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Channel 10 Weatherman's Condition Remains Serious

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 22, 2008

TAMPA -- The mood remains somber in the WTSP, Channel 10, newsroom, where employees are concerned about the station's longtime weatherman, Dick Fletcher, who remains in a St. Petersburg hospital after a stroke Monday.

News Director Darren Richards says there is nothing new to report on Fletcher's condition other than what is posted on the station's Web site. He declined to talk about Fletcher's condition, and station employees have been instructed not to comment.

Dick Fletcher

WTSP reported Thursday night that "all of us have been hoping and praying for good news about our friend and colleague Dick Fletcher. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of doctors and all your prayers, Dick is not making the kind of recovery we'd hoped for."

"Right now, Dick is resting comfortably. Dick's wife, Cindy, has been at his side since the beginning and remains there now. Cindy is so thankful to everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support. The hundreds of cards, letters, e-mails and comments that have poured in since Monday have touched Cindy, the entire Fletcher family and all of us here at Tampa Bay's 10."

Fletcher, 65, was home when he had the stroke. In 2003, he had a mild stroke 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.

Richards says he is overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection and concern from the public. "People from throughout the country are sending messages," he said. "You forget how much of an icon Dick is within the meteorological community."

Fletcher joined WTSP in 1980 and is the longest-running meteorologist on air in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.

On Thursday night, the station gave the Fletcher family a large Channel 10 banner that had been signed by the staff.

Viewers can post comments at 10news@tampabays10.com. The station plans to print out every comment and take them to the Fletcher family.

Cards can be sent to Tampa Bay's 10 at 11450 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg FL 33702.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813 259-7654 or wbelcher@tampatrib.com.

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