On April 19, the city of Vero Beach issued a certificate recognizing Mike Williams, aka “Mr. Smoke’s,” for his contributions to the community and 35 years in his current location. His customers marveled at the irony: This was the very same business that both the city and the state fought to shut down in the 1980’s.
How did Mike go from being anathema to award-winner? He never gave up. More importantly, he never became bitter. He kept going, and he kept smiling.
Last year, I attended his 34th anniversary party and wrote about his customers in a piece entitled “A good guy, always happy.” This year, mayor Jay Kramer showed up to congratulate Mike and receive the first t-shirt. Other than that, the event was just like last year’s — a small-town gathering with live music and happy, smiling people hugging each other. As the sticker on Mike’s sales counter says, “Because nice matters.”
If you were featured in one of the photos below, please let me know if you’d like your name added to the caption!
- The sticker on the sales counter.
- Sheena was the first in line at 5 am.
- Michaela served up popcorn.
- “I bring my kids in here to reward them when they do well at school.”
- Woody drives over from Cape Coral each year.
- The girl scouts were selling food to pay for their upcoming trip to England.
- Crystal Ploszay and Steve Hunt, two of Vero’s most creative residents.
- Mayor Jay Kramer received the first t-shirt.
- “This is the first time the city has issued a certificate with tie-dye on it,” said the mayor. You can see city hall in the background.
- Jay Kramer with his Mr. Smoke’s t-shirt.
- The employees wait for Mike to release the balloons and open the door.
- Crystal and Michaela.
- Mike Williams, aka Mr. Smokes.
- “I open the door, but you guys keep it open.”
- It’s not a big store — only 25 allowed in at a time.
- The usually-mellow store is chaotic today.
- Mike and his sister, Vicky, waiting on customers.
- Vicky and Mike behind the counter
- Jim is careful to check all IDs
- Buying a tie-dye shirt for her great-grandson.
- Steve Hunt performing
- There’s still a line at 10 am
- Crystal paints Mike’s name on request
- In honor of Mr. Smoke’s employee, Crystal Knief.
- Crazy musicians.
- The mysterious “back room.”
- The mysterious “back room.”