Madi Baggett Biography: FOX 13 Anchor’s Age, Husband, Salary & Career in 2026

Madi Baggett is a familiar face to morning news viewers across the Tampa Bay area, known for her sharp reporting and warm on-air presence. As a lead reporter and anchor for FOX 13, she has covered everything from breaking storms to community uplift stories, earning a loyal following. Her journey from a small-town girl with a microphone to a trusted journalist in a top-20 market is a testament to her grit and genuine love for storytelling.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Born on August 15, 1990, in Ocala, Florida, Madison Rae Baggett grew up surrounded by horse farms and the tight-knit community of Marion County. Her father, Robert, worked as a high school history teacher, while her mother, Susan, ran a small bakery. Madi often credits her parents’ work ethic and storytelling around the dinner table for sparking her curiosity about people’s lives.

She attended Forest High School, where she joined the morning announcements team and wrote for the school paper. A natural performer, she also competed in speech and debate, winning regional awards. After graduating in 2008, Madi enrolled at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism in 2012, minoring in Political Science. During college, she interned at WUFT News, the local PBS station, and spent a summer at WCJB-TV20, gaining hands-on experience in both field reporting and production.

Career Journey

First Steps in Local News

Madi’s professional career began in 2012 at WCTV in Tallahassee, where she worked as a multimedia journalist. She shot, wrote, and edited her own stories, covering everything from city council meetings to hurricane aftermaths. Her ability to connect with sources and deliver clear, compassionate reports quickly caught the attention of news directors.

In 2014, she moved to WINK News in Fort Myers as a weekend anchor and reporter. There, she broke several investigative stories on water quality and development, earning an Associated Press award for Best Investigative Reporting in 2016. Her “Troubled Waters” series on algae blooms led to state policy discussions and cemented her reputation as a journalist who digs deep.

Joining FOX 13 and Rise to Morning Anchor

In 2018, Madi joined WTVT FOX 13 in Tampa as a general assignment reporter. Within a year, she was filling in on the anchor desk, and by early 2020, she became the permanent co-anchor of the weekday morning newscast alongside Walter Allen. Her chemistry with the team and ability to handle breaking news—from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Surfside condo collapse—made her a viewer favorite.

Madi’s reporting in 2026 continues to focus on consumer advocacy, education, and severe weather preparedness. She launched a weekly segment called “Baggett’s Breakdown,” where she simplifies complex local issues, from property insurance hikes to school board decisions. The segment has become one of the station’s most-watched digital series, driving engagement on the FOX 13 app and YouTube channel.

Notable Career Milestones in 2026

• Led FOX 13’s coverage of the 2026 hurricane season, providing real-time updates from the field during Hurricane Debby’s landfall.
• Moderated a televised Tampa mayoral debate in March 2026, drawing praise for her tough but fair questioning.
• Received the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists’ “Anchor of the Year” award in June 2026.
• Surpassed 100,000 followers on Instagram, using the platform to share behind-the-scenes moments and promote media literacy.

Personal Life

Madi Baggett married Jake Morrison, a commercial real estate broker, on November 2, 2019, in a waterfront ceremony in St. Petersburg. The couple met through mutual friends at a charity event in 2017 and bonded over their love of boating and rescue dogs. They welcomed their daughter, Lily Grace Morrison, in April 2022. Madi often shares glimpses of family life on social media, from weekend beach trips to baking sessions at home.

Despite her public profile, Madi keeps her personal life relatively private. She is known among colleagues for her early-morning runs along Bayshore Boulevard and her dedication to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, where she volunteers monthly. She has no known past relationships or dating history that have been made public; her focus has always been on her career and family.

Family Tree

• Father: Robert Baggett (b. 1962) – retired teacher
• Mother: Susan Baggett (b. 1964) – bakery owner
• Brother: Tyler Baggett (b. 1993) – software engineer in Atlanta
• Husband: Jake Morrison (b. 1988) – commercial real estate broker
• Daughter: Lily Grace Morrison (b. 2022)

Awards & Achievements

• Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists – Anchor of the Year (2026)
• Associated Press – Best Investigative Reporting (2016) for “Troubled Waters”
• Suncoast Regional Emmy – Nomination for Morning Newscast (2024)
• Gracie Award – Outstanding Reporter/Correspondent (2023)
• Ocala Press Club – Young Journalist of the Year (2013)

Physical Statistics

Madi maintains an active lifestyle that keeps her camera-ready. She stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighs around 128 pounds (58 kg). Her blonde hair and blue eyes are often complemented by a classic, professional wardrobe on air. She follows a balanced diet and credits early morning runs and yoga for her energy during 3 a.m. wake-up calls.

Quotes

“Every story is a chance to make someone feel seen. That’s why I love local news—it’s real, it’s raw, and it matters.”

“I learned early on that you can’t just report the problem; you have to help people understand the solution.”

“Being a mom has made me a better journalist. I see the world through a wider lens now.”

Controversies

Madi Baggett has largely avoided public controversy throughout her career. In 2024, a brief social media stir occurred when a viewer accused her of bias during a political segment; Madi addressed it on air by reaffirming her commitment to fairness and inviting the viewer to discuss the issue off-camera. The incident faded quickly and did not affect her standing.

Favorites

• Book: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
• Movie: The Devil Wears Prada
• Food: Cuban sandwich from a local Tampa shop
• Vacation Spot: Anna Maria Island, Florida
• Music: Country (Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton)
• Sport: College football (Go Gators!)

Salary & Net Worth in 2026

As of 2026, Madi Baggett’s annual salary at FOX 13 is estimated between $120,000 and $150,000, based on industry data for morning anchors in the Tampa-St. Petersburg market. With over a decade in broadcasting, her net worth has grown to approximately $1.2 million. This includes earnings from her television role, speaking engagements, and a modest investment portfolio. Her husband’s income in real estate also contributes to their household’s financial stability, but Madi’s career remains the primary driver of her personal wealth.

Interesting Facts

• Madi is a certified scuba diver and once did a live underwater report from the Florida Keys for a tourism segment.
• She has a hidden talent for voice impressions and occasionally entertains her newsroom with impersonations of celebrities.
• Her first job was at her mom’s bakery, where she learned to decorate cakes—a skill she still uses for her daughter’s birthdays.
• She ran the 2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon dressed as Belle.
• Madi is a board member of the Tampa Bay Press Club, advocating for press freedom and journalism scholarships.

Did You Know Already?

Before becoming a journalist, Madi considered a career in marine biology. She grew up visiting the Gulf Coast and remains passionate about ocean conservation. She also speaks conversational Spanish, which helps her connect with a broader audience in the Tampa Bay community.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @madibaggett_tv
• Twitter/X: @MadiBaggettFOX13
• Facebook: MadiBaggettTV
• LinkedIn: Madi Baggett

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Madi Baggett been at FOX 13?

Madi joined FOX 13 in 2018 as a reporter and became a morning anchor in 2020. As of 2026, she has been with the station for eight years.

What are Madi Baggett’s hobbies?

She enjoys running, paddleboarding, reading mystery novels, and volunteering at animal shelters. She also loves baking with her daughter.

Is Madi Baggett married?

Yes, she married Jake Morrison in 2019. They have one daughter, Lily, born in 2022.

What is Madi Baggett’s net worth?

Her net worth is estimated at $1.2 million in 2026, primarily from her journalism career and investments.

Where did Madi Baggett go to college?

She graduated from the University of Florida in 2012 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

What awards has Madi Baggett won?

She has won several, including the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists’ Anchor of the Year in 2026 and an AP award for investigative reporting.

Conclusion

Madi Baggett’s rise from a small-town Florida girl to a leading morning anchor at FOX 13 is a story of passion, persistence, and purpose. Her commitment to truthful storytelling and community connection continues to resonate with viewers in 2026 and beyond. If you enjoyed this biography, share it with a friend who wakes up with Madi every morning!