Patching up Paradise

By Susan Mitchell

“My bosses gave me the honor of painting this buoy every three months because I grew up in a painting business,” said John Zeoli, 36, a Conch who works for the city of Key West. He rode the storm on Watson Street, one of the higher points of the island in Old Town.

A four year veteran for the  City of Key West Community Services Department, Zeoli only took a few days off to nurse his dog, who got sick during the storm.

Besides repairing and painting the buoy, Zeoli said he’s been clearing debris and trees. His favorite job is restoring the Southernmost point and other historic monuments in Key West.

Zeoli said he loves his job because he grew up painting. His family owned End of the Road Painting.

Repairing the buoy with concrete is currently his duty with the city and and Zeoli expects to be painting next week after the concrete is dry.

“A couple of my friends up the Keys lost everything, that was a real tear jerker. My property is fine. Both me and my grandparents, who live around the corner, came out unscathed.” said Zeoli.