After eight years, Ms. Sunshine, aka Lauren Rautenkranz, has bid goodbye to First Coast News. She is stepping away from the green screen for better opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- After nearly eight remarkable years at First Coast News, Lauren Rautenkranz has bid farewell to the green screen.
- Rautenkranz expressed her heartfelt gratitude to viewers, colleagues, and family.
- While her next endeavor remains uncertain, she has assured her dedicated followers that she will continue providing weather updates through her Facebook page.
“It’s excitement for what’s to come. The First Coast will always be home, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together,” said the Jacksonville meteorologist.
In a lengthy LinkedIn post, the University of Florida graduate expressed her feelings after leaving the show.
Rautenkranz said,
It looks like the forecast is calling for a big shift! After nearly eight incredible years at First Coast News, I’m stepping away from the green screen. 📺 I’ve had the opportunity to do some truly amazing things and have poured my heart into every bit of it—whether chasing hurricanes, sharing those beautiful sunrise shots our viewers sent in, spending time at community events, or presenting to students. Your trust and engagement have been the sunshine on my cloudiest days. You’ve let me into your homes, and for that, I can’t thank you enough.
She continued,
Now, it’s time for a “climate change” of my own. I’m hanging up my umbrella on my own terms and exploring new horizons. This decision wasn’t easy by any means, but like tracking those Florida thunderstorms, sometimes you have to trust your gut.
Lauren also thanked her family and co-workers,
To my family, especially my husband and my parents, thank you for giving me the courage to take this leap of faith. Your unwavering support has been my anchor in the storm.
A huge shoutout to my fantastic colleagues at First Coast News. We’ve weathered a lot together, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team. 💪🏼
Likewise, she didn’t forget to thank her fans:
And to our viewers—you’ve been the reason I wake up with a smile, even on those early, foggy mornings. Your kind words, photos, and stories have been the heartbeat of my forecasts. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day.
Now, the dotted mother of two can spend more time with her husband, Ryan, and raise their two young kids, son Pierson and daughter Maddie.
She Will Be Missed By Her Dedicated Followers
Fans expressed their love for the weather forecaster in her final video.
One of her supporters said,
“I will miss you, Lauren!!! You have brightened my days. thank you, and best wishes for your future endeavors!”
Another one mentioned,
“I am so sad…. Our family is going to miss you so much. You sure have brightened our mornings.”
The third one replied,
“Oh No, don’t leave Lauren. We love you and will miss you so much. Best of luck in the future. Take care of your beautiful family and yourself.”
Where Is Lauren Rautenkranz Going?
The most asked questions by her well-wishers are: Where is she going now? Will she still be seen on the television screen?
Well, to answer your question, Lauren has clarified it herself through her Facebook.
She said,
I’ll be right here with my Facebook family! You can catch my forecasts on this page. I’ll be posting occasional updates and will figure out what works best for everyone moving forward. I’m still your weather-loving meteorologist, just without the 2:30 a.m. wake-up calls! ⏰😜
Then, Rautenkranz shared a photo with the title “Top 3 Weather Headline” and said,
“Here’s my first forecast outside of the TV studio. I had fun diving into the details, but wanted to give you my top 3 takeaways.”
We speculate that she may soon engage in video content such as YouTube videos and podcasts.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lauren Rautenkranz calls herself a ‘strategic storyteller.’
- She loves volunteering and has been a Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville board member since 2017.
- Raurenkranz has a certificate in climatology and meteorology from UF’s Geography Department.
It’s been a month since you’ve been gone. My husband and I really miss you and your sweet smile. You really made GMJ a great show. I don’t blame you for wanting to be home with your kids. You get to know them better when you are with them all day, but if after a while you want to go back to work, don’t feel guilty about it. Some of us mommas are good stay at home moms and some are better working. I
My husband and I really enjoyed YOU! Every weather forecast. You are always upbeat and cheerful. Thank you for being YOU. God bless you and your family in whatever you decide to do next …Enjoy the journey.
Wish you well! Always looked to you in the morning, you are a bundle of Joy.
I knew someone was missing. How I miss your clear reporting and positive attitude. You are truly missed. Best of everything to you and your family.