When WCTV morning anchor Lanetra Bennett announced she would begin a new chapter after serving 25 years as one of Tallahassee’s most trusted voices in news, station leadership asked her: “If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?”
Her chosen parting gift: FAMU.
A proud 2000 broadcast journalism graduate of Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC), Bennett received the orange and green-carpet treatment as she reported live on air from FAMU’s campus for the final time on Aug. 26.
The farewell event was held at Lee Hall, a place Bennett holds dear after walking its halls countless times as a Tallahassee native, former student and an award-winning journalist. The university and the greater Tallahassee community, including family members, WCTV colleagues, FAMU’s Office of Communications, SJGC, the “Marching 100,” and Leon County officials, showered Bennett with gifts of appreciation.
Participants reflected on her contributions, tenacity and passion. The celebration highlighted her journey from a part-time producer to a full-time producer shortly after graduation. It also recognized her storytelling skills and commitment to the community while covering Taylor, Suwannee and Lafayette counties, as well as South Georgia. Her reputation as a trusted journalist and friendly face led to additional reporting roles in Tallahassee, followed by fill-in anchor opportunities and, eventually, a full-time co-anchor position in 2020. Her smile and energy became staples of the community.
Kicking off the celebration, Julie Montanaro, a longtime WCTV anchor and reporter, said, “Lanetra, you love this community, and they love you back.” That love was demonstrated with a parade of reflections and surprises.
Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban, along with Commissioners Carolyn Cummings and Nick Maddox, presented Bennett with an official proclamation recognizing her influence as a beloved member of the community. The proclamation also noted her role on the “Good Morning Show” team that helped make Leon County home to the state’s No. 1 morning newscast, according to the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists Awards.
“We’re recognizing someone who has been a familiar face in our community and a trusted voice in our homes,” Caban said. “For a quarter-century, Lanetra has covered some of the biggest stories in our region. But what truly sets her apart isn’t the stories she’s covered. It’s the way she has shown up, time and again, for our community. She has supported local organizations. She has walked into classrooms across our county to speak with students who dream of becoming journalists, giving them a reason to believe they can make that dream a reality.”
Bennett also received a custom FAMU jacket designed by SJGC graphic design alumnus and Fix My Sole founder Elijah Rutland. The jacket was presented by SJGC Dean Mira Lowe.
“Your story started right here on this campus,” Lowe told Bennett. “You’ve had an amazing impact on our community through the stories you’ve told and the communities you’ve helped shape. Personally, I want to thank you for sowing seeds into our future journalists. You’ve continued giving back every time we’ve called on you.”
Known for her unwavering support of FAMU’s band and athletics programs, Bennett also received an honorary induction into the “Marching 100.” The recognition followed an unforgettable live performance by the famed band and announcer Joe Bullard, a local radio icon.
“We cannot say enough about how you have contributed not only to the Leon County metropolitan area but also to the world,” said FAMU Director of Bands Shelby Chipman, Ph.D. “Thank you, and we salute you as a mighty Rattler.”
When Bullard asked Bennett what moment from her journey she would choose to relive, as she begins a new chapter in Atlanta, her answer paid tribute to her alma mater.
“The memories we create (here) today,” she said.
Junior journalism student Rowan Mumford captured Bennett’s reflections on the event.
“To be able to have that celebration here on the campus of Florida A&M University, I am just overjoyed and overwhelmed with excitement,” Bennett said. “It was a dream come true. Thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate.”
Prior to the farewell celebration at Lee Hall, events were held throughout the Big Bend region for several weeks as community members from all walks of life honored Bennett during the “Lanetra’s Last Lap Tour.”
Tour stops included:
- Bantam Bay & Co., Quincy
- Johnson’s Bakery, Perry
- Earley’s Kitchen, Tallahassee
- Dixie Grill, Live Oak
- The Bean Café, Bainbridge, Georgia
- Farewell and Birthday Bash, Tallahassee Nights Live Performing Arts Center
On Aug. 28, Bennett’s final day on air, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey surprised her with a proclamation on behalf of the city and its residents. Her final surprise before signing off came when former WCTV anchors and on-air personalities representing multiple generations of news professionals returned to the station’s studio to honor her and thank her for the impact she made on citizens across North Florida and South Georgia for more than two decades.
Several SJGC alumni and former WCTV anchors, including Carmen Cummings-Martin, who spent 18 years at WCTV; Shonda Knight, who served 10 years at the station; and Alicia Hill, who worked there for five years, were among the former staff members who surprised Bennett.
“We are super proud of your journey in television news, your contributions as a community leader and servant … and that Rattler pride and spirit that lights your path,” Cummings-Martin said.
View a video clip from the celebration here.
Celebration Gallery
By Christian Whitaker/FAMU SJGC
