Captain Brian Branigan is originally from Queens, New York. He’s come a long way from there to here. His life has been one adventure after the other, and the expedition continues. Born in the late 50’s and a product of the 70’s Brian possessed the embodiment of wanderlust; Jones Beach lifeguard, music venue bartender, and before long, major motion picture technician. Brian was a NY / LA grip turned camera crane specialist, which last for nearly 19 years. Brian also wrote and directed a short film at Universal Studios, Hollywood of which clips played on the 1994 Academy Awards opening segment. While based in NY and in between films, (1986 – 1989) Brian would work as an instructor for the Maine based organization, Outward Bound, sea program. Winter courses were based out of Big Pine Key, FL.

This was not his first introduction to the Keys, but it was his longest at the time, 3 seasons. His last film, Meet the Parents, actually coincided with his meeting his life partner, Allison. Together they ran a very unique (for the time) multimedia lounge bar in Soho, NY. It was called vOID, and it specialized in art visuals  combined with DJ  controlled lounge music, stimulating customers senses, but allowing them to have a conversation too. This four year experience (eight for Allison) came to a close in 2002 when Allison sold the business. They decided to buy a home together in the Hudson Valley of Upstate NY, renovate it, sell it, then another. They opened an art gallery Olivia on Warren in Hudson, NY  in 2008, only to meet the great recession head on.

Brian was a photographer too, brianbranigan.com, and Allison, a jewelry designer, ruthbeattie.com, and graphic designer. They started Hudson Design. But, they also happened upon a perfect recession proof opportunity that they thought fun – a food truck. It was to be the first modern day food truck of Hudson, NY. That lasted five years, and went on the record as “one of the most difficult ways to make a living – ever.” But, it did buy them their home in the Keys, and Brian used the experience to write his first book, Food Truck 411. Allison designed the book. The food truck business was a challenge, no doubt, but it did bring Brian (and Allison) back to the Keys, as they thought it a way to continue making a living in the otherwise off-season.

In 2013, Brian and Allison sold the food truck and their Hudson location, but not the business, Tortillaville. That is still available for purchase. So, what to do? Ironically, a few months after their book came out, Outward Bound asked if Brian was interested in helping to write a 50th anniversary coffee table book, and Allison design it. They did as much until the budget crumbled. They continue with Hudson Design and website clients, which led to a sister business, Island Design. But, Brian had logged a lot of sea time too, so he decided to finally get his captain’s license. That led to freelance work as mate and captain on various boats, which then led to his own concept, Keys Boat Tours (2015).

And, that is as they say, where they are at the moment; living in the Keys with  two motor boats, a vintage truck, paddle boards and a business or two. Brian offers rides, tours and charters, and specializes in teaching motor boat operation the only hands-on lesson offered in the Keys. Brian’s book, The Road To Key West is a where locals go guide like no other. His second book BOAT FISH LIVE was created as be a compendium to his Hands-on Boating Lesson and Fishing 101 lesson. He is working on a third book, Expedition of a Lifetime; a conversation about life while on a sailing expedition from Big Pine Key to Key West. Brian writes the books and Allison designs and illustrates them. Allison still designs jewelry, and otherwise keeps busy with Island Design and Keys Boat Tours. She got her captain’s license and has started taking people out. Allison also works as a captain for Seacamp, a marine science camp for kids here on Big Pine Key.

It was September 10, 2017 when Brian and Allison experienced their first direct hit hurricane. Hurricane Irma hit their Big Pine Key neighborhood with such force that after it passed, it resembled nothing short of a war zone with trees toppled, boats pile high, and houses strewn in mud as waters rose 5’+ sinking entire neighborhoods under water. We prepared the best we could but it was not good enough. Our freshly renovated mobile home got flooded out and red tagged by the County. We lost our pick up truck to the flood, and an our box truck transmission went under water eventually requiring a rebuild. Brian and Allison, along with their dogs, Schooner and Dory evacuated the Keys one day before Irma hit. They drove their van to Venice but with the storm still closing in on them they were forced to continue all the way up to Gainesville where they spent a few days with a childhood friend of Brian’s. The return was eerie and very sad, reminiscent of their time living in New York City when 911 happened. Brian returned first, and Allison and the dogs followed in a rental car a week later.

Hundreds and hundreds of appliances would be piled high along US 1 as a convoy of trucks would line up to take it all out of the Keys. The destruction was contained to a 20 mile swath from Cudjoe Key to Marathon with Big Pine being ground zero.

It took some years but Brian and Allison persevered. Though out of work for a good year and deep in debt, they climbed out of that hole to begin anew. Now nearly ten years later, they have a brand new elevated 2 bed, 2 bath home on their property courtesy of Rebuild Florida. Their yard is newly landscaped including a guest travel trailer. They moved their Keys Boat Tours operation from Sunshine Key Resort to Big Pine Key RV campground. They are back in the black. And, their Keys Boat Tours business currently has over 800 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor alone. They are happy to report a complete comeback. Thanks for being part of the journey.