Ocean Blues Studio Art Gallery

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local artists Jasmine Jones and Katlin Spain of the amazing Ocean Blues Studio.

We talk about how each of them got started as individual artists, how they met, and how they formed Ocean Blues Studio; an amazing place where create and showcase their art, all in one place.

More about Ocean Blues Studio

Jasmine Jones

Born and raised here in Key West, Jones grew up immersed in color. From the vibrant flora and fauna that thrive on the island, to the picturesque sunsets and ocean seascapes, there was always plenty to draw inspiration from.

She creates her artwork using a combination of alcohol inks, acrylic paint and resin layers to create a body of work with a greater depth than traditional two dimensional paintings. Her paintings focus on vibrant colors, particularly the blues of the ocean, from which the name of the studio is derived.

Katlin Spain

Originally from Kansas, Spain immediately fell in love with Key West.

In her studio practice, Spain works to deconstruct familiar shapes & associations by changing their colors, textures, & patterns. She carefully curates them into landscape-like environments where these new objects can coexist.

It is in these vivid other-worldly scenes that the viewer can allow themselves to exist in a land of the sweetness & the phenomena of the ‘new.’ 

Local Artist Collective

Artist Workspace & Gallery, showcasing contemporary and abstract artists of the Florida Keys.

For the month of April, I will be showcasing all of my art (backyardsofkeywest.com) at their studio!!

Be on the lookout for my own gallery space at the Mallory Square Mall too – right across from Ocean Blue Studio!!

Website: https://www.oceanbluesstudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanbluesstudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceanbluesstudio

Studio Location
291 Front Street, Suite 114
Key West, FL 33040

Hours
Monday — Saturday
10am — 5pm
Sunday (Funday)
CLOSED

Contact
[email protected]

The One & Only Irish Kevin’s Bar

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the GM Daylin, and the iconic Irish Kevin’s Bar

We talk about the origin of the bar and what they did to thrive during and after COVID times.

More about Irish Kevin’s

Since July of 1998 Irish Kevin’s Bar has been inviting guests to “come on in”!

Singer, songwriter and entertainer ‘Irish Kevin’ had the vision to open his bar on Duval Street focused on live music and good times…a simple formula that has established the bar as an institution in the heart of Old Town Key West. The island city is like no other city in the world, and Irish Kevin’s is like no other bar.

There is truly something for everyone at Irish Kevin’s. We are proud to offer a full bar with unique cocktails and twenty-six beers on tap. Live entertainment is served up seven days a week from early in the morning until closing time. All are welcome to sing-along and maybe even become part of the show! Plenty of televisions ensure you won’t miss out on your favorite sporting events. Be sure to come hungry as we have a tasty food menu ranging from a light salad to a one-pound burger! Try the Rueben sandwich that is piled high with corned beef that is slow-cooked in house! Our gift shop is open all day and our staff will help you find the perfect souvenirs to remember your southernmost adventure.

Come join us and find out why our motto is: “I Came, I Drank, I Don’t Remember”!

Website: https://irishkevins.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irishkevinsbar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrishKevinsBar

Location

We are open daily from 11am to 3:30am.
Our kitchen is open from 11am to 11pm
Times may vary during special events.

211 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040

305-292-1262

How The Florida Keys SPCA is Helping our Furry Friends Find a Home

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tiffany Dunsmore, the Development Director in Key West. We talk about how the SPCA is doing post-COVID-19 and how you can help.

Florida Keys SPCA Mission

The Florida Keys SPCA is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of all animals through compassionate care, adoption, education, population control and humane law enforcement.

We are a completely independent, private, not-for-profit organization and are not funded by, any other state or national humane organization. Monroe County funds a contract for FKSPCA to provide animal control services in our jurisdiction, yet for additional community services we provide, we rely on grants, fundraising and donations from supporters like you to help us provide a high standard of care for our animals.

Florida Keys SPCA provides adoption services, essential animal care, as well as animal control & cruelty investigations under contract with Monroe County.

Florida Keys SPCA has operated the Key West animal shelter on Stock Island since 1999, and in Marathon since 2015, providing essential services for Key West, the Lower Keys and Middle Keys between mile marker 0 and 70.

Website: https://fkspca.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floridakeysspca/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/fkspca

Amazing Key West Conch Art by Abigail White

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local Key West artist, Abigail White.

We talk about where she gets her inspiration and, why for heaven’s sake, is she not more famous here in Key West! I’m a huge fan of her work and have been for years before I even moved to Key West. The way she turns houses and iconic spots like Sloppy Joes into conch shell paintings are AMAZING!!

More on Abigail White

Growing up on the island of Key West has been an inspiring journey. I’m a pastor’s daughter and one of nine children; my mother home-schooled me, affording me plenty of free time to draw and paint, two of my favorite things. Key West has an artistic vibe: not only is it gorgeous and chromatic, but artists from around the world gather here and pool their knowledge. It’s easy to feed off that vibe and learn from those artists! 

One thing artists here love to depict are conch houses. Cute homes constructed by Bahama immigrants in Key West during the 19th century. They get their name from the conch shell because people from the Bahamas were said to eat lots of conch meat. As far as I know, I’m the first to paint literal ‘conch houses’ with the conch shell as the exterior of house. Key West’s symbol is the conch shell so it’s appropriate! My art has gone on to include conchs transformed into other things, like boats and a sleigh.  

I still live in Key West and continue to draw inspiration from its beauty. I live with my husband, Terence, the Key West high school Cross Country coach (team name: The Fighting Conchs) and our two sons, Atticus and Archie. 
Thanks for checking out my art! 

Website: https://colorsofwhite.com

Abigail White Art: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/abigail-white

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ColorsofWhitekw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorsofwhite/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColorsofWhite

Lost Boy Creations – Apparel For The Wanderlust

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Lost Boy creator and leader himself (no not Rufio) Matthew Atkinson.

We learn how Matt made his way to St. John, how he became a shaper of wooden boats and boards, how he made his way to Key West, and how the origin of Lost Boy Creations came about.

More on Lost Boy Creations

Live like a Lost Boy

Lost Boy:{lost boi} noun

  1. purveyor of dreams
  2. follower of the heart
  3. wanderer

(see also: mermaid, unicorn, pirate)

We count ourselves among a hand full of brave, wild, and fun-loving explorers who followed their wandering souls to the land of sand and sun. We strive to bring a sense of youth, style and paradise to all through our “adventure” woodworking, apparel and wanderlust lifestyle.

  • A Lost Boy knows what it means to truly live.
  • A Lost Boy follows his or her passion.
  • Lost Boys do not fall into one religion, gender, race, orientation, or title.
  • We roam until we find our path.
  • To conform is not in our DNA.
  • Our passions are our professions.
  • The lifestyle of a Lost Boy is not bought, taught or learned.
  • A Lost Boy lies waiting to be discovered in all of us.
  • We’re adventurers, dreamers, and friends; boarders, boaters and builders.
  • We’re one of a kind and kind to all.
  • We’re far from where we started but never alone.

Our roots can be traced from the mainland to the small island of St. John, in the US Virgin Islands and beyond. After nearly a decade on St. John, Irma came to claim her bounty. We had to make some difficult decisions but rolled with the punches.

These days you can find us at the end of the road. We’ll be bumping quality tunes and handcrafting our custom surfboards, paddle boards, and whatever else we can dream up down at 225 Petronia St. 

We’re here when we are, and adventuring when we’re not.

Join the movement. Find your Neverland. #livelikealostboy and share it with everyone…

Website: https://lostboycreations.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostboycreations/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lostboycreation/

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/docklightproductions

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 2035977580

417 Southard St.
Key West, Florida 33040

Find Local Shops in the Keys With ShopMomAndPop.com

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with returning guest, Paul Menta. Paul may be known for his Kiteboarding and his Rum (Key West Legal Rum Distillery), but we sit down to discuss his newest project, Shopmomandpop.com

When COVID-19 hit, Paul saw how hard local businesses got hit, that he created a FREE listing for locally-owned independent businesses and services of Key West & the Florida Keys.

More on SHOPMOMANDPOP.com

Mom and Pop business is two out of three businesses in Key West and the Florida Keys. Shopping Mom and Pop businesses support our neighbors and families who live in Key West and the Florida Keys. Mom and Pop’s are the folks who make up our Island communities. These are the folks who are always there for us, who say hello, who remember you, and who make our lives better even when we are busy. Mom and Pop businesses are always there for us with a smile. Support Key West, support the Florida Keys: Shop Mom and Pop.

Website: https://shopmomandpop.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopmomandpop

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopmomandpop

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/shopmomandpop

Scott Gerke Talks Mental Health & How He Is Changing The World, One Stranger At A Time

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Gerke, a Key West local that many of you know – or will know real soon.

He created the Key West Full  Moon Experience, has an event company, is a local DJ, took a stranger on the most epic Key West adventure – and suffers from anxiety.

Like most of us out there, Scott may have looked like he had everything together from the outside. The great job, great apartment, the girl, the height (he is super tall), and living the island life… until he suffered from his first panic attack.

After many months of feeling lost, Scott did what any reasonable person did; he sold all of his stuff and build a tiny house out of his Sprinter Van.

Scott found himself driving all over the country and documenting his journey. A journey which you can find on his YouTube channel called, “Once a Stranger, Now a Friend.”

As someone who loves to meet new people, I created a little summer journey meeting random strangers and documenting the experiences I have with them, all through the power of hello. Life can bring us incredible offerings if we allow us to open up to all walks of life and that is what this series is all about. What I hope to gain from this journey is a better understanding of what makes all of us unique, with a new perspective on how each of us choose to live our lives.

~ Scott Gerke

We go in so many directions during this episode, but most importantly, want people out there that are suffering from some sort of mental health issue – YOU are not alone.

More on Scott Gerke

I live by the quote, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet” and a believer in the power of hello. By accepting other for who they are and allowing them to be their true selves around us, we can live a pretty fulfilling and incredible life. All it takes is a simple hello. My ultimate goal with this channel is to create a mental health talk-therapy foundation, where people can use the foundation’s money to talk out their feelings with a professional and become the best version of themselves. With your support, we can make that dream become a reality. Please subscribe to my channel and let’s grow this channel, together. I am also a DJ and event producer in Key West, FL, and hope to celebrate an occasion with you someday 🙂

Website: https://www.scottcgerke.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrGerkman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottcgerke/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerkescott

Beards and Brews Barbershop & Bar

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Beards and Brews owner, Eric to discuss how he got the idea, how longs he’s been cutting hair, and how the island locals came together to support him and his new venture.

More on Beards and Brews Barbershop & Bar

Beards and Brews is the “Premier Barbershop Of The Florida Keys,” offering craft beer and select draft beers while you wait*.

With multi-generational barbers, with a combined experience of over 30 years. We are your local trusted barber! Specializing in men’s style haircuts and beard trimming and up keep. Ask about beard hair care products and more.

*Must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol. Non-Alcoholic beverages are also available for those who do not drink and or are not of age. Minors are to be accompanied by an adult.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardsandbrewsbarbershop/

Location:
5450 MacDonald Ave Unit 6,
Key West, FL 33040

Phone: (305) 292-1460

Whiskey Tasting at the Key West Trading Company

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Smuggler Jim (JD Martin) at his Whiskey tai sting room on 627 Eton Street.

We talk about the family history behind the Smuggler and well… everything Whiskey 🙂

More on Key West Trading Company

“Purveyors of Fine Whiskies and Spirits”

This is the philosophy that our founder JD Martin had in mind when he created the company. 

“I wanted to bring my family heritage of a reputation for Top Quality spirits and old school customer service to Key West” Martin said. JD Martin (Smuggler Jim) is a 5th generation whiskey maker from Kentucky. 

The Martin family is well known for producing only the best quality spirits. They never used flavorings to hide the taste and the flagship product utilizes a recipe that has been unchanged since 1883. JD is the first Martin to “go legal” in 136 years. 

‘I am very proud of my heritage. 

I grew up in a very unique way and learned values that aren’t taught much these days. My grandfather was my mentor. 

He taught me how to run liquor starting when I was 9 years old. We hid our stills in an old smokehouse on the farm that we used to smoke Country Hams. 

It was a simple but effective operation. In the winter we switched from whiskey making to gambling. 

This is the lifestyle that kept our family fed for generations. 

There was a certain respect that we had in the community and some romance to the process. My Grandfather always said that “Behind every great spirit is a great story”. 

JD Martin has followed his grandfather’s wisdom and offers just that through the Key West Trading Company, great spirits with great stories. 

He combines old world technique with modern processes such as the TerrePure process used in making their spirits today.

Website: https://keywesttradeco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keywesttradingco

Facebook.: https://www.facebook.com/keywesttradingcompany

Don’t forget to listen to the B-Man & mi-Shell show: https://bmmbhz.com/bio

The Jerk Key West

On this episode of the podcast, Mark Baratto sits down with chef and food truck owner of The Jerk Caribbean food, Deon.

We talked about how Deon got into the cooking game, how his culinary education mixed with family recipes, created some of the best Caribbean food on island. I should know… I had to get some after the interview!

More on The Jerk

We specialize in flavorful Caribbean Cuisine, only the best is good enough! Whole fish, Jerk, Oxtails, Curries, stews and many more specials.

We do special requests, & takeout catering!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thejerkkw/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Thejerkkw/

Address
6404 Front St
Key West, FL 33040

Phone:  (305) 407-0331
Open everyday: 10:30AM – 10:30PM

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