After 40 years of broadcast journalism, almost 30 years of that with Orlando’s WFTV-Channel 9, news anchor Vanessa Echols will step away from channel 9’s news desk to spend more time with her family.
Known for her honesty, integrity, and passion for the community, Echols spent much of her time on air at WFTV with co-anchor Greg Warmoth. Together they were known as one of Central Florida’s most trusted and revered Central Florida news team. Her time with Channel 9 will be in the history books on May 27, her final newscast with WFTV.
In 2004 Echols was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. After six months of chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation treatments, she beat cancer and began her journey of encouraging others who have been diagnosed, and advocating for preventative health care via mammograms through her charity, Compassionate Hands and Hearts Breast Cancer Outreach.
According to Echol’s statement on WFTV.com, her father just turned 90 and she plans on moving to Auburn, Alabama to be with her parents and to enjoy a “leisurely life.”
Positively Osceola would like to thank Vanessa for her commitment to broadcast journalism, and to the community that she blessed for decades. She will be greatly missed.
Photo Source: WFTV
