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Viewers Have Kind Words For Ailing WTSP Meteorologist

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 19, 2008

Updated: 02/19/2008 04:44 pm

TAMPA -- While WTSP chief meteorologist Dick Fletcher remains in a hospital after having a stroke Monday afternoon, viewers and co-workers are offering their support.

"Our viewers are continuing to respond by posting comments on our Web site," WTSP marketing director Pete Nikiel said.

News director Darren Richards visited Fletcher's family today and gave them a printout of more than 300 comments posted on the WTSP site.

"It is a great outpouring of support for Dick," Richards said. "Everyone is waiting and watching and praying."

He said doctors were closely monitoring Fletcher's condition, and it is expected he will be in the hospital a few more days.

Fletcher, 65, was at home when he had the stroke. With Channel 10 since 1980, he anchors the 4, 6 and 11 p.m. weekday forecasts.

In 2004, he had a mild stroke while at work just before a 4 p.m. newscast. He made a rapid recovery and was back on the air in less than two weeks, Nikiel said.

News anchor Reginald Roundtree was hopeful for another quick recovery.

"He made it through the first night so we hope this is a good sign he is going to get better," Roundtree said this afternoon. "I look at him as a father figure and he's been here as long as I have. It is hard to talk about it and not get choked up. I miss him terribly."

Since the stroke in 2004, Fletcher repeatedly has made public appearances for the cause of stroke survival and prevention.

He lives in St. Petersburg with his wife and has three adult children.

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