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 Jesus Parra, who is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Schmitt. He’s a hard worker, always smiling and sees the glass half full. He loves connecting with people and helping them find their dream homes in the Keys.
JESUS PARRA
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve been in the Keys since 2017. I came here after Hurricane Irma to help with cleanup and rebuilding and instantly fell in love with this place. I grew up in a very similar lifestyle so being here felt like coming home.
What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? There’s a ton of fun stuff to do here, but if I had to pick one thing, it’d be catching the sunset. They’re never the same. I like to sit by the water, talk to God and have my little gratitude moment for the day.
What is the most unusual food you’ve ever eaten? Iguana! My dad served me “chicken” for dinner after a hunting trip when I was 10. I remember running to the bathroom to brush my teeth when I found out it was iguana and not chicken.
What’s a little habit of yours that might surprise people? I actually enjoy ironing my clothes. My dad was in the Navy, so his shirts were always neat and without a wrinkle. I guess that’s something I picked up from him.
What local event or festival do you look forward to every year? The 7 Mile Bridge Run. After years of trying to get in, I ran it for the first time this year and I can’t wait to do it again and again.
If you could change your name to anything would you? Nope! I love my name. Someone once called me Jose in front of a big crowd and now for some people I’m Jose Parra. That works too! Thank you Sam W.!
What’s your favorite way to support the local community? I’m a proud Rotarian. I love being part of something that gives back and supports so many local causes and foundations.
What are your top three bucket list trips?
- I’d like to see the northern lights in Alaska.
- Definitely to kitesurf in Los Roques, Venezuela.
- Have seafood pasta and a limoncello on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
If you could travel back in time and give your younger self advice, what would you say? I’d tell myself, “We don’t experience life, we experience the life we focus on.” It’s my favorite quote. Be careful where you put your energy, it influences how you see and live everything.
What’s one local spot or favorite food you just can’t live without? That’s a tough one but I’d have to say Irie Island Eats for their Pork Belly Irie Bowl and Keys Fisheries – their poke bowl and the view are hard to beat.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?”Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
