A week before retirement, WFLA's Hite arrested

TAMPA -- A week before his planned retirement, longtime News Channel 8 Anchor Bob Hite was arrested this morning on charges of driving under the influence, police said.

About 1:25 a.m. today, Hite was driving his Toyota Prius westbound on W Cleveland Street. The vehicle weaved on several occasions, straddling the lane marker and drifting into the next lane, according to Tampa Police Department reports.

After he was stopped by police, Hite agreed to a sobriety test and showed several signs of impairment, police said. A breath test showed Hite's alcohol level was .124. Hite, 60, was arrested and taken to the Orient Road Jail on $500 bail. Hite was released from jail about 8:30 a.m. today. Florida law presumes a driver is impaired if the blood alcohol level is 0.08 or higher.

It was unclear where Hite had been before he was pulled over.

Hite is set to retire from WFLA-TV Channel 8 a week from today after 30 years. The station plans a party for the anchor, said Don North, news director.

After his arrest, Hite phoned the station and gave an account of the incident, North said.

"He was remorseful," said North, who has worked with Hite for two years.

"He's a popular person here," North said of Hite. "Nobody is condoning anybody getting picked up for drinking and driving, but on the other hand it doesn't mean people don't think well of him."

Hite is scheduled to anchor tonight's 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscast.

This marks the second incident this month involving a Hite and law enforcement. The anchor's son, 28-year-old Taylor Watkins Hite, was arrested earlier this month on a battery charge.

- Nicole Hutcheson, Times staff writer

Comments

[MELISSA]

Like I have said about other stories on here regards to people getting a DUI. IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!!

[SharkTooth]

Only to anyone who DOES NOT STOP drinking and driving. I could be wrong?

[Saditty]

I am glad that he didnt hurt himself or others, as driving drunk can do. That being said, Bob is human, reporting the news can be depressing. Maybe he was celebrating his retirement?

[Bethany]

maby a little too much ego along with the fact he is past middle age and can't handle his liquor as well as when he was 40 played into his decision to drive. His ego must be in overdrive with all the attention he has been given during his newscasts. Lets hope he goes into his retirement years a little wiser and a with a little more humility.

[MELISSA]

SHARKTOOTH ... Sure if you have never had even ONE drink and drove home then you are correct you would be exempt from it ever happening to you!Most people have had a drink or two at one point in their lives and have drove home. Look at all the people in the news amost on a daily basis you hear about getting DUI'S. And these are the ones that got caught imagine all the ones who do it and don't get caught. So yes it could happen to anyone!

[JOHNNY]

Melissa; two drinks of ANYTHING will not get you to .124. Even with the most accomplished drinker that's stumbling drunk. A cab ride is so much cheaper than a DUI- and you probably won't kill anyone in the back of a cab.

[MELISSA]

I never said it was ok to drink and drive! And yes two drinks can put most people over the .08 BAL which = DUI.

Agree that a cab is the smarter choice if you are drinking. All I was stating is that if you drink and drive even after ONE or TWO drinks yes you can get a DUI if you get pulled over. This is a fact!!

[Jim]

Terrible. I think Bob is one of the best in the news business, but this is embarassing for WFLA. That station has had so much to deal with this year. I can't imagine the job the news director has had to do. The folks at WTSP and WTVT must be loving this, granted each has had their own personnel troubles.

[Rick]

True,it can happen to anyone.97% of the population has done it at one time or other. I'm mean come on DUI is not a big deal, unless there is some type of accident or property damage. The MADD people have made DUI a joke!

[Rick]

True,it can happen to anyone.97% of the population has done it at one time or other. I'm mean come on DUI is not a big deal, unless there is some type of accident or property damage. The MADD people have made DUI a joke!

[J B]

Bob Hite is a good guy. Everyone makes mistakes- he is a humble and genuine guy and it just sucks that this happened. He shouldn't have been behind that whhel though, period. GOod thing he didn't get in a wreck. He was blasted and swerving so it could have easily happened. I wonder if he drinks at his retirement party...

[Holly]

I was told more than 12 years ago, by an "insider," that his guy was a rip-roaring drunk. He just got caught...sad!

[florida]

I wonder if he operates his boat the same way?

[florida]

I wonder if he operates his boat the same way?

[Derek]

Rick - DUI is no Big Deal!?!

DUI is no Joke.

I hope you have the balls to look someone in the eye who's lost their family or loved ones in a DUI accident and say "Its no big deal" when 20K people a year are killed because someone had too much to drink and decided to drive.
Your comments pretty much cemented the fact that you're an ignorant punk with no morals.

A Prius? I always had him pegged as a Lincoln type of guy.

[dreaming]

evidently, there is a lot to get drunk about when you work for media general....doesnt anyone recall janet weaver, now coates, dui of about a year ago? shes the editor of the wfla sister newspaper, the tampa tribune. i wonder what ever happened to that one?

[Keith]

I watch the 11:00 news last night and Hite was RIPPED!!! When JP finished the sports Hite called Saban an idiot and both Gayle and JP rolled there eyes. Then Gayle read the lottery numbers and Hite made some mummbled comment about her speaking and JP shook his head in disguist. Like Son, Like Father. WHAT A FAMILY!!!

[Chris]

That's why I like John Wilson; he stays sober....and he chats with viewers online during the show too. Classier act than Bob Hite.

[justme]

I have enjoyed watching Bob Hite for a long time. He is a good guy. He made a bad decision. Melissa is correct that it doesn't take much to be over the legal BAL for a DUI. Google it, you will be amazed. Since we were not there with him we have no idea how much he had to drink, factor in the hour of the night etc.

If you have had ONE drink and got behind the wheel of a vehicle then you have absolutely no place to say a negative comment.

Let's all be Thankful (it is almost Thanksgiving) that nobody was hurt. Hopefully all the press that has come out recently with DUI's maybe it will stop a few people from getting behind the wheel of the car when they have had a drink or two.

[SWLiP]

This is disappointing. I remember watching Bob Hite's newscasts when I was a teenager, almost thirty years ago. He's practially a TB area institution.

[sue]

Oh my gosh, how sad.

[Oops]

John Wilson and Brendan McLaughlin are now the only lead male news anchors that haven't had a DUI in this market.

Bob Hite better thank his lucky stars he didn't get in a wreck and maim or kill someone. It's kinda like winning the lottery in reverse when you get a felony conviction for killing or seriously injuring another while drunk; the prize is getting locked up in a state prison for your retirement years. There are no sailing clubs in the Florida prisons either.

[dreaming]

tbo reports that hite left the station at 1am, and was arrested as drunk at 1:30am....so was he drinking at the station beforehand? is that company policy? in most workplaces, if you are drunk at work, you get fired. retirement party? at work? hhmmm...sounds like he was out for a nitecap after tying one on at the tv station....what an embarrassment!

[Howard]

I'm surprised it took this long for him to get arrested for DUI. The man is not a saint.

I always wondered if local TV news people killed the time between the early 6:00 evening broadcast and the 11:00 broadcast drinking it up at local saloons. Guess some of them do. A lot of evenings at 11:00 it seems the newscasters are slurring words and glassy eyed.

Maybe the local TV stations could do some "investigative reporting" and tail their competitors' checking habits at watering holes.

[Christopher]

Kathy Fountain rocks too...why can't news anchors be cool like her?

What took so long?

In other news, the sun rose in the east and set in the west. No big surprise here.

[Dave]

Most surprised that he drives a Toyota Prius..I thought he was making six figures. You should see the BMWs and Caddys that roll in and out of Channel 13 every day.

[Pete]

You think this guy is bad, you should see Jack Harris. That guy can really put it away

[Chris Thomas]

He's like Tampa Bay's Ron Burgandy. Damn shame. Word has it someone at the station set him up -- called cops ahead of him leaving station.

[bill]

west on cleveland?? Sounds like a channelside night to me.. Or it could have been ladies night at Hyde Park Cafe. Regardless, 30 years with an impecably clean record says a lot. A simple mistake

[KATIE]

you either make a conscience discision not to drink and drive or youre in denial and do it any damn way. i cannott afford a chauffure but decided 30 yrs ago not to do that. take a non drinker with you or call one to come get ya or take a cab.no one thinks their impaired when they are impaired. i never got a dui either,wasnt why i mde that decision.i travel us 19 alot and that road is dangerous enough without alcohol being involved

[Jim]

Wait a minute..he doesn't anchor the 11pm newscast..I thought he retired from the 11pm earlier this year and now only does the 6pm. So what was he doing at the TV station?? Sounds to me like he was partying...

[Rich]

Bob Hite is an honorable and admirable Man, I will never understand why these people don't have someone else drive, why the establishment or home they are at, allow them to drive?
Having had a Son hit by a drunk driver and his girlfriend killed, when they were just walking across the Street, I have zero tolerance for knowing you cannot drive and refusing to let someone else take you home, with that said, I love Bob Hite and as already said, shame he is retiring on this note.
Damn Shame

12:13...Bob's trying to remember this morning what he was doing last night too.

[Joey]

This is such a shame. Bob Hite is a solid individual who made a devastating decision. Hopefully they drop the charge or let him off and ultimately he can be treated for his alcoholism.

[Gerry]

This is news??? What a joke. Oh my God, the sky is falling! He blew a .12 which means he had...2 drinks! Wow! Arrest him! You've got to love the zealots at MADD. They're responsible for the draconian DUI laws.

[MELISSA]

Well then everyone should have their charges dropped for DUI if that's the case! But yeah if your known/famous/ or have money you usually get away with it! What's good for the goose is not good for the gander!

[MELISSA]

Gerry... I do agree with that one!!! It's is a bit over the top!

[Sally]

Pete,

It's not nice to drag Jack Harris into this but you're right! But I've never seen him drive while tying one on either.

[MELISSA]

BIG MONEY DUI'S BRING IN ALOT OF REVENUE...

If Bob Hite hasn't already made a public apology on TV, he needs to the next scheduled Channel 8 newscast.

If he doesn't make an immediate public apology, he is going to be known as the "Hugh Smith" of channel 8 in his retirement in Tampa Bay.

[Mo]

Get a grip folks...thanks goodness no one was hurt. Bob isn't the first person to drive under the influence and won't be the last. Bob doesn't need to apologize to anyone. He's done his time on the air and he's about to retire why should he really care what holier than though folks think? The man is just that, a man. He is human and makes mistakes just like everyone else.

12:59...Tell that sob story to the judge. Duck when the judge throws the book.

[MELISSA]

On a first offense the book usually dosen't get "thrown"...

[tampa tom]

Let's review: Local Newcaster gets pulled over while a little tipsy and no one was hurt after 30 years of serving the community = Crucify him! Our current president lies to Congress to start an illegal war, ten of thousands killed, hundreds of thousands maimed and displaced, billions of dollars spent = Re elected in 2004. Wake up people!

[glasstique]

Drinking and driving impaired is serious if you are not in control of your car. Some can handle more than others .But if you are weaving and inconsistent in speed and response you are a danger to others. That said the fact that many have done it does not excuse anyone! If you kill someone and you are impaired is that excusable because many others have drove while impaired. This time no one died because of the alertness of a Police Officer. What about the next time . For anyone. Do you want your loved ones killed by a drunk? If not don't ridicule MADD. I like Bob Hite and he shouldn't be crucified , and it has nothing to do with his TV station. People , when you drink if you don't think your impaired , you probably are. Call a cab , or a friend.I would pick up a friend to keep them from danger. Wouldn't you?

[Bill]

It's all about the cash. DUI is a cottage industry and it's not going away. If Hillsborough County could snap its fingers and eliminate DUI completely, they wouldn't. They love the revenue. Does anyone remember Officer Daniel Brock in Tampa? He falsified reports and arrested hundreds wrongly. He wasn't trying to get drunks off the road, but instead meeting a quota and getting awards from MADD and ample overtime pay.

[KatieB]

If he got caught we can all be assured that its not his first time.
This time his luck ran out and there was an observant cop behind him
Every DUI always says " it was my first time"....yeah, right...first time caught.
Bob Hyte...his legacy will be what a hippocryte he is...after all the fuss about DUI Officer Harrison, all the weeping and gnashing of teeth etc....he turns out to be one of them

[Matt]

I think it's Hulk Hogan's fault! Isn't he the one in charge of making sure no one drinks and drives???

[florida]

He should have taken some pointers from Nancy Alexander.

[MELISSA]

Let's just put it this way... when you make a mistake and the state of FL makes it almost impossible for one to maintain their livelyhood because of all the laws MADD has pushed on the law makers. I have a good friend that had to do all kinds of crap because of a DUI and then could not drive to do everything that was expected not to mention to work to pay all the fines!! I personally think that the laws are not reasonable when it comes to DUI convictions. Not only to you have to tend with the courts but also the DMV you get f---- every which way!

[ricco]

Remember there are two kinds of DRUNK DRIVERS,THOSE THAT GET CAUGHT AND THOSE THAT WILL EVENTUALLY GET CAUGHT.
In the Southern part of the USA,drinking to excess seems more socially acceptable; than in other parts of USA. A cultural difference.

He's clearly an alcoholic. Let's hope he gets help.

[Doug]

All of you blogging commentators need to get lives, man! Really.

[MELISSA]

Doug.. gee thanks, maybe you can tell us how to do that exactly???

[Heidi]

I was saddened and shocked to see this news. I've worked with Bob in the past and admire all the time he has given over the years to environmental efforts, children & education, and other non profits/charitable activities. That said, he is a local public figure, one many others look up to and admire. Additionally, he has certainly reported on hundreds of deadly DUI-related accidents over the years. He should know better and I would expect better behavior. This is a sad way to end a public career. I hope he plans to make some type of statement, apologize for his actions--even if it is a first DUI, and work to support some type of 'Don't Drink & Drive' effort in the future. As a friend and a mother, I wouldn't expect anything less.

[chucky]

Now he can really ride into the sunset.

His wife always said he wanted to play Cowboys and IDIOTS

[Doug]

Oh my, Melissa. Let's see...you've posted NINE messages since 9:12 a.m. on this topic alone. Do I really need to explain how you might get a life? Don't bother responding, because I'll be gone before you can type yet another lame message. I'll be outside, where I've been for most of the day, living life on this beautiful day.

[Ralphael Spitzers]

Laws to tough on 1st timers. The repeats are the main problems!

[eliza]

When my friends or family members go out drinking we have a designated driver, who can only have 2 drinks in the whole evening. If you don't do that, then get a cab. There's no excuse for driving when drinking a lot.

[L. Ranger]

What is Bob H. really guilty of ? He broke a law that was inacted as a "preventative" measure to reduce drinking and driving to lessen the "chance" of injuring someone while operating a vehicle with reduced capacity. Operating a vehicle after becoming impaired and not having an accident dosent make you a dispicable, lowlife, only someone who made a bad decision and got pulled and cited for it. And guess what? After a few drinks your capacity for making good decisions is already gone before you get into the vehicle. Thats what it means to be imparied, alcohol impaires both physical and mental capacities with the mental being affeced first.
So all Bob is really guilty of is being "impaired" due to the consumption of alcohol. It is legal to imbibe and condoned by society as a way to pursue "happiness".
The real problem is not with drinking and driving, the real problem is with consuming alcohol.
The mantra "Drink Responsibly" is an oxymoron. Once you start drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind your ability to think and act responsibly fades away in progressive porportion with how much you drink.
It is wrong to treat or judge people who disregard preventative laws as if they committed the real crime of injuring or killing someone.
Bob violated a preventative law (nothing more) and got caught, let him pay his fine and learn from the experience, just like everyone else. There is no cause here for the authorities, press or public to publically humiliate and demean him or his character on this matter.

Blame it on high definition TV. The aging newscasters wrinkled faces in HD is causing TV stations to let go any talent over the age of 21.

Expect to see many more DUI stories of fired TV newscasters let go because of High Definition broadcasting.

It's the new digital age.

[Stacy]

Drunk driving is a violent crime, and as such, Bob Hite should be in prison. Thank God they got him off the road before he murdered someone.

Go to TBO.com for a much more detailed article. That does state he will be making a public apology on air tonight. Plus he will be the one to discuss the matter.

[MELISSA]

DOUG... GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY IN YOUR SAND BOX! ONCE MY 4 DAY WEEKEND STARTS I WILL ALSO BE OUTSIDE!... BTW YOUR AN IDIOT!

Bob has a do as I report not as I do mentality, what a piece of work I am sure he drinks and drives on a regular basis!

PJ
New Port Richey, Fl

[glasstique]

Folks---did you miss the part where he was weaving and showing a lack of control over his vehicle. Forget the BAC for a minute. Anyone can be a menace on the road with a car. Legal drugs can do the same thing. But if you are weaving and losing control of the vehicle you are a menace to life. Forget this one or two drinks stuff. It's control of the vehicle that is important.

[Keith Ziegler]

This man has served Veterans in our area for the last 20 years. His selfless efforts on their behalf will be remembered long after the senastional DUI story fades away.
Hang in there Bob.

[MELISSA]

WELL SPOKEN RANGER!!!

[Sherry, Tampa]

Sadly, Mr. Hite appeared intoxicated during his 11:00 broadcast last night, even more so than usual. How often do his eyes appear bloodshot and his editorial remarks seem unbecoming of a professional journalist? Hello? Newschannel 8 claims its "on your side" but why isn't staff and management looking out for its own when it's been SO obvious for SO long that he has a problem. Luckily, no one got hurt. Perhaps Bob will step up and launch a "Sober up Tampa Bay" campaign as his legacy. It's not that we are a bunch of drunks but we don't have busses, taxis and other forms of regular mass transit that can come to our rescue when we "overindulge." It stinks but we just can't drink and expect to get ourselves home without consequences. Bob, seize the moment--your audience needs you-- and smooth sailing always!

[brown]

Melissa, are you Hot looking?

[Kaline]

A DRUNK IS A DRUNK IS A DRUNK!
It doesn't matter time of day, whether professional truck driver, cute little teenager, or a granny much loved. They are all deadly! Keep them off the road!

[Kathryn]

I stopped watching News Channel 8 years ago because of Bob's smug comments that were unprofessional. I thought news reporting was supposed to be unbiased. A few years ago I started watching again sometimes, and he seemed to have toned it down a bit. But he still occasionally remarks from a personal vantage about the news and so now the tables are turned... I hope he gets help.

DRUNK DRIVING IS MURDER FOLKS!!!!! PUT HIM IN THE CLINK AND THROW AWAY THE KEY. BOB HITE PUT ALL OF OUR LIVES IN DANGER OF DEATH LAST NIGHT!!!

L.Ranger got it righte. Everone else delete you're stupid comments and read Rangers again.

[Mark]

Thanks Bob...I'll be watching Channel 10 from now on....

[AR]

as a former employee of Media General Communications (Channel 8 & the Tampa Tribune) it truly is sad that Bob couldn't just go out on top and quitely sail off into the horizon with grace and dignity. Unfortunately there are all sorts of dirty little secrets that go on at that company. Remember the Gayle Guiardo scandal, or the reporter for a samll weekly in land o lakes who is a known drug abuser and gives the the term community relations a whole new meaning! Bob's actions is just par for the culture and character of the company he works for.

[Jessica]

Let's just count our blessings that he didn't kill anyone last night. Hopefully seeks treatment for his alcoholism.

[BOB]

So sad you were driving drunk at least you had the respect of your viewers in mind to apolgize hope you have a great retirement BOB i watched you from the
beginning and hope you dont let this
ruin your life it isa learning experience that anyone even a well respected member of the community can make a mistake Thank you for the years
of news broadcasting