WESH made it official earlier this week, announcing that longtime sportscaster Buddy Pittman will be retiring., effective Aug. 27.

"I've received tremendous support from my 'family' here at the station for the past three decades, and it's never easy to leave a place like WESH and the wonderful friends made along the way," Pittman said in a news release. "But after 27 years, it's time for me to try something new."

In addition to his longevity in the market -- working at Channel 2 and also for a time at Channel 6 -- Pittman also has an important place in Central Florida TV history. He started his career at WESH in video production, was the first ENG (electronic news gathering) videographer in the area and also performed the very first news "live shot" in Central Florida.

A Georgia native, Pittman moved to Central Florida in 1971 and graduated from what is now UCF in in 1974. In addition to most likely holding the record as longest serving sports anchor in the market, he's an expert on NASCAR racing -- which came in handy with Daytona International Speedway being so close.

He's married and has two daughters, with whom he's hoping to spend more time. "I've worked weekends since my girls were little," said Pittman. "I can't wait to spend some time on the weekend with the three most important people in my life. OK, and maybe work in a few rounds of golf, too."

WESH's news release said Pittman plans to join a new company being formed to meet the increased need for video product on the Web. Other sources have said that company is the one being run by former WESH anchors Marc Middleton and Andrea Coudriet.