Bridges Cottage - Vintage in Heart of Cedar Key!

Johnny & Stephanie

Cedar Key holds a very special place in our hearts. It isn't just where our business is located; it is the backdrop to our lives, our family, and our community for the past decade.

Our Roots on the Water
Our journey here began as marine biologists. Stephanie started her work at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) building by the Channel 4 bridge in 2015, and Johnny joined her in 2016. For almost nine years, we pulled in thousands of nets and counted/measured hundreds of thousands of fish to help preserve these precious local resources for future generations.

While working full-time for the FWC, we simultaneously built a house in Bronson and earned our Master's degrees in Fisheries Science. We are no strangers to complex, dynamic workloads! After our time with the FWC, we both took positions with the University of Florida's Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS), deepening our connection to the area's incredible ecosystem.

Growing Our Family & Community
This community holds so much history for us. We were married on Atsena Otie Key in 2022 with beautiful Cedar Key as our background. In 2023, we welcomed our amazing daughter, Eva. Along with our two rescue dogs—Goose (a GSP) and Honey Bee (a pointer mix)—Eva has already spent some very special years growing up in Cedar Key.

Over the last decade, we have forged lifelong friendships here. Together, we’ve weathered every horrendous hurricane since 2016, from Hermine to Helene, and have seen firsthand how the island has evolved. We’ve watched this community rally—every single time. It is truly inspiring to see everyone come together to lend a hand and help their neighbors in need. Because Cedar Key has given so much to our family, we are deeply committed to giving back, whether that means helping clean up after a storm or proudly sponsoring local events.

Come stay with us for that local service and personal touch that's rare in the vacation rental industry!