Key Biscayne Stories

Sensei Robert Duzoglou a 30-year Key Biscayne resident and founder of the RDCA Academy of Martial Arts. Sensei shares how a chance realtor's recommendation brought his family to the island decades ago, and takes us through his 55-year journey in the martial arts. We dig into what really sets the Academy apart: the character development and core values, respect, accountability, and discipline that...

Kathie Klarreich, founder of Exchange for Change, a nonprofit that teaches writing, leadership, and communication skills to incarcerated men and women across Florida. Kathie's path here started far from the Key: as a freelance journalist covering Haiti through a coup, a devastating earthquake, and a decade of reporting for outlets like NBC, ABC, and TIME. That work eventually led her into a Homest...

Chief Charles "Chuck" Press spent 17 years as chief of police in Key Biscayne. In this episode, Chief Press joins Key Biscayne Stories to talk about the ride-along that changed his life, what it took to rebuild a police department from the ground up, and how a small Christmas toy drive grew into the Chief Press Foundation, which has raised over $700,000 and forged a sister-city bond between Key Bi...

En este episodio de Key Biscayne Stories conocemos a Martha García, vecina de la isla desde hace 34 años. Marta cuenta cómo llegó a Miami desde Guayaquil, Ecuador, justo la noche del huracán Andrew en 1992, y cómo esa tormenta terminó marcando su historia con Key Biscayne. Hoy Marta es Realtor y home stager, y además dirige dos emprendimientos propios: La Casa de Marta, su mueblería online, y Tabl...

Patricia Romano and Patricia Riestra Peraita have been side by side on Key Biscayne since the nineties. Known around the island simply as Pat and Pat, they've built a life and a business here together — through good markets and bad ones, through community events and volunteer work, through Rotary Club meetings and Fourth of July parades. In this episode we sit down with both of them to hear how th...

🎆 Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade With Michele Estevez In this episode of Key Biscayne Stories — where neighbors meet neighbors , Alejandro Servalli sits down with Michele Estevez, a 47-year resident and the longest-standing member of the Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade Committee. Michele shares the history and heart behind the parade as it prepares for its 67th year and celebrates the 250t...

n this episode of Key Biscayne Stories, we sit down with longtime island residents Ceci and Eduardo Sánchez, a beloved couple whose lives are deeply woven into the history and heart of our community. They share their journey from Cuba to Key Biscayne — how they met, built a family, worked hard, and made the island their home for decades. Eduardo reflects on his many professional roles, from managi...

🎙️ Get to Know Andy Garcia III and His Boutique Doggie Daycare After more than 40 years in the produce industry, longtime Key Biscayne resident Andy Garcia III decided it was time for a new chapter — one filled with wagging tails and warm hearts. In this episode, Andy shares how he turned his love for animals into a concierge-style dog care service right from his home on the Key. We talk about how...

In this episode of Key Biscayne Stories, we sit down with Txema, the Padel Director at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne. Txema shares his journey—from his early background in sports to his passion for teaching padel and developing programs that bring people together. We talk about the growing padel community on the island, his approach to building friendship and camaraderie among his students, and...

Matilda Urcuyo is the CEO of KBHelp and Miami Tutoring, two initiatives making a difference in the Key Biscayne area and beyond. KBHelp is a community service powered by high school students from Key Biscayne who offer babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, errands, DJ help, tutoring, and more for local families. Learn more at https://kbhelp.webnode.page/ She also runs Miami Tutoring, a free tutor...

In this episode, we sit down with Gonzalo Barrantes, a longtime Key Biscayne resident and the founder of Bantes Farms. Gonza has lived on the Key for 17 years and now delivers fresh, organic, pasture-raised eggs straight from his farm to your doorstep. He shares how his egg business started, how it operates, and what keeps him motivated to serve the Key Biscayne community. If you’ve ever wondered...

Acompáñanos mientras Ian Blume comparte su inspiradora experiencia sirviendo con el Cuerpo de Paz en Paraguay. Desde aprender el idioma local hasta construir relaciones duraderas en comunidades rurales. 🎙️ En este episodio escucharás: Por qué decidió unirse al Cuerpo de Paz Cómo es la vida diaria en una aldea paraguaya Si te interesa el voluntariado internacional, las historias de vida o el crecim...

En este episodio de Key Biscayne Stories, conversamos con Diana Edery, fundadora de KeyCan, un negocio local dedicado a mejorar la salud y felicidad de nuestros perros a través de comidas frescas y caseras. Diana comparte la emotiva historia de cómo comenzó KeyCan después de que su Golden Retriever, Elliot, se enfermara en 2022. Cuando los tratamientos tradicionales no fueron suficientes, recurrió...

Mark Hemmer has become a familiar and inspiring figure in Key Biscayne with his dedicated daily run, rain or shine. 🌤️🏃‍♂️ His commitment to fitness and perseverance has not only shaped his own life but has also encouraged others in the community to embrace a healthier lifestyle. In this episode, we dive into Mark's journey, his motivation, and how his passion for running has created a ripple eff...

Today we sit down with Council Member Frank Caplan, running for re-election to the Village of Key Biscayne Council in the 2024 election. Frank discusses his journey to Key Biscayne, what inspired him to run for office, and his deep commitment to the community. We explore his vision for the village and the positive impact he hopes to make if elected. We discuss: Frank’s background and how he came t...

Today we talk to Nancy Stoner, candidate for the Village of Key Biscayne Council in the 2024 election. Nancy shares her story and what motivated her to run for public office. We dive into her dedication to the community and appreciation for our village. We discuss: What inspired her to step into public service and run for the Village Council. Her top priorities for the future of Key Biscayne and h...

Today we sit down with Mark Fried, candidate for the Village of Key Biscayne Council in the 2024 election. Mark opens up about his journey to Key Biscayne, what inspired him to run for office, and his commitment to making a difference in the community. We discuss his vision for the village and how he hopes to contribute to its future. We discuss: Mark’s background and how he came to call Key Bisca...

Join us in this episode of Key Biscayne Stories as we get to know Kristina Kubler, a local entrepreneur and mom, who was inspired by her daughter to create Pipa Skin Care—a brand dedicated to safe and effective skincare for tweens. Kristina shares her journey in developing products that are science-backed, gentle, and made in the USA, offering moms a safe choice for their children’s skincare needs...

Today we sit down with Michael Bracken, candidate for the Village of Key Biscayne Council in the 2024 election. Michael shares his personal story, what brought him to Key Biscayne, and why he decided to run for office. We explore his passion for the community and the future he envisions for the village. We discuss: Michael’s background and what led him to make Key Biscayne his home. What motivated...

Today on Key Biscayne Stories, we sit down with Nick Lopez-Jenkins, a 2024 candidate for the Village of Key Biscayne Council. In this interview, Nick shares his story, what led him to settle in Key Biscayne, and why he decided to run for public office. We explore his vision for the village and the issues he feels are most important to address. In this episode, we cover: Nick's personal journey and...

Today we sit down with Charles Collins, candidate for the Village of Key Biscayne Council in the 2024 election. Charles shares insights into his life, his journey to Key Biscayne, and what motivated him to run for office. We dive into his vision for the community and his priorities for the village. We discuss: Charles’ background and how he came to call the Key his home. What inspired him to step...