The Watermelon Man: Sweet Summer Hustle in the Florida Sun

How One Teen’s Entrepreneurial Spirit is Keeping a Small Town Cool, One Melon at a Time

When the summer sun blazes over the small town of Starke, Florida, there's one place where the heat is a little more bearable, the smiles a little wider, and the watermelons are always ice cold. That oasis is the simple roadside setup of an 18-year-old entrepreneur who’s affectionately become known as The Watermelon Man.

You won’t find neon signs or fancy advertising—just fresh, juicy melons stacked under a pop-up tent and an honest young man, armed with a slicing knife and a free sample, ready to serve the community. And while the watermelons are the main attraction, it’s the story behind them that makes the experience truly refreshing.

A Summer Tradition Rooted in Family

For more than three years, Island Williams aka the Watermelon Man and his grandfather Reginald Green have been bringing cool, sweet relief to the sweltering Florida streets. Although the young man lives in Orange Park during the school year, his summers are spent in Starke, working alongside his grandfather, continuing a family tradition that’s more than seven years strong.

They source their watermelons from Bell, a small town south of Gainesville known for its fertile land and high-quality produce. Once the truck is loaded, it’s back to Starke, where their unofficial roadside stand becomes a familiar beacon for locals and travelers alike.

“It was my grandfather’s idea,” the Watermelon Man said. “He inspired me to get into it. He gets the watermelons, sets everything up, and I take care of selling. We make a good team.”

And that teamwork shows. With about 25 sales a day on average, they’ve built a steady and loyal customer base—many of whom are repeat buyers, lured back by the quality of the produce and the warmth of the experience.

More Than Just Melons

What makes the stand truly special isn’t just the fruit—it’s the character behind it. At just 18 years old, this young man exudes a work ethic and maturity well beyond his years. From morning until evening, he’s out there in the heat, slicing samples, engaging with customers, and making every transaction feel personal.

“This is a young man who’s out here working all day long, in the blazing sun, because he wants to,” said one local. “He’s not just earning money—he’s building something. That’s rare.”

When asked what he likes most about the job, his answer is simple but powerful: “Helping people. Quenching their thirst.”

And on a hot Florida day, nothing hits quite like a slice of ice-cold watermelon. Customers often mention how sweet the fruit is—not just in taste, but in spirit. There’s a sense of old-fashioned community here, a handshake-and-a-smile kind of business that’s hard to come by in today’s fast-paced world.

The Value of Grit and Goals

Currently a student at Ridgeview High School, the Watermelon Man has big dreams beyond the fruit stand. After graduation, he plans to become a welder—a skilled trade he’s drawn to not just for its high earning potential, but because it reflects the kind of hands-on, hard work he’s already grown used to.

“It’s a high-paying job,” he says with a practical grin. But it’s more than that—it’s a career path that rewards focus, strength, and precision. Traits he’s already cultivating with each watermelon he sells.

From lifting heavy crates in the morning sun to greeting every customer with patience and charm, it’s clear this isn’t just a summer gig—it’s training ground for life. Whether welding steel or slicing melons, this young man is learning that success isn’t a mystery. It’s consistency, humility, and a whole lot of sweat.

A Community Cornerstone

Set up without hassle or red tape, the watermelon stand is a welcome fixture in town. A humble operation bringing value to the community. Locals and passersby often stop for a quick refreshment and a chat, many staying longer than planned just to soak in the friendly atmosphere.

“People are really nice,” he says. “They love the free samples. That’s what gets ‘em.”

It’s that generous touch—a chunk of chilled melon, handed over with a smile—that seals the deal. It's smart marketing without the pretense. Simple. Effective. Human.

Making the Most of the Moment

This isn’t just about entrepreneurship—it’s about legacy. The Watermelon Man is carrying the torch from his grandfather, adapting a seasonal hustle into something meaningful. For the elder, it’s a chance to pass down wisdom. For the younger, it’s an opportunity to build something with his own two hands.

The setup may be temporary, only stretching until the end of August when school resumes, but the impact is lasting. In a world where teens are often pegged as screen-obsessed or disinterested, here stands proof to the contrary: a young man choosing sunburns over sleep-ins, customer service over air conditioning, and responsibility over relaxation.

The Sweetest Slice of Summer

Every small town has its characters. In Starke, one of them just happens to come with a truck full of watermelons and a heart full of hustle.

So, the next time you drive through this little Florida town and see a bright red melon on a roadside table, don’t just keep driving. Pull over. Take a slice. Meet the Watermelon Man. Because while the fruit is sweet, the story is even sweeter.

This summer, under the hot sun and with the sound of tires on old pavement in the distance, a young man is doing more than selling produce. He’s building a future, one melon at a time.