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Guyardo Says She Had Fever During Parade Broadcast

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 27, 2008

TAMPA - Gayle Guyardo, who for 14 years has co-anchored WFLA's television coverage of the Gasparilla parade, went on with the show Saturday even though she said she had the flu and a fever.

Her effort prompted an outpouring of calls and e-mail during the live two-hour broadcast, with viewers saying Guyardo's speech was slurred and her comments were disjointed. Some urged she be relieved of parade duties to avoid embarrassment.

"I don't know why I'm getting such a beating," Guyardo said Saturday.

She said she called in sick Wednesday, too ill to co-host the station's 5 a.m. "News Channel 8 Today." Saturday, she said she was "still burning up with fever." She said she had not consumed alcohol, cold medication or anything stronger than cough drops.

Channel 8 news director Don North said he could not quantify the number of calls and e-mail received. "There's no question, it was enough to get our attention," said North, who was at the parade when notified of viewers' comments.

North said he pulled Guyardo off the air to speak with her for about 10 minutes. "I wanted to make sure she knew what reaction we were getting," North said.

He said he determined Guyardo was fine to continue her duties, and she returned to the broadcast before the 4:30 p.m. signoff.

WFLA and The Tampa Tribune are owned by Media General, operate from The News Center and are among the Gasparilla sponsors.

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