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 Kimberly Rock, a Key Largo resident who moved to the Keys after Hurricane Irma. Mom to a 10-year-old son James, who attends Key Largo School, she works as a field coordinator and marketing director at Florida Keys Windows, and is a dedicated community volunteer. A board member of the Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation, Rock is actively involved in the planning of the Light Up Key Largo annual event. Also a board member with Save Alligator Lighthouse, she works to raise money for the lighthouse’s preservation efforts and helps plan the annual Reignite the Light gala.
What drew you to the Keys? I grew up visiting the Keys as my mom and stepdad bought a home here years ago. After Irma, I came to help my sister, who lived here at the time. The people here are amazing. Better sense of community than anywhere else I’ve lived.
What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? I was looking for a stable 9-to-5 job that allowed me to put James, then a baby, in day care, and be home nights and weekends. I started at Upper Keys Marine Construction when it was owned by the DeBrules. Dawn taught me so much, I observed everything and loved the planning challenges.
What do you enjoy most about your work? I love being a part of a project from start to finish.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? I don’t know if I can tell this story. Once we had a package delivered to the office. We didn’t know who it was for but it came to our address. We opened it to find a sex toy along with some accessories. It became an office joke for the day, unexpectedly landing on everyone’s desk. The next day a guy comes to the office saying he had a package delivered here. The receptionist, oh how she kept a straight face with this guy, I don’t know. We were hysterical in the back. She reboxed the item and gave it back. The next day he returned wanting the accessories. Turns out the guy was homeless living in the woods behind the shopping center.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? My grandfather. We were very close and he died when I was in high school. I would love to meet with him now that I’m an adult with a son of my own.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? Time travel. I would go back and visit with my dad who was killed in a motorcycle accident. He was always a happy man. My stepfather was killed in the same way. I miss them both.
Favorite Food? I love food. I don’t know if I could pick just one – steak, gnocchi, pizza.
Favorite movie? “Titanic” with Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. I love going to the movies.
Favorite book? I love to read when I have the time. I prefer historical fiction, pop economics and some biographies.
What are your hobbies? Right now it is working to rehabilitate a 153-year-old lighthouse. It is a massive undertaking and such a rewarding project.
Is there a skill/talent you want to master? I’ve always wanted to learn photography. There are so many aspects to it. Growing up, I loved looking at the photos in National Geographic magazine.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? I’m proud of how I am raising my son.
Do you have any regrets? I’ve learned so much from my mistakes. If not for those experiences and lessons, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
What is the biggest daily challenge you face? Balancing time between work, James and community involvement.
