Viewers in Southwest Florida are outraged after learning that popular weatherman Matt Devitt has been shockingly fired from his role after more than ten years.
In a heartfelt message posted to social media, Devitt announced to the public that he was let go, describing his dismissal as a “complete shock.”
He had been serving as the chief meteorologist at WINK News, delivering forecasts to audiences across Southwest Florida, particularly during hurricane season.
“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,” wrote Devitt. “This decision was not one that I expected or agreed with and was not given the opportunity to say goodbye on-air. It was a complete shock to me, my family and fellow coworkers.” (RELATED: At Least 25 States To Be Impacted By Winter Storm Threatening Heavy Snow)
Devitt reflected fondly on his years of service to the Southwest Florida community, recalling the challenging times he spent covering devastating weather events including Hurricanes Irma, Ian, Helene and Milton.
“I always gave you everything I had with one goal in mind: keeping you safe and informed without the hype,” wrote Devitt. “While this chapter ended differently than I hoped, I wish WINK News, along with my previous coworkers and weather team, the best.”
Devitt shared with his fans that he intends to step back for a while to spend time with his family, though he promised to continue providing weather updates and insights through his social media channels.
LIFE UPDATE: 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. This decision was not one that I expected or agreed with and was not given the opportunity to say goodbye on-air. It was a complete shock to…
— Matt Devitt (@MattDevittWX) January 10, 2026
Fans, including former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, expressed outrage at the alleged move from WINK News.
WINK tv owes all of us an explanation for what happened with Matt Devitt. Thousands of us have come to trust him, like him and rely on him. What happened? WINK owes all of us an answer
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) January 11, 2026
I also cannot believe the stupidity and immorality of their decision to just suddenly cut ties with such a legend as Matt Devitt. It’s about the equivalent of KC telling Patrick Hahomes to take a hike. https://t.co/ke8LFeuxyK
— Bryan Maxwell SW FL WX (@bryan_maxw46284) January 11, 2026
STUPID: WINK News firing @MattDevittWX proves that the mainstream media doesn’t care about their viewers pic.twitter.com/ebqFNANnEk
— Brendon Leslie (@BrendonLeslie) January 12, 2026
Something about this time feels different. @Winknews has lost many thousands of followers.
There are 5,000-10,000+ comments from people vowing not to watch.
In a small to medium market, that’s a BIG dent.
In 2026, this could hasten the end of the station. https://t.co/FfbayOOBCR pic.twitter.com/uyXB3hL4k6
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) January 11, 2026
So sorry Matt. You are a force! In the end they will realize they needed you more than you needed them.
— Tim Buckley (@TimBuckleyWX) January 11, 2026
HELLO WINK NEWS I AM LETTING YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE MADE A GRAVE MISTAKE BY LETTING MATT DEVITT GO. HE WAS A GOOD WEATHER MAN AND A GOODER MAN. YOU HAVE LOST MY BUSINESS AS A LONGTIME SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RESIDENT – G.E.
— Swamp Motorsports (@swampmotorsport) January 10, 2026
Apparently this is the news and weather broadcast we’ll be watching from now on in SWFL since @winknews fired Matt Devitt. pic.twitter.com/eKpNYdYwYd
— Jas🏐n Hanes (@jhaneshisway) January 12, 2026
I’ve seen a lot of firings in local news but never seen such widespread support like there is for Matt Devitt.@winknews-you fucked up bigly… https://t.co/70q0CdfiVj
— RON COULTER (@RONCOULTER) January 12, 2026
The Daily Caller has reached out to WINK News for comment.