From TV Anchor to Realtor to Community Leader

Recently, I added a new category to my blog dedicated to Sarasota’s community leaders—those whose work quietly shapes the fabric of our city. It’s been a joy discovering the stories behind the people who make Sarasota such a special place to live. One of those stories belongs to Ray Collins, a familiar name and face for many locals. What I thought would be a quick conversation turned into an inspiring journey through his decades in broadcasting, creative ventures, and ongoing impact on our community.

Ray’s dream of becoming a TV news anchor began in childhood, inspired by a family friend who worked as a sportscaster in Buffalo, New York. By 16, he was already on the radio, and soon after, his television career began. Over the years, Ray worked in roles that made him a trusted voice in Tampa Bay, including as the anchor of Good Morning Suncoast on ABC 7 and Good Day Tampa Bay Weekends on Fox 13.

The broadcasting world looked very different when Ray first started. “We used typewriters—there were no computers, no cell phones,” he recalls. As technology advanced and the media landscape expanded, viewership for traditional TV news declined. This shift pushed Ray to explore a new path, but not before receiving accolades like Associated Press awards for Overall Excellence and serving as President of the Florida Broadcasters Club.

A friend suggested Ray could leverage his name recognition and credibility in real estate. “I realized that much of what I did as a journalist—writing, video production, and networking—translated seamlessly into real estate,” Ray shares—a sample of Ray's Videos.

His transition was nothing short of extraordinary. Ray quickly rose to the top 2% of local realtors within his first year, achieving $22 million in sales during the fast-paced market. He has won an annual award for productivity all four years in a row from Coldwell Banker. He credits his success to tireless dedication, working seven days a week to prove himself. Ray’s creativity also played a key role: leveraging his broadcasting experience, he produced polished videos to showcase properties, carving out a unique niche in the market. An article about his videos won an annual award in Florida Realtor Magazine. raycollinsrealestate.com.

Ray, known for his warm personality and eloquence, often emcees nonprofit events and galas, including the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open Pro Tennis Tournament. His expertise in media also benefits local businesses through his consulting firm, Ray Collins Media raycollinsmedia.com, where he helps others improve their communication and marketing strategies.

Ray’s public service extends further—he ran for office and won. He is Vice Chairman of the Sarasota County Charter Review Board, which decides which issues should be on the ballot. His deep involvement in the community highlights his dedication to making Sarasota a better place for everyone. Ray also writes travel articles for magazines, combining his love of storytelling with his passion for exploration. His writing reflects his curiosity, which has always driven him forward, and he covers topics ranging from global resorts to local Sarasota gems.

Despite his many commitments, Ray prioritizes a balanced and fulfilling personal life. Ray and--who he calls his "better half"-Erin live in the downtown area and are active in playing tennis, pickleball, biking, and savoring the area's vibrant lifestyle. He also supports her through her twice-weekly yoga classes ( Article about Yoga by the Bay with Erin). "We both like jamming as much as we can into each day. We work hard and play hard together." The couple recently traveled to Europe for a two-week river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. 

Ray Collins’s journey from TV anchor to Sarasota community leader showcases his ability to adapt and thrive. He continues to make a meaningful impact through his broadcasts, real estate work, and community involvement. “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the lights on in a house I helped someone buy,” he says. “It’s tangible proof that I’ve made a difference."