a look at...
Karen and Brian Aungst
photography by Wayne Cathel Photography
This year’s Mr. and Mrs. Clearwater, former Clearwater
Mayor Brian Aungst and his civic-minded wife Karen, have
co-chaired major fundraising events in the area for years,
such as the Morton Plant Mease Foundation’s Toast to Life,
the Charity Works Monopoly Night and the American
Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball. Married for 44 years,
they have been active in the community since moving
here in 1988.
Karen has been the president/chair of several PTAs,
PSTAs, and School Advisory Councils. She was volunteer
of the year at Safety Harbor Middle School and Countryside
High School. She operated a not-for-profit handbag
business that donated tens of thousands of dollars of
cigar box handbags to numerous charity auctions. She has
been active with The Arc Tampa Bay (formerly UPARC)
for decades, and she was recognized as Mrs. Countryside
in 2002 for her community service.
Brian served as mayor from 1999-2005 and has been
in the cable telecommunications business for more than
30 years. Outside of elected office, he has served on the
following nonprofit boards and committees: Ruth Eckerd
Hall, Pinellas Tourism Development Council, Florida
Cable Telecommunications Association and Florida 2012
Olympics Committee. He is the co-chair of the Clearwater
Super Boat National Championships with former
Mr. Clearwater Frank Chivas. He received the Frederick
E. Fisher Humanitarian Award from Clearwater For
Youth, where he is board chairman, in honor of a lifetime
dedication and contribution toward the development and
growth of youth activities. He was Mr. Countryside in
2014 in recognition of his community service.
At what do you excel?
Karen: I take great pride in being a good mother
and wife.
Brian: People have said I get things done. I like to
accept a challenge and see it through to the end.
What is your favorite word?
Karen: Happy.
Brian: Persevere.
What don’t people know about you?
Karen: I produced a local children’s television show
that won four national CableAce Awards.
Brian: That before I moved here, I was a head baseball
coach for college and semi-professional teams.
94 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE
| MAY/JUNE 2017
How do you relax?
Karen: Walking the beach and looking for shells.
Brian: I like to go to the gym to “blow off steam.”
It gives me a renewed energy level and keeps me
balanced.
Who is your role model?
Karen: My mother was always a steadying influence
in my life.
Brian: Gen. Chuck Yeager, who broke the sound
barrier in a “rocket with a cockpit.” He had The Right
Stuff!
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Karen: Always have a positive outlook.
Brian: Don’t take no for an answer when you are on
a mission to improve yourself or the community.
What are your favorite words of wisdom?
Karen: Enjoy every day.
Brian: Carpe diem.
What is your motto?
Karen: Keep smiling!
Brian: Every day is a holiday. Live your life.
No regrets.
How do you think other people would describe you?
Karen: I am told people feel I am a compassionate,
good friend.
Brian: Determined, perhaps stubborn, I hope in
a good way. “He gets things done” is what I hear
frequently, which is an honor to hear.
What is your fondest memory?
Karen: Seeing our son Brian Jr. graduate from the
University of Florida, establish a career, get married
and start his family here in Clearwater.
Brian: There are many, but probably opening Bright
House (now Spectrum) Field, being a lifelong Phillies
fan who grew up in the Delaware Valley, and taking
great pride in helping to make that dream of a new
facility come to fruition.
How would you describe yourself?
Karen: Someone who loves her family and
community.
Brian: Motivated, flexible, creative, able to adapt to
almost any situation I find myself in.
What provides you with pleasure?
Karen: Spending time with my lovely granddaughter.
Brian: My family and local entertainment and events. 9