Paradise Lost: A Treasure Coast couple is surprised as they follow their dreams

Palm Beach Post ^ | Sunday, November 26, 2006 | Lori Becker

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After only eight months of what was supposed to be a two-year stint at the Palm Island resort, the Guertins moved back to Port Salerno, bringing with them stories of what they described as indentured servitude, extortion and piracy... One night, an employee came to Gary with news: The fuel barge didn't show up on time. There was only enough fuel to keep the lights on and water hot until 6 a.m. So Gary started to scramble, calling around all night in search of a propane tank. He finally found a spare from a neighboring island, a stopgap until the fuel shipment arrived the next day. He had to pick up the spare tank with the resort's cargo boat. The tourists rarely, if ever, saw the chaos behind the curtain. The Guertins would greet the guests every morning. It was a 24-hour-a-day job... No matter how friendly relationships were with their employees and other local folks, one thing was always clear: They were outsiders... Locals would often go to neighboring islands and bring in supplies under the radar to avoid duty fees, Gary said. Other times, a large boat would anchor near Palm Island as several smaller boats came by, leaving with goods. "They figured out who to pay off to get what they needed," Gary said. The Guertins called it piracy, but it's an accepted way of life for many islanders, Keegan said... A fire destroyed the main restaurant's kitchen in late February and the owners decided to close the resort for several months to make repairs, so the Guertins took the opportunity to end their contract with Elite Island Resorts. It was a mutual decision, Gary said.

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During their eight months running the luxury resort on Palm Island, Gary (left) and Misti Guertin (second from right) had a few visits from friends and family from the States. (Photo courtesy of Gary and Misti Guertin) [Photo by Palm Beach Post]

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