'Don't get mad': Jacksonville consumer reporter Ken Amaro leaving First Coast News after 42 years
After more than 40 years at First Coast News, Jacksonville TV news consumer reporter Ken Amaro is set to retire at the end of this month.
Known for his signature bow ties and trademark sign-off, "Don’t get mad, just say ‘I’m telling Ken!’,” Amaro has served as First Coast News’ On Your Side Consumer Reporter since 1989.
But his time at the news station stretches back to 1979, when he began his career at then-12 News while still in school, according to an online biography.
The news of Amaro’s pending departure came via Twitter on Tuesday, when First Coast News Investigative Reporter and Executive Producer Anne Schindler tweeted “Our beloved Ken Amaro is retiring at the end of the month, so soak up all you can, while you can.”
Our beloved Ken Amaro is retiring at the end of the month, so soak up all you can, while you can. @FCN2go @ImTellingKen @kangel6 https://t.co/qcqNvYNS0o
— anne schindler (@schindy) November 16, 2021
Earlier this month, Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci introduced a bill to “honor and support and congratulate Ken Amaro on his career on Channel 12" in advance of his retirement.
Late night council recap! Fairly bland agenda other than the a difficult rezoning, Ken Amaro recognition, and the vote on Confederate monuments. Thanks for tuning in! Have a great night. pic.twitter.com/KBaYFOBJsg
— Matt Carlucci (@matt_carlucci) November 10, 2021
More TV news departures: After 24 years, longtime anchor Paige Kelton set to leave Action News Jax
More: After 9 years, Lorena Inclán departing Action News Jax anchor desk
“Ken is a class act,” former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney tweeted. “I have known him since the 1980s and remember when the twins were born. Real loss for Jax. Hope he remains connected.”
Amaro is one of the longest-tenured on-air staff at First Coast News. Longtime anchor Jeannie Blaylock began her career at the station in 1985, and meteorologist Tim Deegan joined the team in 1982.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Ken Amaro: Jacksonville TV news reporter leaving First Coast News
