Marco Villarreal

It is good to be in sunny and warm Tampa Bay! I am trading in the Smoky Mountains for palm trees and beaches. This area is so vibrant and alive! I am excited about new adventures as I explore all the different hot spots. If you have a place I need to check out make sure you let me know!

To be fair I am coming from another beautiful area of the country; East Tennessee. Although my address has changed, my alarm clock hasn’t. I have been waking up early and anchoring the morning news at WVLT for the past several years. I enjoyed the wonderful people of that area who welcomed me with so much southern hospitality. A piece of my heart will always be in Rocky Top.

Throughout my career, I’ve covered a range of topics that impact people’s lives. I’ve reported on the housing crisis during the Great Recession, natural disasters ranging from wildfires in California and Gatlinburg, TN, to tropical storms in Florida. I’ve covered local, state, and national politics, sports and celebrity news, and spotlighted wonderful people who inspire others to be better through acts of kindness and service to others.

I’ve had a lot of fun too. I covered the inaugural parade for President Obama, a Super Bowl, NCAA Bowl Championship, a birthday party for Muhammed Ali, the opening of a new casino, and new roller coasters and shows at Dollywood!

Over the years I’ve had great experiences working in cities like Chattanooga (WRCB), Tallahassee(WTXL), Las Vegas(KTNV), and Salt Lake City (Classical 89.1 FM).

I’ve worked with very talented people in each of those newsrooms. Journalists that have taught me to work hard, work smart, and work for the people. I’m excited to be joining a stellar team at News Channel 8.

I’m used to heat and humidity having been born and raised in Houston, TX. Growing up was fun with three different cultures. My mother is from Mexico, my father from Argentina, and then living in the U.S. really gave me an insight that we all come from different places, but in the end, we’re all searching for what makes us happy. That understanding grew when I spent two years living in Spain on a service mission.

When I’m not at work I love going to the movies (I’m a bit of a comic book nerd), playing sports, trying new places to eat, going to concerts or festivals, and now…going to the beach!

I’m a member of NAHJ, have enjoyed emceeing and volunteering at events for the Boy Scouts of America, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, and love spending time speaking at schools, community organizations, and senior centers. If you would like me to help out in the community as a speaker or volunteer please reach out to me!

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July 23 2025 06:00 am

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