Dozens of friends say goodbye to a calm voice during the
storms
COLUMBIA, 7/21/11 (Beat Byte) -- Like fellow
meteorologist Randy Wright and Columbia tourism chief Lorah Steiner before him,
Florida has called away a Columbia favorite -- ABC-17 Stormtrack weather
journalist Jeff Huffman.
At a July 15 Heidelberg Restaurant party attended by dozens of friends, fans, and well-wishers, Huffman -- whose red hair, good nature, and calm smile became a Columbia news fixture over the past 8 years -- announced that he had accepted a position as Chief Meteorologist for the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications in Gainesville.
At a July 15 Heidelberg Restaurant party attended by dozens of friends, fans, and well-wishers, Huffman -- whose red hair, good nature, and calm smile became a Columbia news fixture over the past 8 years -- announced that he had accepted a position as Chief Meteorologist for the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications in Gainesville.
The move, Huffman said, represents a "unique
opportunity I just couldn’t resist" with several new responsibilities, including
"overseeing the creation of a weather department" that will service all of the
University's multimedia properties.
Huffman's lighthearted sense of humor was often on display in Columbia,
from reporting on mid-Missouri's wild weather to teaming
with a four part harmony group to bring "Bieber Fever" -- as in
teen idol Justin -- to a local charity event raising money for the Lyceum
Theatre.
A native of Dexter,
Missouri in the southeastern bootheel, Huffman's move to "Gator
Country" was recently featured in his hometown
newspaper.
"Missouri has been 'home' for most of Jeff Huffman's life -- his roots and
allegiances are in the ShowMe State," the story explained. A University of
Missouri graduate, "I was able to find everything I was looking for in a city
and career in Columbia," Huffman said.
"I have lived in Columbia for nearly 14 years and this will be a difficult
transition for me," he told friends on his Facebook
page. "You will ALL be dearly missed."
Yes, Jeff will be sorely missed. Unlike many weather casters Jeff actually explained the conditions and what was causing the particular weather we were having in terms any lay person could understand. I actually learned a lot by watching him on TV over the years. Columbia's loss is definitely the University of Florida's gain. Good luck Jeff and much success!!
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