A lot of these names we’ve all grown up with. We know them from television, radio and sometimes from a massive billboard. These are the people who are Tampa Bay famous.
Steve Weintraub
Steve and Julie Weintraub, owners of the Gold & Diamond Source, have appeared in hundreds of T.V. advertisements.
Photo via Gold & Diamond Source’s Facebook Credit: Photo via Gold and Diamond Source/FacebookTom Stimus
Back in the ‘80s, Tom Stimus and wrestler Dusty Rhodes used to shout about Stimus’ Auto Dealerships’ deals and crown Stimus as “#1 in the world.” Once, when Dusty “The American Dream” Rhodes wasn’t available, Stimus used a real bear.
Photo via YouTubeWeather Tite Mike
Some commercials try to sell you something by explaining how great a service or product is. Some commercials use customer testimonials. Weather Tite Mike just asks you to bring him cookies.
Photo via YouTubeChip Carter
Carter was a sports anchor on WTVT for 31 years. His last broadcast was on Feb. 26, 2016.
Photo via Fox 13Sam Behr
Back in the ‘80s, Allied Discount Tires spokesman Sam Behr told audience members about how difficult it is to sell tires. The struggle was so real, he once stared in a commercial explaining that he had to sell 80,000 tires or he would die.
Photo via YouTubeSterling Powell
Sterling Powell, is the balding, overly-energetic clown who used to pop up in the Treasure Island Fun Center commercials. The arcade, which is actually in Seminole, is still in operation.
Photo via YouTubeDr. Credit
You might not trust him to conduct surgery, but the doctor who wears snorkeling goggles sure knows how to sell a car. The costumed salesman works for the Florida Auto Exchange in Dunedin.
Photo via YouTubeThe Hatchetmen
Back in the ‘80s, Bay City Cabinets commercials featured the three “hatchetmen” shouting about deals, waving their hands over their knees and laughing in unison. Although decades have passed since the company aired their first commercial, a brief advertisement from Bay City Cabinets that was posted on Facebookroughly a year ago shows the hatchetmen know not to mess with success.
Photo via YouTubeBubba The Love Sponge
You might know Bubba as an “off the rails” radio host who has a $1 premium website. You also might recognize him as the guy who got cucked by Hulk Hogan.
Photo via Bubba The Love Sponge Show’s InstagramBob Buckhorn
Tampa’s 58th mayor served the city for eight years. He’s still active on social media.
Photo via Bob Buckhorn’s TwitterDenis Phillips Credit: Photo via Denis PhillipsConnor Obrochta
Obrochta was a contestant on the 14th season of “The Bachelorette.” He was also on the fifth season of “Bachelor in Paradise.” Before he was breaking hearts on T.V., though, Obrochta played baseball at St. Petersburg Catholic high school and the University of Tampa.
Photo via Connor Obrochta’s FacebookCulpepper Kurland
The lawyer bros like to star in dramatic commercials that feel more like an opening scene to the show “Suits” than a portrayal of auto accident lawyers.
Photo via YouTubeDr. Gary Kompothecras
You probably know him for his doctor and lawyer referral service, 1-800-ASK-GARY. He’s also an executive producer for MTV’s “Siesta Key,” in which his son Alex plays a key role.
Photo via Dr. Gary Kompothecras’ TwitterBilly Fuccillo
You know the radio advertisements that tell you about “HUGE” promotional events at Kia dealerships? Well, that’s this guy.
Photo via Fuccillo Kia of Cape Coral’s websiteMiguel Fuller
He’s the Miguel from Miguel and Holly Mornings on Hot 101.5. In case you don’t listen to 101.5, Fuller is an openly gay radio host who uses his platform to support LGBTQ+ causes.
Photo via Miguel Fuller’s FacebookAlicia McCall
You might recognize her as The Girl With The Whisk Tattoo. The baker has made appearances on Datz’s instagram as the local chain’s executive pastry chef, competed on the Netflix series “Sugar Rush” and hosted MTV’s mini-series “Meme Cakes.”
Photo via The Girl With The Whisk Tattoo FacebookFran Haasch
You’ve definitely seen Haasch’s billboards before. She’s normally pictured wearing red and posing with a motorcycle.
Photo via The Fran Haasch Law Group’s websiteJohn Morgan
You can probably hear this photo. If you’ve never seen this man’s face, or you don’t know the catchphrase “Morgan & Morgan, for the people,” then you’ve never been to Central Florida.
Photo via John Morgan’s FacebookOrlando & The Freakshow
You know the radio station WiLD 94.1? Well Orlando and his crew run the show from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. According to 94.1’s website, Orlando’s heros include Hugh Hefner, James Lipton, and Muhammad Ali.
Photo via WiLD 94.1’s websitePaul Dellegatto
You likely know Fox 13 meteorologist Paul Dellegatto for his hurricane coverage. You also might have seen his face plastered on a giant Kennedy Boulevard obelisk.
Photo via Paul Dellegatto’s Facebook pageRadio Rose
She makes up half of the Rose & Bows podcast and can be heard on 93.3 FLZ’s The Kane Show weekday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m.
Photo via Radio Rose’s FacebookEvelyn Madonia
Evelyn Madonia used to appear on television screens with big red hair, fancy jewelry and tight dresses. Unfortunately, the Red Rose Inn & Suites closed in 2012.
Photo via VimeoScotty The Body
The Hot 101.5 radio personality is a frequent guest on Miguel and Holly Mornings. He was suspended for a while after stripping in one of the radio station’s cars.
Photo via Miguel & Holly Show’s FacebookSean Daly
Sean Daly has been a reporter at ABC Action News since 2017. He has also worked as a host on the Home Shopping Network and as a reporter for the Tampa Bay Times.
Photo via Sean Daly’s Facebook
