Erbel Jackson Family

Erbel Jackson Family
by Ron Erbel and Victoria Jackson

Ron Erbel and Victoria Jackson: Longtime Key Biscayne Residents.

Victoria Jackson was born in Pittsburgh and moved many times before settling in Key Biscayne in 1992.

Ron Erbel was also born in Pittsburgh and moved to Florida in 1960. He finally settled in Key Biscayne in 1969 at 19 years old when he was married to his first wife. He raised his four children on the Key.

Ron started his “Good Earth” landscaping business in the early ‘70s. Even today, when Ron and Victoria (Ron’s current wife) ride around the Key, they still see many trees and plants that Ron planted.
There are many properties that Ron designed and maintained, including the Sonesta Hotel, Key Biscayne Hotel, the Key Biscayne Bank property and many of the yards of the private homes.
Ron states, “What a simpler and greener life it was on the Key back then.”

Ron also joined the Volunteer Fire Department in the early ‘70s. This was a team made up of 12 residents who volunteered to help protect the Key. Remember, Key Biscayne was not incorporated as a city then. The island depended on the Metro Dade Station #15 for fire and medical assistance. There was a great need for the volunteers at that time.

After Key Biscayne was incorporated, Ron was one of the first members of the Key Biscayne Fire-Rescue Department. He retired only two years ago after serving the community for 26 years.

Ron’s children Jesse, Jenny, Joshua and Ashley had the privilege of a wonderful childhood with the memories that the real “Key Rats” experienced on this paradise island. Jenny is a true native. She was delivered right on the living room floor at 250 Woodcrest Road. The kids share stories of a childhood full of play and freedom to explore. They rode their bikes to school and played outside until their parents called them in for dinner.

They knew everyone by name and formed friendships that still exist today. There are memories of forts and hideouts behind Calusa Park in the mangroves. Spending the weekends at Hobie Beach. The sweet taste of key limes and fresh coconut water straight from their own trees. The sound of the green parrots flying overhead. And the most beautiful sunsets.

As teenagers, if you were looking for one of the Erbel kids you would probably find them jet skiing with friends out on The Stilts, rollerblading at Crandon Park or at work at the Beach Club or Sir Pizza.

Ron and Victoria started dating six years after Ron was divorced. In February 2012 they were married at the lighthouse in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park with a reception that followed at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. It was a true Key Biscayne event.

For the past 10 years Ron and Victoria have enjoyed travel and adventures and a family that includes nine grandchildren. They love being part of such a great community.

It is incredible to be part of such a special and unique place. Key Biscayne offers a wide range of diversified people that share the common bond of being blessed to live in paradise.