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 lifelong resident Willie Mitchell of Key Largo, who attended Plantation Key School and Coral Shores High School while growing up. The 60-year-old is co-owner, along with his brother Jeffery, of Mitchell’s Septic Tank, a spin-off of the Enos Mitchell’s Septic Tank started by their father, the late Enos Mitchell. Willie was a basketball standout for CSHS and one of the top-rated in Florida at the time.
How long have you lived in the Keys? My entire life.
What keeps you in the Keys? I love it here. I grew up boating and fishing, now I have a speed boat I love. I am still playing basketball here too.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? Years ago, we were digging up a property on Plantation Key to install a septic system for the homeowner. While digging, we unearthed the ashes of the homeowner’s husband in a box urn. It was definitely the weirdest thing we ever saw and the woman had forgotten she buried the ashes in the backyard!
What do you enjoy most about your work? Since my brother handles most of the pumpouts, I get to work with the restaurants and school district on annual contracts, among others.
How did you get out of doing the pump work? I’m the pretty one! (Laughing and displaying his epic smile) I help when needed running the excavator.
What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? My dad. I worked a couple restaurant jobs in high school, including at the Pilot House, but stayed with my dad.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? My dad for sure. He’s been gone about two-and-a-half years now. Also, my grandmother and late son. I regularly have lunch or dinner with my daughter and son.
If you had a super power, what would it be? Bring my father back. He taught us so much and was such an example. He was one of 17 children in his family and helped raise his siblings. Despite having no education, he built a very successful and sustaining business.
Favorite Food? Seafood. I love lobster, shrimp and fish. I typically take it to local restaurants to cook, but I do know how to cook.
Favorite movie? Any Bruce Lee movie. I love action-packed movies.
What are your hobbies? I like to work on boats and speed around in my race boat. I also go to all the boat races.
Is there a skill/talent you want to master? I’ve already mastered it — staying happy. I like to get along with everyone and I love giving hugs to people.
Do you have any regrets? Yes. Not pursuing going to college. As a stand-out basketball player, there would have been scholarship offers. I should have pursued those opportunities. I stayed to work with my dad.
What is the biggest daily challenge you face? None.Any travel plans for 2026? Yes, I’m taking my 87-year-old mother, Oralee, to Italy. It is her dream to go there and we are going in the fall.
