Justin Matthews
Justin Matthews joined the FOX 13 team as a multi-media journalist in April of 2020.
He moved to the Tampa Bay are from Albuquerque, NM, where he was a general assignment reporter and fill-in weather and traffic anchor at ABC-affiliate KOAT. He had previously worked as a multi-media journalist for CBS-affiliate KTVL in Medford, Oregon.
Justin’s passion for journalism began when he was a student at the University of Arizona. Go Wildcats!
Justin has a keen interest in covering weather and natural disasters. He covered wildfires in New Mexico and Oregon and will use those skills in covering Tampa Bay’s sometimes-threatening weather.
When Justin is not at the station or reporting, he is outdoors appreciating nature and hiking. He loves music, craft beer, and is a self-proclaimed airplane geek.
As a southern California native, he enjoys now being near the Gulf waters and all that Bay has to offer. Even though he’s a Los Angeles Kings fan, he’s looking forward to rooting for the Lightning at Amalie Arena.
The latest from Justin Matthews
New COVID-19 therapy authorized by the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization over the weekend for an antibody therapy by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
Spectators no longer allowed at Pasco County school events to prevent spread of COVID-19
In the latest effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Pasco County School District will not allow spectators at sporting events or musical/theatrical performances beginning Monday, November 23, 2020.
Visit Florida predicts tourism rebound after sharp decline during pandemic
Tourism was down 30% across Florida for the months of July through the end of September, compared to last year, according to Visit Florida.
Ybor City celebrates 10th Christmas tree lighting
The annual tree lighting at Ybor City’s Centro Ybor is officially a decade old. And the lighting of the Ybor City Christmas tree means the holidays are officially here.
Gulfport assessing damage costs from Tropical Storm Eta
Four out of the six sailboats stranded during Tropical Storm Eta remain washed up on shore or against the seawall next to the Gulfport Casino.
UV robot being used in NFL to kill COVID-19
On Sunday, before the Tampa Bay Buccaneer take on the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, North Carolina, they will walk into a locker room disinfected by the Lightstrike germ-zapping robot.
Metropolitan Ministries needs more than 1 million pounds of food to meet holiday need
Nearly 20,000 families have registered to receive a holiday meal from Metropolitan Ministries, but it only has enough to feed 7,000.
Firefighters help Redington Beach woman, 2 dogs escape out window as Eta floods home
Claire Schmidt called the fire department for help because there was four feet of water on the street outside her home and it was quickly coming inside.
People fight 'pandemic fatigue' by going out, despite climbing cases
Positive COVID-19 cases are soaring across the nation, with 4,500 new cases reported Saturday in the state of Florida. But "you have to get out and live your life," some Bay Area residents say.
Biden, Trump campaigns push for Floridians to head to polls by election day
As the election draws near both presidential candidates are making visits to the Sunshine State in hopes of grabbing last-minute voters. Dr. Jill Biden made three stops in Florida on Sunday.