No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are more community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on some 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.
Kyle Dillon is a proud veteran who owns a yard care and maintenance company called Key West Veteran Lawn Care with his friend Paul. (They’re on Facebook under Cheap Lawn Care.)
When he’s not taking care of people’s yards, you may find him catching lobster or sailing. He loves to help out his neighbors whenever he can.
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve been in the Keys since August 2024. I came down here to earn some money painting a house and then ended up having my own yard maintenance company.
Favorite thing about living in the Keys? I love being on the ocean. Sailing and boating on the ocean for the first time in my life has been an incredible experience. How naturally I picked up sailing and being at the helm is amazing.
Best advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of advice I’ve ever given was to just be happy. Do what makes you enjoy life. Be around people who bring you up and avoid negativity. Happiness is a choice. If you cannot change your situation, change your attitude.
What was in the last Amazon package that arrived at your door? My last Amazon delivery was 20 more 6″ charging cords. I wear a battery and my phone in holsters on my hip and when I work I listen to headphones. Without charging my phone while I work my battery would be dead before I’m finished working. I go through those cords ridiculously fast.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, and then have them help you take leaves, who would you pick and why? I think I’d like to meet Thedore Roosevelt. He was a man of decisive action who didn’t shirk from a difficult task. I’m a fan of his statement, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” He bought and finished the Panama Canal, which was very cool.
The title of my autobiography would be … “I’m Not Who I Was.”
What’s your favorite smell? What’s your most-hated smell? I love the smell of bacon. I hate the smell of animal farms.
What’s something you thought adults had figured out, but clearly haven’t? I figured adults had figured out how to act like adults. Be mature and live the ideals they tell kids to practice.
Top 3 bucket list vacations and why? I don’t have a bucket list for vacation spots. I moved around often as a child, so as an adult, I’m happy to make a home and set down roots. But if I fell in love with a woman who wants to travel it would be my heart’s greatest wish to enjoy traveling with her.
What’s something about you people might be surprised to learn? Most people are shocked to learn I had anger issues growing up because I’m so calm and mellow and understanding now.
Know someone in Key West or the Lower Keys who would make a good Neighbor of the Week? Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com and/or mandy@keysweekly.com.
