Sturtz Lock and Safe Company is a long established local Key West business having been founded by John and Nell Collar in 1970.

The company was named for George Sturtz, a well-known Key Wester who worked many years for the Navy as a carpenter as well as a locksmith. 

The shop was located in the garage of 222 Simonton St. until 1984 when it moved to 619 Dey St. Then in 1998 it was on to 929 Truman Ave. It moved to 3255 Flagler Avenue in 2008, and finally on to its present location in June, 2017. 

Charlie Waite, who currently owns the business, came to Key West in 1976 as a member of the United States Coast Guard.

Charlie served over 6 years in various units of the Coast Guard, until 1982 when he became a locksmith apprentice under Sturtz founder John Collar.

Charlie has augmented his 30+ years of experience by attending many related courses and schools over the years.

Both Charlie and his wife Mary Lou Hoover are well known in Key West for their community service efforts, with Mary Lou having been crowned Queen of Fantasy Fest in 2007.

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