Meet the Author
Tony Zappone began his career in journalism at age 14, freelancing for his hometown newspapers The Tampa Tribune and The Tampa Times, morning and afternoon papers owned by the same company. At age 17, he began shooting news film for WFLA-TV, owned by the same company as the newspapers.
He attended the University of South Florida, getting degrees in political science and psychology while working full time for the afternoon daily and continuing his freelance activity with the television station.
He served six years in the U.S. Naval Reserve, two of them on active duty in Edzell, Scotland and at the American Embassy in London, England.
While overseas, he became a trusted stringer correspondent for NBC Radio, filing a number of reports for its award-winning weekend Monitor program. He also edited The Tartan Log, which chronicled the non-classified activities of personnel stationed in Scotland.
Upon Tony’s return from the United Kingdom, he continued with the newspaper and television station until breaking away from the paper in 1974 to become the first official traffic reporter for WFLA Radio. His last day was three years later, on Jan. 19, 1977, the day it snowed in Tampa for the first time in decades and the day before Jimmy Carter was set to be inaugurated 39th President.
That same year, he moved his television loyalty to then CBS affiliate WTVT as news correspondent.
He had begun dabbling in the world of advertising during his traffic report days, selling spots in his reports to supplement his income. In 1982 he left WTVT to expand his advertising agency to a full time venture with clients such as real estate firms, trade schools, car dealerships and many other businesses.
In the mid 80’s he took on the real estate segment, buying and selling commercial properties including shopping centers, apartment complexes and office buildings while continuing his advertising business.
In the 90’s Zappone became more involved in real estate management and consulting, something he does to this day. He is also currently involved in public relations consulting and fundraising for charitable organizations.