The sudden departure of longtime meteorologist Matt Devitt from WINK News has sparked growing controversy in Southwest Florida, drawing reactions from viewers, media observers, and even national political figures — including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich as the story spreads nationwide
Reports Surrounding Devitt’s Exit
Devitt, who served for nearly a decade as WINK’s chief meteorologist, has said his departure was unexpected and not something he agreed with. He thanked viewers for their trust and reiterated that his focus was always public safety, particularly during hurricanes and other severe weather events.
Beyond Devitt’s public remarks, reports from media observers and local reporting indicate the dispute that led to his dismissal centered on a scheduling request related to family responsibilities.
According to those reports, Devitt asked for a longer dinner break so he could help his wife
care for their newborn child. The request was not for reduced work hours. He reportedly offered to come in earlier to fully compensate for the time and continue meeting all professional expectations.
Management, according to these accounts, rejected the request, and the disagreement ultimately contributed to his termination. WINK News has not publicly disputed these reports or provided a detailed explanation for the decision.
Potential Legal Questions Raised
Labor and media observers have noted that, depending on the specific circumstances, the situation may raise questions under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
The federal law is designed to protect eligible employees from retaliation or termination when requesting reasonable accommodations or leave related to childbirth, newborn care, or family medical needs. While no court or regulatory body has ruled on Devitt’s case, legal experts often caution that disciplinary action following family-related scheduling requests can expose employers to scrutiny, particularly when alternative accommodations were offered.
At this stage, no legal violation has been formally established, and no lawsuit has been announced. However, the reports have added another layer of concern to an already controversial decision.
Public Reaction and Viewer Backlash
The absence of transparency surrounding Devitt’s exit quickly fueled backlash from viewers, many of whom relied on his calm, non-sensational forecasting during major storms.
The fact that the dispute allegedly involved new-parent accommodations intensified public reaction, with many questioning why a veteran meteorologist would be dismissed over a request tied to family care — especially after offering to make up the time.
Newt Gingrich Weighs In
The controversy drew national attention after Newt Gingrich publicly criticized WINK’s handling of the situation.
Gingrich said the station “owes the public an explanation” and later argued that senior management should be held accountable. In
follow-up remarks, he suggested Devitt should be reinstated with back pay, framing the issue as both a management failure and a broader workplace fairness concern.
Unanswered Questions for Local Media
As of now, WINK News has not issued a detailed public statement addressing:
The reported scheduling request
Whether family-related accommodations were considered
Or why a trusted on-air meteorologist was removed without an on-air farewell
Devitt has continued communicating with viewers through his own platforms, where public support remains strong.
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