If there’s one thing San Antonio is known for, it’s being unapologetically yourself, which explains why Florida teacher-turned TikTok star Casey Hamilton loves living here so much.
Mr. Hamilton, as he’s known on the video-sharing app, first used his TikTok as a teacher tool, and went viral for his spot-on Patrick Star impression and dancing videos. His unwavering positivity even caught the eye of superstar artist Lizzo.
Hamilton, 25, decided to move to the Alamo City after visiting his girlfriend Jordyn Maloney nearly six months ago. As someone who knows San Antonio well, Maloney (who met Hamilton on TikTok) showed her boo around, and that’s all he needed.
Hamilton packed up his Hawaiian T-shirts and pink Crocs and left his hometown of Plant City, a small place about 24 miles east of Tampa, Florida. While he left for a bigger city, Hamilton tells MySA.com the close-knit energy he’s used to feeling is something the 210 offers.
“The sense of community has not left me even though I’ve moved away from all the people I’ve called my community,” Hamilton says. “It’s a wonderful little cozy spot, and the food is amazing!”
Hamilton, who has more than 5.8 million followers on TikTok, has been documenting his time here (like any creator would), posting about his favorite local eateries, which include Gino’s Deli and Mr. Juicy. He also experienced the excitement and passion of San Antonio’s biggest party, Fiesta, for the first time.
Although the coronavirus pandemic toned down the vibes at Fiesta, the chicken was still on a stick, and the cumbia continued – a sight that left Hamilton in awe. You know how San Antonians do.
“I could feel the electricity,” he says while explaining how he saw a group of people dancing on their own after a band played on Market Square. “It was such a beautiful moment. It was special for me because it was really the first time I could confidently say, ‘oh, the world is back.'”
When he’s not hanging out with KSAT’s David Elder or sipping micheladas at Señor Fish, he’s embracing a Texas staple: H-E-B (duh). Raised in Florida, Hamilton grew up loving Publix, so much so that speaking negatively about the supermarket is a big no in the family. His father, who works on the corporate side of Lakeland, Florida company, squashed any mention of San Antonio’s H-E-B during a visit back home.
“He said ‘don’t even start with H-E-B,'” Hamilton says while giggling.
Moving forward, Hamilton plans on staying in San Antonio for a while, as he and Maloney are looking into a place downtown. Fans can still expect his hilarious content of him dancing away, but they can also watch out for his voice-acting career. Hamilton teases how he recently had a voice acting role for a cartoon show on a major TV network (he’s keeping specifics hush-hush for now).
There’s a lot to come from Hamilton, but this his main message to San Antonio is simple.
“I’m just happy to be here. I got very, very lucky. The community has been overwhelmingly welcoming. Oh, what a wonderful city this is.”
Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre.