As you must know by now, I left the island a couple years ago; but the island has not left me. I am living with a wonderful, caring woman who takes such good care of me. But I have no water in my life and I am finding that to be hard. I spend a lot of time thinking about southern Florida and the different lifestyle there.
Things change - and usually without my permission. The island is now cared for by Mario. He is a good soul and we share a “Keeper’s” appreciation of Broad Key. I am lucky to have him as a friend and compatriot. He keeps me informed of the activities on the island so my link remains fed. But the last communication was not great. He informed me that Jeff had died the night before. This has proven to be harder on me than I would have guessed. Jeff was a friend. Mario summarized best:
“,,, He was a unique person, rich with character and full of kindness. It makes sense that you and I would have a connection with him being the ones out here. I got pretty close to him—be it at one point necessity that evolved into friendship. He was a guide, a friend, a confidant—simply a brother in arms, that you quite literally bled and sweat beside, in this madness that we have endured out here.”
Jeff was the island owner’s representative for the physical facility that is Broad Key. He was the go-to person for property issues like the septic tank, or wind damage or any other damage repair. While he did not live on the island, he lived for the island. He proved to be great support, physical and emotional, on many occasions. But, as Mario said, he was a friend. I’ll never forget things like honey dipping together to clear the septic system drainage field or flying across Barnes and Card Sounds after an evening at Gilbert’s with no boat lights or GPS, and navigating by the lights of the various towers, bridges and shoreline markers. I enjoyed many hours with him doing many different things.
I am better for knowing him. I learned a lot from him. I will miss him for a long time as he represents life in south Florida, saltwater life and Broad Key.
