“I’m fast and loose and free. If I’m feeling it, I’m happy,” said Jankowski, a certified art teacher with an education background. 

Jankowski is the daughter of an artist and a descendant of Islamorada’s pioneering Pinder and Cothron families. She asks her art students to create five things: a still life, a landscape, a seascape, something with eyes, and glass. Through those exercises, her novice students learn how to use various brushes and mix color. 

The concept behind that teaching technique, according to Jankowski, is that after a student has painted those five subjects — while exploring techniques of light and shadow, color and feeling, materiality and atmosphere — they can learn to paint anything.

Jankowski recently turned over the popular Islamorada studio, Limelight Studios at 151 Morada Way, to youngest daughter Julianne or “Jul,” also a homegrown Keys artist.

Jul is known for re-creating the colorful giant mermaid at the entrance of Islamorada’s Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, and is painting a huge new mural at Three Waters Resort & Marina (also in Islamorada).

Jankowski, whose husband Dave is a contractor, has two other children — oldest daughter Marissa, who works in Nashville’s music industry; and son Edward, a yacht captain out of Ocean Reef in the northern Keys.

Her inspiration and creativity come largely from the Keys.

“My eyes are always looking,” she said. “Here in the Keys, everything you look at is so very beautiful.”

Her motto: “Love your life. Celebrate what’s good. Seek and enjoy the beauty around you. Take care of your family and friends. Stand by your principles.”

Where she dines: Mostly at home with freshly grilled fish, Key limes, avocado, tomatoes and butter. In Islamorada, at Chef Michael’s, Square Grouper, Papa Joe’s Waterfront and the Oceanview Inn & Sports Pub; in Tavernier, at Old Tavernier and Dillon’s Pub and Grill for its grouper Reuben.

Where she explores: “The backcountry is my favorite place to explore. I also love the oceanside and going to Alligator Reef Lighthouse when no one else is there.”

How she relaxes: “Napping makes me a better person. Going out in the boat is delightful, as are cooking and being with family and friends. My life is actually kind of relaxing at this era.”

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“I’m a firm believer that the one thing that makes people come back are experiences,” Vance says.

As the concierge director at The Perry Hotel & Marina on Stock Island, Vance can be found at least six days each week recommending — and booking — personalized experiential activities with his contacts at 72 local companies.

He’s one of only a handful of concierges who owns his own company. Johnny’s Sunset Excursions is contracted to the Lower Keys hotel and about 85% of his clients depart from The Perry’s on-site marina.

Vance, a native of Dayton, Ohio, worked in his family’s home improvement business until age 40. He first came to the Keys to visit a friend in Marathon, decided to move to Key West, and served as a concierge at several venues before founding his own company specializing in watersports.

“In my business we have one shot to get it right — that's what determines if people come back or not,” Vance says. “It's exactly why I love The Perry: big resort amenities with a boutique feel and an unforgettable ambience that makes people want to return.”

Vance isn’t the only concierge in his family; his wife Milena holds that position at nearby Beachside Resort & Residences.

His motto: "On an island with a thousand boat trips, why not ask a local expert?" 

Where he dines: Matt's Stock Island Kitchen and Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island; Milagro Restaurant & Bar and Bagatelle in Key West.

Where he explores: "I'm often invited on boat excursions and tours of all kinds. It's a real job perk for sure. Milena and I always love an opportunity to visit areas just up the Keys. Getting out on the water with The Marathon Mermaid is a great way to see the beautiful area near Sombrero Reef.”

How he relaxes: "Helping visitors fall in love with Key West is my passion. One day per week, I spend with Milena — generally at the pool, walking at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, or sometimes just hanging around the house.”

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Today, Sunset Watersports bills itself as the oldest parasailing company in the country, the oldest established family-owned and -operated Key West watersports company, the operator of Key West’s only dinner cruise, and the oldest jet ski operator in the Florida Keys.

Welter is known for creating the “Do It All Watersports Adventure” with jet skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, lunch, and fun at a watersports playground.

Welter, a fifth-generation native of New York’s Long Island, was a classical bass player who moved to Florida, designed and developed his parasail vessel with a moving platform, and designed many of the company’s current fleet of more than 30 boats.

He discovered Key West after stints of commercial blue crabbing and waiting tables throughout Southwest Florida.

Today Sunset Watersports offers all-inclusive activities, sunset and dinner cruises, jet ski tours, parasailing, kayak, dolphin, sandbar, safari-eco, safari-style and reef snorkel tours; sunset sails, boat rentals, weddings and other on-the-water activities.

The variety of watersports has evolved from Welter’s early years in the Keys, when he hosted island parties with a water platform and barbecued freshly caught fish and lobster from his boat.

Welter, his son Richard and Donnie Kirkpatrick are company co-owners; daughter Sandie, wife Melody and five young grandchildren are all actively involved in Sunset Watersports’ operations.

Welter also actively participates in his “retirement project” at Cow Key Marina and its Stock Rock Café, with fresh seafood, live music, craft beer, a bar and Cow Cream ice cream.

Sunset Watersports’ mission includes striving to foster “an atmosphere where employees can advance and be part of the Key West community, raise families and give to those less fortunate.” 

Adds Welter, “You work hard to do the right thing, and you get what you put into it.“

His motto: “Make it happen. No excuses. Only results.”

Where he dines: Stock Rock Cafe at Cow Key Marina, Roostica on Stock Island, Square Grouper on Cudjoe Key, and Origami and Azur in Key West.

Where he explores: The backcountry, especially Welter Key behind Marvin Key.

How he relaxes: Spending time with his grandkids, boating, RVing, driving classic cars, and going to the family cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

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Tony was born in Italy to a Sicilian mother and American father and was raised there for 22 years. Isis married into Tony’s Italian family and was immediately drawn to the culture and its people. It was their longing for classic Italian fare that led the couple to create and launch the Italian Food Company in Key Largo. 

The restaurant concept began with a handful of recipes passed down from Tony’s mother before the Wrights convinced a Neapolitan pizza chef to join them in the new venture. The rest, as they say, “is history.” Italian Food Company soon expanded into three locations —each with its own personality and variations in the menu. 

Isis and Tony have created a family-like atmosphere that gives their employees the opportunity for growth, while also delivering a dining experience that stands apart from others in the Keys. It’s the reason that families return time and time again. 

The couple is planning to open a new restaurant this fall called Lido 73. The oceanfront dining spot will honor the legacy of its building’s original owners, Tom and Pam Timmerman, while featuring an atmosphere that transports diners to an Italian beach club. “Lido” is the Italian term for a beach club — a summer gathering place for families, friends and tourists. That’s exactly what the Wrights hope their new venture will become: a gathering place where Italy meets the Florida Keys. 

Their motto: “Excellence is a habit. Everything we do has our signature on it. It reflects who we are. As Mother Teresa advised, doing the small things with great love … all of it combines to a habit of consistent excellence.”

Where they dine (other than their restaurants, of course!): At home with their daughters and family. Also, at the Upper Keys’ High Tide for breakfast; Num Thai for sushi and dumplings and soup; and Chef Michaels and Shima for special evenings.

Where they explore: Anywhere that takes them past Islamorada and has the ocean on either side of US Highway 1, enjoying the magic of a 100-mile stretch of islands that reminds them a bit of Venice. 

How they relax: Floating … on their canal on a water trampoline, on the ocean next to Rodriguez Key, on the sandbar — anywhere it’s possible to feel the water and float.

Vaughan Smause’s journey into the nonprofit sector stems from her belief that "one person can make a difference in their community." Her extensive work in disaster response, volunteer recruitment, and fundraising equipped her with the skills to tackle large-scale environmental challenges. Among other positions, she played a crucial role as development officer for the Florida Keys Community Land Trust, helping expand affordable housing efforts while honing her media and donor relations skills.

Reflecting on her path, she said, “When, as a family, we decided to start Plant a Million Corals, it was as if my career trajectory had been quietly training me for the needs of this organization.”

The idea for Plant a Million Corals emerged from the Vaughans’ deep connection to the ocean and their commitment to protecting its fragile ecosystems.

"The ocean has always been a part of me. My father, being a marine biologist, truly shaped almost every aspect of my young life," said Vaughan Smause. "I grew up with morning fishing trips on the Indian River Lagoon with my dad before school, and surfing and sailing after class and on weekends. The ocean has always been there to calm me down and bring me back up."

Her father’s groundbreaking discovery of coral micro-fragmentation technology, Vaughan Smause explained, became the foundation of their work. Collaborating with marine scientists and environmentalists, they founded the organization to address the alarming decline of coral reefs.

"There were already amazing research institutions and organizations working on restoration, but there wasn’t a large-scale cultivation program with goals to make coral restoration affordable,” she said. “As a family, we knew this was something we could work together to achieve."

Vaughan Smause’s husband, who has a background in commercial diving and construction, joined the team after the program’s inception — making it even more of a family effort.

What motivates Vaughan Smause most is seeing the impact their work has on others.

“Everyone knows that coral reefs, here in the Keys and around the world, are in trouble,” she said. “But when I can tell someone that not only is there hope for our reefs, but that change can happen in their lifetime, the relief and joy is palpable.”

She finds great satisfaction in sharing Plant a Million Corals’ message of hope and seeing how it resonates with people.

The organization’s goal is to produce one million corals annually for the Florida Reef Tract by the end of 2025. Additionally, Plant a Million Corals offers coral restoration workshops to train participants in coral husbandry, reproduction, disease mitigation and more.

“We want to make coral restoration affordable, accessible and scalable,” Vaughan Smause said.

As Plant a Million Corals works toward its goal of restoring reefs, she remains steadfast in her belief that small, collective actions can drive significant change. In addition, she’s hopeful that the organization’s work will inspire others to get involved in environmental conservation.

Her advice?

“Volunteer! There are so many organizations that benefit from community involvement,” Vaughan Smause said. “No matter what capacity you are looking to help in, there will be a role for you.”

Her motto: “If you show people kindness in everything you do, you will get it back tenfold from the most unexpected places.”

Where she dines: South of the Seven and the Square Grouper for a wonderful night out near home. The Waterfront Brewery in Key West to take in the harbor and feel the pulse of the island city.

Where she explores: Anywhere on the ocean — diving, paddleboarding or just taking the boat to a sandbar.

How she relaxes: “My favorite thing is to spend time with my husband, our pup Bela and our friends and family on the water. Any day spent with the sun on my face and salt on my skin is a good one.”

Rodriguez is the patriarch of 27 dolphins, ages 2 to 50; eight children and five grandchildren; and a staff of nearly 100.

“We don’t own our dolphins; they’re our partners,” he said.

In 1984, Rodriguez and his late wife Jayne acquired Santini’s Porpoise School on Grassy Key, nicknamed the “Flipper Sea School,” where the hit movie “Flipper” was filmed.

A native Cuban, Rodriguez came to the United States at age 10. He enlisted in the Marines at 19, spent 10 months in Vietnam and returned to the U.S. with post-traumatic stress disorder. Today he’s instrumental in providing Wounded Warriors opportunities to swim with dolphins in the Middle Keys.

For Rodriguez, nurturing and training bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and two giant African spurred tortoises is “a healing process. To me every day is precious.”

Each of the dolphins, he said, has its own “dolphinality.”

The oldest, Tulsi, nicknamed “Super Mom,” is the daughter of two dolphins that starred in the original “Flipper.” Her 51st birthday is in November.

Currently DRC is undergoing an expansion to a total of six acres. A new sea lion habitat is scheduled for completion by September 2025.

“As I grow, DRC is also growing, learning better and new ways to educate the public about these amazing animals,” Rodriguez said.

A Marathon resident in his mid-70s, he typically can be found at DRC at least five days per week.

But in reality, he said, “I haven’t worked a day in my life.”

His motto: “My father always said that when you hear a violin play, most people hear the music. Only one person knows — and that’s the person who built the violin — what’s inside that violin.”

Where he dines: King Seafood Market & Restaurant in Marathon for its seafood and Cuban food.

Where he explores: “I’m still finding out new things at Dolphin Research Center; it’s my best exploring place.”

How he relaxes: Hanging out with his kids, fishing and playing in the water.

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The colorful and popular brewery opened 10 years ago in the Morada Way Arts District.

Its newest IPA (India Pale Ale) brew, Spiny Lobster, is flavored with tropical fruit and launched a year ago.

“It smells so good. It’s created with flavors from the hops, citrus and tropical fruit,” said McBay, who hails from Canada’s Toronto area.

He met Cheryl at Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill, where she worked, after traveling from his then home in Florida’s West Palm Beach to Islamorada on a fishing trip getaway.

McBay credits the craft brewery’s success to “a great product. We have a great atmosphere and people just gravitated toward us,” he said. “We put everything we had into it. It’s a real ‘Keysie’ environment.”

Craig and Cheryl’s 10-year-old twins, Arlo and Rose, enjoy assisting their parents with tasks such as washing dishes and canning.

For the future, the couple plans to continue developing new flavors and styles to brew, as well as ways to improve the beer garden and streamline the brewing process.

Their motto: “‘Go big or go home.’ This was instilled into Cheryl from an early age by her father Marvin. It has always guided us well.”

Where they dine: Marathon Bagel Co. for Sunday breakfast. Tacos Jalisco (at the brewery’s beer garden) for lunch or dinner. Lazy Days in Islamorada for a nice dinner out. Bongos when they’re passing through Marathon.

Where they explore: Beaches and snorkeling, looking for shells or other treasures. The kids have great eyes for rare shells.

How they relax: “Spending time as a family is our favorite way to relax. It doesn't matter where we are or what we're doing, as long as we're together.”

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That same year, father Michael opened his own restaurant.

“I followed in his footsteps. I started as a bus boy and in the dish pit,” the younger Ledwith recalled. “I enjoyed working there and my father trained me.”

Fresh nightly seafood selections at Chef Michael’s might include lionfish, snowy grouper, sea scallops, tripletail, yellowtail snapper or hogfish.

When not in the kitchen, Ledwith spends time taking road trips, paddling in Keys waters and is “addicted to pickleball.”  

In addition, he likes to swim with his four-year-old daughter Adeline — who is taking swimming lessons from the same woman who taught Ledwith to swim.

Ledwith also enjoys private catering and plans to maintain the exceptional and delicious dining standards at Chef Michael’s.

His motto: You cannot see your reflection in boiling water. Similarly, you can't not see the truth in a state of anger. When the water is calm, clarity comes. 

Where he dines: Bad Boy Burrito and Bayside Gourmet in Islamorada; City Hall Cafe & Wine Bar in Tavernier.

Where he explores: Keys paddleboarding trails and mangroves. In other states, to see how their nature is different from that in the Florida Keys. 

How he relaxes: With my daughter, at a pool or the beach. Listening to music. And sometimes just taking a drive somewhere. 

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With an extensive background in photography, Nick honed his craft by shooting weddings and bands before moving to Key West in March 2010 to “start fresh in paradise.” Not really knowing anyone, he waited tables and tended bar at waterfront emporiums.

That led to meeting local entrepreneur Chris Shultz and becoming part of the creative scene centered around Shultz’s craft beer bar, The Porch. Nick subsequently embraced local event photography, which opened many doors and enabled him to live and express himself artistically.

“Seeing the connectivity on this island makes me happy,” Nick said. “We live in a ridiculously unique place where our shared experience is fostered by the small degree of separation between friends and strangers on this island. That curates a creative and healthy place to call home.”

Recently Nick was asked to take part in a Key West celebrity drag competition called Miss Island Queen to raise funds for Samuel’s House, a local organization focused on helping women, children and families with housing and basic needs.

In Key West’s openhearted “One Human Family” style, he and five other contestants amassed over $113,000. Nick himself raised some $32,000 of that total, earning the 2024 crown.

His motto: “The best camera is the one you have with you.”

Where he dines: Key West hotspots Azur, Kojin Noodle Bar, Atlas Izakaya, and Blackfin Bistro for “their mind-blowing smoked gouda wagyu burger.”

Where he explores: While he’s discovered many secret gems as a Florida Keys photographer, favorite spots include offshore sandbars and the hidden “jumping bridge.”

How he relaxes: With his wife working on their home, playing with their dogs and spending time with close friends.

While working for the Mandarin Oriental in New York City, Laura was offered the position by her friends Raul Diaz and Orlando Torres, who own Alexander’s — and she found herself trading life in the big city for life in Key West.

An ally for the LGBTQ community with a true talent for hospitality, Laura elevated the LGBTQ bed and breakfast into a welcoming boutique-style guesthouse where guests from all walks of life can feel at home.

“Life is really good,” said Laura, a Florida native who grew up in Miami. “It’s not without its ups and downs, but I would rather go through anything right here where I am in Key West — with its bright sunshine, sparkling ocean, great food and friends that are wonderful.”

Her positive energy seemingly affects everyone she encounters. And though she has traveled all over the world, Laura admitted that island life suits her best.  

“It’s not just a location, it’s a frame of mind,” she said, “where connections with people are the most fulfilling.”

What words does this engaging woman live by? And where are her favorite spots to dine, explore and relax?

Her motto: “Book the ticket, buy the bikini, never look back.”

Where she dines: El Siboney for Cuban food, Sandy's Café for picadillo and La Trattoria Oceanside for the Spaghetti Bolognese.

Where she explores:  Key West’s hideaway Dog Beach, where she enjoys gourmet picnics with friends while watching dogs frolic in the water.

How she relaxes: At home with her husband Haig, visiting with friends, and walking along Atlantic Boulevard to enjoy the sunshine sparkling like diamonds on the water.

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Adam, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and Camron, born in West Jordan, Utah, will celebrate their 17th anniversary in September. Adam plans to retire from the military in August.

The two of them have grown to love Key West and its people, and say they can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Camron earned his degree in Marine Resource Management from the College of the Florida Keys and works for the Navy doing corrosion and materials survivability research.

While attending college, Camron was hired as a bartender and house manager at The Studios of Key West, a community cultural organization whose offerings include exhibitions, performances and workshops.

Impressed by the organization, he and Adam wanted to get more involved. They fell in love with the Studios’ “Glow Hour” — a weekly free-admission sunset gathering at the open-air rooftop terrace called Hugh’s View. Their promotional efforts and hard work earned it the designation of “Best Rooftop Happy Hour on the Island” by the local publication Our Keys, announced in February 2024.

“Glow Hour,” an opportunity for Key West residents and visitors to meet their friends and connect with new ones, raised over $32,000 for the Studios during the 2023 season.

Adam and Camron’s motto: “Personal growth flourishes from finding comfort in being uncomfortable.”

Where they dine: Point 5 or Kaya Island Eats.

Where they explore: Old Town Key West for its breathtaking architecture.

How they relax: Watching the sunset at Hugh’s View at The Studios of Key West.

Aviles was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University’s former Miami campus and earned a master’s degree in Athens, Greece. Now 43 years old, he brings an extensive culinary background to his position as Nine One Five’s executive chef.

Before beginning his tenure at the gracious Duval Street eatery, Aviles demonstrated his professional skills at local establishments including the Key West Yacht Club, La Te Da, Martin’s and Island House Resort, where he was head chef. Today, he’s happy to be bringing new energy to the Nine One Five team.

When he’s not at Nine One Five or dreaming up dishes to delight restaurant patrons, the master chef enjoys easygoing activities and simple pleasures that enrich his Florida Keys lifestyle.

His motto: “Pura Vida” or “pure life,” which is both an all-purpose phrase and a laid-back philosophy in his birthplace of Costa Rica.

Where he dines: Geiger Key in the Lower Keys, for the energy and views.

Where he explores: Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys.

How he relaxes: Taking his dog for walks on the beach and watching the beautiful Key West sunsets.

She’s a world-renowned fire dancer, belly dancer and flow artist who’s traveled to over 45 countries and performed around the globe.

Featured on CNN during Key West’s recent New Year’s Eve celebration, the lithe dancer is a principal performer at Follow The Rabbit Bar and a member of the Jester’s Guild fire team in the southernmost island city.

A graduate of Iowa State University who majored in graphic design, Kavallieros worked on a corporate sports company’s in-house creative team in Chicago for six years before an adventurous friend convinced her to move to Thailand to teach English.

In Thailand, she discovered the art of fire spinning, calling it “love at first sight,” on the island of Koh Phi Phi in the Andaman Sea off Phuket.

The fire called to her “like a moth to a flame,” she said. After a group of male performers mocked her, a young Thai female fire dancer agreed to teach her the intricate techniques and performance skills of working with fire.

During an Iowa visit, Kavallieros told her parents she was returning to Thailand to perform as a fire dancer at beach bars for the equivalent pay of $13 per night. Distraught, her parents thought their daughter had “lost her mind,” but later became her biggest fans.

She’s worked with UNICEF and dozens of circus performers from around the globe, and is disciplined in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, gymnastics, interpretive, ballroom and belly dance and Greek and Latin cultural styles.

She’s been a member of the Turkish touring fire team Eternal Inferno and the fire team Flow of Fire in Berlin, Germany. In Cambodia she founded the Fireflys fire team.

But Kavallieros’ life in Berlin during the pandemic-era lockdown was claustrophobic, so she returned to Iowa to reconnect with family.

She discovered Key West on a three-month road trip, driving and camping out of her parents’ SUV through the nation’s western and southern coasts. On arrival in June 2021, Kavallieros was immediately offered the opportunity to perform as a fire dancer at Mallory Square.

Currently, Kavallieros creates event entertainment for corporate groups, meetings, weddings and bachelorette parties; teaches fire performance and belly dancing; and is a professional model for body paint artists and photographers.

She’s also on the board of directors of the Key West Cultural Preservation Society that manages the famed Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. She practices reiki and yoga, and meditates daily.

Her motto: “Be the kind of soul whose light doesn't have an off switch.”

Where she dines: Pho King Awesome Sake & Noodle Bar, Santiago's Bodega, La Grignote and the Red Shoe Island Bistro.

Where she explores: The hidden gems of the Keys. “Whether checking out the mangroves, parks, scuba diving sites, fishing spots, stores, restaurants or new hangouts, it NEVER gets boring for me here!” 

How she relaxes: “By spinning fire! This is the best way for me to relax, unwind and connect with myself.”

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Mother Ocean, which also could be called an adult mariner’s candy store, is full of colorful useful finds for everything “Keys” — often at negotiable prices.

Located at 103300 Overseas Highway bayside (mile marker 103.3 bayside) in Key Largo, Mother Ocean is recognizable by its giant pink octopus, crafted from debris and perched atop the building’s bright turquoise awning.

Out back, the ramshackle 10,000-square-foot property is crammed with two large white tents and four trailers stuffed full of used and new merchandise including boat coolers, life vests, tools, marine-related art and memorabilia, upholstery, fishing rods and tackle. Inside, every corner is filled with Keys treasures for bargain hunters.

“It’s not a scrapyard; it’s a fun store where people can get honest opinions,” Micciche said. “Things are hidden in every corner.”

Micciche moved to the Keys a few years ago from Atlanta, where he was studying to become a certified financial professional. Seeking a change, he also wanted to spend time with his entrepreneurial father, who settled in the Keys in 2013. 

“I switched career paths,” Micciche said. “Everything just worked out.”

Longtime clientele can still visit with Mother Ocean founders and former owners Reuven and Lysa Benami, who work part time at the store.

“I love our customers: people who live on a sailboat to people who made the Keys what they are today,” Micciche said. “I love being able to help people save a couple of bucks.”

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay is a Mother Ocean regular who purchased a Boston Whaler as well as marine and fishing gear at bargain prices.

“It’s a must for anybody who is into boating, fishing or diving,” Ramsay said of the store. “You can buy stuff there that can be up to a quarter of the price of (something) new.”

Ramsay, other locals and even frequent Keys visitors also bring their gently used marine gear to Mother Ocean to sell. They know that there is a constant stream of customers coming through the store and that it can be easier than trying to liquidate their no-longer-needed boating equipment through online shopping platforms.

"When my wife is tired of seeing my fishing and boating stuff lying around the house, I usually bring it here," said a customer who preferred not to be identified. "The problem is that when I come here to sell, I usually end up buying something I 'really' need."

Mother Ocean is normally open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for major holidays.

Micciche and wife Halle live in Islamorada and are expecting their first child in April.

His motto: “Work hard. Play hard.”

Where he dines: Num Thai in Key Largo.

Where he explores: Florida Bay and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How he relaxes: “Spending time with my wife, family and friends. Either on the boat, playing pool or watching sports.” 

Peterson is to “drop” in a giant glittering red high-heeled shoe at the stroke of midnight, landing on a stage on famed Duval Street, in one of Key West’s warm-weather takeoffs on New York City’s New Year’s Eve “ball drop.”

The energetic, witty performer promises some unique entertainment during the internationally recognized Key West drop.

A native of Canada, Peterson credits the launch of his career to winning the title of “Mr. Alternate” in 1984 in Vancouver.

“I was born this way,” he said. “I started acting at age 14. I later learned you can make a living living as a man but dressing as a woman.”

Peterson first developed his iconic EYECONS show in 1992. It subsequently evolved until it became today’s humorous one-man show that he performs three nights each week at the La Te Da cabaret at 1125 Duval St.

He impersonates ladies known by their first names: Marilyn, Carol, Reba, Patsy, Joan, Bette (both Midler and Davis), Tina, Barbra, Liza and Judy, Lucy and Cher — as well as Lady Gaga and others. During his show, Peterson becomes one EYECON after another without skipping a beat, changing attire right in front of his audience during the 70-minute performance.

His motto: “I was a Boy Scout, so always be prepared.”

Where he dines: “Mainly at home. But if not there, of course at Christopher Rounds’ La Te Da restaurant. In the last 25 years, I’ve eaten at every Key West restaurant at least twice.”

Where he explores: When friends are in town, the Butterfly Conservatory, Mallory Square, all up and down Duval Street and occasionally Geiger Key.

How he relaxes: At home with dog Ben, a bag of chips and a bad movie.

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The couple launched their Cruisin’ Tikis Key Largo venture in 2019 after moving to Key Largo from Ann Arbor, Michigan, three years earlier.

Cruisin’ Tikis accommodates six passengers on a Tiki and operates 90-minute daily trips and two-hour sunset journeys. Passengers can bring their own beverages and enjoy an onboard sound system while cruising calm, nearshore waters.

Cornell oversees marketing and is a mortgage broker, while Laurie manages operations.

“It’s a novelty and something different for guests to do,” Cornell said. “Many people visiting the Keys don’t ever get out on the water. We take out families and friends. On the Tikis, guests can see dolphins, manatees and many species of birds.”

The thatched-roof motorized party boats feature a middle circular seating area and can be booked for birthday parties or anniversaries; parties celebrating retirement, engagement or bachelor and bachelorette events; corporate retreats or even weddings. Two boats, each with a licensed captain, can accommodate up to 12.

Options include Tiki Fun, sunset and night cruises on motorized Tiki vessels.

The thriving business has been “real good to us,” Cornell added.

His motto: “Every cruise is important. We leave our troubles at the dock for an hour and a half.”

Where he dines: Lazy Lobster in Key Largo.

Where he explores: Everglades and the Florida Bay.

How he relaxes: Scuba diving and watching sunsets on the Tiki boat!

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Popular fare includes local Rosefish fried whole with Thai chile sauce, Tomahawk steaks, and drunken rum cake topped with toasted coconut and fresh cream.

Kapsalis utilizes the freshest local products. “For instance, when I can get four types of grouper or snapper, I'll prepare a flight,” he explained. “Our whole fried soft lobster and fish collars are sought-after menu options.”

Kapsalis grew up in Clearwater, Florida, and is a graduate of New York’s Culinary Institute of America. He’s cooked at New York City’s James Beard House; the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina; and the Inn at Blackberry Farm, a Relais Chateaux property in Walland, Tennessee.

He also directed food service at Earth Fare supermarkets in Asheville and was executive chef at Highland Lake Inn in Hendersonville, North Carolina, where he and Kubik met. Moving back to Florida in 1998, the couple opened Green Springs Bistro, operating it for nearly two decades on Tampa Bay.

As part-time Lower Keys inhabitants, Kapsalis and Kubik were known for cleanup and feeding residents after 2017’s Hurricane Irma. The couple, asked to conceptualize a restaurant at Sugarloaf Lodge, opened South of the Seven in April 2019.

Chef Paul’s motto: “Find the best and freshest ingredients. Treat them with love and respect.”

Where he dines: Miso Happy and Atlas Izakaya in Key West. Chico's on Stock Island. At friends’ homes and on the water.

Where he explores: The salty sea.

How he relaxes: In the kitchen and on the water. “In the Keys, we’re all bonded by water.”

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Where she dines: Breakfast at Harpoon Harry's for corned beef hash and eggs and a perfect café con leche. Lunch at Key Plaza Creperie for a tuna salad wrap and homemade soup. Dinner at El Siboney Restaurant for Cuban cuisine or at Blackfin Bistro for mussels.

Where she explores: "If there is a train, plane or automobile leaving, I want to be on it! I love traveling the world."

How she relaxes: "I love exploring our beautiful island by bike or kayak!"

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