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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Ciertas prendas de vestir, útiles escolares, computadoras y accesorios de computación estarán libres de impuestos del 20 de julio al 20 de agosto. -
Certain clothes, school supplies, computers and computer accessories will be tax-free from July 20 to August 20. -
A USF professor of environmental health biology says funding cuts scaled back the CDC's FoodNet surveillance network, reducing monitoring of foodborne illnesses such as cyclosporiasis. -
Florida has four of the 10 hot car deaths nationwide this year. Experts say while there is science behind why anyone can forget about their child in the backseat, there are simple ways to prevent such a tragedy. -
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.
