Remembering Fox 13 meteorologist and LGBTQ+ advocate Andy Johnson

Johnson gave vital hurricane information to Tampa residents over four decades on TV and social media.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A dramatic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, depicting an approaching hurricane over the city of Tampa. The city is dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the swirling clouds and turbulent weather, conveying the power of nature and the importance of Johnson's weather forecasting work.The late meteorologist Andy Johnson's tireless efforts to keep Tampa residents informed and safe during major hurricanes are memorialized in this sublime, atmospheric landscape.Today in Tampa

Andy Johnson, a beloved meteorologist at WTVT (Fox 13) in Tampa, Florida, passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. Over his four-decade career, Johnson provided critical weather updates and hurricane forecasts that were credited with saving thousands of lives. He was also an active advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Why it matters

Johnson's passing marks the end of an era for Tampa's weather coverage and the local LGBTQ+ community. As a dedicated meteorologist and mentor, he inspired many young people to pursue careers in science and weather forecasting. His advocacy work also helped advance LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in the region.

The details

Johnson first became interested in meteorology as a child after his family evacuated their Tampa home during a major hurricane in 1965. He went on to work as a weatherman at WTVT (now Fox 13) for over 40 years, providing vital information to residents during several major hurricanes. Despite facing health challenges, including prostate cancer, a heart attack, and triple bypass surgery, Johnson continued forecasting up until his cancer diagnosis in 2024, just a week before Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit. He was credited with saving thousands of lives through his social media forecasts during that time.

  • In 1965, Johnson's family evacuated their Tampa home during a major hurricane.
  • In 2009, Johnson was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
  • In 2016, Johnson suffered a heart attack.
  • In 2022, Johnson underwent triple bypass surgery.
  • In 2024, Johnson was diagnosed with a rare cancer just a week before Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit.

The players

Andy Johnson

A beloved meteorologist who worked at WTVT (Fox 13) in Tampa, Florida for over 40 years, providing critical weather updates and hurricane forecasts that were credited with saving thousands of lives. He was also an active advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Bryan Farris

Johnson's husband of 25 years, who works as a Democratic political consultant and previously owned a travel company. Farris joined Johnson in LGBTQ+ advocacy.

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What they’re saying

“I got to actually live my dreams. I got to do something that most people don't get to do.”

— Andy Johnson, Meteorologist

“That's how dedicated he was. He didn't just lie down and die. He fought, and he was determined to beat it. Unfortunately, the cancer had other ideas.”

— Bryan Farris, Johnson's husband

“Everybody loved Andy. Everybody. No one who ever met him disliked him. He was just that kind of guy.”

— Bryan Farris, Johnson's husband

What’s next

A public funeral mass will be held for Johnson on Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at St John's Episcopal Church in Hyde Park.

The takeaway

Johnson's legacy as a beloved meteorologist and LGBTQ+ advocate will continue to inspire the Tampa community. His dedication to providing critical weather information and mentoring the next generation of meteorologists, as well as his tireless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, have left an indelible mark on the region.