Born and raised in Eastpoint, Lynn Martina grew up in the seafood industry. Her parents, John and Sherrill Carroll, were in the business for almost thirty years. Lynn started shucking at her parents' oyster house at the age of nine. She would get out of school and head straight to the shucking stall. But after Lynn finished school, she got a job in banking. In 1997, though, Lynn's parents were ready to retire. They sold Braxton and Carroll Seafood to their daughter. Lynn changed the name to Lynn's Quality Oysters. In the years since, Lynn has made a name for herself in an industry dominated by men. Still, between the politics and Mother Nature, Lynn faces new challenges every day. Hurricane Dennis in 2005 practically destroyed her facility. Her employees are all locals, many of whom are of retirement age. But Lynn feels an obligation--an obligation to her family, to tradition, and to the people of Eastpoint.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Lynn Martina, owner of Lynn's Quality Oysters in Eastpoint, Florida, took place in January 2006. Lynn shares her experience growing up in the seafood industry and taking over her mother's oyster business. She discusses the challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated industry, including regulations, red tides, and hurricanes that impact her business. Lynn employs local and Latino laborers, and most of her oyster production comes from out of state due to supply and demand issues and the unpredictable local bay. She expresses concerns about the decline of the seafood industry and the impact of increasing regulations on the business. The interview also touches on the effects of Hurricane Dennis in 2005, which caused significant damage to Lynn's business and discusses challenges faced by others in the industry, such as property zoning issues and rebuilding after natural disasters. Lynn expresses mixed feelings about the idea of a seafood industrial park. She highlights her personal experience, the challenges of being a business owner, and the changing landscape of the seafood industry in Eastpoint, Florida. The interview concludes with a mention of Lynn's family connections and the presence of other prominent families in the area.