POPULAR WEATHERMAN HUFFMAN: Leaves Columbia for Florida

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.   

 

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." 

 

1 comment:

1. 
   AnonymousJuly 22, 2011 at 4:11 AM

   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!!