TAMPA – “HUNKS vs. The Hurricanes,” the short documentary highlighting heroes of last year’s back-to-back storms, has been nominated for four Regional Suncoast Emmy Awards.
The film premiered at the Tampa Theatre, where Mayor Jane Castor and community leaders celebrated the city’s spirit of service and sacrifice. The documentary features interviews with Castor and meteorologist Denis Phillips, and spotlights the efforts of College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving crews, who worked around the clock to remove storm debris and support neighbors, even while dealing with personal losses.
“We were spared so many times in the past, but this, Helene and Milton, got everyone’s attention,” Castor said in the film. “To see everyone come together to do whatever it took to get our city back up and running, I think that was amazing.”
Co-produced by Brick Creative, Outbound.com and College HUNKS co-founder Nick Friedman, “HUNKS vs. The Hurricanes” highlights Tampa’s resilience and community spirit. The film is now available on YouTube.
“We wanted to capture the spirit of service and sacrifice we witnessed,” Friedman said.
The documentary features College HUNKS employee Mario Martinez, who lost his home in the floodwaters yet never stopped helping neighbors.
“I had nothing left, but I knew my neighbors needed me,” Martinez said. “Helping them helped me heal. That’s what being part of this community and this company is all about.”
The nominations come as College HUNKS celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 and has grown into a national brand with nearly 200 franchises. The Regional Suncoast Emmy Awards will take place on Dec. 6.
