When you’ve been in St. Pete for over a hundred years, you could say your roots run deep. For Tierra Verde resident Kyle Menke and his family, those roots are as steady and vibrant as the city itself.

Kyle’s late father, born in St. Pete in 1933, was one of the city’s early residents. His grandmother was born there in 1913. “We’ve been in St. Pete for over 100 years,” Kyle says. “It’s rare. I’m one of six siblings, and four still live here. And many of their kids are having kids—it’s a really big, close-knit family.”

“I grew up in Tierra Verde,” Kyle adds. “My parents moved there when I was just 18 months old, and I lived there through high school.” While life took him to the University of Florida, overseas internships, and even New York, it all came full circle. After some time living in Seminole while his wife Lily completed her medical training, the Menkes returned to Tierra Verde in December 2020—and they haven’t looked back.

The neighborhood looks a little different these days. “When I was growing up, it was mostly retirees. There was only one other family on our street with kids,” Kyle says. “Now, there are families everywhere—it’s a completely different feel.”

Kyle works in wealth management and loves what he does. He credits his drive to his father’s strong entrepreneurial spirit. “My dad was a serial entrepreneur,” he shares. “And from the day I graduated college, I’ve never worked for anyone else.” Although it has its challenges, it’s rewarding over the long haul.

Kyle’s wife, Lily (short for Lilibeth, a nod to her Hispanic roots), is a primary care physician in Largo. The couple met at the University of Florida and tied the knot in 2016. They recently celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary and are raising two spirited kids in the coastal community they love.

Lily, a first-generation American born in Miami, brings a rich heritage to the household. Her mother immigrated from Cuba in the late ’70s, and her father came from Colombia. “She’s always on the go,” says Kyle. “Traveling, discovering new places—that’s her thing.” As for Kyle, he’s a pretty passionate golfer. This leisurely sport suits him to a tee.

Their daughter Sophia, age 3, is a “little firecracker—so full of life and energy,” Kyle says proudly. She's gearing up for dance class, is a music lover, and can’t get enough of the water. “She’s a big swimmer. Every weekend for us is either the beach or the pool.”

Their youngest, 1-year-old Baker, is a fearless explorer with a sweet side. “He’s the stereotypical second child and the only boy—constantly pushing boundaries,” Kyle laughs. “But he’s also our little lovebug.” Baker’s been showing an early interest in golf, often spotted with a tiny club in hand.

The Menkes are a beach-and-travel-loving crew, with a family home in Montana and frequent trips to the Bahamas. Their own backyard, however, is hard to beat—nestled up against Shell Key, with the beach practically in their backyard. “It’s our go-to weekend,” Kyle says. They simply love the water!

Their two Goldendoodles, Harvey and Tucker, are very much part of the family. “Harvey is 8, and Tucker will be 5 in October. They’re best friends, complete homebodies who love roaming our big backyard—though they begrudgingly tolerate swimming.”

From a rich family legacy to weekend adventures at the beach, the Menkes are living a life rooted in tradition, driven by passion, and defined by connection.

If you see this family of four out and about, be sure to say hello! They are always looking to meet more friendly folks here in the neighborhood (and that means you!).