Living in Key West

House of the week 1023 Simonton Street!

House of the week 518 Emma Street

House of the week 18954 Acosta Trail

100k Follower Giveaway!


In episode 28 we tell you a little about what's going on in Key West this week. Also, we talk about some real estate and our new listing at 1023 Simonton Street in Old Town Key West. Only one block from Duval Street and much more. 
Welcome to episode 28 of our Living In Key West podcast! We are so excited to bring you island life via podcast. On our show we'll keep you caught up on what's happening in Key West, what the real estate market is doing locally and properties we're really excited about, plus insider chats with Conchs, and deep dives on the history of this beautiful island paradise.

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One Love Food Truck Website

One Love on Instagram

One Love on Facebook

Chef Clive on Instagram

Chef Clive's website

One Love Food Truck has been one of our favorite places to eat in the Keys since before we moved here. We have been visiting and looking forward to Chef Clive's culinary creations for years.

Since moving to Key West we eat at One Love at least once a week and have had a chance to get to know One Love's founder, Chef Clive. Chef is a wonderful, kind, warm person and obviously an amazing chef. He and his team always have a smile on their faces and after getting a chance to sit and talk with him more during this interview we were able to understand why. Chef brings his positive encouraging attitude to all he does and has a team who has been with him for years. This is a true testament to the supportive, healthy environment he has created as a founder. 

The positivity and camaraderie shines through in the food and the vibes at One Love. To sit and enjoy a meal there is a treat every time. The food is absolutely delicious and entirely unique, combining Chef Clive's love of island cuisine with familiar favorites making the food accessible, delicious, and fun. The reggae music, bright decor, and endless array of plants provide a warmth and joy you can't find anywhere else. (Also, they're very dog friendly which we very much appreciate!)

We already knew that we really liked Chef Clive, but getting to hear his "one pot meal" story of how he decided to become a chef, the story of moving from Jamaica to New York, how he ended up in Key West, the joy he takes in mentoring and leading his team, and the pride he has for his work and his mentees is wonderful.

We even got a chance to hear a little bit about some of the special new projects Chef has up his sleeve. Hint: Hopefully you'll be able to pick up a little piece of One Love for yourself no matter where you're listening from...

You are really going to enjoy this episode! Leave us a comment and let us know what you think and don't forget to follow Chef and One Love on social media. 

When you're in Key West there are a few ways you can try Chef Clive's food:

🚐 Visit One Love Food Truck
🔪 Hire Chef Clive as a private chef 
🍴 Hire Chef Clive for a catering job

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House of the week 1023 Simonton Street!

Enter our 100k Follower Giveaway!

In episode 27 we tell you a little about what's going on in Key West this week. Also, we talk about some real estate and our new listing at 1023 Simonton Street in Old Town Key West. Only one block from Duval Street! We also tease about a 100k follower giveaway and the 2023 Bubbas.

Welcome to episode 27 of our Living In Key West podcast! We are so excited to bring you island life via podcast. On our show we'll keep you caught up on what's happening in Key West, what the real estate market is doing locally and properties we're really excited about, plus insider chats with Conchs, and deep dives on the history of this beautiful island paradise.

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Check the weather here!

With hurricane season upon us we were especially excited to chat with Key West Weather Service head meteorologist Chip Kasper!

Chip was a fun and engaging interviewee with fascinating insights about tropical weather. 

Throughout our chat Chip shared with us:
🌀 His best advice on tropical weather preparation
🌴 The role of community on the success of the preparation and recovery 
🌀 His thoughts on living in the path of hurricanes and why understanding how to assess your own unique tropical weather risk is vitally important as a resident
🌴 What he thinks should be on every new Florida Keys home buyer's move-in checklist for tropical weather prep
🌀 The reputable and science-based resources he recommends to prepare and track storms as they form
🌴 The worst storm he's ever experienced in Key West
🌀 What the Key West weather team does when they have to hunker down at the weather service building during tropical weather
🌴 What the cone means and how to understand it
🌀 Why Hurricane Ian was a case study for how a little wobble can make a huge difference
🌴 and tons more interesting insights

Our biggest thanks to Chip for taking the time to speak to us during what is the busiest time of year for him. Weather nerds unite!

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To support Ted please book a tour and buy his book (or buy a bunch and gift them!) Links to everything are below.

If you would like to book a tour with Ted follow this link and book a tour Wednesday through Sunday: https://keywestghostandmysteriestour.com/key-west-ghost-mysteries-tour/
Buy Ted's latest book here: https://a.co/d/fpkleoH
Follow Ted on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernmostted/
Follow Ted on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSouthernmostTed/
Follow Ted on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@southernmostted

Ted Messimer, aka Southernmost Ted, is a Key West icon. After moving to the island a few decades back, Ted dove headfirst into learning all he could about the island the paranormal activity on the island. His interest in the paranormal originates in childhood and after moving to one of the most haunted cities in the US Ted's inner kid took full advantage!

These days Ted guides small groups on walking ghost tours five nights a week (Wednesday through Sunday) with Key West Ghosts and Mysteries tour company. Ted's tours are 90 minutes and they are packed with incredible stories and exceptionally interesting and spooky demonstrations of paranormal activity and energy. We are ghost tour connoisseurs and Ted is at the top of our list as far as guides. He's funny and incredibly knowledgable. Ted's tours are great even for the non-believers because they are packed with so much interesting Key West history, apart from the ghost stories.

During our conversation we covered: 

🌴 What brought Ted to Key West
👻 Some of his best spooky/paranormal stories both work and personal
🌴 His weekend role as key lime pie slinger and point of sale man at The Key Lime Pie Bakery
👻 His incredibly prolific path as an author
🌴 His recent diagnosis and brave battle with brain cancer and 
👻 His latest book on his battle with cancer and his exceptionally unique perspective as a ghost guide examining his own life and mortality

To say that we could have continued talking with Ted all day is an absolute understatement. His story, his love for the island, his knowledge of this incredible place we call home and the people who lived here before (and may still be hanging around), and his endlessly positive outlook about life in the face of a harrowing diagnosis made this one of the most inspiring, interesting, and fun conversations we have ever had the pleasure of having.

We are so grateful to Ted for spending time with us and so graciously and openly sharing his world. It is evident that Ted's goal is to do good with his work and needless to say he is constantly putting good out into the world. Keep it up, Ted!

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1023 Simonton Street Property Link

In episode 26 we tell you a little about what's going on in Key West this week. Also, we talk about some real estate and our new listing at 1023 Simonton Street in Old Town Key West. Only one block from Duval Street!

Welcome to episode 26 of our Living In Key West podcast! We are so excited to bring you island life via podcast. On our show we'll keep you caught up on what's happening in Key West, what the real estate market is doing locally and properties we're really excited about, plus insider chats with Conchs, and deep dives on the history of this beautiful island paradise.

Support the show

Wayne's Art

Wayne's Construction Company

Watch Wayne tell stories at a past event here


Wayne Garcia is a third generation Conch, contractor, artist, and storyteller. We first met Wayne the morning after Hurricane Ian moved past Key West. We had our pups out to potty very early and he drove past us, backed up, parked and got out of his truck to check on us. Not only was he checking on us but he was checking on how we fared in the home we were renting because he and his team had built the home. It struck us as such a testament to his pride in his work and the fact that the structures he builds on this island are not only beautiful, but also keep the people of the island safe.

Wayne's contracting business is only one small part of his story. He is also an incredibly talented and passionate artist and storyteller. We could listen to Wayne tell tales of the island for hours. The way he weaves together the tales and evokes such a nostalgia for the island of the past. You can tell he is transported to past eras as he also transports you through his words. If you love Key West you will love Wayne's tales.

From Key West's cemetery roosters who were raised on black beans and rice, to the gentleman who thought he needed to direct traffic (after a few cocktails), to how Wayne met his mentor, the famous Mario Sanchez, to drug smugglers stuck in trees, to ghost dogs and so much more Wayne really took us on an adventure and we love every minute.

Wayne's art is island perfection and each piece has a fantastic story that inspired it. Be sure to stop into the Gallery on Greene to see Wayne's art anytime and keep your eyes peeled for his speaking engagements on the island. He is also available for commissions if you are looking for the perfect island fine art piece for your home or to give as a gift to the Key West lover of your life. 

If you'd like to attend one of Wayne's speaking events there is one tentatively scheduled for June 2023 with The Studios and should be consist of a conversation about the era of drug smuggling with Wayne facilitating some amazing storytelling from other speakers who were on the inside (now that the statute of limitations is up!) As more information becomes available for that event we will post on our social medias so be sure to follow us so you don't miss it.

Thank you to Wayne for the amazing interview. We truly can't wait to have him back for more stories from this beautiful island.

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In episode 25 we tell you a little about what's going on in Key West this week. Also, we talk about some real estate, art and happenings around Key West.

Welcome to episode 25 of our Living In Key West podcast! We are so excited to bring you island life via podcast. On our show we'll keep you caught up on what's happening in Key West, what the real estate market is doing locally and properties we're really excited about, plus insider chats with Conchs, and deep dives on the history of this beautiful island paradise.

Support the show

Donate to Michelle's Foundation

Stay at the Southernmost House

Eat at Seaside Cafe

The island of Key West is one of incredible stories and incredible humans. This interview with Michael Halpern is one that exhibits the beautiful spirit of the island with history, joy, and a helping heart for the people of Key West.

Michael is an attorney, business man, and philanthropist. We first met Michael while eating at his restaurant, The Seaside Cafe. Michael was a gracious and kind host, visiting our table. We were so impressed by his kindness and warmth during our brief interaction that we knew we wanted a chance to chat with him more. After our quick chat we learned that Michael is not only the owner of the Southernmost House (aka The Mansion here locally) and the Seaside Cafe but he is also the founder of Michelle's Foundation. Named for his late wife, Michelle's Foundation contributes to the education of the children and young adults here in Key West. Between their scholarship fund, their alternative high school (Somerset Island Prep), tutoring and contribution of food to help kids keep their bellies full even after school, Michelle's Foundation is giving academic opportunities that otherwise would be out of reach. In addition, the foundation contributes to supports local foster and adoption organizations and animal welfare and rescue organizations as well. 

Michael's passion for philanthropy and this island is palpable. His extreme care for the mansion, the pride in the restoration and preservation, his love of sharing the history and artifacts of the building, and his joy in welcoming guests in are inspiring. He glows when he speaks of his son and chef, Rafe's, ideation and creation of the Seaside Cafe and the delicious, high quality food they serve. To hear Michael speak of his wife's legacy, his love of this island, his "secret" passion for animals, the fun of taking time off to spend time with his children and grandchildren, the pride he has for the work of the foundation, and to be in the presence of someone who is constantly looking for opportunities to make the world around him a better place can't help but inspire you to go out and do the same.

We feel lucky that we had the opportunity to spend time with Michael and hear about his time on this beautiful island we call home. We also finally got a chance to enjoy the Seaside Cafe's world famous lobster pizza immediately after we wrapped. All we can say is: Run, don't walk, and get yourself this pizza. It's truly incredible.

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House of the week in Key West!

House of the week in Summerland Key!

Backyards of Key West

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with husband and wife Real Estate duo, Stephanie & Greg.

We talk about how they are using TikTok to grow their business, their new podcast, and how giving more than asking, is always a winning strategy.

This episode was shot back in January.

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