Job well done: Jacksonville mayor gives Tom Wills key to city for revered journalism career
Read full article: Job well done: Jacksonville mayor gives Tom Wills key to city for revered journalism careerThe extensive career of News4JAX’s lead anchor Tom Wills has come to a close but that’s not without the city of Jacksonville recognizing his impact in the community over the past 49 years at The Local Station.
‘Channel 4 has been lucky to have you’: Sports notables sound off on Tom Wills retiring
Read full article: ‘Channel 4 has been lucky to have you’: Sports notables sound off on Tom Wills retiringWJXT anchor Tom Wills is retiring Friday after 49 years with the station. We reached out to some notable sports figures in Jacksonville and had them give Wills their best.
‘It’s just time’: Tom Wills shares the ups, the downs and why he’s retiring after 60 years in news
Read full article: ‘It’s just time’: Tom Wills shares the ups, the downs and why he’s retiring after 60 years in newsTom Wills retires from WJXT on May 31, 2024 after 49 years. He writes his final article for News4JAX.com
‘An unforgettable saga’: Tom Wills covered Jacksonville’s quest for football relevance from start to finish
Read full article: ‘An unforgettable saga’: Tom Wills covered Jacksonville’s quest for football relevance from start to finishTom Wills, who is retiring Friday after 49 years in Jacksonville, saw the city go from football dreamer to a pro football town during his time here.
Covering the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash tragedy left Tom Wills with traumatic memories, but lasting friendships
Read full article: Covering the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash tragedy left Tom Wills with traumatic memories, but lasting friendshipsTom Wills was the only Jacksonville reporter to have walked amongst the wreckage of the plane in the woods, and he shared the tragic story of Lynyrd Skynyrd with thousands of mourning hometown fans and beyond.
The lasting legacy of a newsman rooted in ‘faith, family & 4′
Read full article: The lasting legacy of a newsman rooted in ‘faith, family & 4′It might seem like the end of an era for some. But as longtime New4JAX lead anchor Tom Wills embarks on his new life-calling of retirement, it’s a new beginning — guided by God.
The newsroom mentor: 7 invaluable lessons Tom Wills has taught journalists over the years
Read full article: The newsroom mentor: 7 invaluable lessons Tom Wills has taught journalists over the yearsAs Tom gets ready to retire after 49 years of dedicated service at the anchor desk, News4JAX gathered the invaluable lessons that he has taught some of our staff members over the years.
‘Good stories, well told’: Tom Wills shares secret to 60 successful years as broadcast journalist
Read full article: ‘Good stories, well told’: Tom Wills shares secret to 60 successful years as broadcast journalistFor nearly five decades, you’ve allowed News4JAX anchor Tom Wills to come into your homes -- and these days straight to your phones -- to deliver the news. He'll do it for the last time on Friday before he enters a well-deserved retirement.
Tom’s Top 10: The biggest stories the longtime News4JAX anchor covered over the last 49 years
Read full article: Tom’s Top 10: The biggest stories the longtime News4JAX anchor covered over the last 49 yearsTom Wills shares the most memorable news stories he's covered as the longtime lead anchor for WJXT - Channel 4.
‘Trustworthy, dependable’: Community members share heartwarming messages for Tom Wills ahead of retirement
Read full article: ‘Trustworthy, dependable’: Community members share heartwarming messages for Tom Wills ahead of retirementNews4JAX asked community members to share memories and messages ahead of his retirement.
🔒 News4JAX wishes you Happy Holidays! 🎄❤️
Read full article: 🔒 News4JAX wishes you Happy Holidays! 🎄❤️As 2023 comes to an end, longtime News4JAX anchor Tom Wills, News4JAX Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn, the crew from River City Live, and the entire newsroom want to leave you with a few final messages.
From filling huge shoes to leaving a lasting legacy: Mary and John are ready for the next chapter
Read full article: From filling huge shoes to leaving a lasting legacy: Mary and John are ready for the next chapterWe are celebrating Mary and John, who have spent the last three decades on your TV. 30 years of telling your stories, sharing what's going on in your neighborhood and more. Now it's time for us to hear their stories.
Channel 4 news anchor Tom Wills shares his special memories of Mary Baer and John Gaughan
Read full article: Channel 4 news anchor Tom Wills shares his special memories of Mary Baer and John GaughanI'd like to share with you a couple of my John and Mary memories. I want to start with some of the very first comments that former news anchor Deborah Gianoulis and I made about Mary 30 years ago--and we stand by them today. "Mary Baer has fit into our newsroom from the first day she got here. It seems like she's been here all along."
‘Thanks 4 Thirty Years’ podcast drops Monday
Read full article: ‘Thanks 4 Thirty Years’ podcast drops MondayLead anchor Mary Baer and Chief Meteorologist John Gaughan will retire together at the end of May after 30 incredible years at WJXT-Channel 4. They sat down with lead anchor Tom Wills to talk about their time together at The Local Station, some stories you've never heard about and what the future holds for both of them.
Watch Here: News4JAX 2022 Election Special
Read full article: Watch Here: News4JAX 2022 Election SpecialNews4JAX had a team of reporters on the scene throughout various counties in Florida and Georgia covering the candidates hoping to win their races. Anchor’s Kent Justice, Mary Baer, and Tom Wills also sat down at a roundtable with other political experts to give insight on the midterm election.
Jacksonville’s historic role in the founding of Southern rock
Read full article: Jacksonville’s historic role in the founding of Southern rockTheir names are world-famous: Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet. Not as well known, however, is that those bands are among several who together pioneered a new kind of music nearly 60 years ago in Jacksonville. As the city celebrates its bicentennial, Southern rock endures and still thrives today.
‘So fortunate’: Tom Wills gets second COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: ‘So fortunate’: Tom Wills gets second COVID-19 vaccineST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Tom Wills received his second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at a Publix in St. Johns County on Friday. Moments after getting the shot, Tom took a video explaining how fortunate he was feeling. “The pharmacy said in about three weeks I will have about 95% protection from becoming seriously ill with COVID,” Tom said. “I’m feeling so fortunate to be eligible to have the vaccine. RELATED | Tom Wills gets COVID-19 vaccine, encourages others to do the sameThe veteran WJXT anchor is encouraging others not only get the vaccine to protect themselves, but their loved ones too.
How to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at Publix
Read full article: How to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at PublixST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – New appointments for a COVID-19 vaccine at Publix locations in St. Johns County were booked quickly Wednesday morning. Appointments opened at 6 a.m. and were gone by 7:10 a.m.There’s another chance to book an appointment on Friday at 6 a.m.To book a time slot, you must visit the online reservation system and check availability in your state. If you’re selected while waiting, the page will refresh with further instructions on how to book an appointment. News4Jax anchor Tom Wills recently received his first dose of the vaccine with Publix. The only people eligible for a vaccine in the state of Florida are:
Tom Wills gets COVID-19 vaccine, encourages others to do the same
Read full article: Tom Wills gets COVID-19 vaccine, encourages others to do the sameST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – On Friday morning, Tom Wills took a trip over to a Publix in St. Johns County, where he received his first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Moments after getting the shot, Tom went on Facebook, urging others who are eligible to do the same. So go get this shot.”During News4Jax at 6, Tom said the process “could not have been easier.” He’ll return to the same Publix for the second dose in 28 days. RELATED: COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Northeast FloridaThe veteran WJXT anchor is encouraging others not only get the vaccine to protect themselves, but their loved ones too. “I urge you to do it for yourself and for those who care about you.”Moderna says the first shot offers 51% protection after two weeks, while the second dose offers 94% protection from the coronavirus.
Invasion of halls of Congress; impeachment talks; former adviser to President Trump on Capitol breach
Read full article: Invasion of halls of Congress; impeachment talks; former adviser to President Trump on Capitol breachJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, Florida Sen. Audrey Gibson, U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and News4Jax anchor Tom Wills join this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville” as they discuss the invasion of the halls of Congress, objections to Electoral College votes and whether impeachment should be attempted. In addition, former advisor to President Donald Trump, Omarosa Manigault Newman, provides her perspective on the breach of the U.S. Capitol.
State Sen. Aaron Bean; City Councilwoman Brenda Priestly Jackson; Safe schools challenge
Read full article: State Sen. Aaron Bean; City Councilwoman Brenda Priestly Jackson; Safe schools challengeJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax anchor Tom Wills is the guest host of this edition of “This Week In Jacksonville.”State Sen. Aaron Bean discusses his new role as Florida Senate president pro tempore. Jacksonville City Councilwoman Brenda Priestly Jackson provides insight on Lot J, the Jaguars and the JEA investigation. And the American Civility Association’s Amy Barnett explains how the organization is making schools safer.
RECAP: Lena Pringle’s Ask Me Anything chat
Read full article: RECAP: Lena Pringle’s Ask Me Anything chatYou’re in luck — those were just a few of the questions that came up Tuesday during Lena’s Ask Me Anything for News4JAX Insiders. SIGN UP: Become a News4JAX Insider todayBut don’t worry if you missed out on this morning’s chat. After compiling all of your questions and Lena’s answers, we’ve posted a recap below:Question: What was your inspiration for getting into journalism? Lena: So typically I am up around 2:45 a.m., I take my pup out, get ready, and head to work. Lena: I have learned the true value of self-love and how to effectively deal with mental health issues like depression.
Insider: News4JAX staff adapts to the coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: Insider: News4JAX staff adapts to the coronavirus pandemicNews4JAX is documenting how crews deliver the news while staying safe during the coronavirus pandemic. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Forty-five years thats how long Tom Wills has anchored the news at WJXT-TV. And look at how possible it is.[SIGN UP: Become a News4JAX Insider]Wills was the first News4JAX journalist to switch to working from home after the coronavirus pandemic led to safer-at-home orders in Florida. The best part is being with your family family first.As the old adage goes, the show must go on. For Robbins, Wills, Campbell and company, each day they go on air and deliver the news to their community is an opportunity to serve their neighbors.
WJXT anchors’ vintage holiday greetings
Read full article: WJXT anchors’ vintage holiday greetingsBack in the day, Channel 4′s contracted with Jerry Smith Film & Television Co. to produce elaborate annual holiday greetings featuring our news team. Click above to watch Home for the Holidays, Snow Dreams and Christmas with Family -- dating from the mid-80s. Jerry shot miles of film for those few seconds. The budget may be smaller but our greetings are just as sincere. And thanks to our friends and former colleagues Deborah Gianoulis, George Winterling and Sam Kouvaris for some great memories.
When they were young: Christmas photos of Channel 4′s anchors
Read full article: When they were young: Christmas photos of Channel 4′s anchorsTom Wills (in center wearing bow tie and vest) pictured with parents and extended family at Christmas in the early 1950s. News4Jax collected some photos from our anchors and reporters to see how they celebrated Christmas when they were young.
Legendary local meteorologist George Winterling writes memoir
Read full article: Legendary local meteorologist George Winterling writes memoirThe ever-popular and longtime local meteorologist George Winterling released a memoir in late February. Chasing The Wind, Memories of a Pioneer TV Meteorologist is sweetly dedicated to Winterling's wife, Virginia. The book details George's childhood, his five decades as a pioneer meteorologist at WJXT- including predicting Hurricane Dora to the active 2004 hurricane season. All...