I HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO SERVE ON THE WESTCHASE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION BOARD FOR 12 YEARS. The foundation gives financial grants to children and their families that are fighting a serious illness or have a tragic family situation in the greater Tampa Bay area. The entire Board of Directors is made up of volunteers, and best of all we are able to give the grant checks directly to these families that are going through a difficult time.
OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, THROUGH THE FOUNDATION’S MAIN EVENT, TAMPA BAY WOMAN OF THE YEAR, WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HELP LINCOLN, WHO IS A 6-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO WAS BORN WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO BREATHE ON HIS OWN. Through a few financial grants, we have helped the family purchase both a motorized wheelchair for their son and a much-needed built-in permanent generator to get them through the storm season when and if power goes out.
AT CORISH & COMPANY, WE OWN A LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY THAT WAS STARTED IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, IN 1917. We are a traditional family-run business where our clients come first, and service is of the utmost most importance. We handle all forms of insurance, including group health and employee benefit plans as well general and professional liability, worker’s comp and life insurance, to name a few.
I WOULD SAY MY FAVORITE PLACE FOR A NIGHT OUT WITH FRIENDS IS AMALIE ARENA FOR A TRIP TO SEE THE BOLTS PLAY. It’s funny because I grew up playing all the traditional sports, like football, basketball and baseball, but after I moved here I became committed to hockey. To go see a Lightning game, especially a playoff game, is one of the most exciting things you can do here in town. Yes, I am a 20-year season ticket holder.
IF I WERE DESIGNING A DAY OUT WITH MY FAMILY, WE WOULD GO TO REDINGTON BEACH. My wife, Mandy, and my three boys all love being out there. We kayak, bike, play bocce and spike ball. There are a few awesome restaurants we frequent out there, like Conch Republic and Middle Grounds Grill.
FOR A BUSINESS MEAL IN TOWN, I WOULD RECOMMEND DONATELLO. Gino and all of his staff are the best. They are so accommodating and the Italian cuisine is second to none.
FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION, WE REALLY LIKE OYSTERCATCHERS. We have done several graduations and birthdays there. In my opinion it’s the best seafood in Tampa and the views overlooking the Bay are fantastic.
WHEN WE HAVE GUESTS VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN, WE REALLY LOVE TAKING THEM TO CATCH TWENTY-THREE IN WESTCHASE. The truth is, whether it is guests, business or just friends, we go there all the time. It’s a great spot where everyone is really nice, knows your name and takes great care of you. The macadamia nut-crusted sea bass is off the charts!
MY FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT HEALTHY IN TOWN IS CHICKEN SALAD CHICK. Excellent food, and their business is expanding to more locations all over the greater Tampa area. The chicken salad is exceptional, and you really should try the broccoli salad — Mikki Wickett [wife of Bill Wickett, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s EVP of communications] got me on this.
WHEN THE TAMPA BAY SPORTS TEAMS ARE AWAY, WE GO TO HATTRICKS TO CATCH THE GAME. Steve, Johnny and Dave run an excellent sports bar, and the food is great. Wings and a blackened chicken salad here for me!
WHILE I DON’T REALLY EAT BREAKFAST, I DO MEETINGS OVER COFFEE AT THE GRIND. It’s a great spot with courteous staff owned by a few great families in Westchase.
WHILE I’M THINKING ABOUT FOOD, YOU HAVE TO GO TRY THE EAST POLK STREET BURGER AT THE BRAND-NEW SPOT BUTTER’S BURGERS. It is an Angus burger garnished with caramelized onions and a fried egg on top. This is a great new place downtown run by Rob Wickner, who has over 20 years’ experience in the restaurant business. Butter’s is on Ashley Street and has a very scenic view facing the University of Tampa.
