From Free Concerts to Owning the Publication: Ray Roa’s Creative Loafing Journey

Ray Roa didn't get into journalism to change the world. He did it to get into concerts for free. Now he runs Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — and it just became employee-owned for the first time since 2009. In this episode of Stick a Fork in It, Ray talks about what it really feels like to own the paper you grew up reading, why Creative Loafing refuses to put up a paywall, and what he believes about the future of local journalism in Tampa Bay. Plus — what's happening with Restaurant Month, his unexpected dream concert, and why kindness is a muscle you have to train. In this episode: 00:00 — How Ray got into journalism (the real reason) 03:30 — What Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is today 05:00 — Why they'll never charge for news 06:00 — Becoming employee-owned: what that actually feels like 09:00 — The mission behind local journalism 12:00 — Restaurant Month and why it matters 18:00 — Ray's dream: paying journalists a real wage 21:00 — The concert that changed everything Ray Roa is the editor of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, Tampa's longest-running alternative weekly newspaper — now locally and employee-owned. Covering food, arts, politics, and everything in between — free, always. This channel is designed to highlight the incredible people, programs, and partnerships helping solve hunger. Feeding Tampa Bay works across West Central Florida to provide food, resources, and pathways to stability for families and neighbors facing food insecurity. Through community leadership, volunteers, nonprofit partners, and innovative programs, Feeding Tampa Bay is working to create long-term solutions to hunger, poverty, and economic hardship. This channel shares the stories behind the work — from Tampa Bay changemakers and community leaders to volunteers and families whose lives are impacted every day. If you're looking for ways to help fight hunger in Tampa Bay, volunteer, donate, or get involved, you're in the right place. On this channel you’ll discover: • Inspiring Tampa Bay community leaders and changemakers • Behind-the-scenes looks at the Feeding Tampa Bay facility • Coverage of great Tampa Bay events and volunteer opportunities • Stories of neighbors helping neighbors • Programs designed to create long-term food security Feeding Tampa Bay serves 10 counties across West Central Florida, helping nearly 1 million neighbors annually through food distribution, partnerships, and innovative programs that address the root causes of hunger. Feeding Tampa Bay Programs Learn more about the programs featured on this channel: Feeding Tampa Bay Website: ftb.org/ Volunteer Opportunities: ftb.org/volunteer/ Fresh Force Workforce Development Program: ftb.org/freshforce How to Donate: ftb.org/donate Frequently Asked Questions How can I volunteer with Feeding Tampa Bay? Visit the volunteer page above to find opportunities throughout the Tampa Bay region. Where does Feeding Tampa Bay operate? Feeding Tampa Bay serves 10 counties across West Central Florida including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Sarasota, and surrounding communities. How can I help fight hunger locally? You can volunteer, donate, attend community events, or partner with Feeding Tampa Bay to help expand access to food and resources. Subscribe for More Tampa Bay Stories This channel highlights the people, programs, and partnerships changing lives across Tampa Bay. Subscribe to meet inspiring guests, learn about community initiatives, and discover how you can help create a hunger-free future. #FeedingTampaBay #TampaBayCommunity #EndHunger #TampaBayVolunteers #FoodInsecuritySolutions