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
Red tide puts seabirds at risk of neurotoxin sickness, death
The nuisance of red tide blooms is expected each year, but experts say this year's early blooms could cause seabirds to get sick and die at unusually high rates.
Tampa International Airport rebounding quickly with summer travel
Leisure travel is booming at Tampa International Airport as airlines announce new routes and increase the number of departures.
Sarasota Mayor declares June 12th as 'Pulse Remembrance Day'
Mayor Hagen Brody declared June 12th as “Pulse Remembrance Day” in Sarasota during two ceremonies throughout the day, marking the 5th anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting where 49 innocent lives were lost.
Marine researchers on high alert as red tide blooms in Bay Area waters
Low to medium levels of red tide detected in Hillsborough and Pinellas County waters can be dangerous to manatees if they ingest the toxins from the algae.
Floral artists create wreaths in memory of Pulse victims
Business owners, activists, and community members from across the bay area, Orlando, and Jacksonville gathered at Art Ifact Studios to put together 49 floral hearts, keepsakes, and floral wreaths to honor the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting; along with their families and the first responders.
After 2018 red tide bloom, beach businesses concerned what new blooms could bring
Red tide is a major concern for those living on Florida’s West Coast and now the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has detected low to medium levels of red tide algae off Pinellas County -- from Indian Rocks Beach all the way down to Fort De Soto.
FHP: Weeki Wachee man hits, kills pedestrian, dumps body behind bait shop before fleeing
Joseph Charles Strickland, 28, of Weeki Wachee, is facing several charges after hitting and killing a pedestrian, dumping their remains and fleeing the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
DeSantis nixes Florida's daily COVID-19 reports
The Florida Department of Health plans to stop releasing the daily COVID-19 reports that have been used by the media and the public to track changes in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the state.
St. Pete Pride kick-off event, days after DeSantis signs trans bill
St. Pete Pride hosted its kickoff event at the Sirata Hotel Thursday, just days after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning transgender youth from playing sports with those of their identified gender.
Tampa is strong and resilient, mayor says in State of the City virtual driving tour
Mayor Jane Castor conducted her State of the City address virtually; broadcasting it via Facebook during a driving tour of Tampa.