Steve Andrews, More Than Just Erin Andrews Dad

To live, work and love what you do is something most can only hope for. For WFLA's investigative reporter, Steve Andrews, this dream is a reality. "I really enjoy what I do," said Andrews a 25-year veteran of the field.

And the citizens of Tampa Bay also love what Andrews does as he keeps them aware of potential pitfalls and shenanigans that are prevalent in our community.

Perhaps one of Andrews biggest cases was one of his most recent. Andrews had received numerous complaints about the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance (TBWA), but nothing ever seemed to be true. Andrews considered giving up on the case until he was told he should look into the food at the TBWA.

Being a good reporter Andrews did just that, and much to his shock and chagrin Andrews discovered that the TBWF had been wasting thousands and thousands of tax-payer dollars on extravagant meals. In one year alone, one section of the TBWA spent some $20,000, $100,000 in all Bay Area facilities and an astounding $600,000 statewide.

The TBWA was no stranger to spending hundreds of dollars on regular meals and having board meetings at restaurants just so they could eat. One meal in particular (shown below) had $9 cheesecake, a point which Andrews hammered home and really seemed to stick with his audience.



As one could expect the Bay Area did not take kindly to a federally funded company spending their money on exorbitant meals in stead of getting people jobs who need money to feed their own families. Not too mention this whole situation was exacerbated by the fact that we are presently in a recession, and people need jobs and money more than ever.

As a result of Andrews report a federal investigation followed suit. There were two resignations from the board at the TBWA and three of the four top members were fired.

This kind of case is something aspiring journalists dream of. Cracking the big case, but also the kind of abuse of power we wish we didn't have to report. As such Andrews left us with several keys to being a successful reporter.

Always be tenacious but polite otherwise the public tide can be turned against you. Always be prepared and write down at least three questions, and last but not least always know the rules and regulations for what you are talking about so you don't come across as ill-informed.