The differences between Belize and Branson, Missouri are vast. From culture to climate, it can feel like going from one extreme to the other. However, you’ll be surprised to find quite a bit of common ground between the two places.

Leroy Sanchez has been visiting the United States since the early 2000’s, eventually settling down in Branson, Missouri in 2017. Hailing from Punta Gorda in Southern Belize, Leroy says there’s a lot he loves about living here. “I love getting to spend time with my grandkids, the roads are great, and the food isn’t bad,” says Leroy, “I’m not a huge fan of the cold, though.”

Leroy currently runs LKS Lawn service, and has been a groundskeeper at several of Branson’s golf courses. He and his wife, Kim, were married in 2019. He has three grandsons: Odin, Beau, and Marcus, who he loves to spend time with. His hobbies include listening to music, spending time with his family, and driving. “The roads are so good here, I could drive them asleep. Not in Belize, though. Our highways are two lane, that’s it.”

When asked about his home in Punta Gorda, Belize, the first thing that comes to Leroy’s mind is the buildings. “Here, everything is pre-fabricated and wood, which is nice. In Belize, all of the houses are solid and concrete, made for standing against hurricanes.” A common occurrence, hurricanes tend to hit Belize yearly.

One thing that Leroy has found in both countries and dislikes? “Snakes,” says Leroy, “whether big snakes in the jungle, or the snakes we have here, I am no fan of snakes.” While the snakes of Southern Missouri can be troublesome, such as the copperhead, they don’t hold a candle to the most deadly snake in Belize: the Fer-de-Lance. Known for blending in with the foliage, much like the copperhead, the Fer-de-Lance accounts for roughly 50% of all snake bites in Belize, but only has a 2% mortality rate.

Leroy currently resides in Branson with his wife Kim, his son Tyrone, and their dog, Opie.