Longtime Tampa Anchor Kelly Ring Retiring in May

By Kevin Eck 

Kelly Ring announced she is retiring after 37 years at WTVT.

Ring told viewers during the 6 p.m. newscast Tuesday that the decision was not an easy one, but that her last broadcast at Tampa’s Fox affiliate will be May 25.

She started working at WTVT in 1985 when it was a CBS affiliate. She co-anchored the 6 p.m. newscast for 21 years with John Wilson, who retired in 2014 and now co anchors with Wilson’s son, Mark, at 6 and 10 p.m.

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“I remember the first time I walked into this television station more than three decades ago. I was a wide-eyed reporter and didn’t know a single person but, wow, what a journey this has been,” said Ring.

“I’ve had the best seat in the house for the past 8 years watching her pour her heart and soul into each and every story,” said Mark Wilson. “That’s why she’s stood out in this business and in the Tampa Bay community—because she cares so deeply. And while I hate to see her go, I’m so happy she can finally enjoy more time with her family.”

Ring started her career at WXII in Winston Salem, N.C. before joining WTVT.

“I have worked with Kelly for 35 years and I have never before met anyone with such an incredible combination of kindness, force of character, dedication and sense of service as I see in Kelly Ring,” said WTVT news director John Hoffman.

“I’ll walk away grateful that I have met so many of you and been able to travel far and wide, telling your stories. I will never take a single moment for granted,” said Ring.

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