ORLANDO, Fla. — After nearly 38 years with Channel 9 Eyewitness News, longtime anchor Bob Opsahl announced he would be retiring at the end of May.
What followed was an outpouring of disbelief, but also congratulations, on social media.
[ PHOTOS: Bob's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ]
“I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by, and I am so grateful to our viewers, who have been watching for so many years,” Opsahl said. “I am very fortunate to have had such a long run, in such an honorable place as WFTV. So many people work all their lives so they can retire in Central Florida, and I was lucky enough to have been here my entire career.”
Social media reacts:
Melinda Frazier Maynard - “He has been my news anchor since I moved to central Florida. Wow! I really hate this and yes Bob will be missed deeply. But as he turns a new chapter in his book of life I wish Him nothing but the best”
Lisa Washington - “Oh noooo! Bob IS channel 9. I suppose this is bittersweet. He deserves to retire like everyone looks forward to doing but he will be sorely missed. God bless you Bob.”
Traci Jean – “I remember Bob Opsahl coming through my line at Publix. I was a cashier, 30 years ago, while attending college at UCF. I was 20 years old and so starstruck and can't remember exactly what I said to him, but did ask him for his autograph. He was so nice and signed the back of his receipt. Good luck to you, Bob, you will be missed.”
Belinda Goodmark Visnich – “Oh no! I watch ABC because Bob is so real! He's the Walter Cronkite of evening news! Thanks Bob, you'll be missed!!!!”