(This story has been updated with comments from politicians Newt Gingrich and Jimmy Patronis)
Popular Southwest Florida meteorologist Matt Devitt has been fired from his job at WINK News. And his fans — including some prominent politicians — aren’t happy about it.
Devitt announced the news Jan. 10 on Facebook: “After 10 years, my time with WINK News has come to an end after being let go from my role as Chief Meteorologist on Thursday,” he posted on Facebook and his other social media.
“This decision was not one that I expected or agreed with and (I) was not given the opportunity to say goodbye on-air. It was a complete shock to me, my family and fellow coworkers.”
Neither WINK nor Devitt have responded to requests for further comment from The News-Press/Naples Daily News.
Here’s what you need to know:
Southwest Florida is furious about Devitt’s firing
Devitt’s post now has 80,000 reactions and nearly 28,000 comments on Facebook — mostly from viewers mad about his departure.
“The entire viewing audience is livid and shocked!” wrote Sherry Habelow Ballou. “Wink will NEVER be the same.”
Liz Affeldt-Bailey wrote that Devitt’s voice kept her calm during Hurricane Ian, and she wasn’t happy about that voice getting yanked from the air.
“I’m so appalled that this was handled this way,” she wrote. “We wish you the best as you’re a fantastic meteorologist who clearly loves his community.”
The firing has attracted attention from several political leaders, too.
“WINK tv owes all of us an explanation for what happened with Matt Devitt,” former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich wrote on X. “Thousands of us have come to trust him, like him and rely on him. What happened? WINK owes all of us an answer.”
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis also spoke out in support of Devitt.
“Matt, Thank You for your service,” he wrote on X. “You don’t hear it enough but y’all are a first responder, you stay at your post when the storm makes landfall because people trust you, they look up to you and they count on your guidance thru the treacherous recovery. Keep me in the loop if I can be of assistance.”
Petition to bring Matt Devitt back to WINK
There’s even a petition circulating to keep Devitt at WINK. It currently has more than 2,200 signatures and counting.
“Matt Devitt’s departure from Wink Weather has left a void that is hard to fill,” the petition states at change.org. “His expertise and accessible communication style were unmatched — qualities that made him a household name and the go-to person for weather forecasts in our community. …
“I urge Wink Weather to reconsider their decision and bring back Matt Devitt to continue his role as our trusted meteorologist. The community stands behind him, and his presence is crucial to maintaining the high standards of weather reporting that we have come to rely on.”
Here’s a link to the petition: tinyurl.com/yzzvhmh3
Why was Matt Devitt fired from WINK?
Devitt’s popularity extends beyond Southwest Florida, especially for his funny memes about Sunshine State weather. His Facebook page has 1.2 million followers, and his Instagram and X social media accounts are also highly popular.
Neither WINK nor Devitt have offered details about why he was fired from the popular TV news program.
“Serving our Southwest Florida community for the past decade has been an honor and privilege, especially through Hurricanes Irma, Ian, Helene and Milton,” Devitt wrote in his Jan. 10 post. “I always gave you everything I had with one goal in mind: keeping you safe and informed without the hype.
“While this chapter ended differently than I hoped, I wish WINK News, along with my previous coworkers and weather team, the best.”
Devitt says he’ll continue to give weather updates on his Facebook page Matt Devitt WINK Weather, which he says he’ll be renaming Matt Devitt Weather.
He thanked everyone who’s reached out to him and offered words of support.
“It has meant more to me than you know…” he wrote. “I’m taking a brief pause professionally to reset and be with my family. I’ve missed them and I’m looking forward to every minute. I’ll keep you all updated on what’s next.”
Charles Runnells covers arts and entertainment for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 or email crunnells@usatodayco.com. Follow or message him on Facebook(@charles.runnells.7), Instagram (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells).
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: WINK News fires meteorologist Matt Devitt: What you need to know
Reporting by Charles Runnells and Dave Osborn, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
