ABOUT ME_
I STARTED IN RADIO THROUGH AN INTERNSHIP WHILE FINISHING MY COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE AT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON. Initially I was involved with the promotions department, but that led to filling in on the classic rock station followed by full-time nights on the alternative rock station and then middays for the Top 40 station… Which eventually led me down to beautiful Tampa, Florida, and the legendary 93.3 FLZ.
THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY EXCITING EXPERIENCES WORKING AT 93.3 FLZ, from interviewing major celebrities like Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Demi Lovato to working backstage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. [I’ve done] live broadcasts on the beaches of Barbados for Sandals Resorts and even on a gorgeous Disney cruise ship in the Bahamas. I have the honor of working with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay every week for my Furry Friday feature. Seeing sweet animals find forever homes is beyond rewarding. I’m also a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ambassador, so I get to scope out their latest attractions and tell listeners all about it year-round. But truly, meeting listeners always puts the biggest smile on my face. I get to talk to FLZ listeners on the air every day, but chatting face-to-face is extraordinary!
MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE_
YBOR CITY IS MY FAVORITE SPOT FOR A NIGHT OUT WITH FRIENDS. We love to bop around to all the different spots, and catching a drag show is a 100% must. Plus, have you ever had Snobachi Handcrafted Ice Cream on 7th Avenue? Their rolled ice cream is out of control.
BERN’S STEAK HOUSE IS MY FAVORITE PLACE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION FOR SURE BECAUSE … DESSERT ROOM. It’s all about the Baked Alaska!
IF IT’S DURING THE WEEK, I’M ALL ABOUT THE STARBUCKS ON GANDY FOR COFFEE (it’s right by the radio station, hello, convenience), but if it’s the weekend, I’m at La Segunda Central on Kennedy Bakery for a café con leche. Yum!
MY FIANCÉ IS OBSESSED WITH TRYING AS MANY NEW BREAKFAST PLACES AS POSSIBLE. Recently it was Johnny Grits in Tarpon Springs. I mean, they have breakfast appetizers! Total game changer. I also love Noble Crust in Carrollwood and Crown & Bull in Dunedin.
WHEN I WANT TO EAT HEALTHY, HULA BAY CLUB HAS THE MOST FANTASTIC SUSHI ROLL CALLED THE HAWAIIAN BREEZE THAT’S WRAPPED IN CUCUMBER. It’s so light, refreshing and perfect to eat while looking out at the water.
FOR FITNESS, I’M A REGULAR AT SOHO CYCLING ON KENNEDY IN TAMPA. Xiomi and the other instructors are always serving up killer workouts! I’m talking a guaranteed massive calorie burn, amazing music and positive vibes all day.
WHEN I HAVE GUESTS VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN, WE’LL HEAD TO Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or take a trip out to St. Pete Beach and honestly any of its beach bars to grab a White Claw and smell the salt water. Sparkman Wharf, the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park — there’s so many amazing places in Tampa Bay to choose from!
FOR LOCAL ART AND CULTURE, THE DALÍ MUSEUM IN ST. PETE ALWAYS BLOWS ME AWAY. I think the Andy Warhol exhibit has been my favorite so far. The Straz Center is a goodie, too! I’ve seen everything from comedians like Tig Notaro and Chelsea Handler to The Nutcracker (a Christmas tradition for me). I even had a full fan-girl moment when I met Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss when she brought her tour to Tampa.
FOR SHOPPING, I LOVE FAB’RIK ON SOUTH DALE MABRY. It always has such cute finds! Their accessories game is strong.
SHOUTOUT CHAMPA BAY! I’m a total Buffalo Wild Wings girl when Tampa’s sports teams are out of town. Trust that I will be ordering so many Parmesan Garlic and Asian Zing wings (extra ranch, please). Glory Days Grill is also super fun, with the most insane pulled pork nachos.
THE DOG BEACH AT HONEYMOON ISLAND IS SUCH A FUN PLACE TO TAKE OUR TWO CHIHUAHUAS. We strap on their tiny little life jackets and pull them around the water on their little doggie boogie board.
I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE BIKING THE PINELLAS TRAIL DOWN TO DUNEDIN. It’s my happy place. We grab lunch, check out a street fair, shop… There’s so much in that cute little area.
