A popular Florida television meteorologist has been fired, prompting tens of thousands of viewers to voice their anger on social media.
WINK-TV, a CBS affiliate in Fort Myers, terminated Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt on Thursday, Jan. 8. Neither the station nor Devitt has publicly explained the reason for his dismissal.
Devitt addressed his departure in posts shared on X and Facebook, saying the decision came as a shock. “This decision was not one that I expected or agreed with and was not given the opportunity to say goodbye on-air,” he wrote. “It was a complete shock to me, my family and fellow coworkers.” Despite the circumstances, he said he wishes WINK News and his former colleagues the best.
He also shared that he plans to take time away from work to focus on his family. “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,” Devitt said.
Devitt joined WINK-TV in February 2016 as a morning meteorologist and was promoted to chief meteorologist in March 2021. Before his time in Fort Myers, he worked at WSAV-TV in Savannah, Georgia, and previously at KHBS/KHOG-TV in Rogers, Arkansas.
Following his posts, public reaction has been swift and intense. On X, nearly 1,000 people replied, including meteorologists from other markets. On Facebook, the response was even larger, with more than 27,000 comments and roughly 74,000 reactions, most expressing support for Devitt and frustration with WINK-TV.
Many commenters criticized how the station handled Devitt’s firing, saying the longtime meteorologist deserved a chance to address viewers and say goodbye on air.
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