Interview with Biz Paeth

Name: Biz Paeth

Age: 55

Occupation: Teacher/Coach

How Long Have You Lived in Cedar Key? 8 years

Why Did You Decide to Move to Cedar Key?

I decided to move to Cedar Key because I`m a big Jimmy Buffett fan and I`ve always loved Florida. After my kids were grown, I decided to move from Ohio to Florida. I just stumbled into Cedar Key. I`ve always loved the song, "Incommunicado," by Jimmy Buffett. It starts out "Travis McGee is still in Cedar Key. That`s what John McDonald said." I`m also a big John McDonald fan. He sets some Travis McGee stories in Cedar Key. I always wondered if Cedar Key existed. I found it on the map, visited, and stayed.

What Do You Like Most About Living in Cedar Key?

I love the small friendly atmosphere. Cedar Key is Florida the way it should be. I look at Cedar Key as Key West before tourists. Hopefully Cedar Key will never become another Key West. I also love working at Cedar Key School. Cedar Key School will be my last job. I never would be able to work in another public school. I taught for 25 years in private Catholic schools. Cedar Key School is the closest I can find to that. Cedar Key School is neat, unique, and full of wonderful students. I love it!

How Has Cedar Key Changed Over the Years?

Condos and people. Hopefully, the boom is over.

What Do You See as Cedar Key`s Biggest Problem?

Probably handling our growth because the rest of the country is discovering us. If we don`t manage our growth correctly, Cedar Key won`t be the Cedar Key I love. I never want to see a stoplight.

If You Were Forced to Move From Cedar Key, Where Would You Move?

The Virgin Islands or someplace in the Caribbean. I`m a dreamer. I love the water and the warmth. But, I`m going to have to be carried off Cedar Key. I`m here for good. I live in the oldest house on the island. Hopefully, I`ll someday be Cedar Key`s oldest resident.