Overview
- Devitt announced on January 10 that he was let go last week, calling the move a complete shock and saying he was denied an on-air goodbye.
- His Facebook post drew about 80,000 reactions and 28,000 comments, with figures such as Newt Gingrich urging the station to explain the decision.
- Devitt said he will continue posting weather updates on his social channels, rebranding his Facebook page to Matt Devitt Weather after a brief professional pause.
- A Beach Talk Radio post alleges he was dismissed over extended dinner breaks to help his wife with a newborn and cites specific contract, severance, and non-compete terms, which Newsweek has not independently verified.
- WINK, the CBS affiliate in Fort Myers, declined to comment, as community voices highlighted Devitt’s decade of service during major storms including Hurricanes Irma and Ian.