Lauren Rautenkranz
As a Florida native, Lauren has roots all across the Sunshine State. She moved to Jacksonville in 2016 when she joined First Coast News as a broadcast meteorologist. Recently, she stepped back from TV to focus on raising her two little ones, Madilyn and Pierson, and is exploring new opportunities outside the newsroom. Lauren loves the endless variety Northeast Florida offers, from its beautiful beaches and waterways to its vibrant food scene. Married to her high school sweetheart, their family fully embraces the salt life, spending countless hours on the boat, exploring the Intracoastal and St. Johns River. Their guest room is always prepped for visitors, and they love showing off the area to friends and family passing through. Lauren also keeps fellow boaters in the loop with her weekly Sandbar Report on Facebook, sharing the best spots to soak up the sun.
‘Someone’s Gotta Pay The Bills!’ (and Other Well-Meaning Comments That Grind My Gears)
Ever since I left my full-time job as a morning meteorologist, I’ve noticed a certain phrase pop up a lot — especially when I’m out and about with my two little ones.
The scene usually...
Fun, Simple STEM Experiments for Young Explorers
For me, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) — fields that drive innovation and help us understand the world around us — is more than just a collection of subjects; it shaped my journey...
Rallying Together After Breast Cancer Messed With the Wrong Mama
It was just another ordinary afternoon in August when my whole world shifted. I was buzzing from work to pick up my little ones from school, as I always did, when my phone rang....
End of an Era: Prioritizing Mental Health and Finding Balance
"Gotta fake it 'til you make it,” right? And I did. Every morning, I’d step in front of the green screen with a smile, ready to deliver the day’s forecast with energy and enthusiasm....
Bracing for Another Blow: Prepping for Hurricane Milton So Soon After Helene
With Hurricane Milton on the horizon and memories of Helene still very fresh in our minds, I know many Jacksonville families are feeling the pressure to get ready again. While our friends along the...
The Meteorologist Mom’s Guide to Hurricane Prep
So, there’s another one brewing in the Caribbean Sea and headed into the Gulf of Mexico — Helene. Yep, everyone is in hurricane prep mode, breaking out the storm trackers, stockpiling snacks like we're...
From the Green Screen to Family Scenes: Embracing Sunshine Beyond the Studio
For years, my mornings began well before the first light of dawn. I was up at the crack of 2 a.m. (yep, you read that right), armed with several cups of coffee and weather...