JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Compassionate, funny, dedicated, authentic, gutsy. This is how News4JAX viewers describe longtime anchor, reporter and I-TEAM investigator Vic Micolucci.
We announced last week that Vic will be moving into a new chapter of his career after more than a decade and a half at The Local Station. His last day at Channel 4 is Wednesday.
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Following the announcement, well wishes and memories from viewers came flooding in, along with recollections from longtime colleagues, past and present.
‘Budding talent’
Vic started as an intern at WJXT in 2008 -- and just never left.
“After his stint as the longest-tenured intern in WJXT history, we sorta had to hire him,” longtime News4JAX assignment editor Frank Powers said. “But we could see the budding talent and the desire to do a good job from the start.”
Vic was hired in 2010 as a multi-media journalist and weekend assignment editor -- a role that Powers said he didn’t quite relish to start.
“I won’t say that was the favorite part of his duties, but he did learn how news evolves, and that made him a better reporter,” Powers said.
Vic’s dedication and willingness to roll up his sleeves and get involved flourished as he moved over the years into the roles of reporter, anchor, fearless hurricane chaser, and a key member of the News4JAX I-TEAM and Solutionaries units, WJXT News Director Kathryn Bonfield said.
His commitment to excellence has earned him prestigious Murrow, Emmy, and Florida Association of Broadcast Journalist awards, and his tireless desire for personal improvement led him to earn his master’s degree in Mass Communication/Organizational Leadership, which he will receive this spring.
His credentials and his heart for community service led to an opportunity with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. In his new role, Vic will help build bonds between the community and JSO as the Communications and Community Engagement Executive. He will also serve as an advisor to the sheriff.
“This is truly a fitting opportunity for someone with his talent, passion and spirit,” Bonfield said.
‘Heart of a lion’
Powers and longtime Morning Show co-anchors Melanie Lawson and Jennifer Waugh said Vic’s caring heart has always been on display, through both his compassionate storytelling and his involvement in the community.
“Vic has the heart of a lion. He’s channeled that passion into every project he’s led here at News4JAX,” Jennifer said. “I appreciate his dedication, hard work and commitment to our viewers to bring them important information they can use to make their lives better and to keep their families safe. As a co-worker and friend, we will miss him dearly.”
Vic has been the host of Night to Shine for years at the event that brings joy to hundreds with special needs. He volunteers for numerous organizations, including the Tristyn Bailey Foundation (board member), North Florida School of Special Education, Tim Tebow Foundation, ElderSource, Communities in Schools, ALS Association, Dreams Come True, Habitat for Humanity Beaches, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
News4JAX viewers often see Vic out and about in the community, and many have special stories they shared about their interactions with him.
Steven Mallonee said his daughter was a longtime patient at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and his family first met Vic about 10 years ago.
“You made several visits to the hospital to spread cheer to sick kids and bring gifts,” Mallonee shared in a message to Vic. “I think it was no less than 3 times that you saw Savannah. As parents, we really appreciated your kindness and generosity. You are a special gentleman Vic!”
Mallonee also happens to be a former police officer and said he knows Vic will excel in his new position.
Vic’s involvement in Night to Shine (complete with gold lamé jacket) is very precious to him -- and it makes an impression on those at the event, too.
“You made my sister Martha Cody’s day when she was alive. She went to Night to Shine every year, and she absolutely loved seeing you there!” viewer Jennifer Hartley said in a message for Vic. “One year she got her picture taken with you. She never stopped talking about that picture!”
Tammie Yarbrough, who’s been an employee with Duval County Public Schools for more than 30 years, recalled Vic being a mentor at Matthew Gilbert Middle School and the friendship they formed.
“My husband’s 60th birthday was approaching, and I asked Vic to do a video for his special day,” Yarbrough wrote.
The video included Vic and several colleagues and she was given a tour of the station when she came to pick it up, she said.
“The video was shown during dinner at the celebration. The crowd went wild,” Yarbrough said. “It was EPIC!! It’s been over 11 years -- husband is the Big 71 now. We still watch it every year. LOL!!! Something we will never forget. I Love “MY” Vic Micolucci!!!”
‘Secret sauce’
As for on-camera memories, viewers pointed to Vic’s bout with COVID-19 early in the pandemic, his many hurricane-chasing adventures and his dedicated investigation into deplorable conditions at local apartment complexes.
“Vic just reached up and lifted a sagging ceiling (he is really tall)!” viewer Patricia Weitzel recalled. “The hug he shared with a resident at the end of his interview revealed the compassion he puts into his reporting. He has been and will continue to be an asset to the community.”
Melanie said stories like this of how Vic connected with people and helped them through difficult moments are evidence of his compassion.
“He’s going to be missed,” Melanie said, “but I know whatever he pursues, he’ll be successful because he’s got the secret sauce.”