Keys Weekly has named Jonathon Lindback, a lifelong Keys resident and entrepreneur, as its Neighbor of the Week, highlighting his contributions to the Islamorada community.

Community Roots and Family Legacy

Lindback, a native of the Upper Keys, graduated from Coral Shores High School in 2012 and holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Florida Gulf Coast University. His family has a long history in the Keys, with his grandparents, Carl Sr. and Marlene Lindback, having previously owned the La Siesta Resort and the Lorelei Restaurant Cabana Bar. The Lorelei remains in the Lindback family, where Jonathon occasionally serves customers.

Business Ventures and Local Impact

Professionally, Lindback works alongside his father, Brian Sr., as the operations manager for Island Disposal, the waste collection service for Islamorada. He also operates his own business, Matecumbe Microgreens, which he started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially growing microgreens in a spare bedroom in 2021, the business expanded into a shipping container to meet demand. Matecumbe Microgreens supplies local restaurants, private chefs, and residents. The business has since opened a storefront at MM 88, Matecumbe Market, which also serves as a community co-op.

"The community is the same reason I came back to the Keys after college," Lindback told Keys Weekly. His grandmother recalled that the community's strong support during Hurricane Donna in 1960 solidified her love for the Keys.

Community Involvement and Future Leadership

Lindback is actively involved in the community, serving as the president-elect of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce board of directors, preparing to assume the presidency in October. He also dedicates his time as a volunteer for the Mote Marine Laboratory and the Keys chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.

Personal Reflections and Aspirations

Reflecting on his life, Lindback expressed pride in becoming an active member of the community as an adult. He shared that his father has been a significant influence, providing laughter and learning. Lindback also mentioned his desire to master Spanish fluently and his hobbies, which include freediving, scuba diving, spearfishing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and rollerblading. He cited "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho and "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey as influential books.

Lindback's story, as detailed by Keys Weekly, highlights a young professional deeply connected to his family's legacy and committed to the future of the Florida Keys. His multifaceted involvement underscores the vibrant community spirit found throughout the islands, a sentiment echoed by organizations like Florida Realtors in their ongoing coverage of the region.