04/03/2026
Dear WCFLAMS Members,
It is with deep sadness that I share the news that our former chapter president, Andy Johnson, passed away peacefully yesterday.
Andy served as president of the West Central Florida AMS chapter for 15 years—a remarkable commitment that shaped our community in lasting ways. For many of us, what began as a professional connection among colleagues with a shared passion for weather blossomed into a genuine friendship.
Those who knew Andy understood him as a person of the highest integrity. He paid meticulous attention to detail, welcomed everyone with inclusivity, and consistently demonstrated care for how others were feeling. Even in our last conversation just days before his passing, his concern was for how his death would affect those around him. He always put others before himself.
Andy's love for meteorology was matched only by his dedication to our chapter. He was always impeccably dressed, enjoyed traveling, and cherished the opportunity to gather with fellow chapter members. One of his greatest joys was attending our banquets. He was particularly excited that we were able to hold our first in-person banquet since the pandemic began —he had invested so much of his life in the chapter and was deeply gratified to see it thriving again.
Andy was a 5th generation Tampa native whose passion for meteorology began in childhood. Growing up near sea level, he was affected by several hurricanes, and from a young age, he kept daily weather records. By the time he was seven years old, he knew exactly where he would work and where he would attend college. That vision became reality: he graduated with honors from Florida State University after being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and after visiting the WTVT studios annually as a child, he fulfilled his dream by joining the station as an on-air meteorologist in
August 1979, serving the Tampa Bay area for 34 years. Known as a protégé of the legendary Roy Leep, Andy quietly became a staple of the station’s weekend newscasts. When Andy signed off from WTVT- Ch. 13, he simply told viewers, "I got to actually live my dreams... I knew what I was going to do when I was seven years old."
Attached two of my favorite photos of Andy: one from our time together in Greece, and another from Hawaii. These moments capture the warmth and friendship he brought to all of us. along with some photos from chapter banquets and some shots at WTVT Ch. 13.
Andy, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are grateful to have had you in our lives, and your legacy will continue through the chapter you helped build.
Written by former Chapter President Jennifer Collins and Mark Mantz
