Dr. Fred Troxel was born in Allentown PA, to a Pennsylvania Dutch sea captain and an army nurse from Memphis (they met during the invasion of N. Africa). He attributes much of his success to this blend of German technical excellence and perseverance with southern gentleness and hospitality.

Fortuitously, the family moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1959 and Fred was able to pursue his attraction to warm weather, barefeet and water activities year round.

Five years as a counselor and scientist at Seacamp brought him to Big Pine Key during high school and college in the late 60’s. After finishing at FSU, he moved on to the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, graduating in 1973. Continued visits to the Keys during the next few years, as he furthered his dental education, led him to believe the Keys were where he wanted to be long term. Forty years later, he believes it to be one of the best choices he ever made, right up there with choosing dentistry as a profession.

Fred has two children, Wilson and Corbin, born one year apart to the day in 1994 and 1995. His wife Rita, is the original founding member of Key West’s first professional theater, Greene Street Theater and recently retired as Film commissioner for The Florida Keys & Key West’s Tourist Development Council. Apart from dentistry and his family, Fred has a passion for fishing and snorkeling. He is the three time Bonefishing World Champion. Don’t ask him about it if you are in a hurry.