Profiles with Personality

This "Keys Voices" section was created to allow you to "meet" some personalities of the Florida Keys & Key West and learn, through their stories and comments, about their lives, work, passions and reasons for loving the island chain.

Here you'll find profiles of charterboat captains, artists, chefs and restaurateurs, animal rescuers, musicians and writers, historians, treasure seekers and many others.

The insights of these creative, quirky, independent people offer a window into the environment and culture that make the Florida Keys unique. Each month an individual is featured in our free, e-newsletter called 'Keys Traveler.'

Explore the profiles here, listen to their subjects' "Keys voices" and discover the beauty, history and easygoing lifestyle of the Florida Keys.

Animal Advocates

Marine Mammal Connection Fuels Lingenfelser's Dedication Two decades ago Robert Lingenfelser changed his life, inspired by an emotionally charged stint in the Keys volunteering for marine mammal rescue efforts. To meet the man whose marine mammal connection became a career, click here (November 2009).

Mandy Rodriguez: A Mellow Fellow The guiding spirit behind Marathon's Dolphin Research Center, Armando "Mandy" Rodriguez, calls his work with dolphins a blessing and a gift. To meet this dedicated dolphin advocate, click here (September 2009).

Laura Quinn: Providing Pelicans and Friends A Save Haven Laura Quinn is the quintessential "bird lady," a name she earned over the years since founding the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier. Find out how her unique facility took flight by clicking here (March 2009). Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Laura Quinn passed away at her home Sept. 18, 2010. Her legacy lives on through the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary visitor center.

Making A Dolphin Connection With Cheryl Messenger Cheryl Messenger's work at Dolphin Connection at Hawks Cay Resort includes nurturing and caring for pregnant dolphin, monitoring the growth of their calves via monthly ultrasounds, celebrating as they give birth and watching the calves thrive and grow. Click here to discover her "dolphin connection" (October 2008).

Richie Moretti: Sea Turtle Champion From working on Volkswagens to rehabilitating and releasing injured sea turtles, Richie Moretti has led a diverse and challenging life. To meet the Keys' turtle champion, click here (June 2008).

Mary Stella: Dedicated to Dolphins Given her lifelong love of dolphins and familiarity with the Florida Keys, Mary Stella is a natural to serve as media relations coordinator at Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key in the middle Florida Keys. To "meet" this outgoing woman who delights in dolphins, click here (September 2007).

Authors & Wordsmiths

Corcoran's Tantalizing Tales ... And Tacos For Tennessee He peddled tacos from a three-wheeled bicycle when he first moved to Key West — and Tom Corcoran has never forgotten the irreverent, weird, magical island he discovered from that vantage point. Find out how he became Key West's master mystery writer by clicking here (May 2009).

Lorian Hemingway: Key West Heart The granddaughter of legendary writer and former Key West resident Ernest Hemingway, author Lorian Hemingway fell in love with the Florida Keys in the late 1960s. Learn more about the director of an internationally recognized short story competition based in Key West by clicking here here (September 2009).

Adventurers Beneath The Sea

Stephen Frink: Immersed in Capturing the Underwater World Every day in the water brings a new adventure and a new photo for Stephen Frink. Click here to find out why this world-renowned underwater photographer calls the Florida Keys his home and Keys waters his "office." (January 2011).

Sally Bauer: Diving into Underwater History Sally Bauer, co-founder of the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum, was recently inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame and is dedicated to telling the story of man's quest to explore the undersea world. Click here to "meet" this passionate diving historian. (April 2011)

Amy Slate: Diving Into Her Dream Entering her 31st year in the scuba diving business, Amy Slate has not lost an ounce of her undeniable enthusiasm for diving, ocean preservation or the Key Largo community she has called home since the 70s. To meet this dedicated diver and resort owner, click here (August 2009).

Pam Timmerman: From Key Lime Pies To Celebrity 'Bubble Watchers' Why would 80 Key lime pies be stashed in the freezer at a dive center? Just ask Pam Timmerman, co-owner, with her husband Tom, of Florida Keys Dive Center in Islamorada. Solve the mystery and meet Timmerman by clicking here (August 2008).

Ken Nedimyer: Staghorn Coral's Best Friend At the age of 13, under aquamarine water in a flurry of bubbles where the only noises were his own breathing and the pounding of his heart, Ken Nedimyer fell in love. Click here to discover why the lifelong diving enthusiast has become staghorn coral's best friend (May 2008).

Spencer Slate: Underwater With Psycho And Friends Spencer Slate has been cultivating marine relationships for 30 year, and has developed a passion for extraordinary "friends." Click here to learn more about his Creature Feature dives (October 2008).

Sean Fisher— Driven by Passion and Heritage Sean Fisher was 7 years old when his grandfather, Mel Fisher, discovered a legendary 17th-century Spanish shipwreck in Key West waters — and today, he helps guide an ongoing search for artifacts and treasures. Click here to “meet” this third-generation shipwreck seeker. (November 2010)

Adventurers Above The Sea

Sean Reyngoudt: From Tragedy to Terrific Sean Reyngoudt grew up on Summerland Key fascinated by board sports, but didn't strive for more than recreational enjoyment until he lost his left leg in a forklift accident. Today he's the world's only professional amputee kiteboarder and wakeboarder. Click here to see how Reyngoudt turned his loss into triumph. (March 2011)

Flying With Key West's Fred Cabanas When the fancy maneuvers of an aerobatics instructor caught Fred Cabanas' eye, that set the course for his future career. Click here to meet the Keys' aerobatics adventurer (December 2008).

Karen Thurman: Key West Firecracker Karen Thurman's hospitality career and hospitable nature have led her into some unusual situations. For example, she has costumed herself as an oversized conch shell to greet attendees at trade shows and appear on the Weather Channel. She's also a pyrotechnics expert. Meet the intriguing Thurman by clicking here (March 2008).

The 'Otherside' of Mike and Shana Walsh The average family might spend an afternoon flying a Charlie Brown-style kite, but Islamorada's Walsh family is anything but average. Their family "kiting" afternoons are filled with extreme jumps, twists, flips and other acrobatics on the open water of the Florida Keys. Click here to "meet" kiteboarding entrepreneurs Mike and Shana Walsh. (July 2010)

Keys Historic & Natural Heritage

Henry Flagler: The Railroad Visionary Who Changed the Keys Forever Henry Morrison Flagler never lived in the Florida Keys, but he left a more lasting and valuable mark on the island chain than many lifelong residents. Click here to "meet" the man who built the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad. (January 2012)

Irving Eyster: Preserving Keys History Archeologist Irving Reade Eyster, now age 90, tells the stories of old Florida, the Keys and Key West. His lectures and artifacts remain the most sought-after material chronicling Florida Keys history, and the makings for a much-anticipated museum in Islamorada. Click here to share his story (January 2009).

Love of Nature Inspired A Thriving Career For Bill Keogh Bill Keogh took a childhood love of the outdoors and turned it into a career. Today, he's the owner of Big Pine Kayak Adventure in the Lower Keys — as well as a respected photographer and author. Click here to discover the natural world of Bill Keogh (November 2007).

Jerry Wilkinson: Bringing History Alive Jerry Wilkinson's passion is to uncover as much history as possible in the Florida Keys. Learn why Wilkinson has become one of the area's expert historians by clicking here (November 2006).

Kelly McKinnon: Bringing Youthful Appeal to a Century-Old Island Kelly McKinnon's love of fishing attracted him to the Florida Keys, yet he never dreamed his back door would be three feet from the Atlantic Ocean. "Meet" the executive director of historic Pigeon Key, who mixes youth with a century-old yesteryear, by clicking here. (June 2010)

Lodging, From Laid-Back To Lux'

Harry Appel and Jen DeMaria Share Their Green Lifestyle with Guests Former New Jersey residents Harry Appel and Jen DeMaria are living their "green" dream in the Lower Keys at Deer Run Bed & Breakfast. Click here to find out how these innkeepers went from crowded to quiet — and brought the Lower Keys their premier eco-conscious and fully vegan inn. (February 2011)

The Hospitable Herbert Spiegel Herbert Spiegel approaches life, and his career as general manager of Islamorada's Cheeca Lodge & Spa, the same way — determined to "love it, nurture it and enjoy it." Meet the guiding spirit behind the legendary Cheeca here. (June 2011)

Diane Schmidt: Hotelier at Heart Diane Schmidt's tenure as general manager of the Westin Key West Resort has been filled with memorable moments — like hosting a live broadcast of NBC's top-rated "Today Show" on the property. To meet the gracious GM, click here. (April 2010)

Patti Stanley: The Native Connection Patti Stanley, owner of Island Villa Properties, has provided locations for the film Red Dragon and reality show Platinum Weddings. Meet her by clicking here (July 2008).

Dave Taylor: The Guiding Spirit of Cypress House The snow drove Dave Taylor out of Illinois and brought him to Florida in 1993 because "the wind chill at Chicago O'Hare Airport was 60 below and it was 72 degrees in the Florida Keys," said Taylor, the engagingly friendly innkeeper at Key West's Cypress House. To discover more about Taylor, and the legendary happy hour he hosts at Cypress House, click here (August 2007).

Harriet Stokes: Classic Island Memories Harriet Stokes, only the third owner of Largo Lodge since it opened in Key Largo in the late 1940s, remembers the sleepy years of the Florida Keys. Share her remarkable memories, and learn about her determination to retain the property's Old Florida atmosphere, by clicking here (January 2007). Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Harriet Stokes passed away at her home Sept. 27, 2009. Her legacy lives on at Largo Lodge.

Dixie Brown: Island Ambassador Harold "Dixie" Brown's winning demeanor and smile have been a fixture in the Florida Keys since the late 1980s. Formerly at Islamorada's Cheeca Lodge, the friendly bellman now greets guests and effortlessly assists them with any needs or problems at the Key Largo Grande. Click here to meet this "island ambassador" (October 2007).

Windsurfer Baudoin Found his Moorings in the Keys Hubert Baudoin took The Moorings of Islamorada from a three-unit property decorated with his dorm room furniture to an exquisite, elegant oasis. Click here to meet the windsurfer turned luxury hotel and restaurant owner. (August 2010)

Tropical Tunes

Bobby Nesbitt: All the World's a Stage He has performed for audiences around Europe, starred at a famed San Francisco venue and been the first American singer/pianist to play in the American Bar of London's Savoy Hotel. Nevertheless, Key West keeps calling Bobby Nesbitt home. To meet the acclaimed pianist and entertainer, click here. (January 2010)

Howard Livingston: Keys Tropical Troubador When Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 step onstage to perform their trademark tropical rock, they bring along an unusual "instrument": a 1952 Johnson 5.5-horsepower outboard motor used to blend margaritas for the audience. Click here to learn what inspires Livingston's musical mindset. (November 2008)

Fishing's Finest

Jimmy Johnson: From Football to Fishing in the Florida Keys Jimmy Johnson has had a home in the Keys since just after his second Super Bowl victory. These days, his focus is fishing aboard his 39-foot SeaVee “Three Rings,” named for his three coaching championships. “Meet” the man behind Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill here. (Sept. 2011)

Captain Tony Murphy: The Light-Tackle Limey As well as being a skilled fishing guide, Captain Tony Murphy has created an acclaimed guide service for virtually all types of Florida Keys fishing. He also owns a top Keys fly fishing outfitter known as the Saltwater Angler. To "meet" the multitalented Murphy, click here. (May 2011)

Rick Berry: Keys Rodmaker a "Reel" Hit With Anglers Rick Berry, a longtime Keys resident who owns Key Largo Rods, has designed more than 2,500 fishing rods and is regarded as an innovator in his field. To meet the designer with a passion for angling, click here. (March 2010)

Sandy Moret: On The Fly Sandy Moret has been fly fishing almost all his life, and the passion and drive he brings to teaching and advancing the sport is unequaled. To get to know Moret, the owner of Islamorada's Florida Keys Outfitters, click here. (July 2009)

Chris Robinson: Bartending to Bonefishing Before Chris Robinson became a Lower Keys fishing guide, he co-owned the All-Breeds Hot Dog Pound, tended bar for 18 years at the renowned Louie's Backyard and shared adventures with Jimmy Buffett and "gonzo journalist" Hunter Thompson. For a glimpse of his world, click here. (September 2008)

Skip Bradeen: Busiest Charter Captain On The East Coast Captain Skip Bradeen arrived in the Florida Keys for a two-week vacation on Sept. 23, 1964, in a '64 Chevy Impala — the only new car he's ever owned — and never left. Meet this successful, energetic and charismatic captain, by clicking here. (January 2008)

Robbie Reckwerdt: Something's Fishy In Islamorada Robbie's Marina is an institution in Islamorada. Visitors to the laid-back marina can watch and feed wild tarpon from the dock, embark on fascinating tours, rent a kayak, hire a fishing guide, rent a boat and much more. Find out more about Robbie Reckwerdt, the man who founded the Robbie's dynasty, by clicking here. (July 2007)

Nick Aldacosta: A 'Reel' Raconteur Fishing captain Nick Aldacosta began plying Keys waters at age 3 and opened his own bait shop at 13. He's also a storyteller whose larger-than-life character has even been chronicled in a fictional, salty tale of tournaments. To meet this seafaring spirit, click here. (May 2010)

Charlotte Ambrogio: The Connecticut Castaway It was too windy to go fishing, so Charlotte Ambrogio went real estate shopping instead. Click here to find out how the fishing tournament director got "hooked" on the Florida Keys. (December 2010)

Keys Cuisine & Restaurateurs

Kristie Thomas: A Pioneer Chocolatier Kristie Thomas, the culinary creator behind Key Largo Chocolates, currently is the only chocolatier in the Florida Keys. Click here to "meet" the woman who established Key Largo’s sweetest emporium. (December 2011)

Charlie Wilson: 'Real Food' Restaurateur After calling many countries home and indulging in plenty of "junk food," Charlie Wilson established roots in Key West and opened Help Yourself, offering natural and healthy foods. Click here to see how she's bringing "real food" to the Florida Keys and inspiring people to help themselves. (November 2011)

Jennifer Hammer Dishes Up Island Style At Snook's For Jennifer Hammer, owner of Snook's Bayside in Key Largo, the restaurant business is both a longstanding passion and a family affair. To meet the woman who dishes up "island style" at Snook's, click here. (October 2009)

John Richmond: Piloting The Conch Flyer When John Richmond stopped piloting DC3s to take the helm of a Key West bar and restaurant, his workplace didn't change — he still plies his trade at Key West International Airport. Click here to "meet" the man behind the Conch Flyer (June 2009).

Keys Chefs Blend Island Flair Into Eclectic Gourmet Dishes Culinary artistry is the norm in the Florida Keys, and a select group of gourmet chefs lead the way with innovative cuisine created using fresh local ingredients and a unique flair. Learn their recipe for success by clicking here (February 2009).

Flavors of Key West Inspire Van Aken's Success In 1971, a young Norman Van Aken first tasted caramelized plantains in a little restaurant in Key West. Eating that simple meal was a transforming moment for Van Aken — now an internationally acclaimed chef whose trademark New World Cuisine is based around the vibrant flavors he found in the island city. Meet the chef by clicking here (December 2007).

Gary Graves: Stone Crab King Few people are aware that the stone crabs served at the famous Joe's Stone Crab restaurant in Miami are provided by a commercial fishing operation in the Florida Keys — Keys Fisheries in Marathon. And Gary Graves, owner of Keys Fisheries restaurant and manager of the fishing operation, has been with the business since it began 40 years ago. Click here to meet the Keys' king of crab (May 2007)

Bobby Mongelli: Envisioning Stock Island When Bobby Mongelli looks around the Hogfish Bar and Grill, he sees far more than the funky, quintessentially casual locals' emporium he created overlooking the water in Stock Island's Safe Harbor area. Click here to learn more (October 2006).

Gloria Teague: From Karaoke to Cakes Proving the old adage that a song can change lives, Gloria Teague was forever changed by the James Brown tune "I Feel Good." Find out how Brown's hit led the former dive shop owner to trade in her scuba tank for cinnamon buns here. (October 2010)

Artists & Thespians

Lighthouse Larry: Replicating Florida Keys History "An Islamorada-based artist, known locally as "Lighthouse Larry," has fashioned his passion for lighthouses into creating exact scale replicas of six historical beacons off the Florida Keys. Click here to "meet" the intriguing artist. (February 2012)

Pasta Pantaleo: Cultivating Keys Culture A replica sailfish helped inspire Pasta Pantaleo's creative career and journey from Coney Island to the Florida Keys. Click here to "meet" the renowned Islamorada game fish artist. (October 2011)

Alan Maltz: Capturing the Keys' Essence in Passionate Photography Since 1977, Alan Maltz has indulged his passion for photographing the natural wonders and beautiful eccentricities of the Florida Keys — wandering far off the beaten path with his camera to capture faces, places, lavish or tumbledown houses and hidden haunts of birds and wildlife. To "meet" this master photographer, click here. (July 2011)

Valerie Fecher: Viewing the Keys Through a Camera Lens Nature and the water play a large role in the work of Lower Keys photographer Valerie Fecher, so she often takes off in a kayak right from her property on Big Pine to seek compelling images. To meet the island-inspired shutterbug and longtime Keys resident, click here. (December 2009)

Stacie Krupa: Artist By Nature Islamorada artist Stacie Krupa, a native Floridian, did her time in the Northeast before discovering the lifestyle in the Keys suits her — and her art — far better. Discover that art, which depicts ocean life, animals and people, and incorporates iridescent colors layered with drips and sparkles, by clicking here (March 2007).

Loretta Geotis: Thriving in Theater Love brought Loretta Geotis to the Florida Keys and another passion led her to the Marathon Community Theatre. Click here to meet the woman who stars as general manager of the popular theater (April 2009).

Brian Gordon Sinclair: The Fascination of Being Ernest When Brian Gordon Sinclair looks in the mirror before going onstage, Ernest Hemingway looks back. That's because Sinclair, an award-winning Canadian actor and playwright, has spent the past several years researching, writing and performing one-man explorations into the life of the iconic author, presenting them each July at Key West's popular annual Hemingway Days celebration. Find out what motivates Sinclair by clicking here (June 2007).

Simply ... Unique

Tiny Chihuahuas Live Large at Strike Zone Charters Four engaging Chihuahuas delight divers and snorkelers who visit Strike Zone Charters, a leading excursion business on Big Pine in the Lower Florida Keys. "Meet" the tail-wagging ambassadors, who even have their own shades and life jackets, by clicking here. (August 2011)

Bill Becker: Voice of the Keys For 30-some years Bill Becker, news director at Lower Keys-based U.S. 1 Radio 104.1 FM, has provided a soothing, authoritative presence that appeals to Florida Keys listeners. To meet the "voice of the Keys," click here. (February 2010)

Will Soto: Starring At Sunset He may be 60 years old, but Will Soto still walks a tightrope three evenings a week, juggling and bantering with crowds as the undisputed star of Key West's famed sunset celebration at Mallory Square. Click here to discover what motivates the remarkable Soto (April 2007).

Sushi: Dazzling Drag Diva For viewers of CNN's annual New Year's Eve program anchored by Anderson Cooper, "sushi" doesn't mean a tasty Japanese morsel served with spicy wasabi. Instead, it refers to a spicy Key West drag queen. Click here to find out more about the elegant and widely renowned Sushi (December 2006).

Robert the Doll: Key West's Eerie Icon He stands only three feet tall, but Robert the Doll is internationally renowned for his mischievous deeds, receives letters and e-mails from all over America and has more than a thousand Facebook friends. To "meet" the unusual icon, click here. (September 2010)