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 Marissa Sivyer. She has worked at the Tackle Box in Marathon for the past eight years. She recently took some time off after giving birth to her daughter.
MARISSA SIVYER
The Tackle Box
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I was born and raised here. Actually, believe it or not, I was born in Big Pine. My mother for some reason decided she wanted an at-home birth so she had me at a midwife’s house down on Big Pine.
What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? I really enjoy doing things in the water. I was born and raised here so it’s home. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in all honesty.
If you were a fishing lure, which one would you be and why? Definitely a Bomber! It’s what I caught my first snook on. They are designed for mimicking natural baitfish and are the best for attracting gamefish.
Have you ever earned any achievement badges (like in girl scouts)? What were they for? I’ve acquired quite a few finisher medals for 5Ks and the 7 Mile Bridge Run. I’ve also won/placed in the Dave Navarro Tarpon Tournament. I received an award for the biggest kingfish in the Poor Girls Tournament. I’m sure there are probably more. I just can’t think of them at the moment. Most are about fishing. I just love it.
If you could travel in time, what time would you pick and why? I’d probably want to be in my early 20s in the 1970s. Life seems like it was much simpler back then.
What modern-day item will be totally archaic in 10 years? Definitely credit cards. Everything will probably be face recognition or something crazy like that.
If you had a band, what would you call it? Cats and Chaos because that is the essence of my life.
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever found? Definitely my friend Rachel. She is strange but I love her!
If you were an animal, which one would best represent you and why? A cat. I’m quite sassy and LOVE napping.
What is something people don’t know about you? I get extremely seasick almost every time I go past the reef. But I still continue to go.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
