Florida Division of Emergency Management and Florida Association of Broadcasters Host Second Annual News and Meteorology Communications Summit
Photos: Division state meteorologists panel; Executive Director Kevin Guthrie providing opening remarks; photos by Jesse Romimora
ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (the Division) and Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) hosted the second annual Local News and Meteorology Communications Summit. Top meteorologists, hurricane specialists and communications experts presented on topics such as collaboration, messaging improvements, the upcoming hurricane season and how to communicate effectively in the digital age.
“Creating collaborative opportunities like the Meteorology Summit allows the Division to carry out its mission to build a more prepared and resilient Florida,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Whether it’s their first hurricane season or their 50th, I hope this Summit inspires the state’s best and brightest weather communicators to learn from each other and work together to ensure residents and visitors have the information they need as we head into a potentially extremely active hurricane season.”
“The relationship between local TV and radio stations, local and state emergency management officials, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management is essential in keeping Floridians informed, educated and prepared,” said Florida Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Pat Roberts. “We are proud to partner with the Florida Division of Emergency Management on this very important Summit – and look forward to more opportunities to continuously improve messaging for Floridians.”
During the Summit, attendees had the opportunity to learn from experts on expectations for the upcoming hurricane season, lessons from prior disasters and preparing for a safer future, messaging across urban and rural communities, State Emergency Operations Center insights, messaging for lesser known, distant hurricane threats and weather messaging in the digital age. Speakers included:
- Jamie Rhome, Deputy Director for the National Hurricane Center
- Craig Fugate, Former Division Director and Former FEMA Administrator
- Paul Dellegatto, WTVT Chief Meteorologist
- Matt Devitt, WINK Chief Meteorologist
- Mike McCall, WCTV Chief Meteorologist
- Mike Bursesh, 2024 Weatherperson of the Year and WJAX Chief Meteorologist
- Stephanie Linton, WESH News Director
- Amy Godsey, Chief State Meteorologist
- Caitlyn Gillespie, Deputy State Meteorologist
- Kennedy Tartt, Assistant State Meteorologist
- Melissa James, Assistant State Meteorologist
- Mike Boylan, Creator and Host of Mike’s Weather Page
For updates and preparedness information, follow the Division on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).
###
Updated: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
