Alex Calamia is an Emmy Award-winning, AMS certified, broadcast meteorologist for News 12 Long Island and the creator and host of the network’s Garden Guide segment.
In Garden Guide, he empowers people to grow a garden with tips that keep our local climate in mind. He is a native Long Islander and grew up with a passion for both plants and weather — so this is truly a dream job.
When he was younger, Alex had huge hopes that his dream job was out there waiting for him. Now, he thinks that’s underselling the value in the journey.
He has spent his entire life gardening because it’s a safe space to think outside the box. He is growing hundreds of tropical plants in New York, and he’s constantly experimenting with new flowers and fruits to test the garden limits in our climate.
Sharing such a big piece of his life gives him an opportunity to make an authentic connection with our community and share so much more than a typical weather forecast.
Before he started working for News 12, Alex worked his way up in the TV world in Florida and South Carolina. He realized very early in his career that he could use his platform as a meteorologist to also inspire people to grow beautiful, tasty gardens.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, his garden segment in South Carolina really took off.
He says, “Growing food gives people a feeling of control during supply chain shortages, and plants can turn a home into a little piece of paradise. It was incredibly rewarding to give viewers the tools they needed to start such a rewarding hobby.”
Alex started working with News12 Long Island in June 2022 and is so excited to share his passion for gardening with the place that inspired his love for plants.
Alex is honored to have a platform to guide people through terrible weather and celebrate all the beautiful days we have on the island too.
His favorite part of the job is meeting people around town and talking about the things they love about our lovely seasons on Long Island. He hopes that his work makes people appreciate nature a little more.
What has enabled you to be successful?
I was very lucky to have an incredible family who have encouraged and supported me all my life.
My family and friends are the entire foundation of my success. Everything I do is fueled by the gratitude I have for them and for the people who took a chance on me when I was very fresh in the industry.
There were a lot of boxes I did not check off when I was applying for jobs early in my career. I had a degree in meteorology but I was not a natural on camera. Regardless, I gravitated toward a career in television because I wanted to provide a service for my community.
I had many rejections from people who only saw my shortcomings, but others saw my work ethic and passion and they felt I had a space on their news team. I wake up every morning excited for work because I know I am here for a reason. It’s the feeling that fuels me and it’s why I approach my job with creativity and give every day my best.
