Since Rodney Thrash joined the Times in 2003, he has written about an eclectic group of people: sassy nuns, baby mamas, gay high school activists, handcuffed kindergarteners, war mothers, racists and national African-American icons.

Home is Dallas (How 'bout them Cowboys!), but this Texas boy has fallen in love with Tampa. He lives in the northwest Hillsborough suburbs, which is perfect because he covers nearby Westchase and Keystone.

Phone: (813) 269-5303

Email: rthrash@sptimes.com