSBE
Jolly Roger RV Resort
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I moved here about a year and a half ago after spending the last seven years full-time RVing. I’ve been making my way across the country from Maine to Washington so I could take in some of the most beautiful places in the U.S. These days I’m all about fishing, sunshine and enjoying the water.
What are your top three bucket-list trips?
- Thailand – I want to be immersed with the food and culture.
- Alaska – For the scale and beauty and obviously for the fishing.
- New Zealand – Just to see the countryside and experience the Māori culture.
What’s your spirit animal? Definitely an octopus. I’ve always felt a little like an alien in this world, and the octopus is probably the closest thing we have. They can adapt and blend into any environment, which is something I relate to a lot.
If you won the lottery, what would you spend the money on? I’d love to use it to make a real difference in people’s lives, like big random acts of kindness that actually matter. But let’s be honest – I’d also snag a shiny new RV for myself, and of course travel with my girl and buy her something nice.
What is one spice in your cabinet you can’t live without? Black garlic powder. It’s incredible! They age it in a smokehouse, so it adds this smoky, earthy depth that makes everything taste better.
What is a quote or piece of advice that has always resonated with you? People will show you who they are. It’s up to us to believe them.
If you could do something different with your life, what would you do? I’ve actually done it! I walked away from running a roofing company, bought an RV six months later and hit the road. These days, I’m chasing experiences instead of possessions, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What is one food you could eat every day? Seafood, especially crab or lobster. It’s light, tasty and gives me way better energy than heavy food.
What’s the strangest thing in your refrigerator? Homemade mango purée. I love using it for margaritas.
What’s your favorite tool in your tool box? Why? The hammer. Because sometimes the problem isn’t subtle, and neither am I.
What is one thing people don’t know about you? You mean something I’d actually want out there? I guess most people don’t know that if I wasn’t fixing things every day, I’d probably be a chef. I love experimenting in the kitchen and creating new recipes from scratch.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
