to open Island Style - Unwind - March 2016

IslandStyle
By:
ESSENTIALS
LOCAL FASHION
page 8
Theater
Key West
Set
Design
THEATER
SET DESIGN
Florida Keys
WEDDING
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SET DESIGN
DRAG QUEEN TRANSFORMATION
March 2016
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this issue
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Catch up on past
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Craft B
LOCAL BREWERS
TAPPING KEYS MARKET
10 MILE
KEYS CRAWL
LOCAL PROFILE
Chef Otten's 2¢
page 22
Cause & Effect
VOLUNTOURISM
COOKBOOK
ESSENTIALS
HARVESTING
THE SEA FOR SALT page 15
REWIND: Historic Key West Cooking
AUTOCROSS
NEED FOR SPEED
page 36
January 2015
CAMPING
ESSENTIALS
CAMPING
ESSENTIALS
HISTORIC
SHIPWRECKS
FISHING
ESSENTIALS
+
RECORD
DRY TORTUGAS
A Sportfishing Mecca
CATCHES
MM
60-70
10 MILE
KEYS CRAWL
KEYS CRAWL
SKYDIVING: HIGH ABOVE THE KEYS
8
Essentials: Fashion Forward
11
Local Flavor: Drag Queen Fraternity
16
Southernmost Appeal: Ready, Set, Design
26
Island Charm: Keys Nuptials
36
Island Charm: Ringing with Decisions
42
Essentials: Tattoo Art
Publisher’s note:
As in nature, there are varying degrees of change and
evolution that occur naturally. In almost the same way a
caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, unwind magazine is
spreading its wings and delving deeper into Keys lifestyle
features than it ever has before.
This issue of unwind is actually titled “Island Style”. It could
just as easily be titled, “Transformation”, as it’s the next step in
our magazine’s evolution.
We explore style and design in completely new ways, from
the Drag Queen scene and what it takes to transform from
’man on the street’ to primetime diva. We also look at how Key
West theaters prepare to launch that new comedy or musical
and all that goes into a set transformation.
Finally, a look inside Island style would not be complete
without covering the many ways a couple can get married here in
paradise, from the more traditional to the far more extreme. And
we also share how local jewelers can convert an idea or a feeling
into that most cherished symbol of love—the wedding ring.
Hope you love this slight detour, enjoy the ride it takes you
on, and remember, always find time to unwind!
If you have feedback, photos or ideas for future issues, please
send them to: [email protected]
Enjoy!
March 2015
SHARK
TAGGING
SUMMER FISHING
TOURNAMENTS
page 15
REWIND:
DANIELS
FAMILY
LEGACY
June 2015
THE FLORIDA KEYS
A Special publication produced by the
Keynoter Publishing Company
First Place
Florida Press Associations
2014 Annual Awards for
Community Newspapers in
Florida with 7,000-15,000
weekly circulation.
Publisher: Richard Tamborrino
Creative Director: Emily Pulis
Sales & Business Development Manager: Valerie Serra
Advertising Coordinator: Joanne Pulis
Production Manager: Todd Swift
Contributing Writers: Ellen White, Jana Vandelaar,
Nada Khalaf-Jones
unwindFloridaKeys.com | 305-743-5551
P.O. Box 500158, Marathon, FL 33050
Cover Photo: Greg Poland Photography
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2016
SANDALS
A true Keys classic, Kino Sandals
have been hand-crafting a variety
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their shop on the corner of Greene
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watch the “Sandaleros”, the old world
sandal makers, work diligently at their
trade. Browse their 20+ styles and
relish the fact that not only are they
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style pictured, Kino Sandals in
Key West, kinosandals.com
COPPER PATINA
The gorgeous hand-made
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OceanGirlDesigns is definitely envy
worthy. Inspired by the colors and
shades of the ocean, the earrings
are 100% copper. Some patina might
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$65, The Banyan Tree in Islamorada,
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FISH PRINTZ
"When your boys hand
you fish, make prints."
Big Pine's Kim Wallen, of
KDub Designz, definitely
implements her motto with
style. She creates “Fish Printz”,
a take on the traditional Japanese
Gyotaku (Gee-oh-tah-koo) printing technique,
with local fish her husband and 3 boys catch
and spear. Each one is an original print
that she hand appliqués onto apparel
and accessories for the whole family.
$24-48, Aquarium Encounters
in Marathon and at the Key
West Artisan Market, or visit
facebook.com/KdubDesignz
CURATED BY Emily Pulis
8
unwind | March 2016
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March 2016 | unwind
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unwind | March 2016
FINISHING TOUCHES
Beatrix Dixie, a
regular performer at
Aqua in Key West,
applies the final piece
of jewelry before
going onstage
CAMARADERIE & DRAG QUEENS
WRITTEN BY Nada Khalaf-Jones
Key West is a safe haven for the gay
community, many would agree. However,
life as a drag queen means transforming
into women through costumes and
make-up in order to perform on stage,
where they either sing or “lip sync” and
dance to famous female artists like
Beyoncé or Taylor Swift.
Key West's drag queen talent comes
from all around the globe. One young
new-hire at the 801 Bourbon Bar on
Duval, Kendra Kinx, left her own show
on Fire Island in New York to come
to Key West. She used to take four
hours to prepare. Now it takes a mere
hour and 45 minutes to go from street
clothes to drag. She arrives at shortly
after 6 p.m. most days to start the
“I don't have everything, but I'm
process, then heads out to Duval to
learning, and I have my own sewing
attract customers for the 9 p.m. show.
machine now,” she says as if it's the
Kinx settles down in front of the
most important tool in the world,
mirror to begin the ritual. First the hair
which it is. She uses it to make her
goes back. Then out come sponges,
own outfits.
foundation, bronzes, powder, powder
How she entered this lifestyle
and more powder. Elmer’s purple
is easier
school twist-up glue
understood by
stick is a staple of
looking back at
the process. Then
Key West's drag queen
her roots. Her
the liners and
talent comes from all
grandmother used
brushes are laid out,
around the globe.
to make Barbie
ready to complete
Doll clothes, and
the work.
her parents were
Down the road a
Virginia military folks.
few doors at Aqua on Duval, the 31st“My mother was really worried about
annual reigning Queen Mother is new,
me. She said it was a dangerous lifestyle
young and takes two hours to get her
and you are already gay,” Beatrix says as
face on.
she adds color to the canvas. She puts
Beatrix Dixie is from Chicago.
March 2016 | unwind
11
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Inga, the senior
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has mastered the
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Inga's transformation is
completed by a sunny, flouncy
dress complete with rainbow
spike-heel boots.
12
unwind | March 2016
As Inga prepares to see tonight’s
one layer on top of another.
customers, Beatrix isn't even half
“Plan? Well, there is always the basic
finished, and she only has one hour left.
plan. It's the same thing every time. I
“She'll be done five minutes before
go from looking like a boy, to looking
the show and rush out of here for a
like something scary, to looking like a
cigarette, then stumble on stage,” Inga
beautiful drag queen,” Beatrix says.
says in a Swedish accent that is sexy
Several inches away in this
in any language.
mirrored, bright, exploded trunk of a
She smiles with genuine care at the
dressing room, Inga, the doyen and
thought of Beatrix taking two whole
senior Queen of Aqua, has applied
hours to make-up.
the finishing touches to her lips in a
Up the road at 801 Bourbon, there's
mere 45 minutes. Her nose is chiseled
a new girl getting
using darker
guidance from
bronze with acute
assistant manager
The effect is incredible;
edges, enhanced by
Deja.
highlighter.
she's over-painted the
“The new
Cheek bones
lips so they appear fuller
Queen doesn’t
are enhanced by
and bigger.
even have
bronzes and rouge.
everything she
The effect is
needs to be a Queen, so I’m finding
incredible; she's over-painted the lips
her a wig,” said Deja, who is assistant
so they appear fuller and bigger. Her
manager at the 801, while also an
mouth is clearly more noticeable than
ordained minister and a popular and
before.
accomplished chef.
Inga pulls on this incredible sunny,
She takes care of things when the
stretchy dress, complete with wisps of
boss, Sushi, is away. The result of her
clouds. Beneath is the yellow-frill-trim
guidance shows. On the street at 8
puff skirt. She's wearing rainbow spike
p.m., the furiously feminine newheel boots and a very tidy, bobbed
girl is a true hottie in anyone’s book;
blond wig.
PHOTOS BY Nada Khalaf-Jones
a
r
d
n
e
K
LOCAL FLAVOR
STEP BY STEP
Before makeup
is even applied,
the perfect outfit
is Kendra's first
priority.
FOUNDATION
Kendra's painstaking
routine is tolerable
except for the fake
lashes application,
which she hates.
IT'S A PROCESS
Beatrix gets the
transformation
started. She glues
her eyebrows down
while most queens
shave them.
WORKING IT
An hour or so
before show time,
the queens are on
the street attracting
customers.
ON PATROL
Drag queen's
outside 801 Bourbon
preparing to attract
passersby into
the club for the
evening show.
ON STAGE
Beatrix Dixie is
in her comfort
zone once she
takes the stage.
her eyebrows disappear.
“Then I add the makeup and pads. I
have to be all the way woman, then I can
really work it on stage,” says Kinx, who,
like Dixie down the road, enjoys going
back to being male right after the baby
oil has cleaned away the last remnants
of the Drag Queen. She doesn’t hold on
to the sensation of Drag Queen. She is
happy being a he, a gay man.
“I'll get into the ‘I’m a woman’ side
MIRROR, MIRROR
Beatrix checks out her
makeup in what is perhaps a
drag queen's most important
tool, a mirror, to confirm the
transformation is complete.
14
unwind | March 2016
the only souls to deal with. She has a
a stunning petite athletic blonde,
gentle manner and exudes confidence.
dressed in a punchy figure-hugging
She worked in theater in Sweden since
purple gown that really rocks her look.
she was 17, before coming to America.
801's Sushi has been here running
“Key West doesn't have some of
some aspect of the drag scene in Key
the make-up drag queens need, but
West for 22 years, but she now leaves
Leather Master is where the 801 and
the scene intermittently for New York
Aqua girls go. They all use this outlet.
designers Flora Gill and Alexa Adams
It’s an adult sex shop, and they sell
of Ohne Titel.
drag queen make“Ohne Titel
up to all the
means 'without
Sushi's attitude is
queens in town,”
name,' and I’m the
decisive. “If people don’t
she says.
head seamstress for
The expensive
fashion week, and
accept me for who I am,
stuff really
I run the backstage
then that’s too bad.”
doesn’t cut it, so
during the show,”
Inga uses “Elf“
she says of her New
mascara, a reasonable $3 from CVS. At
York designer career.
801 Bourbon, it’s shortly after 6 p.m.,
Sushi's attitude is decisive. “If
and Kendra is working the magical
people don’t accept me for who I am,
make up transformation.
then that’s too bad.”
“This is the bit I hate the most,” she
Sushi remembers the stark isolation
says as she glues on the fake lashes.
of adolescence, when she finally found
“I have a different style than most of
someone else like her, another gay
the queens. I don't shave my legs, so I
male. They were inseparable then, and
have to wear leotards, hot-pant suits. I
that same teenage friend, Kylie, works
don’t shave my eyebrows, I glue them
with her at the 801 Bar today.
down,” says Kinx, as she applies the
Aqua’s Inga has her own escape
purple Elmer’s School Glue thickly. She
from the scene. She escapes to a
paints the foundation over and voila,
ranch, where horses and her dogs are
PHOTOS BY Nada Khalaf-Jones
of things for 15 seconds. I think it's like
a joke that everyone's in on, and if the
performance gets a little stale, I just
smile and say ‘come on, it's funny’.”
She says the younger drag queens
are a lot more serious about the whole
thing, with the veteran queens far
more laid back.
“A man needs to remember he is a
man on that stage, not a woman,” says
Inga, clearly of the older generation.
He used to take a lot longer to
transform. But, he says people need to
remember, it’s just a show. The people in
the audience are often middle class and
straight, and they come to see the talent.
“They are very brave coming here. It
takes guts,” says Inga. “We are here to
help them forget their lives. That’s all.”
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SOUTHERNMOST APPEAL
READY, SET, DESIGN!
WRITTEN BY Ellen T. White
WORKING WONDERS
With limited time
between shows,
designers at the
Red Barn Theatre
have to create realistic
sets quickly.
16
Set design is
challenging in the
Keys. Two of Key West's
oldest theaters share
how they magically
pull it off .
A
unwind | March 2016
PHOTOS BY Ellen T. White & COURTESY OF Waterfront Playhouse & Red Barn Theatre
lot, so the pressure is always on to top
t the height of its season, the
what we've done before.”
Waterfront Playhouse at Key
The Waterfront began building
West's Mallory Square is always a hive
the set months ahead, a necessity
of creative activity, doubly so when the
given its limited space and punishing
next show up is “The Producers,” the
production schedule. By early February,
Mel Brooks musical within a musical
with less than
with a dizzying
a month to go,
array of scene
Key West is indisputably
painters and
changes.
a theater town.
carpenters were
“It's certainly the
constructing “The
most complicated
Producers” set smack in the middle of
and expensive set we've ever done,”
the set for Terrence McNally's “Mothers
says Michael Boyer, the Waterfront's
and Sons,” by then deep into its run.
set designer and technical director.
Yet by that night's 8 p.m. curtain,
“But our patrons have come to expect a
SOUTHERNMOST APPEAL
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steady stream of big names, regional
the makeshift construction site had
productions and musical acts.
disappeared. Not a prop was out of
“We're really not in competition,”
place on Boyer's exquisite rendering
says Gary McDonald, who jointly
of an apartment on the Upper West
produces shows at the Red Barn
Side of New York, all evidence of “The
Theatre with his wife Mimi and
Producers” stowed in the wings.
actress Joy Hawkins, all founding
Key West is indisputably a theater
members. “If you like a play at one
town.
theater, you're likely to go to more.
At 75 years old, the Waterfront
Collectively, we make Key West a
Playhouse, a.k.a. the Key West Players,
destination for great shows.”
is the oldest producing organization
Florida Monthly magazine called the
in Key West. However, the Red Barn
Waterfront “the
Theatre at 319
best professional
Duval St. has
Late playwright
theater in Florida.”
an impressively
Tennessee Williams,
According to
long history of
lived on Duncan Street
Destination Hyatt
its own, in its
in Key West.
magazine, “you'll
current incarnation
find Broadwaysince 1981.
caliber theater at the Red Barn,” which
There's also the Fringe Theater
is no exaggeration. The secret sauce
of Key West, started in 2009, and
lies in Key West's extraordinary pool of
the new Key West Theater at 512
theater talent.
Eaton St. Up a bit in Stock Island, the
It began with the late playwright
Tennessee Williams Theatre at Florida
Tennessee Williams, who lived on
Keys Community College brings in a
COMFY SETTING
The staff at the
Waterfront playhouse
created a rich main
setting for the production
of Terrence McNally's
"Mothers and Sons".
DEDICATED
TO THE CRAFT
Michael Boyer,
Technical Director and
Set Designer at the
Waterfront, deep in paint.
March 2016 | unwind
19
SOUTHERNMOST APPEAL
MEETING
EXPECTATIONS
The Waterfront
Theater's attention
to set detail makes
theater-goers feel
right at home.
DOING MORE
WITH LESS
Scaling a set
for a small theater
is something the
Red Barn Theater
has been doing for
35 years.
FRESH COAT
Elio Hinds, Master
Scenic Designer
on the stage at the
Waterfront painting
backdrops for The
Producers.
Shel Silverstein [the late screenwriter,
Duncan Street in Key West from 1949
songwriter, poet and children's author,
until his death in 1983. He set the stage
who died in Key West in 1999] and
for theater professionals to vacation
[novelist and newspaper columnist]
in Key West, with many taking up
Carl Hiaasen as I am with a local
permanent residence there. Williams
unknown,” says McDonald, who used
was involved with the Red Barn during
to house sit for
the early days and
Williams when
helped get the
Key West is a community
he traveled
Waterfront into
north. “Whatever
its Mallory Square
of equals without pretense.
anyone may have
space, a former
accomplished
ice house or a
outside the bubble that is Key West,
wreckers' storeroom, depending on
here we are a community of equals
who's telling the story.
without pretense.”
“Truthfully, I'm as likely to work with
WINDOWS THAT PROTECT THE
INSIDE FROM THE OUTSIDE.
Even on small budgets, the
Waterfront and Red Barn strive to
create sets that dazzle their directors
and performers, along with, of course,
their audiences.
“I'd hate to feel guilty that our sets
weren't up to the high caliber of the
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directors and performers we bring
in,” says McDonald, who was part
of the spirited group of actors who
revived the Red Barn beginning in 1980
and restored the building to historic
splendor in 2002.
The Waterfront Playhouse and the
Red Barn Theatre aim for a mix each
season: A big musical, a comedy or two,
a mystery, a serious play and a number
of dramatic or musical pieces with
shorter runs, staged between the main
productions. Every May or June, each
theater announces its lineup for the
next season.
LIGHTING UP
Gary McDonald and
son Jack consider
lighting options at
the Red Barn.
budget is devoted to sets.
Boyer researches past productions
“Audiences come to theater looking
online. “Then I'll read the play four or
for what you can do with a set,” says
five times before discussing it with the
Danny Weathers, the Waterfront's
director,” he says.
artistic director.
The big challenge
In fact, Weathers
is to scale the set to
Every May or June,
chose “Enchanted
what's possible in a
each theater announces
April” as a spring
153-seat house with
its lineup for the
2016 production for
a small proscenium,
next season.
the magic he knew
not to mention,
Boyer could work.
occasionally, a
“The first scene is really performed
director's oversized expectations.
against a black backdrop,” Weathers
Though Boyer has no particular budget
says. “But in scene two, the curtain
constraints, up to 10 percent of the
rises on an Italian villa. I knew Michael
Waterfront's nearly $1 million annual
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Sq. Feet
2,157
Lot Sq. Feet
31,799
Spectacular true open water views of the sunset! Sought after Stirrup Key gated community
home surrounded by water. Beautifully maintained three quarter acre lot complete with
observation dock and screened in porch! Amazing views! Natural stone fireplace and soaring
ceilings. Protected boat dockage steps away. Covered parking, room for a pool, and guest
house or build another home on the adjoining included lot!
Brian Schmitt
Office: 305.289.6482
[email protected]
Broker
361 Avenue D
Summerland Key
2,384
Office: 305.289.6559
[email protected]
BestFloridaKeysProperty.com
Sq. Feet
Office: 305.289.6533
Cell: 305.923.9226
[email protected]
Lot Sq. Feet
Realtor®
Baths
Realtors®
Sq. Feet
Sam Williams, P.A.
Bedrooms
Anna & Butch Schutt
424 Harbour Drive
Duck Key
4,770
100 Pirates Cove
Marathon
4 bedrooms 3.5 Baths, office/theater room, laundry room, spacious master suite with his and
her walk-in closets, 10 foot high ceilings, spacious walk around veranda’s. Downstairs is a
laundry room, interior storage, oversized 2 car garage and private apartment, entire ground
level above flood. new hurricane rate roof. Second lot is buildable. Ramp, Lift and Davits.
Realtors
Luxury and tranquility await you at this prestigious oceanfront estate on Lower Matecumbe in
Islamorada. Relax on the +150 feet of sandy beach or watch incredible Keys sunrises from the
second floor master suite porch. The stunning chef's kitchen offers three ovens, warming
drawer, ice maker and wine cooler. Separate quest quarters provides 1 bedroom, 1 bath,
kitchenette and private deck.
Cell: 305.393.0541
[email protected]
Sq. Feet
Cell: 305.393.1770
[email protected]
FloridaKeysLuxuryHomes.com
75931 Overseas Highway
Lower Matecumbe
Baths
Baths
®
Office: 305.453.7546
Cell: 305.394.1427
[email protected]
5
Bedrooms
The Newman Team
Margo, Brett & Rebecca
Broker/Associate®
Bedrooms
667 Calle De Luna
Marathon
KeysOceanfront.com Open Oceanfront estate with boat dockage, extra wide sandy beach and
an oversized pool with waterfall spa. This solid concrete 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath main home
features artistic details throughout including custom ceilings, intricate tile work, a gourmet
kitchen with curved granite counter and master bedroom suite with private balcony and
sweeping ocean views. This private estate also includes separate guest quarters.
Maryann Warren
$3,899,000
The Most Trusted Name in Florida Keys Real Estate Since 1955.
$1,199,000
Bedrooms
4
Baths
2
Sq. Feet
2,713
1402 Laird Street
Key West
Lot Sq. Feet
10,920
Open Water Home plus Beachfront! This specious 4 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on
prestigious Summerland Key in such a unique setting. Master suite overlooks open water
plus beach. Master Suite offers private office and grand bath plus 2 balconies, upgraded
chef’s kitchen with granite counters, metal roof, impact windows, access to protected
canal and boat basin for your boat.
Diane Corliss
Realtor®
Cell: 305.849.0934
[email protected]
$1,650,000
Bedrooms
4
Baths
4
Sq. Feet
2,963
Lot Sq. Feet
6,098
Caribbean Villa enter thru the gates to travertine marble walk greeted by African mahogany door.
Enter into the atrium with porcelain tile and Venetian plaster walls. The kitchen has granite counters,
stainless appliances and custom cabinets. The staircase is accented with cherry banisters and mo dern
glass accented by Tree of Life chandelier. The master suite has crown molding and cathedral wood
ceilings. Impact windows throughout, copper roof, and patios overlooking the pool and waterfall.
Diane Corliss
Realtor®
Cell: 305.849.0934
[email protected]
©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity.
(DFKRIÀFHLVLQGHSHQGHQWO\RZQHGDQGRSHUDWHGH[FHSWRIÀFHVRZQHGDQGRSHUDWHGE\157,QFRUSRUDWHG
SOUTHERNMOST APPEAL
HE WOOD KNOW
Steve Yeomans,
carpenter at
the Waterfront
Playhouse, building
walls for the set of
The Producers.
RIGHT AT HOME
Props and furniture
are sourced from
a variety of places,
including on loan
from Royal Furniture
and Design.
PERFORMANCE
FIXTURE
The Waterfront
Playhouse, aka the Key
West Players, has been
going strong for 75 years.
RICH HISTORY
Located at 319 Duval
Street, the Red Barn
Theater has been staging
a variety of performances
since 1981.
24
unwind | March 2016
a lot easier,” Weathers says. Doing a
could design something that would
period piece is still tricky. “Places like
make audiences gasp.”
Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Chicago
Of the Red Barn's smaller $500,000
have antique shops where you can
annual budget, McDonald rarely
pick up furniture and props. Not so in
spends more than a $1,000 on a set
Key West.”
for his 88-seat house. Son Jack says it
During the summer, Weathers heads
helps that his father is a recycler of
to Vancouver, where he might find
epic proportion.
props and furniture for the upcoming
With Jack's help, McDonald has
season. Boyer picks up set pieces on
built the inside of a brain for “Six
his drive to Illinois to visit friends and
Women With Brain Death,” a Chinese
family. Still, for all his resourcefulness,
nightclub for “Song of Singapore” and
Boyer was temporarily stumped by a
a barn for “Nunsense” (“with real hay”)
play that called for a roaring fire.
that so impressed the playwright that
“You’d do that with a gas fireplace
he urged the Red Barn to produce
anywhere else,” he
“Nunsense II.” They
says. “Key West had
created Barbra
Boyer and McDonald
nothing along those
Streisand's fictional
lines.”
basement shopping
comb the Salvation
Boyer and
mall for this season's
Army and Habitat for
McDonald
comb
“Buyer & Cellar.”
Humanity for finds.
the Salvation Army
McDonald
and Habitat for
loves the creative
Humanity for finds. Christopher Elwell,
challenge; the thornier the problem,
a generous board member and owner
the happier he is.
of Royal Furniture and Design, loans
“I think I'd only draw the line at
the Waterfront Playhouse new pieces
anything of Andrew Lloyd Webber's,”
from his store's inventory. For both
he says. “It's hard to imagine how
theaters, the go-to hardware store
we'd get a helicopter to land for 'Miss
is Strunk which, along with Manley
Saigon.'”
de Boer Lumber, offers discounts on
At age 12, Jack was enlisted to create
products for Playbill space.
the pyrotechnics for “Dames at Sea.”
Then there's always a little
Explosives remain his purview some
serendipity. “You'd be amazed what
18 years later even as he pursues an
you can find in the street,” Boyer says,
independent art career.
and on craigslist.” However, every now
Finding the props and materials
and then you've got to splurge.
in Key West isn't always a cakewalk,
“We've rented the costumes
“though the Internet has made things
MEDIEVAL
TIMES
The set for
Spamalot at
the Waterfront
required a castle
backdrop.
at Costume World up near Fort
Lauderdale for 'The Producers,'” Boyer
says; they are the costumes designed
by Broadway's William Ivey Long for
the original Broadway production. That
will put the Waterfront back $25,000 for
the four-week run.
ISLAND CHARM
Happily Ever After
IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
LAVISHING IN HISTORY
The Hemingway Home in
Key West is a wonderful historic
and tropical wedding venue and
no details are too small to create
the perfect day.
FIRST LOOK
The surprise most
couples experience
with a Keys wedding
is generally a
feeling of 'could this
possibly get any
better?
PHOTO
BY Greg| Poland
26
unwind
MarchPhotography
2016
HERE COMES THE BRIDE
A family-friendly vacation
destination like the Keys is fun for
wedding guests of all ages.
WRITTEN BY Richard Tamborrino
B
That type of idyllic experience
y all accounts, the #1 wedding
notwithstanding, other reasons to
destination in the world is Hawaii;
the Florida Keys are a close second. have a Keys wedding include being
able to combine a wedding with a
The Keys has earned this cherished
Keys vacation, which allows guests
reputation because our island paradise
to experience both the event and
provides all the desired ingredients for
the destination simultaneously. In
a memorable wedding; great weather
addition, travel to the Keys is far easier
year-round, a quaint island community
than traveling abroad and having to
and access to miles and miles of
coordinate travel
picturesque
plans for a large
coastline. The
Breathtaking wedding
group of people.
allure and
settings abound in the Keys.
Camp went
popularity
on to say that
of the island
despite what you might think, a Keys
chain is regarded globally as a perfect
wedding is not just for the rich and
destination to tie the knot.
famous. “Our guests are not always
When asked why the Keys are so
people of means. More often they
popular among couples, Bobbie Camp,
are very middle income folks with a
owner of Keys Breeze Weddings and
moderate budget and a guest list of
Events in Islamorada for the past seven
35-50 people”. Her wedding planning
years says the number one reason is
business can accommodate a party of
simply, “they want to get married with
that size for under $5,000, in many cases.
their toes in the sand”.
PHOTOS BY Blueye Images
March 2016 | unwind
27
ISLAND CHARM
BEACH SCENE
Faro Blanco
Resort and Yacht
Club provides a
picturesque outdoor
wedding experience.
vacations for dozens of years. It can
also serve as the most memorable of
wedding settings.
For more information call
305-296-3141 or email
[email protected]
BREATHTAKING
MEMORY
While staging this
image beneath the
7 Mile Bridge was
certainly tricky, the
memory will last
forever.
POINT IN TIME
A short stroll to
the Southernmost
Point is a nice perk
of a Southernmost
House wedding.
28
unwind | March 2016
a grand, lavish affair or an intimate
Choosing an experienced wedding
ceremony. It’s a secluded paradise with
planner like Camp takes much of the
a lush green lawn and overhanging
guesswork out for the majority of
tropical foliage which become a stunning
her clientele, who often live outside
backdrop for this special event.
Florida, and sometimes outside the
The Oldest House can safely
country. And surprisingly, many of her
accommodate up to 120 seated diners
clients are couples who have never
in the garden or 300 for a cocktail party.
even visited the Keys, so her knowledge
The facility also includes brick pathways
of the area and her contacts with
and a gazebo. Even more unique, the
caterers, photographers and florists
bride and her attendants can prepare
helps greatly in piecing together all the
for the event upstairs in the Victorian
integral parts of a successful wedding.
Bride’s Parlor that
But if you opt
dates back to 1829.
instead to plan
For more
your own wedding,
Many couples who wed
information call
or an experience
in the Keys have never
305.294.9501 or
like an underwater
previously visited.
e-mail info@
wedding (see
oldisland
companion story)
weddings.com.
is too extreme for
your taste, there are several breathtaking settings throughout the Florida
Southernmost House, Key West
Keys that could serve as the perfect
Known world-wide for its history,
backdrop. Here are some of the more
tropical gardens, and plush setting,
popular locales.
The Southernmost House, located at
1400 Duval Street in Key West, can
be that special Keys wedding venue.
Oldest House, Key West
Overlooking the turquoise waters of
Staging a wedding at the Oldest
the Atlantic Ocean, The Southernmost
House in Key West may be especially
House is a charming, restored Victorian
appropriate for those who want to
bed and breakfast that has been chosen
combine a historic feel within a tropical
by Presidents, royalty, and famous
setting. Key West’s Oldest House Garden
figures like Ernest Hemingway for their
is magical, and can be transformed for
Faro Blanco, Marathon
For middle Keys guests and a
magical setting for any wedding, Faro
PHOTOS BY Key Shot Photography & Courtesy of Southernmost House & Faro Blanco
VICTORIAN VENUE
The Southernmost
House, a charming
bed and breakfast
in Key West, has been
the destination of
many famous people.
Blanco Resort and Yacht Club could be
a great option. Nestled on the bayside
in Marathon, Faro Blanco, combines
beautiful indoor and outdoor venues
with a waterfront lawn overlooking
a historic lighthouse. Everything
from the catering to the rehearsal
dinner and the ceremony can be
accommodated on one property. Their
outstanding hotel accommodations
LIGHTING UP
THE FUTURE
The historic
lighthouse at Faro
Blanco acts as a
beacon for couples
tying the knot.
and amenities, revived just last year,
combine the old charm and history
of the Keys and makes this historic
site as memorable for your guests as
much as the ceremony itself.
For wedding information contact
Britany at bnorton@spottswood.
com, call 305.434.9037 or visit
faroblancoweddings.com for more
information.
ISLAND CHARM
IT'S A PARTY
The Hemingway
House grounds
provide unique
photo ops for the
couple and their
wedding party.
TOES IN THE SAND
The #1 reason
couples choose a
Keys wedding is
to get married with
their toes in
the sand.
RUSTIC CHARM
Adding rustic
elements like
farm tables to a
Hemingway House
wedding is a flair
from the traditional.
Few wedding venues anywhere offer
the opportunity to include marine
mammals in a setting conducted on
beautifully landscaped grounds. But
that’s exactly what Theater of the Sea in
Islamorada features.
When you reserve Theater of the
Sea for your wedding, the entire park is
yours! Their spacious Starlight Terrace
is surrounded by exotic tropical gardens
and features a winding path lined with
fiery torches and natural saltwater pools.
To add the ultimate touch to a Keys
wedding, their charismatic dolphins can
assist you in the ceremony, since they are
trained ring bearers and can even escort
the bride to the altar on a floating chariot.
They offer basic packages for up to 200
people that can also include a dolphin
and sea lion show. Theater of the Sea
can also assist with catering services,
decorators, and musicians.
For additional information, please
contact Maureen LaMarra at info@
theaterofthesea.com or 305-664-2431.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and
Museum, Key West
The Hemingway home was built in
PHOTOS BY Blueye Images
Theater of the Sea, Islamorada
PHOTOS BY Theater of the Sea
& Greg Poland Photography
YOUR OWN PARK
Booking a wedding
at Theater of the
Sea in Islamorada
means the entire
marine park is yours!
1851 in a Spanish Colonial style and
can be a wonderfully nostalgic setting
for a Key West wedding. The property’s
beautifully landscaped gardens and
grounds are a perfect historic and
tropical venue, no matter how intimate
or grandiose. In addition, private tours of
the Hemingway home can be arranged
during the evening of the reception. The
grounds are also available for intimate
daytime Key West weddings.
Call their Wedding Director,
Anna Morawski at 305.393.2444 or
Wedding Coordinator, Vicky Furman at
305.509.1876
Simply On the Beach or Water
If your dream wedding should be
simple yet intimate, a ceremony on the
beach, on a dock or on a sailboat may be
Welcome to the
LORELEI
the way to go. There are over 200 miles
of pristine, picturesque coastline that
wraps the Florida Keys and any one
of many spots could be ideal. But also
know that site requirements vary from
island to island, which makes a wedding
planner’s knowledge even more valuable.
For an even deeper look into the many
wedding sites throughout the Florida
Keys, go to fla-keys.com/weddings.
March 16 - 22, 2016
from Key Largo to Key West
Restaurant & Cabana Bar
Waterfront Dining: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Breathtaking views for the nightly
Sunset Celebration!
Birding & Wildlife Tours
“Run with Deer” 5K Race
Awesome Evening Presentations
Family-Friendly Wildlife Fairs
Register Today!
Featuring the best Seafood, Live entertainment nightly
and Full Bar Service until Midnight
Look for the Mermaid! MM 82, Islamorada
305-664-2692 | loreleicabanabar.com
For a full list of events, visit:
FavorFloridaKeys.org/outdoor-fest
ISLAND CHARM
COUPLES DIVE INTO
UNDERWATER NUPTIALS
UNSPOKEN VOWS
John Hauk has officiated
more than 23 weddings
underwater, including the
Rodriguez wedding above.
32
unwind | March 2016
WRITTEN BY Jana Vandelaar
Amy Slate, owner and operator of
Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort at
mile marker 104.2 of U.S. 1, has been
John and Sharon Hauk began
officiating weddings since before
their marriage in a dreamy setting,
1980 and has been featured in People
surrounded by exotic fish, bubbles and
magazine. She has her own giant
50 minutes of air in their scuba tanks.
wedding album packed full of pictures
They were married underwater by
of these blissfully soggy couples and
Amy Slate in 1993, floating down to
loves to show them off. Each couple
a depth of 25 feet and gently settling
has its own bubbly
next to the Christ
story and each one
of the Deep statue
Spencer Slate has been
touches her heart.
off Key Largo for the
One of her
ceremony. When
called the justice of
employees,
it comes to love,
the Pisces.
Kimberly
it's hard to get any
Rodriguez,
deeper than that.
got married underwater last year
Not only are they still one of the
during the Christ of the Deep's 50th
happiest couples in the Florida Keys, but
anniversary. The love obviously runs
they have continued to spread the same
strong at the Amoray Dive Resort.
joy and love by becoming officiators
They aren't the only people who
(notaries) themselves and performing
officiate weddings underwater. Spencer
ceremonies underwater for any
Slate, owner of Capt. Slate's Scuba
adventurous couple interested. They are
Adventures at mile marker 90.7, has
avid divers and have happily married
been called the justice of the Pisces and
couples underwater since 2000.
PHOTOS BY Care Studios
DREAMY ABYSS
The Christ of the Abyss
statue in 25 feet of water
in John Pennekamp Coral
Reef State Park is the most
popular site in the Keys for
an underwater wedding.
Julie Tong
ISLAND CHARM
FREE FLOATING
Freediving
couples can take the
underwater wedding
to even grander
depths.
GLORIOUS POSE
There’s an
almost angelic
quality to this bride,
while she seemingly
floats on air in her
beautiful gown.
34
unwind | March 2016
which include everything from masks
he's been marrying couples for more
and snorkels to professional hair
than 30 years.
stylists, music piped in from above,
He once was listed in the Guinness
tables and even chairs for the human
Book of World Records for officiating
guests to try to float down and sit on
the largest underwater wedding; 110
during the ceremony.
divers attended the ceremony. It was
Wedding cakes are tougher but some
held on Halloween and everyone was in
places can provide one made out of
costume. Slate was wearing his famous
wood or plastic just for the full effect. A
Easter bunny suit during the ceremony.
lot of packages include a room for the
It'd be hard to forget this couple's
honeymoon after the wedding—usually
anniversary ever.
above water.
What are the logistics in getting
Every wedding needs a good
married underwater? Do you need
photographer but underwater weddings
to be a certified diver? Do you need
require specialized training and
to have waterproof cameras? How
equipment. Frazier Nivens of Ocean
about throwing the bouquet? Is there
Imaging is the
such a thing as
go-to underwater
an underwater
Most dive centers offer
wedding
wedding cake? We
videographer in the
decided to dive in to
wedding packages.
Florida Keys but
find some answers.
his work is heavily
You would
sought after; his talent is incomparable.
think couples choosing an underwater
Fortunately, there are many fabulous
wedding would be avid scuba divers
underwater photographers in the
but on the contrary, there are a good
Florida Keys and, again, most of the
number of them that get married
dive shops can help you arrange all of
underwater after a quick Discover Scuba
the details and give you options before
Diving course (other names for this
diving in.
are Resort Course or Supervised Diver.)
Underwater weddings come with a
Generally, this is where an instructor
lot of uninvited but welcome guests.
will introduce you to the scuba
Curious fish tend to surround the
equipment, take you underwater in a
wedding sights. John Hauck said his
confined location such as a swimming
wife Sharon was officiating a wedding at
pool and then take you out to the
a dive site called the City of Washington
open ocean to exchange your vows
off Key Largo.
surrounded by tropical fish as your
She had a nurse shark and a big
colorful witnesses.
Goliath grouper swimming between her
Most dive centers have equipment
and the wedding couple throughout the
for brides and grooms to rent. In fact,
ceremony. Although these particular
usually they offer wedding packages,
SWIMMING TO
THE CHAPEL
Kimberly Rodriguez
and her soon-to-be
husband making
their way to their
wedding site.
SUBMERGED
26 underwater
guests swam by
John and Sharon
Hauk's reception line
at the Christ of the
Abyss dive site.
PHOTOS BY Adam Opris Photography, Care Studios & COURTESY OF Sharon Hauk
UNDER THE SEA
An underwater
“trash the dress”
photo session is
a fun activity that
results in gorgeous
images.
TYING THE KNOT
Wedding vows
are exchanged
underwater and the
Hauk's dive into their
new lives together.
guests didn't bring any gifts for the
newlyweds, they left them with great
memories and some once-in-a-lifetime
footage on their wedding video.
What to wear underwater?
Surprisingly, this tends to be one of
the more traditional aspects of an
underwater wedding.
Most of the brides wear long flowing
wedding gowns complete with a long
veil. Spencer Slate explained they
encourage the brides to have tiny lead
weights sewn into their hemlines
to hold the dress and veils in place
instead of floating up during the
ceremony. The grooms are usually
dressed in full tuxedos, sometimes
even wearing top hats. Of course, there
are numerous options, such as white
bikinis or the more practical option—
matching Speedos, which is what
Olympic swimmers Jessica Harding and
Dominik Meichtry wore during their
mushy nuptials.
Any specific location for these
weddings is going to be considered
a destination wedding. However, the
Christ of the Deep statue (where John
and Sharon got married) seems to rank
the highest in popularity. It's an 8.5foot, 4,000-pound bronze sculpture of
Jesus Christ standing in 25 feet of water
inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State
Park. It's about as close as you will come
to finding a church underwater.
Still, the only thing certain with all
underwater weddings is the happy
couples are certainly diving into their
new lives together with a giant splash.
KEYS TROPICAL
WINDOWS
& DOORS
305-853-1124
Licensed & Insured
Serving Monroe, Dade, Broward
and Lee Counties
Commercial & Residential
[email protected] • MM 92.5 • Tavernier, FL
ISLAND CHARM
Ringing with Decisions
Lu nch, Din ner &
Fa bulou s Su nsets!
WRITTEN BY Jana Vandelaar
W
hen we were children, we'd tie a
string around our best friend's
finger and declare forever
marriages to each other. As we got
older, we'd pop off the aluminum
tab of a soda can and parade around
the school as a couple with more
confidence than Elizabeth Taylor and
Richard Burton.
Passing on the all-important
class ring in high school was a huge
commitment that could never be
taken lightly. It's as if all of these baby
The rings are a couple's symbolic
steps eventually lead up to the most
declaration of their eternal love and
important ring of all—the wedding ring.
the couple will look at these rings
The wedding day itself is an
throughout their married life, every
extraordinary day in everyone's life.
single day, seven
But if you think
days a week. The
about it, the
Choosing the right ring
ring must endure
idyllic dress, the
is a big decision.
everything the
glamorous hairdo,
married couple
the unforgettable
will face throughout their lives.
location—every incredible fragment of
We are not talking about some
the wedding—will be seen only for one
braided piece of seaweed that was
special day. Everything, that is, but the
wonderfully romantic in the sunset
wedding rings.
moment. We are talking about a longterm commitment that will last longer
KEYS ORIGINAL
than a dried strand of seagrass. In
Blue Marlin Jewelers in Islamorada
other words, choosing the right ring
features these custom-designed
island-style rings.
is probably the biggest decision of the
wedding process. So how do couples
HALO DESIGN
Florida Keys Jewelry's most popular
decide?
wedding ring is the halo setting. A
Fortunately, all you have to do is walk
solitaire surrounded by smaller diamonds.
into any of the stunning jewelry stores
PHOTO BY Care Studios
KEYS WEDDING BANDS CAN RUN RINGS AROUND OTHERS
Monthly
Polynesian
Luau &
Pig Roast
Party
Daily Happy Hour • Sunset Celebration
Nightly Entertainment
Private Events
RECOMMENDED
305-453-5004 • www.snooks.com
Key Largo MM 99.8 Southbound Lane Behind Traffic Light
LOCALS 10% OFF
VETERANS
50% OFF EVERYDAY
Key Largo
305-451-1500
Big Pine
305-735-4322
unwind | March 2016
Islamorada
305-664-4637
Sugarloaf
305-745-1856
Marathon
305-289-5670
Key West
305-292-2923
REGGAE PARTY
JAH STEVE
& THE COUNTERACT CREW
MARCH 19 6-10 PM
305-664-9271 Option 2
81532 Overseas Highway | Islamorada, FL 33036
Waterfront Vista Dining with Spectacular Sunsets!
Open Daily from 11:00 a.m. for Lunch & Dinner
36
FLORIDA KEYS REAL ESTATE
www.c21Schwartz.com
Real Estate Sales, Property Management & Vacation Rentals
Each office is individually owned and operated.
ISLAND CHARM
FISH FRENZY
DePaula Jewelers in
the Upper Keys has
created these rings
with fish images in
different stages of
production.
HAPPY HOUR 4 -7 DAILY
AWESOME
FISH TACOS
(
80th Anniversary Follow along with us as we share our
80 years of history and celebrate the people and supporters
who got us here.
32 CRAFT BEERS ON TAP
(including Florida craft
beer specialties)
WATERSIDE DINING
SERVING BREAKFAST,
LUNCH & DINNER.
Open Late! Live Music!
522 Caribbean
Caribbean Drive
Drive
522
Key
Largo
Fl
33037
Key Largo Fl 33037
305.453.1905 •• Sharkeysgalley.com
Sharkeysgalley.com
305.453.1905
Migration Mania - March 19 The Garden, with it’s green
canopy and fresh water ponds provide a refueling stop for
migrating birds. Migration Mania celebrates the birds and
butterflies that visit our Garden.
GEM OF A RING
DePaula Jewelers
created this gold
ring with diamonds
that is so exquisite,
it could stop traffic.
Key West Art Garden - April thru July The Key West Art Garden
showcases local artist work, displayed as part of nature on the
grounds of The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens.
For more information & to keep up to date with all Garden Events
visit www.kwbgs.org or call 305-296-1504
Come visit us at: 5210 College Road Key West, Florida
l
RINGING OPTIONS
Blue Marlin Jewelry has a wide
variety of rings that can capture
whatever mood or message the
wedding couple wants to convey.
frontrunners and favorites of new
scattered throughout the Florida Keys
brides and grooms.
and ask for help. Just like enlisting
Xochi Musser from Blue Marlin
a real estate agent before buying a
Jewelry showed us some brilliantly
house, the experts in jewelry stores
cut solitaires made from the brand
not only answer all of your questions,
Hearts on Fire. These diamonds
but can gently help direct you through
are cut and polished at 100 times
the mass of gold, silver and sparkly
magnification—10 times the industry
diamonds to find the one ring that
standard. This means the diamond is
perfectly matches your personalities.
about as perfect as it gets.
Because of the exotic, nautical
When you look at it under
influence surrounding the Florida
magnification, somehow hearts circle
Keys, one would think couples getting
the circumference of the diamond.
married here would request wedding
Xochi said they are fondly referred to
bands to reflect the Keys and choose
as five-table diamonds because their
something like two identical bands
brilliance catches everyone's attention
of dolphins encircling their ring
from more than five tables away.
fingers forever.
Another important factor in
William DePaula from DePaula
choosing wedding rings is the
Jewelers said they can do intricate
influence of the vast information
custom work through a newer process
available on the Internet. Joel Angel
using a laser welder that can create
from Florida Keys Jewelry said it is a
almost anything. For instance, he's
luxury for people to browse online
had a couple bring in a picture of a
but it can be
catch out on the
misleading until
water and request
The ring was an
they actually visit
the memory be
a jewelry store in
preserved forever in
intricate replica of the
person and see the
matching wedding
boat on which a couple
designs in real life.
bands. Another ring
was married.
For instance, a
they've made was
customer walked
an intricate replica
into his shop recently with a picture of
of the boat on which a couple was
something they found online but instead
married. They have the flexibility to
fell completely in love with his most
get details in custom designs that were
popular wedding ring—the halo setting.
never possible before the laser welder.
It's a solitaire surrounded by smaller
Most jewelers here have excellent
diamonds and it's the new classic
selections of locally inspired jewelry
couples are drawn to. Joel encourages
readily available without the need for
couples to find as much information as
custom design work. Everything can
they can, but definitely pick the ring out
be found from manatees to seahorses,
in person before purchasing.
anchors to skulls. They stand out
Obviously there are a lot of choices
from jewelry stores that buy from
out there and fortunately we have
overseas in bulk because local shops
excellent, reputable family-run jewelers
understand the details are important
in the Keys to help you decide on the
to their customer.
one treasured ring you'll be wearing for
In other words, locals are much
years to come. The main thing all of our
more aware of specific characteristics
jewelers have in common is something
between different types of fish and
Joel mentioned.
don't want to accept a mass-produced
“We've stayed in this business
replica. It's the difference between
because it's incredible helping people
shaking hands with George Clooney
during these special moments in their
versus standing next to a cardboard
lives. I've found it's not just about the
cutout of the movie star.
item, it's the symbolism.”
As exciting as these custom designs
Obviously the process in the decision
can be, most jewelers agree that
itself is the true jewel within the ring.
traditional wedding rings are still the
March 2016 | unwind
39
Experience, Professionalism and Service You Can Count On.
ZOE MAYCLIN
BROKER ASSOCIATE
305.393.2888
[email protected]
WWW.ZOEINTHEKEYS.COM
ISLAMORADA
• F LORIDA
KEYS
We Are.
Local Experts
NEW
Cell: (305) 923-9487
•
•
•
•
•
NEW CONSTRUCTION
STRUCTURAL SHELLS
REMODELING
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
BEADS • SUPPLIES
TOOLS • LESSONS
CUSTOM JEWELRY
Mon. - Fri. 10:30 AM - 5 PM
Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM
John Esslinger
Local Knowledge & Expertise
State Certified
General Contractor
305-853-0855
Plaza 88 • 88005 O/S Hwy
Office: 305.664.8900
Cell: 305.664.6665
islandvillaconstruction.com
Vacation Rentals
Long Term Rentals & Sales
Andi Saylor, Owner/Broker
MM 83.2 Old Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33036
305-664-8808
KeysHolidayRentals.com
81888 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036
www.floridakeysnativeconnection.com
Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.
ING
LIST
Larger Lot and Bigger Half Duplex.
New On The Market, Two bedroom
2 bath, tiled floors in living area,
Key Colony Beach Realty Inc. Stainless Appliances, Good Dockage
www.keysproperties.com 45 ft long. $499,000.
www.lynngoodwin.com
ISLAND FLASH
BEAD DESIGNS
Product Name
To Go Here
305-393-0513
[email protected]
Dreaming of Island Living?
Searching for Luxury or
Casual Keys Living?
I can Assist You...
Brenda Alexander,
Broker Associate
305-481-5156
KeysIslandSales.com
Lynn O. Goodwin
Broker/Sales Associate
Florida Keys Showcase
Rhonda L. Simonds-Brewer
GRl, CRS, Broker/Partner
Your Exclusive Global
Connection In The
Upper Keys.
Residential & Commercial
Patti Stanley
Broker Associate, Top Sales Agent
305.393.4433
[email protected]
WWW.ISLANDFLASH.COM
MARKET
Great Views Toward Open Water, Above
Elevation, Single Family Home. 75 Ft.
Canal Dockage. Potential 5 Bedroom, 3
Bath or Make It What You Want. Design
Renderings Available. $999,500.
Open Water Views, Half Duplex, Large
Boat Dockage, Great Opportunity.
Potential Short Sale. 2 Bedroom, 1
(Could be 2) Baths, lovely screened
porch. Has Rental History. $424,900.
Make Buying or Selling
in the Keys a Success
Contact Jass Tremblay,
Realtor Sales Associate
10055 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
305.304.7508
[email protected]
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Books-Magazines-Flyers
Business and Greeting Cards
All Types of Printing Done
On Premises using the
Latest Technology and
in House Graphics
305-743-6732
geminiprinting.com
Key West Tattoo Company
5168 US Highway 1
Key West, Fl. 33040
Key West Tattoo Company is
a state of the art tattoo studio
specializing in art and design.
305-294-0014
ESSENTIALS
From a cozy island cottage to a luxurious waterfront estate...
Let us show you!
1
4
CONCEPT, DESIGN & TATTOO
keys ink
2
Tattoos can be fun or serious, light-hearted or dark, tell a story, or just
be an image that appeals to its future bearer. Several tattoo artists in the
Keys shared some of their local designs and how those images connect to
the island chain. One element of the tattooing process they all emphasized
was that it's a delicate process of taking an idea, a concept, or an image to
create a sketch, which then becomes the basis for applying that design to a
person’s body.
T A R P O N F L AT S
TINGLER LANE
L O W E R M AT E C U M B E
PEN KEY CLUB
1 & 3 Allen Mertsock, owner of Doc’s Tattooz in Marathon loves working on
custom, “Keysie” tattoos, many he’s designed himself. The image of a
flamingo sitting inside a few black and grey mandalas, a geometric shape
that represents balance, is one of his faves.
More info: docstattooshop.com
2 Tattoo artist and owner Brandon Bennett of South of Heaven Tattoo in Key
Largo reminds customers they are not your typical tattoo shop! They focus
on the experience and are committed to providing the ultimate in Skin Art.
More info: southofheaventattoo.com
3
4 David “PJ” Perez, artist and owner of Key West Tattoo Company has
been at it for 35 years. He started in the business before, as he describes it,
“tattoos became more mainstream”. He takes a lot of pride in his finished
work and really enjoys the artistic freedom Key West affords him.
More info: facebook.com/pages/Key-West-Tattoo-Company
PHOTOS BY Richard Tamborrino, Doc's Tattooz & South of Heaven
42
unwind | March 2016
305.664.9166
8 1 6 1 0 O V E R S E A S H I G H WAY
ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS 33036
w w w. m o o r i n g s r e a l t y. c o m
March 2016 | unwind
43
WE
ARE.
MARKETING
BEYOND
THE
EXTRAORDINARY
Ocean Sotheby's International Realty
81888 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33036
305.712.8888 | OceanSIR.com
44
unwind | March 2016