In the Florida Keys on the northern tip of the island, a 20-acre property in Key Largo houses the Mangrove Marina. The marina has 100 wet slips, most of which accommodate live-aboard boaters.
The people who live in the marina come from many backgrounds and professions. Many characters have lived here, including a jet pilot, retired fireman, and a judge. To some, these houseboats are used as a second home, but to others, these are their homes year-round.
Suzie and Ken Waananen spend their days living at the Mangrove Marina. Before houseboat living became a permanent solution in Suzie Waananen’s life, she lived in Homestead with her children on a 40-acre property and spent her weekends traveling to the Keys for its lively social scene.
During one of her weekend trips, she attended the annual Full Moon Bash party, where she met her husband, Ken, who had been living at the marina. A few years later, Waananen moved in with him.
Her typical day involves doing errands and socializing with friends. Ken does carpentry and electrical work to keep himself busy. They have three children who visit on weekends.
“Homestead is only an hour away from the Keys,” Suzie Waananen said. “I love that the kids are so close.”
One of her children has a houseboat in the slip next to her. The other child has a 32-foot center console fishing boat at the marina. The whole family loves spending their weekends together there. The couple has lived on their houseboat for 10 years and wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I thought about what else I would do, and I can’t figure it out,” Suzie Waananen said. “I haven’t found any other place that turns my crank.”