Marco Villarreal Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Salary, Net worth, WFLA-TV
Marco Villarreal is a seasoned American journalist and news anchor, best known for his work with WFLA-TV in Tampa, Florida. Renowned for his engaging on-air presence and commitment to community storytelling, Marco has become a trusted face in broadcast journalism. His career spans more than a decade, with notable achievements in both local and national news coverage.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Marco Villarreal |
| Nickname | Marco |
| Profession / Occupation | Journalist / News Anchor |
| Birth Date | April 17, 1984 |
| Age | 41 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Anchoring morning news at WFLA-TV |
| Known For | WFLA News Channel 8, community reporting |
| Ethnicity | Hispanic/Latino |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Height & Weight | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | University of Houston (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status/Spouse | Married to Jessica Villarreal |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Hobbies | Running, Photography, Volunteering |
| Employer/Organization | WFLA-TV (NBC affiliate) |
| Years Active | 2007–present |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $800,000 (as of 2025) |
Early Life & Education
Marco Villarreal was born on April 17, 1984, in Houston, Texas. Raised in a close-knit Hispanic family, he developed a passion for storytelling and current events at an early age. Marco attended local schools in Houston, where he excelled in academics and participated in debate clubs and student journalism. He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Houston, laying the groundwork for a successful career in media.
Career Journey
Beginnings in Journalism
Marco began his broadcasting career shortly after college, working as a reporter and weekend anchor at a local Houston TV station. His compelling delivery and commitment to accuracy quickly set him apart.
Key Milestones
- Joined WFLA-TV in Tampa, Florida, in 2012 as a morning news anchor.
- Covered major events such as hurricanes, local elections, and community initiatives.
- Launched the “Marco’s Mission” segment, highlighting positive stories and charitable efforts in the Tampa Bay area.
Recent Activity & Current Position
As of 2025, Marco serves as a lead anchor for WFLA’s morning news, delivering breaking news, investigative reports, and in-depth interviews. He is recognized for his approachable style and has become a household name in Tampa Bay journalism.
Career Stats & Achievements
- Over 18 years of experience in television journalism.
- Multiple regional Emmy nominations.
- Frequent guest speaker at journalism conferences and community events.
Personal Life
Marco is married to Jessica Villarreal, a communications professional. The couple has two children and is active in local charities and community projects. Outside of work, Marco enjoys running, photography, and spending time with his family. He is a strong advocate for education and volunteers regularly with youth mentoring programs.
Awards & Achievements
- Regional Emmy Award Nominee (multiple years)
- Recipient of the Tampa Bay Community Leadership Award (2021)
- Recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Black
- Shoe Size: 10 (US)
- Sexuality: Straight
Quotes
- “Journalism is about giving a voice to the voiceless and shining light on stories that matter.”
- “Every day is a new opportunity to connect with the community and make a difference.”
- “Stay curious, stay compassionate.”
Favorites
- Favorite Food: Tex-Mex cuisine
- Favorite Book: “The Elements of Journalism” by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel
- Favorite Movie: “Spotlight”
- Favorite Sport: Soccer
- Favorite Vacation Spot: Florida Keys
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2025, Marco Villarreal’s estimated annual salary at WFLA-TV is around $90,000 to $120,000, based on industry benchmarks for major market news anchors. His total net worth is estimated at $800,000, accumulated through his journalism career, speaking engagements, and community work.
Interesting Facts
- Fluent in both English and Spanish, often reporting bilingually for wider audience reach.
- Has completed several marathons and supports local running clubs.
- Active mentor for aspiring journalists in the Tampa Bay area.
- Featured guest on national news programs discussing Hispanic representation in media.
Social Media Links
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old is Marco Villarreal?
Marco Villarreal is 41 years old as of 2025. - What is Marco Villarreal’s height?
He stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). - Who is Marco Villarreal’s wife?
Marco is married to Jessica Villarreal, a communications professional. - What is Marco Villarreal’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $800,000 as of 2025. - Where does Marco Villarreal work?
He is a lead news anchor at WFLA-TV in Tampa, Florida. - What is Marco Villarreal best known for?
He is known for his engaging news anchoring and community-focused reporting at WFLA-TV.
Conclusion: Marco Villarreal’s dedication to honest journalism and community storytelling has made him a respected figure in Tampa Bay and beyond. His journey from Houston to the anchor desk at WFLA-TV inspires aspiring journalists and demonstrates the power of local news. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others interested in media and journalism!
Sources: WFLA.com, LinkedIn, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Tampa Bay Times, University of Houston Alumni News
