A trusted journalist on Spectrum Bay News 9 for more than two decades, Rick Elmhorst, is Your Evening News Anchor, weekdays starting at 5 p.m.

Rick grew up in rural Wisconsin, but for more than 40 years he called Polk County home. He went to high school here, graduated college here, and even raised his family here. So, it’s no surprise that he started his career as journalist in Bay News 9's Polk County newsroom. Rick originally joined the 24-hour news team as a local reporter covering his home county eventually adding Weekend Evening News Anchor to his role and responsibilities.  

His love of broadcast began during high school when Rick took a course in radio during his junior year. In 1980, Rick began working at Bay area Christian radio station WCIE, and continued there while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland. He graduated in 1984 and was presented with a distinguished graduate award in 2005.

During his 16-year radio career, Rick also found time to do some part-time work in television. In 1998, Rick moved into TV on a full-time basis, producing a weekly news magazine for the Orlando-based "Charisma Magazine," before then joining Bay News 9 the same year.

Rick married his high school sweetheart, Michelle in 1984. One year later, they welcomed their daughter, Lauren, who also graduated from Florida Southern College with a degree in communications. When he’s not in the newsroom, Rick, who now lives Pinellas County, loves spending time with his two beautiful granddaughters and enjoys speaking to local charities and civic groups.