Jan 12, 2026
3 min read
He has been cited for helping save lives during the worst weather in Southwest Florida history.One of the region's top weather forecasters, Matt DeWitt, has been let go from his position at Wink News.
He is credited with helping save lives during the worst weather event in Southwest Florida history.
But one of the area's leading forecasters, Matt DeWitt, will no longer be the person many in the region rely on for accurate and up-to-date weather information — he was fired from his position at WINK News on Thursday.
David, who worked for local commercial television for 10 years, wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday:
"After 10 years, my time at WINK News has come to an end after I was fired from my position as chief meteorologist on Thursday. This decision was not one I expected or agreed to and I was not given the opportunity to say goodbye on the air. It was a complete shock for me, my family and my colleagues.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our Southwest Florida community over the past ten years, especially in the wake of Hurricanes Irma, Ian, Helen and Milton. I have always given my all with one goal in mind: keeping you safe and informed."
“Although this chapter ended differently than I expected, I wish WINK News to my previous colleagues and the weather team.
"I'll still be giving you weather updates on this page, it just won't be on TV. My new Facebook name has been changed to Matt Devitt Weather, which you'll see soon. In addition to messaging me on Facebook, you can email me at [email protected].
"I am taking some time off professionally to be with my family. I miss them and look forward to every minute. I will post the next one for you all.
"Thank you all for your support. It means more to me than you know. - Matt Devitt Wetter"
WINK News was contacted for comment but was unable to reach a spokesperson for the station.
DeWitt also appears in the documentary "Rising: Surviving the Surge" about Hurricane Ian.
Some local residents and others took to social media to express their support for Devitt.
“The entire audience is delighted and amazed!”
"Life continues, most of the time is blind that you are a blind person you are just a number you are only a number, a number can be closed at any time.
"This is a very bad decision by their business and you are the people who met us in the storm with safe and sound advice. We are sorry, you will be missed. We all need to send a complaint to Wink."
Enjoy with your family Matt and let us know where you are.”
"Please say it's not. I know you're the best meteorologist since Bob Debardelaben (WRAL Raleigh NC), and if that's true WINK has lost a great man."
"I have no idea what the origin of this is, and I don't want to know. I know that Matt is the best meteorologist I've ever met. He's the best general meteorologist, but he's honestly the best when it comes to hurricanes. We look to WINK for Matt's forecasting and spotting knowledge."
On X (formerly Twitter):
Matt is a meteorologist and one of my best friends.I learned a lot from him during my 3 years at WINK.He has a very bright future.
Matt I don't normally comment, but thanks!You are always honest without hype!Thank you for what you are doing good luck mate!!
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