• Mike WellsPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Seminole Heights, FL

<strong>Email:</strong> mike.wells&#64;patch.com

<strong>Phone:</strong> 813-351-9258

Mike Wells has spent most of his adult life documenting the tragedies and triumphs of everyday people. He is humbled by these experiences and considers it a privilege to earn a living through storytelling.

Mike studied for a career in journalism as editor of his high school and university yearbooks. After a few years as a manager for a major book retailer, he returned to full time reporting in 1998. He has since won multiple awards for his work at newspapers in Missouri and Florida. He relocated to Tampa from Columbia, Mo., in 2005 to report for <i>The Tampa Tribune</i>. 

While at the <i>Tribune</i>, Mike mastered cross-platform journalism, working closely with colleagues at TBO.com and WFLA-TV.  His specialties are crime and court reporting, but his portfolio includes business, health and political reporting as well.

Prior to joining Patch.com, Mike worked as a communications director for a Tampa law firm.

Wells and his American Eskimo dog live in the Hampton Terrace neighborhood of Seminole Heights.

<strong>Beliefs </strong>

At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for us to inject our beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that an editor&#39;s beliefs are on the record will cause the editor to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we have failed in this mission, please let us know.<br><br><b>Politics </b>

<i>How would you describe your political beliefs?</i>

In national elections, I vote for Democrats. I believe they have a better track record of strengthening the economy while simultaneously helping the most vulnerable segment of our population -- impoverished children and families.

In local and state elections, I vote for candidates based on their experience, record and stance on the issues I care most about. Yes, I have voted for Republicans.<br><br><b>Religion</b>

<i>How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?</i><b><br></b>

I respect the importance that religion plays in the lives of many of my friends. I also fully appreciate how faith played a significant role in forming the ideals and values of our nation&#39;s founders. Religious freedom is the cornerstone of our republic.

To answer the question: I am not a religious person and do not attend church services regularly.<br><br><b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>

<i>What do you think are the two or three most important issues facing the community?</i>

Central Tampa faces a number of challenges, including efforts to revitalize our neighborhoods, encourage small business growth and improve student test scores. We must keep an open dialogue for new ideas and work together toward these common goals.

Posting Activity

Seminole Heights|News|

Success: Chili Contest Sells Out

With 14 entries and more than 100 people buying tickets for the tasting, the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market&#39;s first annual chili contest is a hit.

Success: Chili Contest Sells Out
Seminole Heights|News|

5 Things to Know Today

Here&#39;s Monday&#39;s roundup of events, information and trivia.

5 Things to Know Today
Seminole Heights|News|

Valentine's Day Photo Gallery

Patch caught these sweethearts in its viewfinder at the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market.

Valentine's Day Photo Gallery
Seminole Heights|News|

Get Snapped with Your Sweetie!

Visit the Patch table at the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market with your sweetheart and have your photo taken.

Get Snapped with Your Sweetie!
Seminole Heights|News|

5 Things to Know This Weekend

Here&#39;s the weekend&#39;s roundup of events, information and trivia.

5 Things to Know This Weekend
Seminole Heights|News|

Patch Picks: Valentine's Day Dinner

Here&#39;s a list of places to take your sweetie for a good old-fashioned Valentine&#39;s Day dinner. Don&#39;t forget the flowers!

Patch Picks: Valentine's Day Dinner
Seminole Heights|News|

Bites Nearby: Grill Avlija

Can&#39;t decide where to eat dinner? Patch is here with suggestions every week.

Bites Nearby: Grill Avlija
Seminole Heights|News|

5 Things to Know Today

Here&#39;s Thursday&#39;s roundup of events, information and trivia.

5 Things to Know Today
Seminole Heights|News|

Moms Talk: Teaching Kids How to Share

Moms Talk is a weekly Q&amp;A for mothers to share parenting tips, answer questions from other mothers and even vent a little about the common frustrations that come with raising children.

Moms Talk: Teaching Kids How to Share
Seminole Heights|News|

5 Things to Know Today

Here&#39;s Tuesday&#39;s roundup of events, information and trivia.

5 Things to Know Today
Seminole Heights|News|

5 Things Patch is Covering This Week

Here’s a preview of the stories we’re bringing you this week on Seminole Heights Patch.

5 Things Patch is Covering This Week