Denis Phillips shares personal stories and humor at annual Goree lecture
Elizabeth Miller | 3/28/2025
Denis Phillips jokes that he was probably the worse weatherman in history in his early career. Today, the popular Chief Meteorologist from ABC Action News has more than 1.2 million followers on social media and is a trusted source of information during the hurricane season in Tampa Bay.
Phillips was the guest speaker at Wednesday evening’s annual Keith Goree lecture at the Innovation Hub at the Tarpon Springs Campus. Hosted by St. Petersburg College’s Applied Ethics Institute, the event had more than 150 students, faculty, staff and community members in attendance, and more than 250 online viewers.
From following Santa on the radar on TV as a child to chasing storms in his early days as a weather reporter, Phillips shared how he’s always had a fascination for weather. He entertained the audience with personal anecdotes and humor while also sharing his gratefulness for his opportunities.
“I’ve been embraced by this community and it’s something I don’t take lightly,” he said.
He and his family give back regularly to their community, supporting local charities like the Children’s Miracle Network and Feeding Tampa Bay through community events and activities.
“We’ve always tried to pay it forward to the community that’s been so giving to us,” he said.
When not forecasting the weather or sleeping at the station during storms, he spends time with his kids, traveling for his daughter’s softball team, and appearing at speaking engagements throughout the region.
“I’ve learned that my job is not just getting the weather right… it’s trying to get people through the stress of these storms,” said Phillips, whose Rule #7: Don’t freak out became iconic during the 2024 hurricanes. Phillips was presented with a Rule #7 sculpture, which was produced with the 3D printer at the Innovation Hub.
Thanks to the Applied Ethics and Tarpon Springs Campus faculty and staff for this successful community event!
For more photos from the event, check out the Facebook photo album.
