Rubén Capote: The meteorologist winning over Tampa with his dedication and precision
The charismatic meteorologist of Telemundo 49 Tampa, Rubén Capote Bravo, is a well-known figure in Tampa’s Hispanic community. His determination and passion for meteorology have made him one of the The charismatic meteorologist of Telemundo 49 Tampa, Rubén Capote Bravo, is a well-known figure in Tampa’s Hispanic community. Born in Cuba, Capote moved to the United States in 2000 due to family and a personal challenge, settling in Tampa in 2016. The Cuban community provided him with support and cultural support. Capote has won several Emmy Awards and has been honored with Telly Awards for having the most accurate weather forecast in the Tampa Bay area. He also teaches the community about the importance of preparation and risk perception.
प्रकाशित : 11 माह पहले द्वारा SOFÍA RAVAZZONI, CENTRO Tampa में Environment
The charismatic meteorologist of Telemundo 49 Tampa, Rubén Capote Bravo, is a well-known figure in Tampa’s Hispanic community. His determination and passion for meteorology have made him one of the most trusted faces in weather forecasting in the area.
Born in Cuba, Capote faced numerous challenges before arriving in the United States.
"I’m like many Cubans who came to the United States with hopes for a better future," says Capote, who decided to settle in Tampa in 2016. His choice, driven by both family reasons and the desire for a personal challenge, marked a turning point in his life.
The Cuban community in Tampa, particularly in Ybor City, provided the necessary support for him to adapt to his new home.
"I chose Tampa, and I think it was one of the most important decisions of my life," says Capote. The decision to stay in Tampa was not only driven by his family support network but also by the desire to improve his English and immerse himself in a different culture. The proximity to the sea, a constant in his Caribbean life, also played a crucial role in his decision to settle in the city.
He has won several Emmy Awards, including one for the best weather segment and another for special reports like "The Coral Journey" and "Inside an Angel." In addition, he has been honored with Telly Awards and has been recognized for six consecutive years for having the most accurate weather forecast in the Tampa Bay area.
Capote's passion for meteorology dates to his youth in the town of Jaruco, about 18 miles southeast of Havana. At the age of 12, he was selected at his school to read weather reports, sparking an immediate love for the science.
"That day I lost my last name," jokes Capote, recalling how his classmates began calling him by the names of the most famous meteorologists of the time. This early experience cemented his interest in meteorology and led him to study at the Institute of Superior Technologies and Applied Sciences of Cuba.
During his studies, Capote excelled not only academically but also through his participation in risk analysis projects and international disaster reduction conferences. After graduating with honors, he worked as a risk analyst and environmental scientist, allowing him to apply his knowledge in real and challenging situations. These experiences provided him with a unique perspective on weather conditions and natural disaster management, skills that would later prove crucial in his media career.
After the storm came the cameras
Living a normal life in Tampa as a risk analyst, the opportunity for Capote to enter the world of television came in 2017 during Hurricane Irma. Then an environmental scientist, he was interviewed by a Univision reporter while explaining the meteorological phenomenon that dried up the bay's waters. This interview went viral and caught the attention of the Spanish-language network.
"They interviewed me at that moment, it was early September 2017, and that marked a beginning for me, unknowingly, in the media," says Capote.
In April 2018, he joined Telemundo Tampa as a meteorologist, combining his scientific knowledge with his ability to communicate effectively and empathetically.
Since then, Capote has become a key figure in the lives of Tampa residents, reporting weather conditions for a diverse audience always seeking precise and relevant information. His focus is not limited to weather reporting; it also involves educating the community on the importance of preparation and risk perception.
He recalls that in 2019, amid the uncertainty brought by Hurricane Dorian, the tension in Tampa was palpable. Everyone was anxious. Initial predictions showed the hurricane's trajectory cone passing directly over Tampa, causing great concern among residents and authorities. The governor had declared a state of emergency, preparing the population for the worst.
In the midst of this dramatic scenario, Capote received clear instructions from his news director: they wanted his personal and unreserved analysis of the situation.
"You need to be on air and give your own perspective," he was told. Capote took this advice to heart and, without hesitation, did just that.
During the live segment, in a professional act of courage and confidence in his knowledge, Capote assured viewers: "Don't worry, Dorian is not coming to Florida. Nothing will happen."
This statement was bold, especially in contrast to the state of emergency recently declared by the authorities. His boss, surprised and worried about the public and official reaction, asked him, "Are you crazy? How can you say that when the governor just declared a state of emergency?" Capote stood firm, reiterating his confidence that Dorian would not directly impact Tampa. And so it was.
The prediction turned out to be accurate. Hurricane Dorian changed course and did not make landfall in the bay area, confirming the validity of his analysis. This prediction not only avoided a worse collective panic, but also strengthened his reputation as a meteorologist.
Later, a university in central Florida recognized the television network for being the first media outlet in the state to correctly predict that Hurricane Dorian would not impact Florida. This experience led him to establish himself as an authority in his field.
"The wolf" is coming, and it’s already forecasted. This season is shaping up to be one of the most active and potentially dangerous for Tampa due to its geographic location. Capote emphasizes the importance of preparation and accurate information.
"The sea water temperature is quite hot, and that fuels tropical cyclones," he explains. However, it is not just the water temperature that determines cyclone activity. Factors like high-altitude winds and the La Niña phenomenon also play a significant role in the formation and intensity of cyclones.
He highlights that, although an active season is forecasted, the most important thing is where these atmospheric phenomena are headed. "It doesn't matter how active the season is; a single tropical cyclone can leave a lasting impact," he says. Tampa's experience with past hurricanes has taught the community the importance of not underestimating these storms and always being prepared.
"We need to be alert and ready; people should stay informed at all times during a cyclone," warns Capote, emphasizing that every resident should have an emergency plan and follow local authorities' instructions.
He mentions Hurricane Andrew as a key example of how a single cyclone can leave widespread destruction in its wake. Andrew, which made landfall in Florida in 1992, is remembered as one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in U.S. history, despite that hurricane season only having seven storms.
"The 1992 season is remembered by everyone as the Andrew season, no more. There was no other," says Capote. Andrew was the only hurricane then, but its devastation was so significant that it left a lasting impression among Floridians.
One of the biggest challenges in reporting the weather in Tampa is the geographical extent of the area. His forecasts reach 10 counties in the area and six in southwest Florida, meaning weather conditions can vary significantly from one place to another in seconds. "That's the biggest challenge I face every day," says Capote, who must provide all the data with eagle vision for different areas simultaneously.
In this regard, Capote advises Tampa residents for this season to stay updated with the news to know the usual changes in a hurricane's trajectory. He references Hurricane Ian as one of the most impactful and devastating events he has covered in his career as a meteorologist.
"Ian, I think, marked all the meteorologists who worked and covered this cyclone here in Florida," says Capote. The hurricane stood out for the enormous loss of human lives and the magnitude of the material damage.
"More than 70 people lost their lives with this cyclone; many underestimated it and refused to evacuate," he said. The hurricane is remembered as the strongest to make landfall in southwest Florida, even surpassing the devastation caused by Charley.
Hurricane Ian was not only a tragedy but also a lesson on the importance of preparation and quick response to weather warnings. For Capote, the hurricane is a constant reminder of the responsibility meteorologists have in informing and educating the public about the risks and safety measures during extreme weather events.
Faith and the protection of the Seminoles: A living legend in Tampa
Since 1921, there hasn't been a direct major hurricane impact on Tampa's coasts, a bay that was called "The Bay of the Holy Spirit" for 200 years by early European explorers and cartographers. But it's not just science and technology that play a crucial role in hurricane prediction and preparation in Tampa.
Capote highlights a popular belief that has endured in the region for generations: the protection of God and the Seminoles. According to this legend, the Native Americans of the Seminole tribe have blessed the bay, protecting it from major natural disasters. Capote delved into this belief while making a special documentary for Telemundo 49 titled "Tampa, Protected City."
In this documentary, Capote interviewed Quenton Cypress, a young member of the Seminole Tribe, who reaffirmed on camera that according to their beliefs and spiritual practices, they continue to protect Tampa Bay. This cultural and spiritual connection to the land is not only a comfort for many residents but also adds a rich layer of history and mysticism to the region.
"It's something we've heard for years, and it's nice to think there's an additional protection over our city," said Capote.
Despite this legend, Capote emphasizes the importance of not letting our guard down and always being prepared for any climatic eventuality.
"Statistics and probabilities tell us that we can be impacted by a hurricane," he warns. Therefore, combining respect for local beliefs with rigorous science-based preparation is key to local community resilience.
As technology and media evolve, Capote adapts to new challenges and opportunities that arise.
"I don’t know if tomorrow I'll be in front of a television, on a cellphone, or through social media," he reflects. However, what remains unwavering is his commitment to the public.
He sees himself continuing his work of informing and educating, always with the mission of keeping the population safe and well-informed. "I see myself doing this in the coming years and hopefully having the privilege of doing it in Tampa," he said.
विषय: Environment-ESG