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WTSP Forecasts To Take New Direction

Tammie Souza says she is ready to take the weather forecasting at WTSP, Channel 10, in a new direction.

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By WALT BELCHER

wbelcher@tampatrib.com

Published: November 1, 2008

Updated:

TAMPA - Tammie Souza says she is ready to take the weather forecasting at WTSP, Channel 10, in a new direction.

"It's going to be a team effort here, and there will be more involvement from the public," says Souza, who is scheduled to go on air Monday as the first female chief meteorologist in the Tampa-St. Petersburg television market.

She is one of about a dozen female chief meteorologists working at television stations throughout the country.

Souza, who arrived in the Tampa Bay area this week from Chicago, says it's daunting taking on the position held by the late Dick Fletcher, who died after a stroke in February. Fletcher had been with WTSP for nearly 30 years.

"I am not replacing Dick Fletcher," Souza says. "No one can. This amazing man was a legend. And although I never met him, I knew of him and respected him. And I think we shared the same kind of passion for the weather. I am very fortunate and humbled to follow in his footsteps."

Souza can't say exactly what changes are in store for the station's weather coverage. "We have lots of ideas that we've been discussing, but we want to move slow and steady and let the viewers get to know me," she says. "It's important that the public feels comfortable with me."

At NBC affiliate WMAQ in Chicago, she was known for recruiting viewers as weather watchers who contributed temperature and rainfall reports. She also visited hundreds of schools with an interactive weather presentation: "Weather With Class."

Sousa arrives as WTSP is changing its branding image from "Tampa Bay's 10" to "10 Connects," an effort to connect with viewers. As part of an overhaul of the weather staff, WTSP let go forecasters Anna Allen and Randy Rauch.

Born in Pittsburgh and raised in San Diego, Souza is certified by the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association.

A four-time Chicago Emmy winner, she spent six years - 2000 to 2006 - as the weekend meteorologist there and nearly two years at Fox affiliate WFLD in Chicago.

Her husband, Greg, is an industrial arts teacher who will remain in Chicago until the school year ends in the spring. Her sister, Patty, formerly of WFTV in Orlando, is a meteorologist at KXTV in Sacramento. They are the only siblings nationwide delivering weather on television.

She says her interest in science comes from her father, a University of Miami graduate who became an engineer and worked with the Apollo space program.

Souza, who earned a pilot's license while in college, says her interest in weather began when her grandfather would take her up in his airplane.

"After covering blizzards and tornadoes, I am excited about the chance to experience tropical weather," she says.

"Tammie has impressive credentials along with an engaging personality," says WTSP General Manager Sam Rosenwasser. "She is someone who has the training and experience you can trust during times of severe weather, and enjoy during calmer days. We are very excited to have her joining us."

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813 259-7654.

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