TAMPA, Fla. — Welcome to 9 Questions with…, a new regular feature in which we’ll get to know some of the Bay area’s movers and shakers a little better. It could be a politician, an artist, a first responder, a bartender—just about anyone, really. This week’s subject is Tampa stand-up comic and pencil fight referee Steve Miller. Is there someone you’d like to answer 9 Questions? Let us know!

Are you a Tampa Bay native? If not, where are you from?

I was born in Atlanta, and moved to Tampa when I was seven. I got 38 years in. I have been here long enough to remember when it was affordable to buy a house in Seminole Heights, so yeah, I am going to go ahead and claim the title of native. 

How would you describe your job or claim to fame?

Stand-up comedian and referee of the ridiculous. 

What’s your favorite Tampa Bay restaurant?

I don’t know? What is your favorite band? How am I supposed to choose one? I mean, sure, I love Il Ritorno, but I can’t drive by Revolution Ice Cream without stopping in. Three Dot Dash never disappoints, but the mofongo at Red Mesa Cantina cannot be denied. (I am painfully aware that I listed an ice cream spot as one of my favorite restaurants. I will not be judged.) 

Do you have a personal Tampa Bay “secret spot” and/or “hidden treasure”?

New World [Brewery] is not a secret, nor is it hidden, but there is no better spot in Tampa. For over 25 years in Ybor, they created an amazing atmosphere and they are keeping it alive in Sulphur Springs. The “new” New World was worth the wait, and with tons of outdoor seating their new beer garden is the perfect socially distanced outdoor option for delicious food and drink. 

What is your favorite Tampa Bay tradition?

I am partial to how every 17 years or so the Bucs win the Super Bowl. However, of all the Tampa sports, my favorite is by far the Pencil Fight Championships that happen at the Hooch and Hive. It’s got costumes, drinks, and complete silliness. It is pretty much Gasparilla without the public urination. Even better, I get to referee them, and nothing thrills me more than being able to judge others. 

What’s one thing many people don’t know about you that you’re willing to share with us?

I cried during the series finale of Anne with an E. 

If you could change one thing about the Tampa Bay area or your community specifically, what would it be?

I am a cranky hypocrite that used to decry the desolation of downtown Tampa and the lack of interesting restaurants and cultural events. Now that Downtown is alive, the culinary and cultural scenes are exploding and I’m still not happy. I am annoyed at the lack of parking, the restaurant wait times, and the traffic. So if I could change one thing it would be impossible, because what I want is all the great stuff without any of the population influx. I suppose while I am wishing I will take a pony and a pair of diamond shoes. 

When did you first know that you wanted to be a comedian?

I don’t recall ever wanting to be anything else. I wandered around for a long time not sure what to do with myself. Sure, I could eat a lot of fish sticks and play Mario Kart for hours, but were those marketable skills? Comedy was the only career that made sense to me. Up late, no tie, force my thoughts upon others—it pretty much ticked all the boxes. 

What’s the weirdest gig that you’ve ever played?

I’ve done bowling alleys, parking garages, critical care facilities, but the “weirdest” gig was also the most rewarding one I ever did. Myself and a group of comics did a show at the home of a wounded veteran. He is paraplegic, wounded in the Middle East. It was him, another wounded vet, and their families. I was stressed, I had no idea what to expect, it was in a living room with only about 10 people, two of whom were in a rough state. What if they didn’t laugh, what if I bomb in this living room? It was a horrifying thought. I went up first and as the laughter filled the room my nerves melted away. Those guys paid a big price in service and their families give endlessly of themselves to provide care and comfort and to be able to be a part of bringing them some joy was super humbling.