Linda Hurtado
Hi, My name is Linda Hurtado, and I anchor the FOX 13 News at Noon as well as the FOX 13 News at 4 with Chris Cato and the FOX 13 News at 5 with Haley Hinds.
I’m a 20-year veteran of TV news here in Tampa Bay, and am thrilled to be part of the talented family here at FOX 13.
I always wanted to become a journalist and learned the ropes at the University of Georgia – Go Dawgs! I’ve worked at TV stations in Fort Myers and Orlando before coming to Tampa. I know this great state well!
I’ve won 13 Emmys, an Edward R. Murrow award, Associated Press awards, Society of Professional Journalism awards, and a Florida Bar award for a variety of news and health stories.
I’ve traveled to Haiti and Cuba covering in-depth reports. During my TV career, I have covered numerous hurricanes including Andrew, Charley, and Irma, a Stanley Cup championship, a Super Bowl championship, and the Republican National Convention, where I landed the only local TV interview with Ann Romney. I’ve also hosted or anchored many live events, including the Martin Luther King and Gasparilla parades, and NASA space shuttle launches.
I take pride in being very connected and involved in my community. I’ve been a keynote speaker at many local events, such as the Women of Influence luncheon hosted by the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic Man and Woman of the Year awards sponsored by Tampa’s Hispanic Heritage, Inc. I hosted the local MDA Telethon for over 10 years, emceed the local "Dancing with the Stars" event that benefits local charities, and the Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Hospital's Valentine Day event as well as events for St. Jude's Children’s Hospital.
I’ve been very active with the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events long before my own diagnosis of breast cancer in 2011, because my mother was a breast cancer survivor until the disease finally took her life in 1995. Since my own diagnosis and recovery, I’ve become the local emcee for the Susan G. Komen events. I support the Face of Courage non-profit as well as the My Hope Chest that funds reconstruction for women who do not have insurance. And every year I donate proceeds from A Shoot for a Cure to the Florida Hospital Foundation to fund mammograms for women without insurance.
When not working, you can find me at sporting events cheering on my two high school-aged daughters. I have two stepchildren, two biological daughters, an adopted son from Cuba, and two English bulldogs. My husband Jorge and I love volunteering at non-profits and supporting Tampa’s NHL Lightning, NFL Buccaneers and MLB Rays. We have a big, busy traditional Cuban family, deeply rooted in the Tampa Bay community.
The latest from Linda Hurtado
Hillsborough County offering course on hurricane prep for homeowners
Even though the 2025 hurricane season doesn’t start until June, now is the right time to check the health and safety of the trees in your yard, according to an extension agent with Hillsborough County, Alyssa Vinson.
Tampa doctor helps young patient with brittle bones get extra protection
Like most kids, 5-year-old Mary Kate Waymack enjoys spending her summer in the pool.
New device helping stroke patients regain strength
An implanted device called Vivistim is helping patients working to recover after suffering a stroke.
Solo travel expert writes memoir about taking 12 trips in 12 months
Tampa native and award-winning journalist Jen Ruiz took 12 trips in 12 months, which is also the title of her new memoir.
Surviving Hurricane Ian inspired Bay Area author's latest thriller
The book, "One Deadly Eye," was inspired by Randy Wayne White's experience surviving Hurricane Ian as it blew over Sanibel Island.
How two women are reinventing life over the age of 50
For young adults, college can be the kick-start to figuring out their future, but for 72-year-old retiree Shelley Copeland, it was a chance to explore a new chapter.
Valrico sisters write, illustrate children's book 'Spotty: The Curious Giraffe'
Two young authors from Valrico are already on Amazon bestseller lists.
Captain Experiences offers guides for fishing and hunting excursions
A day out fishing isn't just leisure for Cody Beckman – it's also his job. He's one of the nationwide guides for Captain Experiences.
Veteran delivers local fresh products to consumers through 'Farmbox Florida'
Michael Burkett and his team put together boxes of fresh fruits, vegetables and other local items for delivery. For more than a year, the Navy veteran and his wife have been growing their business called "Farmbox Florida."