In 1988, Chicago-born David Fiaoni came through Clearwater for the first time on his way to South Beach in Miami. His destination proved disappointing—he would put his feet in that East coast water only once. He had already fallen in love with the beaches in and near Clearwater and knew that one day he would be living here.
Fast forward 27 years to Unity Church of Clearwater, where David Fiaoni today is a familiar figure in the lobby, cheerfully greeting and welcoming members and guests to Sunday morning services. Sometimes, he also drives the Unity Express, which he calls the “tram,” making the short spin a joyful ride for his passengers.
A hair stylist for 35 years, now working as an independent contractor serving a clientele that he loves, following a year’s apprenticeship and preparing for licensing, David attended Joliet Junior College in Illinois, the nation’s first public community college. He first opened a hair salon in Jeffersonville, Indiana and later in Clearwater, which he would sell prior to returning to Chicago. From there, he traveled to San Francisco and Las Vegas before settling in Phoenix, KY, where he bought a house near Churchill Downs. “The congestion and parking problems at Derby time were “ridiculous,” he says, and soon he would be moving to Florida for good.
Here, David says, “I feel like I’m on vacation, and I don’t have to go far.” Although he does enjoy an annual deep sea fishing trip to Key West, it is the beaches that he loves, and the sunsets, no two of which are alike. One year, he went to the beach at Indian Rocks every single night. A second primary attraction, a wonderful, happy priority is Disney World, where he has been an annual pass holder for 10 years.
It was in Louisville that David was introduced to Unity when he went with a friend to a Unity church that had once been a Jewish temple. Sitting there, under the Star of David embedded in the ceiling, he experienced a feeling of freedom and openness with God. There, he first learned to meditate and felt at peace with himself. Although he first came to Unity Church of Clearwater about five years ago, it was during the past year, he said, that “I have learned that Unity is part of me.” Since becoming a member, he is actively committed to understanding the varied dimensions of UCC. He regularly attends Tai Chi classes, is learning how to set up services in the Peace Chapel, and prunes trees and other tasks on the church grounds.
This spring, David will assume a new role of valuable and prayerful service when he is installed as a member of the Board of Directors.