Luis Garcia
Endangered Fishing Traditions of the Greater Miami Area
Broadly, the project seeks to preserve the rich history of endangered fishing traditions in the Greater Miami Area. These oral histories expand our knowledge and enrich our understanding of the region's fisheries as well as the role that fishing has had in shaping the region’s economic and cultural life. Our goal was to interview key individuals connected to the fishing history of Miami, including: commercial and for-hire fishers; fish dealers/processors; fish markets; and bait and tackle shops. Geographically, we aim to cover major fishing areas that are endangered and undergoing rapid change. These include the following: Miami River, Coconut Grove (Montys), Haulover Park in North Miami. The first collection of interviews are focused on the Miami River. These interviews are conducted in English and Spanish.
Fantastic Transcripts
Luis Esteban Garcia was born on June 18, 1970, at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach, Florida. He spent his early childhood near the Miami River before moving to the Roads neighborhood at age seven. Garcia attended Louisiana State University from 1988 to 1991. His family has a long history in the fishing industry, originating in Cuba. After the Cuban Revolution, his father and uncles were forced to work for the regime, leading to their exile to Miami. In Miami, Garcia's father initially worked at National Fisheries and later founded the Garcia Brothers wholesale business, followed by La Camaronera, a seafood retail establishment. The business expanded over the years, eventually establishing Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market. Garcia pursued a career in baseball and later acting, living in Los Angeles for several years. Despite his success, he returned to Miami to assist with the family business following his father's illness and subsequent death. Garcia's role in the family business involved managing operations and maintaining the focus on sustainable seafood. He has two siblings: a brother who has been involved in the family business from the beginning and a sister who worked in a talent agency. Garcia's mother remains an influential figure in the business.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Luis Garcia, conducted by Vanessa Navarro Maza on January 21, 2020, provides a comprehensive account of Garcia's life and the evolution of his family's fishing business. Garcia details his family's history in the fishing industry, starting with their roots in Cuba and subsequent exile to Miami. He explains how his father founded the Garcia Brothers wholesale business and later La Camaronera, eventually leading to the establishment of Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market. Garcia discusses the various species of seafood they catch, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability. He shares insights into the expertise and methods of the fishermen they work with. The interview also covers Garcia's personal journey, including his time at Louisiana State University, his baseball career, and his acting pursuits in Los Angeles. He reflects on his relationship with his father, highlighting the challenges and tensions they faced, as well as the strong work ethic instilled in him. Additionally, Garcia describes his mother's role as a supportive yet candid figure within the business and his brother's proficiency in managing the financial aspects. The interview underscores the importance of family, tradition, and community involvement in Garcia's life and his dedication to preserving the family legacy.
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