A frequent guest commentator on CNN and MSNBC, Deggans started out as the pop music critic over at the St. Petersburg Times back in 1995. He has since served as TV critic, reporter, lecturer and adjunct professor, and was president for eight years of the Tampa Bay chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists — and still manages stints as a touring bass player and drummer. In his current role as media critic, Deggans regularly provides ethical reporting, balanced commentary, the latest celebrity scoop, as well as analysis of why we’re so fascinated with celebrity scoop. We’re proud to know him, and still get excited when his face is on the television. @deggans.
BEST ACTOR: Paul Potenza
The Odd Couple (staged last February at Jobsite) would hardly seem a vehicle for outstanding acting, but Paul Potenza brought the character of Felix Unger to a level of existential despair that was both hilarious and deeply authentic. This cleanliness-obsessed sad sack had been to the edge of the abyss and wasn’t the better for it. But we in the audience surely were. (And he just keeps turning in memorable performances; in Jobsite’s current production of The Guys, he is utterly convincing as a NYC fire captain trying to come to terms with the loss of his comrades in 9/11.) jobsitetheater.org.
Runners-up: Post Hyde Park, Lakes of Northdale, The Cove, Carrollwood Palms
Runners-up: Greene’s Auto Tampa, Bob Lee’s, Bill’s Family Garage
Runners-up: St. Pete Bagel, House of Bagels, Clearwater Bagel
