From Jimmy Buffett to 25 Tropical Crime Adventures with Chip Bell

What happens when a rainy weekend, a Jimmy Buffett song, and a longtime trial attorney collide?

You get Come Monday, the first book in a tropical crime series that eventually grew into 25 Jake Sullivan adventures.

In this episode of the Fun in Key West Podcast, Michele sits down with author Charles "Chip" Bell to talk about the real stories, friendships, music, and Key West places behind the Jake Sullivan series.

Chip shares how a chance encounter with Jimmy Buffett at the Soggy Dollar Bar helped inspire him to finally write a book, why his real-life best friend became the model for Jake's sidekick Mike, and how his nearly 50 years as a trial attorney shaped the way he writes about justice, the law, and people caught between the two.

We also talk about the evolution of Jake Sullivan across 25 books, the research that brings Chip's settings to life, and the Key West bars and characters that helped shape the series.

Along the way, we wander into Trop Rock music, Hollywood scripts, a Jake Sullivan Caribbean lager, an almost-rum adventure, and the very important regional debate between Pittsburgh pierogies and West Virginia pepperoni rolls.

In This Episode

🌴 How Chip Bell became a tropical crime author

🎶 The Jimmy Buffett encounter that helped spark Come Monday

📚 The real friendship behind Jake and Mike

⚖️ Why justice and the law are not always the same thing

🗺️ How Chip researches locations, legends, and local history

🍺 The story behind the Jake Sullivan Caribbean Lager

🥃 Why the Jake Sullivan rum never made it to market

🎬 Chip's dream casting choices for Jake and Mike

🎵 The musicians who helped bring the Jake Sullivan world to life

🍹 Chip's favorite Key West bars, restaurants, and island memories

Read Along

Get your copy of Come Monday: https://amzn.to/4z5T9Km

Explore the complete Jake Sullivan series: https://amzn.to/4fK0WEs

A quick island-sized disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The book links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep the microphones on, the books open, and the Key West stories coming. 🌴📚

Learn More About Chip Bell

Visit Chip Bell's website: http://www.chipbellauthor.com/

Listen to the Music

John McDonald on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sG9ecAhtnZuFMcrZJK3Bc?si=ZwOeSYz6SL2LVwd3FHg0uw

Donnie Brewer on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4nI1bYqONqWFnHPlSL9k35?si=2quwmqoxSMapg6nyProtJg

Eric Stone on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/09w2nmrWDRCL0wtRqoNLdM?si=zGmXUy0HRxyBTw68IfIZjA

Today's Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the iWitness Key West True Crime Tour.

Key West may look like sunshine, cocktails, colorful houses, and postcard-perfect streets, but those same streets have witnessed real scandals, smugglers, gamblers, crimes, and characters behaving very badly.

This is not a ghost tour. These are true stories connected to real people and real places, shared as you walk through the streets where they unfolded.

Learn more or book your tour: https://funinkeywest.com/crime

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:31 True Crime Tour Sponsor 02:27 Meet Author Chip Bell 04:34 The Pitt vs. WVU Rivalry 05:48 Pierogi vs. Pepperoni Roll 07:02 Meeting Jimmy Buffett 10:13 The Story Behind Come Monday 12:20 Chip's Dictation Writing Process 13:48 Creating Jake Sullivan 15:11 Using Jimmy Buffett Song Titles 17:20 What Chip Would Change 20:25 Jake's Evolution Across 25 Books 21:52 Justice Versus the Law 27:17 Plotting, Research, and Story Hooks 29:53 Key West Places and People 33:12 Theme Songs and Trop Rock 36:34 Creating the Concept Album 36:59 What "Everything's Jake" Means 38:46 Chip's Key West Jukebox Picks 39:19 The Desert Yacht Club Story 41:23 The Jake Sullivan Beer 43:54 Rum Plans and Legal Red Tape 44:49 How Writing Made Chip a Better Lawyer 47:01 The Reality of Hollywood Scripts 48:54 Casting Jake and Mike 50:30 Linda and the Jukebox Meeting 52:52 Rapid-Fire Key West Favorites 56:42 Chip's Dream Barstool Guest 59:33 What's Next for Chip Bell

About Fun in Key West

Fun in Key West shares the stories, people, history, food, books, drinks, and wonderfully unusual characters that make Key West unforgettable.

Explore more Key West stories, travel tips, hidden gems, interviews, and island inspiration at: https://www.funinkeywest.com

Thank you for spending part of your day with me. Until next time, keep reading, keep exploring, and remember: in Key West, paradise usually has a backstory.

Dani Hoy on Trop Rock, Island Life, and the Old Stone Church in Key West Host Michele O'Connor welcomes listeners to the Fun in Key West podcast and introduces guest Dani Hoy, a Key West singer-songwriter, artist, and member of The Shanty Hounds who also manages social media and communications for the historic Old Stone Church (Key West United Methodist Church). Dani shares how Jimmy Buffett, the Parrothead community, and trop rock led her to start writing music in her 40s, release her album Tropigal, and eventually move to Key West in 2013, with "Drunk on Mallory Square" becoming her most popular Spotify track. They discuss what daily life on the island is really like beyond Duval Street, plus the church's history, architecture, music-centered services, Old Stone Coffee House live music, the bell choir "The Southernmost Ding Dongs," weddings, and outreach partnerships. Episode sponsor: Tart Tales key lime pie walking tours. 00:00 Welcome to Key West 01:26 Meet Dani Hoy 05:03 Music Life on Island 06:08 Sponsor Tart Tales 07:01 Jimmy Buffett to Key West 11:19 From Snow to Sun 16:07 Real Key West Living 19:00 Finding Old Stone Church 19:50 Coffee House and Choir 24:00 Church History and Spaces 32:01 Visiting Sunday Service 34:33 Music Program and Bells 35:53 Bell Choir Highlights 36:34 Holiday Music Traditions 37:39 Community Outreach Partners 38:10 Congregation Size and Services 39:00 Weddings and Accessibility 41:52 Interfaith and Cuba Missions 43:17 Programs and Weekly Schedule 45:44 Songwriting Mini Movies 48:23 Live Set Requests and Style 54:06 New Projects and Rapid Fire 01:00:14 Where to Find Dani 01:04:19 Final Thanks and Wrap Up https://theshantyhounds.com/ https://youtu.be/v37NUl0sJ4Y https://danihoy.com/welcome www.funinkeywest.com/tart www.funinkeywest.com/dani-hoy

Key West Easter Eggs at Disney's Old Key West Resort: Exploring Conch Flats Host Michele O'Connor takes a detour from the Florida Keys to Disney's Old Key West Resort in Central Florida to explore Key West-inspired "Easter eggs" built into an imaginary Keys town called Conch Flats. She explains the resort's history (opened Dec. 20, 1991 as the first Disney Vacation Club resort; renamed in 1996) and how its bridge entrance echoes the Overseas Highway and Flagler's Overseas Railroad, reinforced by a model train display in the lobby. Highlights include the Hospitality House as a town center; Olivia's Café and its fictional backstory and menu items like conch fritters and key lime pie; Hemingway nods in Papa's Den; the Gurgling Suitcase bar tied to Prohibition smuggling lore; Trumbo Canal references; and turtle-themed names connected to Key West turtle kraals. She concludes that Disney captures Keys mood and details but not the real island's layered history, personalities, and roosters. 00:00 Disney Detour Setup 01:19 Podcast Welcome 03:40 Why Old Key West 06:15 Sponsor Break 08:32 Resort Origins 10:09 Crossing the Bridge 12:47 Hospitality House Hub 14:47 Flagler Railroad Easter Egg 18:50 Conch Flats Lore 19:55 General Store Stop 20:59 Porches and Haint Blue 26:13 Olivia's Cafe Story 28:43 Papa's Den Hemingway Nod 30:53 Sponsor Reminder 32:02 Gurgling Suitcase Bar 33:16 Waterways and Trumbo Canal 35:00 Turtles and Turtle Kraals 36:30 Pool Lighthouse Symbols 38:06 Key Lime Pie Taste Test 39:08 What Disney Got Right 41:30 What Disney Can't Copy 43:21 Should You Stay Here 44:29 Getting There Tips 45:38 Final Wrap and Questions 49:33 Outro and Resources www.outaheretravel.com www.funinkeywest.com

Key West in July: Key Lime Festival, 4th of July, Hemingway Days & Lobster Mini Season Host Michele O'Connor introduces the Fun in Key West podcast and shares an insider guide to visiting Key West in July, emphasizing the heat, humidity, and typical afternoon showers during hurricane season, along with tips on packing breathable clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, and planning around the weather with air-conditioned breaks. She highlights July's slower tourist pace, warm water, and major events including the five-day Key Lime Festival (through July 5) with tastings, a sip-and-stroll, and contests; 4th of July celebrations including a Truman Little White House cookout (July 3) and the Rotary Club 5K at Higgs Beach (July 4); Hemingway Days (July 21–26) featuring the Sloppy Joe's lookalike contest, running of the bulls, and a 5K; and lobster mini season (July 29–30). She recommends local museums and indoor spots, advises skipping rental cars, spotlights sponsor Danger Charters, and promotes her weekly newsletter and swag-box trivia. 00:00 Welcome to Key West 01:26 July Episode Preview 04:43 Sponsor Danger Charters 05:29 July Vibe and Tips 07:05 Weather and Packing 09:10 Beat the Heat Indoors 10:34 Why Visit in July 12:36 Key Lime Festival Guide 13:54 Fourth of July Events 14:53 Hemingway Days Highlights 17:02 Lobster Mini Season 18:14 Getting Around in Summer 19:17 More July Events List 21:07 Wrap Up and Newsletter 23:42 Final July Recap www.funinkeywest/danger www.funinkeywest.com

Nick Shuck on The Green Flash at Sunset: Reinvention, Key West Grit, and Hope Host Michele O'Connor welcomes listeners to the Fun in Key West podcast and introduces the June 2026 book club pick, The Green Flash at Sunset by Nick Shuck, with Shuck joining to discuss the story behind the story, why Key West is a "world capital of reinvention," and how a book can feel dark yet hopeful. Shuck shares his background as a Pensacola senior English teacher, tour company owner (Emerald Coast Tours), father, and writer inspired by Hemingway, and explains he began the novel from its ending, sparked by watching Mallory Square street performers. He describes the green flash as a metaphor for chasing dreams despite risk and uncertainty, talks about crafting four central characters and Key West as an essential setting with layered history, and addresses reader reactions to the book's darkness as honesty about the world. The episode also spotlights sponsor Cruises and Tikis of Key West and mentions Key West Island Books. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West 01:26 June Book Club Preview 03:13 Meet Author Nick Shuck 04:30 Nick's Origin Story 08:06 Cruising Tikis Sponsor Break 09:32 How Green Flash Began 12:53 Meaning of the Green Flash 16:37 Key West as Reinvention 21:07 Seeing Places in Layers 24:29 Meet Janet and Her Fight 27:11 Dark Stories Hopeful Endings 31:23 Writing Without an Outline 33:14 Endings and Lessons Learned 35:36 Writing Is Showing Up 37:17 Starting Emerald Coast Tours 38:50 Segway Tours Spark 40:44 Pub Tours Drunk History 42:07 Characters Walk Into Bar 43:22 Reinvention And Past 46:16 What Readers Should Feel 48:42 Next Projects And Research 51:06 Key West Favorites Rapid Fire 54:49 Coffee Rum And Local Tips 59:44 Thanks Sponsors And Wrap 01:02:40 Final Outro And Call To Action https://emeraldcoasttours.net/ https://bookshop.org/shop/PanhandleBooks

Historic Marker Monday: Truman's Little White House (Marker #59) in Key West Host Michele O'Connor welcomes listeners to the Fun in Key West podcast and spotlights Historic Marker Monday episode #59: the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Truman Annex. She describes the house's origins (built in 1890 as Quarters A and B, becoming a single-family residence by 1911) and notable early stays, including President William Howard Taft's 1912 visit and Thomas Edison's six-month World War I stay. The episode focuses on Truman's 11 working vacations from 1946–1953 totaling 175 days, when major issues were discussed there, including the Marshall Plan, Truman Doctrine, recognition of Israel, civil rights executive orders, the Korean War ceasefire efforts, and the merger creating the Department of Defense. She notes later presidential connections (Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, Clinton) and promotes Trusted Tours' small-group "White Glove Tour," featuring behind-the-scenes access, exhibits, refreshments, a keepsake, and a ride in Truman's 1950 Lincoln limousine. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West 01:26 Marker Monday Setup 04:30 Sponsor White Glove Tour 05:45 Origins of the House 06:54 Early VIP Visitors 08:18 Truman Arrives in 1946 09:53 Big Decisions Made Here 12:11 Truman Daily Rhythm 14:00 Other Presidential Ties 15:31 Why Historic Markers Matter 17:00 Tour Highlights and Questions 19:15 Explore More Key West Markers 20:24 Final Wrap and Call to Visit www.funinkeywest.com/truman

Wreck Ashore: How Key West Wreckers Built a Fortune Host Michele O'Connor introduces the Fun in Key West podcast and explains Key West's historic wrecking industry, highlighted by Historic Marker #58 near Mallory Square and the Wrecker Memorial by the Memorial Sculpture Garden. She describes wrecking as licensed marine salvage under maritime law—rescuing crews first, salvaging cargo, and settling claims through admiralty court at the Custom House—rather than piracy, noting myths like false lights lack evidence. The Florida Keys' reefs, storms, and limited navigation led to frequent wrecks, with NOAA estimates of hundreds to over 1,000 shipwrecks and an average of one per week in the 1800s; wrecking drove 60–90% of Florida exports by the 1830s and made Key West a leading port and home to Florida's first millionaire. She recommends visiting the Key West Shipwreck Museum tower, the Mel Fisher Museum about the 1622 Atocha found in 1985, and other related sites, and notes lighthouses and navigation improvements ended wrecking's profitability. 00:00 Welcome to Key West 01:26 Wreck Ashore Hook 03:18 Historic Marker 58 06:29 What Wrecking Means 08:04 Why Ships Wrecked Here 10:38 Key West Gets Rich 12:34 Custom House and Courts 15:01 Myths and Methods 18:45 Mel Fisher and Atocha 20:57 Shipwreck Museum Tower 21:42 End of Wrecking Era 22:43 Where to See It Today 24:33 Final Thoughts and Wrap 28:18 Recap and Call to Action

Key West in June: Weather, Packing Tips, Events, and a 3-Day Itinerary Host Michele O'Connor introduces the Fun in Key West podcast and shares a practical guide to visiting Key West in June, covering warm, humid upper-80s weather, comfortable water temps, and typical quick afternoon showers during the start of hurricane season. She recommends booking midweek for better hotel deals, packing breathable clothes, comfy shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle, and light rain gear, and planning outdoor activities earlier in the day. June highlights include Pride Month events, water excursions (snorkeling, kayaking, sandbar trips, dolphin watching, sunset cruises), Old Town staples like Mallory Square and Duval Street, beaches (noting possible sargassum), museums and historic sites, and day trips like Dry Tortugas (book early). She lists June 2026 happenings (Walk on White, Comedy Key West shows, farmers market, jazz jams, Mango Mania) and offers rainy-day indoor options plus a sample 3-day itinerary. Sponsor: Up the Keys Tours. 00:00 Welcome to Key West 01:26 June Trip Overview 03:48 Why Visit in June 05:50 Weather and Rain 07:33 What to Pack 08:51 Pride and Events 09:39 Best Things to Do 12:59 Museums and Day Trips 15:09 June 2026 Calendar 18:10 Rainy Day Plans 19:30 Where to Stay 21:21 Getting There 21:45 Three Day Itinerary 24:26 Final June Tips 25:31 Wrap Up and Thanks https://funinkeywest.com/key-west-in-june/ www.funinkeywest.com/up

The Ultimate Couples Guide to Key West: Sunsets, Food Tours, and Quirky Date Ideas Host Michele O'Connor introduces the Fun in Key West podcast as an insider guide to where to eat, drink, stay, and what to do on the island, then focuses on experiencing Key West as a couple with a laid-back, spontaneous vibe. She recommends balancing iconic activities—Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, sunset cruises (Fury's Commotion on the Ocean, Flora Days, and Danger's Wind and Wine Sail), and Duval Street strolling—with unique options like ghost tours, cocktail classes, jet ski tours, kayaking, and private sandbar charters with Make It So Charters. Additional highlights include the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory (including flamingo meet-and-greets), Fort Zachary Taylor, Dry Tortugas, West Martello Tower, Hemingway Home, Truman Little White House, Audubon House, Rodriguez Cigars, Key West Island Bookstore, and date ideas like brunch, dessert stops, and wine at Vino's. The episode is sponsored by Key West Food Tours, promoting multiple tours and emphasizing booking ahead, staying hydrated, wearing comfortable shoes, avoiding driving, and planning one main activity per day. 00:00 Welcome to Key West 01:26 Couples Episode Setup 02:09 Key West Food Tours 05:03 Island Vibe for Two 07:05 How We Plan Days 09:20 Classic Sunset Staples 11:41 Duval and Food Tours 14:32 Cocktails and Water Fun 17:09 Nature and History Stops 19:06 Quirky Finds and Books 20:59 Dates and Itineraries 24:45 Practical Trip Tips 27:37 Sponsor and Farewell www.funinkeywest.com/foodtour www.funinkeywest.com https://www.keywestcookingshow.com/ Other episodes to check out - Key West Trip Recap: Coconut Beach Resort, Hidden Gem Cocktail & Cooking Classes, and Local Favorites Exploring Key West: From Sunrise to Sunset with Fun in Key West

Family-Friendly Florida Keys Road Trip: Key Largo to Key West (Summer Travel Tips) Host Michele O'Connor introduces the Fun in Key West podcast and shares family-travel tips for a Florida Keys road trip from Key Largo to Key West heading into Memorial Day weekend 2026. She argues the Keys are a great multi-generational destination if approached with a relaxed mindset: plan one major activity per day, build in pool/beach downtime, pack snacks and water, plan around morning weather and afternoon showers, and check age/height requirements and booking needs. Suggested stops include Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (snorkeling or glass-bottom boats); Islamorada's Rain Barrel Village (Betsy lobster), Robbie's tarpon feeding, and Theater of the Sea; Marathon/Middle Keys attractions like the Turtle Hospital, Dolphin Research Center, aquarium, Pigeon Key/Seven Mile Bridge history, and Sombrero Beach; Duck Key's Hawks Cay Resort; Bahia Honda State Park; Big Pine Key's Key Deer Refuge; and Key West activities such as the conch train/trolley, Fort Zachary Taylor, Eco-Discovery Center, splash park, Southernmost Point replica, Butterfly Conservatory, aquarium, Hemingway Home, Shipwreck Museum, Mallory Square sunset celebration, and Dry Tortugas. The episode is sponsored by Fury Water Adventures. 00:00 Welcome to Key West 01:26 Family Trip Overview 02:28 Travel Tips and Sponsor 06:22 Keys Trip Mindset 07:43 Key Largo Adventures 09:48 Islamorada Road Stops 14:17 Marathon and Middle Keys 19:35 Lower Keys Highlights 21:49 Key West With Kids 28:06 Key West Eats and Treats 29:42 Dry Tortugas Day Trip 30:25 Sample Road Trip Itinerary 31:18 Final Tips and Wrap Up 35:45 Closing Thanks and Goodbye www.funinkeywest.com/fury