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 spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Anne Onsgard, known to most as Annie. Just before the eighth grade she moved to the Keys with her parents from Englewood, a town on the west coast of Florida. She attended Plantation Key School and graduated from Coral Shores High School. She lives in Key Largo with her husband Mike, a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detective, and has worked for the Founders Park since 2005. Mike and she met while working together at Founders and married in 2015.
What do you enjoy most about your work? The people. I am a people-pleaser and really vibe on seeing people having a good time. I love giving people a great place to enjoy with great programs. Around the village, they call parks and recreation the “fun” department.
What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? I was living in Broward County and hated it but was looking to get a certification to become a pool lifeguard. No place was offering it so I checked with Founders. I took the weeklong course and was offered a job. I’ve been here ever since, finishing college at FIU while working full-time. I’ve been given so many opportunities to learn and grow here. My career happened so naturally, I can’t see my life any differently.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? My idol, Carrie Underwood. I love her music and that she stays so down-to-earth. I loved her in “American Idol” and love the show. I grew up in musical theater and once actually tried out for the show.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? Fantasy Fest was probably about as weird as it can get. I went about five years in a row in my 20s. You see things you just can’t unsee.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? To make everyone happy. There are so many things in life to complain about. I wish I could get people to realize the need for the power of positivity. Everyone has that power.
Favorite Food? Mexican.
Favorite movie or TV show? I like so many things, I just can’t pick just one.
‘What are your hobbies? Water sports. I love anything on the water including hanging at the sandbar and freediving for lobster.
Is there a skill/talent you want to master? I wish I could get over my stage fright so I could get back on stage. I also would love to learn to play guitar.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? I’m turning 40 in a couple months and I can say I am proud of the impact I’ve hopefully had on the kids. Some of those kids who came to summer camps when they were young later came to work here in their teens. I’ve also been able to bring teams together and work through challenges together.
Do you have any regrets? No regrets. Keep moving forward and don’t look back.
