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 Mary Beth Harris, a business development officer for Centennial Bank. She lives in Islamorada with her husband Ty Harris, is active in many chambers of commerce and not-for-profit organizations, and serves on the board of the Upper Keys Rotary. In 2025, she was named the club’s Rotarian of the Year.
How long have you lived in the Keys? Seven years.
What drew you to the Keys? My dear, sweet husband accepted a job as the planning director for the Village of Islamorada.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? I’m just not surprised anymore. Every time I think I have seen it all, someone proves me wrong.
What do you enjoy most about your work? The people and giving all I have to the community. I have the opportunity to attend so many events and volunteer at others. I couldn’t do it without the support of Centennial.
What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? I have a finance degree from Stetson University in Deland, Fla. I worked as a teller while going to school so it was a natural career choice. I’ve been in banking since 1987, taking an eight-year break from banking to work in nonprofit management.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Living: Taylor Swift. She has shown herself to be talented and forward-thinking. I’d like to learn more about her planning. Is it organic or strategic? She is brilliant. I also wish I could have one more dinner with my mom.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? I think I already have a superpower: I am a happy person and have the ability to spread joy and give back.
Favorite food? I’m a pasta girl. It’s my comfort food. For dessert, bananas foster. My dad always made the original Brennan’s Restaurant recipe for my birthday every year. The presentation of flaming bananas over ice cream makes me smile.
Favorite movie? I am a huge, diehard fan of Sean Connery and Daniel Craig playing James Bond.
Favorite book? Any book by James Patterson or David Baldacci.
What are your hobbies? Spending time with my family. I gave up smocking and needlepoint when my daughters were young. I used to dress them in smock-style dresses.
Is there a skill/talent you want to master? I don’t have the attention span needed to master anything. I focus all my time on my family, job and community.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? How my children have fared and what they have accomplished in adulthood. Also proud that I have been able to give back to any community in which I lived.
Do you have any regrets? Life is too short for regrets. I noodle on some things but never dwell.
What is the biggest daily challenge you face? Saving time for myself and staying focused. I always think I have more time than I do.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email jim@keysweekly.com.
