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 Jodie Cerra, who serves as the executive director of the Islamorada-based Florida Bay Forever, a nonprofit founded in 2016 to increase awareness of the issues affecting Florida Bay. Raised in West Palm Beach, she graduated from Florida State University with degrees in psychology and English. She earned certifications in Project WILD and Aquatic WILD through the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. She lives in Tavernier with her husband Ray, maintenance director at Theater of the Sea, and their sons, Bamboo and Orion.
How long have you lived in the Keys? Almost 20 years.
What drew you to the Keys? I applied for internship opportunities and was selected for two, one at SeaWorld in Orlando and one at MarineLab in Key Largo. It was a hard decision to make, but I decided to lean into science and go to the Keys. I met a local, married and here I am raising a family and doing work I am passionate about.
What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? A desire to make a difference. As my kids got older and I was done homeschooling, I wanted to find a job where I could be paid for saving the ocean. I was originally hired as the education director. When the previous director left, I built on my background as an educator and nature lover to become the ED.
What do you enjoy most about your work? I’ve loved every minute of this work. My father was an educator for 40-plus years and heavily influenced me. I love being able to talk with people of all ages while teaching them about our unique environment.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? In my 20s, I was coming out of Coconut’s bar and ran into people who sold bonds to get people out of jail. They needed a ride to their hotel so I gave them one. We got to talking and they invited me to the hotel bar for a drink. The very next day, I got a flat tire while driving and guess who saved me — the people I gave a ride to.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Definitely my grandma. I have so many questions for her now that I am older and raising a family.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? Eliminating the use of plastics.
Favorite food? Lobster, seafood and fish.
Favorite movie/book? The 1947 classic children’s book, “Good Night Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. My mom and mother-in-law often read this book to my boys. I love the image of the moon over the ocean and the generational feel-good vibe of the book. I love that it connected my kids to the outdoors.
What are your hobbies? Raising my kids and working for Florida Bay. I love diving and being on the water. It is my peaceful place. I also write and draw for my own enjoyment.
Is there a skill/talent you want to master? Self-confidence.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? Knowing I can do pretty much anything I want if I set my mind to it. I work toward a goal and accomplish it. I hope to inspire this in my kids as well.
Do you have any regrets? I wonder how things might be different if my decisions were different, like if I choose SeaWorld. I have no regrets, only try to learn how I could have done better and use those lessons to do better.
What is the biggest daily challenge you face? Fundraising. Everything goes back to funding.
