I have lived in south Tampa since I was born at the old St. Joseph's Hospital which was just north of downtown Tampa. I graduated form Tampa Catholic High School in 1967. Except for 2 years in Minnesota and 1 year in North Carolina, I've lived in Florida.

I retired after teaching English to high school students for 38 years. For the last 17 years of my career, I taught in a magnet program in Pinellas County for high school students interested in professions in the criminal justice system--the Criminal Justice Academy at Pinellas Park High School. Many of my former students are now law enforcement officers and lawyers.

My goal for retirement is to get healthy, and joining this group is one of the steps in this commitment to myself.