TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – This November, Amanda Holly will become News Channel 8 Today Meteorologist weekdays from 4:30-7 a.m. on WFLA News Channel 8, 7 – 9 a.m. on WTTA the CW Tampa Bay and News Channel 8 11 a.m. – noon. She will replace beloved Meteorologist Leigh Spann who is stepping down and leaving WFLA after 17 years of service to the Tampa Bay community.

Holly, who is no stranger to Tampa Bay, was born and raised in Sarasota and has been with News Channel 8 since June 2019. Growing up in Florida and experiencing the 2004-05 storm season inspired Holly to pursue weather and climate change. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, along with a certificate in Meteorology & Climatology. Holly holds the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal of approval.

“Fortunately, for the past few years, Meteorologist Amanda Holly has been working side-by-side with Leigh,” said Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli said. “Amanda is an extremely talented meteorologist herself, who has deep connections to our community and is already well-known to our audience. We are lucky to have someone of Amanda’s caliber to take the morning meteorologist baton from Leigh. Since I arrived at News Channel 8, I have been fortunate to have Leigh by my side, helping to guide our weather team. I could always count on Leigh to get the job done. We will miss her!”

Spann started her career at News Channel 8 in September 2007, kicking off the weekday newscasts at 4:30 a.m. She is known for her bubbly personality, accurate forecasts, community involvement, and solid reporting throughout the many storms that Tampa Bay endured during her tenure.

Spann said she feels she grew up at News Channel 8 spending her 20s, 30s and some of her 40s here.

“I know I am leaving my job in great hands. I’ve had the privilege of working with Amanda Holly for several years now. We spend many hours together each day, and I am constantly impressed with her intelligence and resourcefulness. She is calm under pressure and always looks for ways to create solutions to problems.”