Matt Devitt Fired by WINK News

For nearly a decade, Matt Devitt was more than just a familiar face on local television; he was a steady presence in the lives of Southwest Florida residents. Every hurricane season, every storm alert, and every routine forecast brought viewers back to WINK News, where Devitt’s calm delivery and deep connection to the community made him more than a meteorologist—he became someone people relied on.

 

That’s why the news of his departure has stirred such a strong reaction online.

 

Devitt first shared his exit from WINK News, the NBC/CBS affiliate serving the region, on his personal Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. The message was short but clear: after roughly ten years with the station, his journey there had come to an end. Almost instantly, social platforms erupted with responses from viewers who felt blindsided by the announcement.

 

In local Facebook groups like Southwest Florida Weather Watch and others, hundreds of comments flooded in. Many residents expressed disbelief, using words like “trustworthy,” “genuine,” and “reliable” to describe Devitt’s presence during intense weather events. Hurricanes like Ian and Irma are seared into the memories of local families, and Devitt’s forecasts often provided structure and reassurance during those chaotic days.

 

But the reaction wasn’t just emotional—it was also sharply critical. Viewers questioned why a meteorologist with such deep roots in the community would suddenly no longer be on the air, particularly when no official explanation had been released. As of now, WINK News has not issued a public statement addressing the circumstances around Devitt’s exit or explaining the station’s decision. That silence has only fueled speculation and online debate.

 

Some of the more viral social media posts suggest that Devitt’s departure wasn’t voluntary. However, no confirmation has come from the station itself to validate those claims. This lack of clarity has left many feeling unsettled—both about Devitt’s future and the broader direction of local media.

 

Whatever he does, it seems inevitable that he'll end up successfully on his feet.  There's a change,org petition, and his new personal FB Page already had 1.2M followers.

 

Based on prevailing sentiment .....We sure feel sorry for his replacement