Sarason says she appreciates his insights on race and culture, but says that he’ll surprise her on occasion by bringing up something new.
“He’s really, really awesome at talking about what makes things funny.”
Locally, he’s won the respect of colleagues both inside and out of the Tampa Bay Times newsroom. PolitiFact Florida editor Angie Holan calls Deggans “wicked smart and a great writer, and when you put those two things together, you get really interesting, fresh reports on whatever it is he’s decided he wants to write about that day. He’s unconventional in the best sense of the word.”
Deggans is also a regular on WEDU’s Florida This Week. Host Rob Lorei says one of the many things he appreciates about him is his non-ideological approach to issues. “I can never predict where Eric will come down on an issue. He takes the long view, and frequently takes a view contrarian to the mainstream media,” Lorei says.
“How do I push the conversation forward that’s insightful and maybe will lead to something better?” Deggans asks.
That, he says, is what his work is all about.