Leigh Spann Wikipedia | Biography
Leigh Spann is a well-known American broadcast meteorologist, celebrated for her impressive 17-year tenure at WFLA News Channel 8, the NBC affiliate in Tampa, Florida. She left the station in 2024. Over the years, she has built a solid reputation as one of the most reliable weather forecasters in the Tampa Bay area, skillfully covering everything from hurricanes and tropical storms to severe thunderstorms and other major weather happenings.
Leigh Spann kicked off her broadcasting journey at WMAZ-TV in Macon, Georgia, and then made her way to WCBD-TV in Charleston, South Carolina. In 2007, she became part of the WFLA News Channel 8 team in Tampa, starting as the weekend meteorologist before stepping into the role of weekday morning meteorologist.
Education
Spann spent her childhood in southern Georgia, where her love for weather began to blossom early on. She went on to study at the University of Georgia, where she graduated magna cum laude in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Geography, along with a certificate in Atmospheric Sciences. Notably, she was one of the pioneering students to complete the Atmospheric Science Certificate program at the university. You May Also Like: Felicia Combs
How Tall Is Leigh Spann?
Leigh Spann stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, which is about 1.68 meters. While she hasn’t officially confirmed her height, this figure is commonly referenced.
Husband | Married
As for her personal life, Leigh is happily married to Jason Spann. They tend to keep their family life pretty private, but they do share glimpses of their special moments on social media from time to time. Jason prefers to stay out of the limelight, letting Leigh’s broadcasting career take center stage.
Leigh Spann Leaving WFLA
In 2024, Leigh Spann shared the news that she would be leaving WFLA after an impressive 17-year run. Her choice was influenced by personal and family factors, particularly the move to Ohio, where her husband landed a management role in television. Instead of stepping back from the industry, she’s diving into a new chapter as a talent agent, dedicated to helping meteorologists and TV journalists take their careers to the next level.
Why Is Leigh Spann Leaving Channel 8?
Leigh Spann shared the news in 2024 that she would be stepping away from WFLA News Channel 8 after nearly 20 years with the station.
In her announcement, she mentioned that her choice was driven by a wish to spend more quality time with her family and to explore new opportunities beyond her long-standing position at WFLA. It was clear that her departure was a personal career move, not sparked by any controversy.
Viewers and colleagues alike took a moment to express their gratitude for her years of dedicated service to the Tampa Bay community.
Retirement
If you’ve been searching online for “Leigh Spann retirement,” you might be surprised to learn that the beloved meteorologist isn’t actually retiring. In 2024, she announced that after 17 years with WFLA News Channel 8, she would be moving on to a new chapter in both her professional and personal life.
During a heartfelt goodbye on WFLA’s Bloom Tampa Bay, Spann reminisced about her nearly two decades with the station, sharing how she felt she had truly “grown up” in Tampa Bay since joining WFLA in 2007. She emphasized that her decision to leave was a tough one, made after a lot of thought.
A significant reason for her departure was her family. Spann revealed that her husband had taken a job in Ohio some time ago, leading to a long-distance marriage where they traveled back and forth on weekends. She felt that the moment had finally come to relocate and start this new phase of their lives together.
While she may be stepping away from WFLA, Spann is definitely not retiring from the workforce. She has taken on a new role as a talent agent, where she helps journalists find television stations and career opportunities that align with their aspirations. She views this position as an exciting chance to support fellow broadcasters in crafting rewarding careers.
To commemorate her 17 years at the station, WFLA organized the Leigh Spann Farewell Run for Fun 5K, a community event inspired by her passion for running and the station’s digital Run for Fun series. This event allowed viewers and colleagues to express their gratitude for her years of dedicated service to the Tampa Bay community.
Although she won’t be on WFLA’s weather broadcasts anymore, Spann has made it clear that she intends to stay connected to the Tampa Bay area. She plans to keep her home there and spend part of the year in Florida, even as she embarks on this exciting new career path.
Is Leigh Spann Retired?
No, Leigh Spann hasn’t retired. While she did step away from her position as a television meteorologist at WFLA after 17 years, she didn’t leave the workforce entirely. Instead, she made a shift into a new role as a talent agent. So, her exit from the station was more about changing careers than retiring
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leigh Spann?
Leigh Spann is a well-known American broadcast meteorologist, recognized for her long-standing presence at WFLA News Channel 8 in Tampa, Florida.
Is Leigh Spann leaving WFLA?
Yes, she shared in 2024 that she will be leaving WFLA after nearly 17 years with the station.
Why is Leigh Spann leaving Channel 8?
Leigh mentioned that her decision was influenced by personal and family factors, along with a desire to seek out new opportunities.
Is Leigh Spann retiring?
Not at all! Although she is departing from WFLA, she hasn’t indicated that she’s retiring from meteorology or broadcasting.
Does Leigh Spann have children?
Yes, Leigh Spann and her husband are proud parents of two children.
Where is Leigh Spann going?
As of 2026, she hasn’t revealed her next career move. However, she has expressed her intention to spend more quality time with her family while exploring future possibilities.
