
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 Cynthia Smoot.
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
Final summer reading list: Make time for these must-reads
Summer is almost over and school less than a month away. It’s time to fit in that last beach trip and dive into a summer read.
Author Katherine Center's new book "The Bodyguard" previewed at Oxford Exchange
She's been called the reigning queen of comfort reads. New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center is appearing at an event Wednesday night at Oxford Exchange in Tampa to preview her latest book, "The Bodyguard," and she gave FOX 13 a sneak peek at what's in store.
'Accidental First Lady': Kerry Kriseman gets candid about life, family in Florida politics
For anyone who's wondered what it might be like being part of a family in the public eye because one of them is a politician, new book could give you an idea.
Brooker Elementary teacher publishes first book in "Toddler Tales" series
A Bay Area educator recently added published author to her resume with the first of what will become the "Toddler Tales" series.
Reviews: Thriller reads hotter than Florida summer
Looking for a great thriller to heat up your summer reading list? Tampa Bay Business Journal and Instagram book influencer Ashely Kritzer joins us now with three thrills you need to read.
Travel nurse jobs mix care with adventure
Traveling nurses fill crucial staffing shortages at hospitals across the country while pursuing their passion for adventure.
Summer beach reads: St. Pete author's twist-filled novel hits shelves Memorial Day
“It Could Be Anyone” by Jamie Lynn Hendricks will be available on Memorial Day. It’s about five best friends headed from New York to a destination wedding in Miami, but they all have a reason to want the groom dead.
Reviews: Great summer reads with social media extras
For a good summer reading list, look no further than ‘book-fluencer’ Betty Cayouette of Betty's Booklist on Instagram and TikTok.
Author stops in Bay Area to talk about new novel, 'The Homewreckers'
Anyone who’s looking for a good summer read should look no further than New York Times best-selling author Mary Kay Andrews - whose book tour is coming to Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Independent Bay Area authors featured in Oxford Exchange book fair
Look closely next time you’re at the bookstore. You may be surprised by the number of local, independent authors on the shelves.