Wendy Ryan

Tampa

Anchor and Reporter at WFTS-TV (Tampa, FL)

Wendy Ryan anchors the 6, 7 & 11pm newscast and she covers the mental health beat.

Articles

New therapy treatment helps veterans and first responders combat PTSD, depression and other disorders

1 week ago | abcactionnews.com | Wendy Ryan

TAMPA, Fla. — Doug White spent more than 14 years in the Air Force and over a decade as a former Sergeant and Deputy for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department. “I often hear it referred to as a front row seat to the show you never wanted to see,” said Doug. He said the chronic exposure to traumatic events haunted him for years. “So, you see human tragedy, not all day, but every day. There's certainly a potential.
Man’s best friend takes on new role helping veterans and active-duty military

2 weeks ago | krdo.com | Wendy Ryan

By Wendy RyanClick here for updates on this story CLEARWATER, Florida (WFTS) — There is a new staff member at a local healthcare treatment center. Meet Captain, the newest therapy employee at the Patriot Support Program serving both veterans and active-duty members. The program is in Clearwater at the Windmoor Healthcare Facility.
Man’s best friend takes on new role helping veterans and active-duty military

2 weeks ago | abcactionnews.com | Wendy Ryan

CLEARWATER, Fla. — There is a new staff member at a local healthcare treatment center. Meet Captain, the newest therapy employee at the Patriot Support Program serving both veterans and active-duty members. The program is in Clearwater at the Windmoor Healthcare Facility. “She's got that sense of, like, that sixth sense, almost, where she's able to recognize if someone's feeling down or depressed or a bit isolated,” said Austin White, a four-year veteran.
Father remembers son he lost to suicide as 'joyful young man'

3 weeks ago | abcactionnews.com | Wendy Ryan

TAMPA, Fla. — Preston Logan Jones was a cute little boy who grew into a handsome teenager, loved by so many. "Preston was just a joyful young man. He just loved people. He loved sports. He loved socializing, very active. You talked to his friends, and they always wanted to be around Preston because he always made them laugh,” said Tony Jones, Preston’s dad.
St. Leo University professor talks about similarities between Pope Leo XVI and Pope Francis

4 weeks ago | abcactionnews.com | Wendy Ryan

TAMPA, Fla. — Pope Leo XIV, know as Robert Francis Prevost was selected Thursday as the new Pope of the Catholic Church. He is the first American to lead the church. Since we have a new Pope ABC Action News wanted to know how similar or different he would be to Pope Francis. We spoke we Steve Okey, an associate professor of Theology and Religion at Saint Leo University about three distinct similarities that both Pope Francis and Pope Leo share.
Local doctor discusses the rise in whooping cough cases locally and nationally

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Wendy Ryan

ST.PETERSBURG, Fla. — According to the CDC, more than 8,000 cases of whooping cough are reported in the U.S.That is more than double the number of cases at the same time last year. ABC Action News spoke with Dr. Danielle Mercurio, who works in the Emergency Room at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Pete. She said there has been a steady increase in cases since about 2023.
Heels to Heal Counseling Centers holds annual Fashion Show and fundraiser

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Wendy Ryan

ST.PETERSBURG, Fla. — The 12th annual Fashion Show and Fundraiser for Heels to Heal Counseling Center was held in St. Petersburg on Saturday. ABC Action News anchor Wendy Ryan was the emcee for the event. The nonprofit is dedicated to serving victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and helping them receive the resources necessary for healing. “We help victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, and domestic violence.
Free daily text service supports mental well-being for students and staff

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Wendy Ryan

TAMPA, Fla. — For the last few years, ABC Action News anchor Wendy Ryan has told you about Cope Notes. It’s a daily text message sent at different times of the day to help support your mental well-being. “For me, it's been really like a life changer. And the most interesting thing about it is that it's not even an app,” said Damaris Diaz. Diaz is a social worker at Double Branch Elementary and Wiregrass Elementary.
New Cardiac CT Scanner could be a game-changer for Tampa Bay area patients

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Wendy Ryan

TAMPA, Fla. — Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with one in five Americans dying from it. “Well, my father passed away at 48 of a heart attack. My mother passed away at 54 with bone cancer. So, I got involved with trying to get myself psyched up to try to beat the odds,” said Victor Giordano. Giordano is beating the odds despite those genetics. He exercises every day, lifts weights, takes spin classes, and mountain bikes over 30 miles on weekends.
Gulfport nonprofit enriches lives, offers freedom for everyone to be themselves

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Wendy Ryan

GULFPORT, Fla. — When young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities get to be 18 to 22 years old, they often “age out” of continued education. But for the last decade, the nonprofit group, “My Project Free,” has been providing services in Gulfport. “It's been a really great opportunity for me to meet new friends and really come out of my shell and try different, like, artistic things that I didn't have a chance to do before,” said Isabella Vitale.