Linda Hurtado Leaving WFTS After 20 Years

By Kevin Eck 

WFTS anchor and health reporter Linda Hurtado says she’s leaving Tampa ABC affiliate WFTS to “take a break and slow down.”

On the station website and on her facebook page, Hurtado told viewers this would be her last two weeks at the station.

“Right after my diagnosis of breast cancer in 2011, I realized I’ve been running hard for many years both personally and professionally – and that, when the right time came, I wanted to take a break and slow down,” wrote Hurtado. “That time is now. For many reasons.”

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Hurtado started at WFTS in 1995 as a weekend anchor. Yesterday, she wrote on her facebook page, “Friends! Feeling happy today! Cancer blood work came back clean. Tumor markers normal. And……..I lost six pounds. Woot! Woot! ‪#‎thankful‬. ‪#‎blessed‬”

“Always the professional journalist, each and every story was a personal commitment to her and it showed,” said news director Matt Brown. “She shared her knowledge, passion and leadership far beyond the newsroom and into our communities. I know Linda’s commitment to her family comes first, so I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.”

Hurtado ended by saying “I leave with a smile on my face and true gratitude in my heart. It’s been a blast.”

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