Video and story by Corey Dylan for AliveTampaBay
In the five years since Don Germaise retired from his long career as a TV journalist with ABC Action News, he has traveled the world and volunteered to help charities in Tampa Bay, Syrian refugees in Greece and impoverished Peruvians in the Andes Mountains. In the second of two interviews, I sat down with Don see how his “work” in retirement has made a difference in the world.
Don Germaise/Photo courtesy of Don Germaise
Don Germaise is an award winning television reporter.
He was the first reporter ever hired by ABC Action News in Tampa after the station switched affiliates and began covering news in 1994. Don was on the air between 1994 and 2012, when he retired to devote his time to community service.
Don was known for his “in your face” reporting and his ability to break big news stories. However, his major claim to fame came in 2004, when four hurricanes hit Tampa Bay in six weeks. Don covered every storm and became famous for his catch phrase, “Hunker Down.”
After retiring, Don became active with more than a dozen non-profit agencies including Metropolitan Ministries, Ronald McDonald House, Feeding Tampa Bay, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, Crime Stoppers, Hands Across the Bay and Habitat for Humanity to name a few. He also reads weekly to kindergarten children in Hillsborough County.
About six times a year, Don goes global with his community spirit. He has visited countries like Romania, Greece, Haiti Guatemala and Peru to volunteer.
Corey Dylan/Photo By David R. Wheeler for AliveTampaBay