Terry Tomalin moved to Florida in the spring of 1980 for the sun and surf. After graduating from the University of South Florida in 1983, Tomalin backpacked through Europe, returning a few months later to work for a small Central Florida newspaper, where his stories on the Ku Klux Klan resulted in the resignation of a local sheriff.

Tomalin joined the St. Petersburg Times as a police reporter in 1986, but left 18 months later to explore backpack through New Zealand and Australia. He returned a year later and transferred to the Sports Department to cover the Great Outdoors.

During the past 20 years, Tomalin has lived with witch doctors in the Amazon, explored sunken Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico, sailed to Cuba, canoed to the Bahamas and swam around Key West. Tomalin loves to fish, surf, paddle and enjoy all Florida has to offer.

A fellow of the prestigious Explorer's Club in New York City, Tomalin holds a Masters Degree in Florida Studies and is actively involved in many community organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America.

Phone: (727) 893-8808

E-mail: tomalin@tampabay.com

Blog: The Wild Side