We're very proud to announce that ABC Action News' Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips was awarded with the Dick Fletcher Media Award at this year's Governor's Hurricane Conference held on Thursday.
This honor recognizes Denis Phillips for his “outstanding efforts to educate and inform the public about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness, response, recovery in the state of Florida.”
Denis has been bringing you the latest forecast for the Tampa Bay area for over two decades. He has guided all of us through many storms, including the destructive year of 2004 when Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne impacted central Florida.
He's known for his own "Rule #7" to help calm everyone during hurricane coverage. It means to stop freaking out... until he tells you to. In other words, it's his way of telling everyone we're going to be fine. Don't get frazzled until he says so.
“All of us at ABC Action News are proud of Denis and his accomplishments. While he has earned many awards, including consistently being named then most accurate meteorologist in Florida, this award has special meaning. The high level of respect Dick Fletcher earned in the Tampa Bay area is indisputable and we are pleased that other professionals see that quality represented and honor it in Denis’ work in the same market,” said Matt Brown director of news at ABC Action News.
“It is extremely fitting Denis would receive an award focused on educating and informing the public. With over two decades of guiding people across the Tampa Bay area through dangerous thunderstorms, tropical storms
and hurricanes, he is always on the forefront of new technology and ways to share weather messages on all platforms,” said WFTS VP and General Manager Nick Nicholson. “His dedication to providing people with the
information they need to survive a storm is more than a job; he’s made it his mission. ABC Action News is proud to have Denis Phillips as our Chief Meteorologist and applaud him for this recognition.”
The Governor's Hurricane Conference is the nation's largest and best-attended conference focusing on hurricane coverage. Learn more about the Conference here.
