Maria Avlonitis
WUSF Rush Family Radio News internI moved to Seminole, Florida, over 10 years ago, but I still consider myself a Florida native.
I spent my late high school years and time at St. Petersburg College working at restaurants whenever I wasn’t in school. If you’re an avid bagel or pasta fan, you might have had me as your server or barista somewhere around Indian Rocks Beach.
My experience working in the food industry is what got me into journalism. I met thousands of locals and tourists during my years as a waitress and server, and I quickly learned that every person has a story to share; it’s just a matter of asking the right questions and knowing how to listen.
Storytelling was a huge part of my upbringing and culture — from getting my family’s attention at the dinner table or a way to connect with a stranger after taking their order. I’m ecstatic to make a career out of talking to new people and sharing their stories, and I’m beyond excited to start here, in my home area.
I just graduated from the University of Florida with my bachelor's degree in journalism. During my time at UF, I worked as a reporter and editor at both WUFT-FM, north central Florida’s NPR affiliate, and The Independent Florida Alligator, UF’s independent student newspaper. I was also a reporter and anchor for WUFT-TV's First at Five show.
My reporting took me to a lot of places, including protests, aboard a fishing charter, into people’s backyards, secluded parks, art galleries, higher education meetings and an execution. I can’t wait to see where my reporting takes me here in Tampa Bay.
When I’m not working, you can catch me reading a book, swimming at the beach or walking my dog.
If you want to follow my work, you can check out my Instagram @mariaavlonitis.media
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A pesar de no poder salir de Venezuela, una agente de bienes raíces de Tampa Bay está utilizando sus contactos y recursos para intentar ayudar a las personas afectadas por los sismos consecutivos. -
Varios negocios colaboran con la Cámara Latina de Tampa Bay para recaudar medicamentos, suministros médicos, alimentos no perecederos y productos de higiene personal destinados a la recuperación tras el sismo. -
Even as she's unable to leave Venezuela, a Tampa Bay real estate agent is using her contacts and capabilities to try to assist people impacted by back-to-back earthquakes. -
Several businesses are partnering with the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber to collect donations of medication, medical supplies, nonperishable food and hygiene products to help with earthquake recovery. -
It’s one of several local governments to suspend accepting applications — despite not having any proposals submitted. -
Body cameras that translate over 50 languages, first-response drones and AI that assist in 911 calls and writing reports would be included in the $21 million bundle. -
City commissioners voted to return the display back to its original location despite it being under repair. The move to Safety Harbor City Park raised concerns over neighboring bird nesting. -
The USF College of Nursing is hosting its fourth annual Nursing Pathway Summer Program this week. Fifty high school students suited up in scrubs and got hands-on experience in the profession. -
Florida law requires golf cart drivers to have have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit if they're a minor, or a photo ID if they're 18. Currently, a 14-year-old can drive a golf cart in Indian Rocks Beach. -
Recent rain showers coincide with the start of the annual fertilizer ban. Key nutrients from fertilizer runoff contribute to algae growth, which leads to murky, stinky waters and hurts marine life.
