After 33 years, longtime Channel 8 fixture Gayle Guyardo says she’s leaving the station after struggling with vocal cord issues.
The morning anchor made the announcement in a statement on WFLA, stating that her last day will be Feb. 28.
“I’ve been struggling with vocal cord issues for a few years now, and thanks to incredible care, I have been able to preserve my voice quality,” said Guyardo in the statement.
“After 33 years in the television news industry, my voice, what I depend on for my job, can no longer live up to the demands of anchoring day in and day out, broadcasting 4 1/2 hours of live news everyday.”
"After 33 years in the television news industry, my voice, what I depend on for my job, can no longer live up to the demands of anchoring day in and day out": News Channel 8’s @WFLAGayleG to leave morning news to rehab her vocal chords https://t.co/ck9Vq4pyCU pic.twitter.com/MDebJ2oyZj
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) February 3, 2020
Guyardo says her doctor recommended 90 days of rest, but that the demands of anchoring would likely cause the same medical issues to return.
“I will truly miss waking up with Tampa Bay, and again, I would never of had this opportunity if it wasn’t for the support of viewers who start their day with us on WFLA News Channel 8 and WTTA Great 38.”
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