Video and story by Corey Dylan for AliveTampaBay.com
Video and story by Corey Dylan for AliveTampaBay
Many of us are asked about our “Five-Year-Plan” when it comes to our careers. Five years ago, Don Germaise retired from his long career as a TV journalist with ABC Action News in Tampa to volunteer around the world. I recently sat down with Don over lunch to ask him if he’s where he thought he’d be five years after retirement and how he’s spending his days doing “good.”
Part two of Corey’s interview with Don Germaise will run on Thursday.
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/By David R. Wheeler for AliveTampaBay.com