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Anchor Is Back But His Future Is Still Uncertain

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By WALT BELCHER wbelcher

@tampatrib.com

Published: February 19, 2009

Will Russell Rhodes' brief on-air apology Wednesday be enough? Will the 49-year-old TV anchor keep his job at WTVT, Channel 13?
Station officials aren't talking about it.

Neither is Rhodes, a popular morning anchor who was off the air for nearly a month following a Jan. 16 arrest in the parking garage at Channelside in Tampa that led to charges of drunken driving and resisting an officer without violence.

"I want to apologize for my recent off-the-air behavior," Rhodes said. "And I want to thank everyone who has offered me support during this time."

Rhodes, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, looked fine as he continued to co-anchor the Fox 13 morning show. There were no signs of the bruised face and black eye that were apparent in his arrest photo.

Repeated calls to WTVT management were not returned Wednesday, which is not surprising because officials at the Fox-owned station almost never comment on personnel matters.

Viewers of WTVT who have contacted this column have been concerned about Rhodes' future. He is one of the station's most well-liked anchors.

According to the Hillsborough County sheriff's report, Rhodes was arrested after trying to run from an off-duty deputy who had seen him driving a BMW recklessly in the parking garage.

Rhodes appeared to be intoxicated when he got out of the vehicle and twice tried to walk away, and then attempt to run out of the garage, deputies reported. He refused to surrender the key and the deputy took Rhodes to the ground to be handcuffed, the report states.

Rhodes told the deputy he panicked "because he works for Fox 13 news," according to an arrest affidavit. He was treated for a laceration to his lip and a contusion to his left cheek, according to deputies.

This is unfortunate and embarrassing for Rhodes. But his return to the air is an encouraging sign for his fans.

Some media celebrities in the Tampa-St. Petersburg market have survived similar arrests. They admitted the error of their ways and kept their careers. Others have seen their careers cut short.

HANNA'S HOEDOWN: To promote the upcoming "Hannah Montana: The Movie," the Disney Channel has a two-hour special on Friday night.

"Hannah" star Miley Cyrus and choreographer Jamal Sims will provide step-by-step dance moves to the song "Hoedown Throwdown" from the movie, which opens in theaters on April 10. "Hannah Montana" continues to be the network's most popular sitcom.

BARBARA TALKS: In her annual pre-Oscar celebrity interview special, ABC's Barbara Walters talks to Oscar host Hugh Jackman, Oscar nominees Anne Hathaway and Mickey Rourke and teen heartthrobs The Jonas Brothers. It airs at 7 p.m. Sunday.

KONCERT 4 KIDZ: WFLA morning radio host Tedd Webb has rounded up a slew of Tampa area media celebrities (and some musical people with real talent) for his annual Koncert 4 Kidz in the Ritz Theater in Ybor City on Saturday night.

The event raises money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Television personalities Charlie Belcher, from Fox 13, and Jen Holloway, from Bay News 9, are hosts. WTSP, Channel 10, reporter and country music composer Mike Deeson is on the bill. Former WRBQ radio jock "Marvelous" Marvin Boone is scheduled along with Webb's morning co-host Sharon Taylor, who is a gifted singer. Tickets are $25.

TUNE IN TONIGHT

"Survivor: Tocantins," 8 p.m. CBS

The Jalapao tribe questions Taj's motives when they learn she is a former pop star.

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