Chief Meteorologist Allen Strum provides forecasts for the 4, 5, 6 and 10pm weekday broadcasts at WEAR ABC 3. He has been awarded seals of approval from both the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society.

Allen grew up in San Diego. He left California to pursue a degree at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he earned a BA in Speech Communications. The first job out of college for Allen was at WBTW in the Florence/Myrtle Beach market of South Carolina. His first job was not in the weather department but as a reporter. The station lost two of its weather people at once, Allen filled in, and loved weather reporting. Allen became the weekend weather anchor for WBTW. During this time in South Carolina he covered hurricanes Bertha and Fran. This led to his decision to become a meteorologist. It was back to the books. After Allen moved to Lexington, Kentucky, in 1998, he obtained a BS in Geosciences with an emphasis in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. He worked in Lexington for three years as the morning meteorologist for WTVQ, the ABC affiliate. There he forecast snow events and enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing.

Allen has been chief meteorologist for WEAR in Pensacola since 2001. In 2004 Allen played a critical roll in talking viewers through devastating Hurricane Ivan. Florida was hit by 4 major hurricanes that year. Ivan was a direct hit on northwest Florida. Less than a year after Ivan and while clean up was still underway, Hurricane Dennis slammed into northwest Florida and was followed by what was more than a glancing blow from Katrina. After dealing with colossal hurricanes both professionally and personally, Allen is well equipped as a broadcast meteorologist to handle another one but says he doesn't mind waiting forever for the next big one.

Allen enjoys living in Pensacola. During the warm season he hits the beach and body surfs when the waves allow. He plays tennis and enjoys watching baseball, football and college basketball. In his spare time, Allen loves to travel and has traveled throughout the U.S. and the world.

Bill Pearson joined the Channel 3 News team in February of 2006. Before WEAR, he worked for more than three years as a General Assignment Reporter for WCTV in Tallahassee.

Bill's interest in television news began early, when at age five he would make time to watch the local weather report. As he grew older, his interest in television shifted more towards news.

Bill graduated with a Journalism degree from the University of Central Florida in 2002. His broadcasting career began in college, while working for WUCF-FM. He then moved on from radio and into television where he worked for two years as an associate producer/writer for WFTV, the ABC station in Orlando.

During his reporting career, Bill has enjoyed the opportunity of interviewing a wide variety of people including the governors of both Florida and Georgia, members of the armed services, local leaders and of course everyday citizens.

Bill is an avid sports fan, and he enjoys rooting for the University of Central Florida football team and his beloved Denver Broncos in the NFL. He also enjoys working out, watching movies, meeting new people and going to the beaches along the Gulf Coast.

Where are you from?
was born in Long Island, New York, raised in upstate NY, near Montreal, Lake Placid and Burlington, Vermont.

Where did you go to school?
I graduated from the State University of New York with a degree in Mass Communications.

Where did you start your career?
In 1987, I began reporting for WPTZ, and NBC affiliate in Plattsburgh, NY serving Montreal and Burlington as well. In 1989, I was promoted to News Anchor and Managing Editor, I also won several Associated Press Awards for Spot News, Documentary, Special Programming, Continuing Coverage, and Breaking News. Since coming to WEAR in March of 1994, I hosted a live call-in show called 'Extra' from 2003 to 2006.... and hosted 'This Week with Bob Solarski' from 1994 to 2005. I now anchor the 6pm and 10pm newscasts.

When did you begin working at WEAR-TV?
I accepted the anchor position at Channel 3 in March,1994. I am Host and Producer of Channel 3 News This Week with Bob Solarski. I have won several Florida Associated Press Awards, including Best Editorial Feature, and News Magazine.

What are your career highlights?
My career highlights include interviews with President Bill Clinton, Presidential Candidate Ross Perot, then Governor of NY Mario Cuomo, Senators Jeffords, Leahy, Graham, Mack, Moynihan,and D'Amato, as well as various other national and state figures. Continuous coverage of Hurricanes Erin, Opal, Ivan and Dennis are also some of my most vivid memories.

Do you have a family?
I now live in Gulf Breeze with my wife Jennifer, a native of Fort Walton Beach. We are the proud parents of twins.... a boy and girl born on Easter Sunday, 2006. My daughter Erika is a junior at Gulf Breeze High School. My parents are also residents of Gulf Breeze.

What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include cooking, guitar, golf, sailing and computing.

What do you do in your spare time?
I love to read and travel to visit friends. I'm huge on giving back and spending time with kids, whether it's coaching cheerleading or fundraising for various causes including Big Brothers Big Sisters. I also enjoy eating out and sleeping in!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of being in the news business is the finished product everyday. I love the tenacity it takes to pull everything together by news time. Everyday is different and I meet new people every single day.

Is there anything you dislike about your job?
Not much!

How does the early shift affect your family life?
As a good friend in radio once told me, you never get used to waking up early, you just get used to being tired. I won't lie and say the schedule is easy. But I'm lucky enough to have great people in my life that support me and are understanding. Despite all the teasing I take for being lame on Friday nights (I've often been called Bree "Snoozin"), they encourage me to follow my dreams.

Who are your broadcasting role models?
I have several "mentors." One of those is a former News Director, Larche Hardy, who taught me that being a journalist is a lifestyle not a profession. And two women I greatly admire in this business, Deb Wenger and Amy Hoyt, show that you can have both a family and a career if your priorities are in line.

How did you get into broadcasting?
I began taking television production classes in high school and interning at the local cable access station, WCTV in Chesapeake, Virginia. In college I learned the ropes at VCU InSight and CBS 6 in Richmond. I spent three years in the Panhandle prior to working at WEAR with our sister ABC station, News 13 in Panama City.

Have you ever done anything other than broadcasting?
My family is full of interesting career choices including a Paramedic/Firefighting mother and a commercial fisherman father. I was taught the value of hard work from a very young age. I waited tables full-time through college in order to pay my own way.

Where are you from?
I'm a Virginia girl through and through. Born and raised in the Hampton Roads area, I moved to Richmond to attend Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Political Science and Mass Communications. I've spent a lot of time in Washington D.C. and Southwest Virginia as well. I migrated to the Gulf Coast in 2006.

Your job description:
Morning News Anchor/Reporter

Do you have any pets?
A Chihuahua named Panama. She enjoys making guest appearances on morning news shows and Dingo treats.

Do you have a family?
I have a wonderful fiance, Sam, and an amazing extended family. My sister, Amber, is my best friend.

Other comments...
I love talking all things politics, chick lit, and news oriented. Feel free to drop me a line!

Meteorologist Christian is originally from Colorado, but he does call Pensacola home. Born in 1974, Christian was living in the city of five flags by the time he was four years old, and he's never left. Christian graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications, and earned a second degree, a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences from Mississippi State University in 2005. Thanks to several years of experience, Christian has earned the American Meteorological Society's Seal of Approval, and the same from the  National Weather Association.

Christian joined the Channel Three News team in December 1995 as a production assistant. In May of 1996 he made his on-air debut by filling in for the weekend weather anchor. After this wonderful opportunity presented itself, Christian decided to pursue a career in weather because he loves the challenges that are put before him, especially during hurricane and severe weather coverage. Though Christian does find it challenging to be at his best during the hurricane coverage, he'd just as soon go 20 years without another tropical event.

One of the things that's kept Christian in the market for so long is his love for "Three In The Morning", and the people around him. "Our morning show allows me to show my sense of humor, and in fact that's encouraged. Not many jobs would afford me the same opportunity. Also, because I've been allowed to do some entertainment reporting, I've been able to interview a lot of people in show business. Some of the more notable interviews I've done include conversations with Kelsey Grammer, John Travolta, David Spade, Julianne Moore, and Oscar winner Susan Sarandon."

Christian was married in 2005 and he and his wife Sheree welcomed their first child, daughter Rylee, in 2009.  Their busy household also contains two dogs and a cat!

Christian enjoys playing golf as much as possible, watching movies, and hanging out with friends on the weekend. In fact, spending time with his friends is another opportunity for him to realize how lucky he is: "The best thing I can say about my job is that I have to get out of bed every day at 3:20 am, and I have no complaints. Many people I know, aren't due in until 9 am and they are miserable. For me, there's no better job in town."

When did you start working for WEAR-TV?
I first appeared on WEAR-TV in March 1981, as a weekend sports anchor. It was my first television job. I moved to WEAR full-time in August of 1981 as a General assignment news reporter and weekend sports anchor. I was promoted to Sports Director in December 1982, and have held that position since.

Where did you get your interest in sports?
My interest in sports comes from my father, and an All-American Basketball Player at the Naval Academy in 1947. My dad was an assistant coach at the academy when I was born in Annapolis in 1955, and it was dad who fostered my avid interest in golf.

Where did you live when you were young?
Growing up in the Navy, I lived all over the country: Virginia, Rhode Island, Hawaii...but mostly California.

What sports do you play?
I played baseball and basketball in high school and made a rather pathetic attempt to "walk on" to the baseball team during my freshman year at UCLA. With my serious competitive career behind me at age 19, I turned to volleyball and rugby in college, volleyball, with its coed division was a good idea. Rugby, which led to three knee surgeries, was more debatable. My frenetic youth(ten homes in 17 years) carried over to my academic career, where I careened from a Political Science Major to Psychology, Philosophy, and finally settling into History after developing a deep interest(and after the dean of students suggested it was time his career moved on). Defying all academic odds, I graduated from UCLA in 1979 with a Degree in History

What do you do with your time off?
Reading historical nonfiction remains my primary leisure activity away from sports

When did you move here?
I moved to Pensacola in 1980, where my parents were stationed. Rear Admiral Ken Shugart was Chief of Naval Education and Training. My mom, Muriel, was extremely active in local charities, and served as president of Pensacola Symphony.

Where did your broadcasting career begin?
I started as a weekend news reporter, moved quickly to weekday news, and in the fall of 1980, was Play By Play Announcer for the Pensacola Wings semipro football team. That led to an audition with WEAR-TV and my first television job the following spring. In addition to my duties at WEAR, I also freelance for WSRE-TV's broadcasts of PJC Basketball. I was Play By Play Announcer for Fox's Sportsouth's syndicated broadcast of Pensacola Ice Pilots Hockey Game in 1997.

What do you like to do with your spare time?
I enjoy spending my spare time at the beach, where I love the sand and water and playing golf where, ironically, I try to avoid the sand and water. I also coach a basketball team in the Salvation Army Youth League.

Dan Thomas, originally from Oklahoma City, joined the Channel Three news team in March 2003. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where he received his bachelors in Broadcast Journalism.The best part Dan finds about his job is knowing that everyday will be different.

"I wanted a career that is fast paced yet exercises my creative side. I love telling a good story and this career allows me to walk in the door, learn something new and tell a good story everyday. Plus I love nothing better than heart pounding breaking news where everything changes second by second."

We asked Dan who he looks to for inspiration or who are his role models, he said: "I have two: My father, He's always been a perfect example of how hard work and dedication pay off. And my Grandfather, who owned a small newspaper in Southwestern Oklahoma. He did everything from write the stories to setting the type on the printing press and fixing anything that went wrong. He did all this while being severely physically handicapped."

When Dan in not on the job he likes to work out, go to the beach, work on his 100-year-old home, spend time with his wife Sadie, and play with his rescued pound puppy Charlotte.

Greg Neumann joined the Channel 3 News Team in October of 2004. He came to us from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he worked as a General Assignment Reporter for the WVTV-18 News. He is a 1994 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Greg began his career in radio as a morning talk show host for an all-sports radio station in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He made the switch to television in 1995, reporting and anchoring sports in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and Eau Claire, Wisconsin from 1995-2000. Greg then moved behind the camera and spent nearly three years working as a photographer at the CBS station in Milwaukee. He went back on the air in June of 2003 to work for WVTV.

"I really enjoyed reporting sports, but as I got older my interests changed. I took some time to figure out what I wanted to do next, and determined I could make a bigger impact by reporting news stories that really affected people's daily lives. Those are the kinds of stories I hope to bring to WEAR viewers."

In his spare time, Greg enjoys listening to music and attending concerts, as well as playing guitar. He also remains a sports enthusiast, and claims to be "one of the few people that still follows professional tennis."

Where Are You From?
I grew up in Troy, Alabama and am a proud alumni of Charles Henderson High School (1997).

What'S Your Educational Background?
I graduated from Auburn University in 2002 with a double major in Political Science and Communications.

What Do You Do At Channel Three?
I'm affectionately known as the "third sports guy" and have no consistent air time, but I fill in on the anchor desk and more frequently can be found in the field reporting. During prep football season, I have a weekly segment called "Scholar Athlete of the Week", plus the "Prep Game of the Week", both airing during "Prep Football Final". I've covered numerous college football games, fishing tournaments, and hockey games among others.

What Sports Have You Played?
I've played sports all my life, though never past high school level. In high school I played softball, tennis and ran on the cross country team. I was also a majorette in the marching band.

What Are Some Of Your Most Memorable Interviews?
Of course, Derrick Brooks and Roy Jones Jr come to mind, but the most memorable would have to be Joe Namath-hands down. Broadway Joe was very personable,despite our obvious differences when it came to college football in the state of Alabama.


What Do You Do When Not Covering A Game?
I love water-skiing, taking my springer spaniel "Kahlua" to the dog park, and riding horses and four-wheelers on my dad's farm in Alabama.

Jaimee Lee joined the Channel 3 news team in September 2009. Be sure to check with her weekday mornings on Channel 3 News before starting your morning commute!

Prior to her arrival at Channel 3, Jaimee was a reporter for WCTV in Tallahassee.

Jaimee holds degrees in Communications and Political Science from Florida State University. While there, she reported for both the Seminole Sports Network and Sun Sports, the university's two foremost television entities. Her favorite interview was with Burt Reynolds for a piece on The Greatest Moments of Florida State Football. She also was named the Host for the FSU Men's Basketball team.

Jaimee is a native to the Pensacola Bay area, she was born in Gulf Breeze and graduated from Gulf Breeze High.

Jaimee is glad to be back in her hometown and back on the best beaches on the Gulf!

When not working you can find her participating in community events, particularly community theatre... hunting, fishing, hitting through a bucket on the driving range, or cheering on her Florida State Noles!

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Moline, IL. It's a Mississippi River town and I spent a lot of time along and in the river.

Where did you get your education?
I received my broadcast journalism degree from Western Illinois University in 2005. I was an anchor and reporter for the campus station. Many of my best stories came from the work I did at NPR affiliate WIUM. I earned two Iowa Associated Press Awards for my work at the radio station.

Where have you worked before joining WEAR-TV?
Most recently,I was a bureau reporter for WPBN in Traverse City, MI. I covered ten counties and reported on everything from blizzards to murders. Northern Michigan is a beautiful region, but I was ready to get out of the snow.

What do you do when you're not in the newsroom?
I love being outdoors, that's why I moved here. I know I'll spend many days along the beach and at the golf course. I enjoy being around all types of people and this career gives me a great chance to do that.

James Jackson anchors on the weekends and reports on weekdays at WEAR-TV.

He joined the WEAR family in April of 2005 from WTXL-TV in Tallahassee, where he worked as a weekend anchor and reporter. Prior to that, he worked as an associate producer at WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio and as an intern at WBNS-TV, WLWT-TV and WCPO-TV.

James received his Bachelors degree in Communication from the University of Cincinnati in 1999 and received his Masters degree in Higher Education from Florida State University, with a minor in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University in 2002.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, James is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and was selected as an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1998. In 2004, James was named Employee of the Month of September at WTXL-TV.

As funny as it sounds... in his spare time he likes sleeping, eating and talking to his family and friends. He also enjoys following basketball and football, especially his Ohio State Buckeyes!

What do you do in your spare time?
I spend a lot of my spare time working on home improvement projects. When time allows, I enjoy running & skating and,of course,spending time at the beach.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Giving people information they can really use to make decisions. It can be as simple as traffic problems or as important as hurricane evacuation notices.

Is there anything you dislike about your job?
I dislike being "the messenger" for the really sad news stories.

How does the early shift affect your family life?
The early shift works rather well for my family. It allows me to be home when my son gets off the bus and to take him and a few school mates to after school activities...music lessons, soccer, etc. Kids who spend the afternoon call the Willets house "Camp Jared."Being home in the afternoon also gives me the chance to run errands, do yard work and catch up on household chores. When most of the work force is just getting home and facing the "things to do list", I can relax and spend time with my family. But then..when the rest of the Gulf Coast is sound asleep, I'm up and out the door by 3:00AM

Who are your broadcasting role models?
I have two broadcasting role models....Dan Ingram and Johnny Carson. Dan held down the afternoon show on WABC in New York for most of the 60's. Unlike the jocks today, he didn't have any writers or do scripted bits. He never had to stop the music to be entertaining. He could be funny six seconds at a time for four hours a day. Johnny Carson is unique. He has no equal. I admire his ability to effortlessly connect with guests and TV audience.

How did you get into broadcasting?
I hit the radio airwaves in 1970 on WNDY FM. WNDY was the campus radio station at Wabash college in Crawfordsville, Indiana. I was motivated to join the air staff by a a sign posted in my fraternity house that read "make money & meet girls!..be a DJ!"It seemed like a good idea. It didn't take long to discover that broadcasting was going to be my career path. Like many radio people, I spent many years "roaming from town to town, up and down the dial."

The switch from radio to television.
The move to television was simply part a natural progression. I often call television "radio with pictures."Radio is a great training ground for TV. Radio teaches you to connect with people using just your voice. It's a skill that enhances your ability to convey the emotion or feeling of a story to television viewers.

Have you ever done anything other than broadcasting?
There were a number of years when I was "off the air."I think my most notable "other job" was a professional skydiver. I captained several skydiving teams performing demonstration jumps throughout the southeast. I was the owner/operator of a drop zone where student and experience jumpers came to "burn up some sky."Although skydiving and running a drop zone are more fun than I could ever really explain, I hung up my parachute and left the business in order to spend more time being a husband and father. I no longer jump out of "perfectly good airplanes", but I'm still a skydiver at heart.

Are you a native of Pensacola?
I moved here from New England in 1980. I now consider myself a near native. The Gulf Coast is my home and a great place to raise a family.

Your job description.
Morning News Anchor/Healthsmart Reporter.

Do you have any pets?
Yes! I'm a dog person. I have had a dog in my life for as long as I can remember. Right now I have a Yorkie named Sam.

Do you have a family?
Yes! My wife Paula and I have one son,Tyler.

Other comments.....
I feel fortunate to live on the Gulf Coast doing what I love... morning television.

Where are you from?
I was raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, but my family is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Go Steelers!

Where did you go to school?
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in telecommunications from Ohio University, where I was a percussionist for the Ohio University Marching 110 and a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. I am currently studying meteorology through Mississippi State University.

Where have you worked?
The Home Shopping Network was my first television experience. That's where I met my beautiful wife, Tracy. She is from Pensacola, so we decided to move back, settle down and start a family. I have been at WEAR since 1996 as a writer/producer in the Promotion Department, and now in News since 2008. Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to report live from various events for Channel 3 News.

Other stops on my career train include WTWC-TV40 in Tallahassee and Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh as a Security Guard.

What do I like to do when not at the station?
Spend time with my wife and our 2 children, Trevor and Sydney. We are active in our church and other community organizations. Beach time is always great, and I enjoy watching and playing sports.

Kathryn is a graduate from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication. The gator grad also attend Mississippi State University for weather forecasting.

She joined the Channel Three News team in December 1998. The best part of Kathryn's job is being able to get a glimpse into people's lives and be welcomed into their homes. She gets to hear their story and have them tell it.

"Everyday is so different and at the same time, very moving. One day I'm out on a snake hunt, then the next having the privilege of being beside a family with a dying child."

Kathryn decided to have a career in television news because she's always loved writing and learning about other people.

"Television is especially exciting because of the live element. That certainly kicks it up a notch."

We asked Kathryn who her role model was or who inspired her. Kathryn told us: "My maternal grandmother, Kathryn Anne Prosser. She was such a delightful southern lady. Very warm, gracious, and funny too. She knew just how to treat people so that they felt important and special. Her time and interest in me always made me feel like I was what mattered the most in the world to her. It was an honor to name our son after her family."

When Kathryn isn't in the weather center or out reporting she loves spending time with her husband and her son, Prosser.

"We all love to take our Miniature Pinscher dogs to Sacred Heart Children's Hospital to visit patients. We are also major SEC football fans. I root for Florida, my husband pulls for the LSU Tigers. Go gators!"

What is your job at WEAR?
I am a reporter, working primarily in Okaloosa County. I've lived here on the Emerald Coast since 1994, first in Destin and now in Fort Walton Beach. I am so proud to be a part of this great community.

What is your background?
I've worked in television and radio since I was in college. Before coming to Channel 3 in November of 2007, I co-hosted a country morning radio show in Okaloosa County. Previously, I worked at WDAF-TV, in my hometown of Kansas City. I've been lucky enough to have many different experiences in broadcasting, from hosting programs, to selling ads, to providing information and coverage during hurricanes.

Tell us about your involvement with the community.
Ive worked with the United Way, Covenant Hospice, the American Heart Association, and a great organization called Okaloosa Saves, that inspires people to "build wealth, not debt". I'm on the board of directors for Hero Hugs, founded by a young lady from Niceville who sends care packages to our troops. I also serve on the board of HeadStart Arts. I was an Honorary Commander in the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in 2006 (Crows Rule!). There are so many people helping others in our community; I try to get involved and help spread the word whenever I can.

What do you do for fun?
I usually tell people that my job is my fun, because I get to meet so many people and have such a great variety of experiences. I also love cooking, yoga, reading, and walking on the beach.

Do you follow sports?
There will always be a soft spot in my heart for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Laurie is so happy to be back in the Sunshine State and near the beach again! Originally from South Florida, Laurie joined Channel 3 in September 2009.

Before coming to WEAR, Laurie worked at WTVM in Columbus, Georgia as their Political, Military and Crime Reporter. She got very involved in the Army community at Fort Benning while covering news on post, and is excited to do the same here with the Navy and Air Force. During her time there, she also won two GABBY Awards from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, both in the category of Best News Story.

Before her time in Georgia, Laurie worked in Washington, D.C., as a Field Producer for WRC-TV, getting her feet wet behind the scenes. She is also a graduate of American University, majoring in Broadcast Journalism with Minors in Political Science and International Relations. She is a big political junkie, and even interned on Capitol Hill during her time in D.C.

When she's not reporting the news, Laurie loves to spend time with family and friends, relax on the beach, or read a good book. She is also a big soccer fan, having played all her life growing up.

Liz Nagy is excited for the chance to help Gulf Coast residents get their weekends started right, anchoring a brand new weekend edition of 3 In The Morning.

No stranger to the early wake-up call, she arrives from Charlottesville, Virginia where she also anchored weekend morning newscasts and reported on some of the area's biggest stories for NBC 29, WVIR-TV.

Previously, she worked as an anchor and reporter at WEIU-TV in Charleston, Illinois, also spending time as an intern with the investigative unit at WCAU-TV in Philadelphia and the NBC News bureau in London.

She thrives on the excitement of the big story, and is humbled by the opportunity to share important information with her viewers.

Nagy is a graduate of Elon University.

A self-proclaimed "news junkie" she loves watching the news even when not at work, in addition to traveling, enjoying Gulf Coast beaches, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Pensacola.

When I started working for WEAR ABC 3 in February of 1998, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to build my journalism career here in Northwest Florida. I am thankful I did. I started working for WEAR's sister station, WFGX in Fort Walton Beach, shortly after graduating college in 1996 and later jumped at the chance to work for Channel 3 as a reporter.

Once in Pensacola, I covered the courts and crime beat for a number of years where I developed a real love of reporting.  It gave me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and learn about the issues affecting our community. In 2001, I covered the story of Derek and Alex King, two young brothers from Escambia County who confessed to killing their father. The case garnered national attention and allowed me the opportunity to co-author a true crime book about the circumstances that led up to the crime and the subsequent trials. "A Perversion of Justice" was published in 2004.

In 2004, I also began investigating local faith based boarding schools that offered controversial "behavior modification" methods for troubled teens.  State law allows owners of these facilities to oversee themselves to a certain extent and a number of former students and their parents protested these facilities, claiming they were abused.  The three part series "Secrets in the Schoolhouse," won a best investigative award from the Associated Press in Florida in 2005.

I now enjoy co-anchoring Channel 3 News at Ten as well as the afternoon newscast "First at Four." WEAR has allowed me the opportunity to grow as an anchor for most of my years at the station.  I began co-anchoring the weekend newscasts and eventually moved to "Three in the Morning." I had the pleasure of working with Anchor Jared Willets and Meteorologist Christian Garman for the nearly five years we were on the newscast together and will always cherish the opportunity I had to enjoy and learn from their professionalism.

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, I love the Sunshine State. I graduated from Niceville High School in Okaloosa County in 1991. I then attended what was then Okaloosa-Walton Community College before graduating from the University of West Florida in 1996. I have lived and worked in Northwest Florida for most of my life and am proud to call this community home and grateful to WEAR for the opportunity to do so.

The New York City native and Florida State graduate started his career at Channel 3 in April 2000.

From the beginning, Steve always wanted to be a sports reporter in some capacity. "In college I dabbled in radio and print as well, but I enjoyed TV the most. It's the best medium to share my passion about sports."

Steve finds it hard to pin point his favorite part about the job, but really enjoys it all. "Heck, they pay me to talk about sports and I'm going to do that anyway...you can't beat that. If I had to choose one aspect it would be covering games in person. I love being there, soaking up the excitement and intensity."

In the world of sports the Pensacola area has been a place where several athletes have gone on to do great things. "Roy Jones Jr., Emmitt Smith, Derrick Brooks, Don Sutton, Justin Gatlin...just for starters. From pro golfers to NBA players, Northwest Florida is well represented. It's very impressive and a joy to cover."

When Steve is away from the newsroom and not on the job he's out on the basketball or tennis court. Along with astronomy, art history, movies and reading, Steve enjoys spending time with his lovely wife Amanda above all else.

Congressional Congratulations

When did you begin working for WEAR 3?
I began in 1973 as a Clerk Typist

What is your current position?
News/Anchor / Public Affairs Director, Producer / Host Straughn & Company (public affairs program), Founder / Organizer Communities Caring at Christmas campaign
Previous positions held:
Clerk typist
Traffic Manager
Public Service Director
Program Director
Assistant Operations Manager
Producer / Host of talk Shows:
Dimensions 1977-1995
Focus 1981-1984
Medicine Today 1978
Smile America 1978
Sunday Extra 1984-1987
Spotlight on Youth Talent Competition / Telethon 1988-1994

What are some of your special interests?
Children's Initiatives and reading.

In what ways are you currently involved with the community?

•    United States Magistrate Judge Selection Panel
•    Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS)
• (appointed by U.S. Secretary Department of Defense, 1995-1998)
• (Quality of Life Subcommittee Chairman and Executive Committee 1997 - 1998)
•    Favor House Board of Directors
•    Children's Advocacy Center Board of Director
•    First Book of Pensacola (Founding Board member, Chair 1999 - Present)
•    ARC Gateway-Escambia County (Child Development Committee Chairman)
•    Council on Aging of West Florida Foundation Board of Directors (Past Chairman)
•    Levin & Papantonio Family Foundation Board of Directors
•    Golden Key National Honor Society Honorary Member
•    American Red Cross Board of Directors (Ex-officio)
•    Escambia County Juvenile Justice System Arbitrator
•    Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Escambia County (Founding member)
•    Catholic Charities Advisory Board
•    AmSouth Bank Board of Directors
•    Escambia-Pensacola Local Housing Partnership
•    Hospice of Northwest Florida Foundation Board of Directors
•    FSU Windstorm Damage Mitigation & Energy Advisory Committee

Previous Community Involvement:

•    Escambia County United Way Board of Directors (1995 Campaign Chairman)
•    Lakeview Center TeenLine Advisory Board
•    Envision EscaRosa Steering Committee
•    World Centers of Compassion for Children Board of Directors
•    Pensacola Symphony Board of Directors
•    Junior Achievement Classroom Facilitator
•    Florida Study Commission on Employment Opportunities and Self-sufficiency (Appointed by Speaker of the House)
•    P.A.C.E. Center for Girls Board of Directors and founding member
•    Chief Judge's Task Force on Children
•    Escambia A.I.D.S. Services and Education Advisory Board
•    Baptist Hospital Speech and Hearing Board
•    National Coalition of 100 Black Women
•    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Escambia County(Founding Board Member)
•    Pensacola-Escambia Clean and Green Commission
•    West Florida Regional Medical Center Women's Life Center
•    Northwest Florida Safety Council
•    Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees
•    Leadership Pensacola Board of Trustees (1992 Curriculum Chairman, 1993 Board Chairman)
•    Children's Home Society Board of Directors
•    Lakeview Center Child Development Advisory Committee
•    First Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee (Appointed by Florida Bar Association)
•    Escambia County Sickle Cell Foundation
•    Escambia Community Schools Advisory Board
•    Florida Junior Miss Board of Directors
•    Pensacola Junior College Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Committee
•    Northwest Florida Girl Scout Council
•    Escambia County Child Protection Team Advisory Board
•    MADD Escambia County Chapter

Awards & Recognition:

•    2001 Liberty Bell Award, Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
•    2001 Judge John P. Kuder Family Values Award, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
•    2001 David R.Thomas (Wendy) Child Advocate of the Year,Children's Home Society
•    2000 Pensacola Rotary Sandra Robinson Award for Service Above Self
•    2000 Florida Council on Aging Media Award
•    2000 Child Advocate of the Year; Honorary Guardian Ad Litem, First Judicial Circuit
•    1999 Honorary Foster Parent, Escambia County Foster Parent Association
•    1999 25 Most Powerful Women in Northwest Florida Business (named by Climate Magazine, January-February 1999)
•    1999 Escambia County Juvenile Justice Council Citizen of the Month, January
•    1999 Women of Distinction Award, Northwest Florida Girl Scout Council
•    1998 Department of Defense Civilian Service Award, Secretary William Cohen
•    1996 Associated Press Award for Public Affairs Programming (TownHall: Juvenile Crime, From Hopscotch to Handguns II)
•    1995 Junior League of Pensacola President's Award
•    1995 Small Business Administration North Florida District Media Advocate of the Yr.
•    1994 Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge George Washington Medal of Honor
•    1993 Kiwanis Club Civic Award
•    1993 NAACP Pyramid Builder Award for Community Service
•    1992 Florida Public Relations Association Volunteerism Award
•    1992 Florida Mental health Council Citizen Advocate of the Year
•    1992 Escambia Association for retarded Citizens Pearl Nelson Advocacy Award
•    1991 United Way of Escambia County Distinguished Community Service Award
•    1991 Top Ladies of Distinction Outstanding Community Service Award
•    1991 Florida Volunteer Citizen Social Worker of the Year (National Association of Social Workers)
•    1991 Sons of the American Revolution Silver Medal Award
•    1991 C.E. Carr Lifetime Community Service Award(Greater Pensacola Community Organizations)
•    1991 J.C. Penny Spirit of American Woman Achievement Award
•    1990 Gayfers Career Council Woman of the Year
•    1990 FTP/NEA School Bell Award for Journalistic Excellence, TV Public Affairs Programming (Townhall: Drugs, Our Future on the Line)
•    1990 Pensacola Junior Woman's Club Woman of the Achievement Award
•    1989 Northwest Florida Women's Hall of Fame Inductee
•    1988 Pensacola Press Club Awards (5) for news series on plight of the homeless (Broken Promises)
•    1988 Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award (only 50 awarded worldwide)
•    1986 Professional Leader of the Year BIP Award, Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce
•    1986 FTP/NEA School Bell Award for Journalistic Excellence, TV news series (Sex and the Student Body)
•    1986 Intown Business Women's Club Business Woman of the Year
•    1985 FTP/NEA School Bell Award for Journalistic Excellence, TV news series (Babies Having Babies)