What’s your name & what fills your time?
I am Kirby Hamilton – husband to Lora, Dad to Nealie & Hayley, Grandpa to Alistair & Adelaide. I was born in Newark NJ but lived in south Jacksonville Beach from 1950ish to 2000. My father was a scout for the Brooklyn and LA Dodgers and I was the oldest of 6 kids. My father was on the road for 300+ days of the year so my mother had quite a job wrangling us 6 kids. I attended Fletcher, Florida Junior College, and 4 years at FSU trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I went with my first passion – photography. My career transitioned into a Film Producer/Director/Cinematographer/Photographer and I eventually opened a Film Production Company based here in Jacksonville. Most of my work was regional and national commercials but also corporate videos and short films that went on to national exposure. I sold the company but still work as a freelancer. And passion #2 was music – I’ve played drums since the 1960’s and now play with The Maybees (we’re usually at the Jax Beach Moose club every month).
Anything special happen this summer?
I had rotator cuff surgery the first of June and have spent this summer recovering. Its a long process but Im feeling much better now. I’ll be back to all my usual activities shortly.
Hobbies or interests:
Golf (I’m horrible), Fishing off of my dock in Mill Cove, going to shows at the Florida Theatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, traveling during the fall, pinball, cooking, eating, wine, hugging my pups and outdoor activities Oct to May.
Anything funny, different, cool you can tell us (admit to) about you?!
I have told 4 US Presidents what to do and they did exactly what I said. WHAT??? (Video and Photo sessions – stand here, look this way, turn left/right etc etc….)
What’s the best part to you about the First Coast?
I’ve lived here for 50+ years – so I must like it!!! Mid September to Mid May. Spectacular weather.
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
