Professional Experience

2021 to present: Reporter, WINK News

2019 - 2021: Reporter at WPDE ABC 15 in Conway, S.C.

Previously an intern at WESH 2 NEWS in Orlando, FL and WALB NEWS 10 in Albany, G.A.

News Philosophy

Find out what matters to people in the community and work to get answers to their questions. Be honest, impactful and accurate. Work every day to make the world a little brighter, a little kinder and leave everywhere you go a little bit better.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Traveling! I studied abroad in Segovia, Spain while in College and explored Europe! I love to find new places to go and learn more about the culture, people, and of course food!

Education

Bachelor of Science in Human Communication, University of Central Florida.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

Being closer to my huge family! Now I can go home for birthdays and events, instead of Facetiming in!

Hometown

Miami, Fla.

Woman slams into FHP Cruiser, arrested for DUI

A woman slammed her car into the back of a Florida Highway Patrol cruiser. When the trooper checked on the driver, he noticed the smell of alcohol and that she was passed out at the wheel. Sabrina Saari was arrested for DUI at the intersection of Immokalee Road and Wilson Boulevard near Orangetree. Saari’s blood-alcohol level […]

First responders celebrate Thanksgiving with their ‘work family’

While many of you spent Thanksgiving with friends and family, some in Southwest Florida are away from their loved ones to keep you safe. Firefighters and other first responders spent the holiday with their “work family.” But, many of these first responders say it’s their honor to serve their community, even on a holiday. While […]

Farm City Barbecue raising money for kids programs in Collier County

The place to be the day before Thanksgiving in Collier County is Farm City Barbecue in Immokalee. People attending the event filled up a plate with some delicious food while helping the community all at once. Dave Weston, chairman of Farm City Barbecue said, “sometimes you see people one time a year and it’s here.” […]

Zutten trial continues with a focus on a single written word

Testimony in the murder trial of a man accused of killing his girlfriend then dumping her body continued on Tuesday. Michael Zutten is accused of killing Heather Grimshaw. That testimony got very specific. At one point it came down to the significance of a single printed word. A crime lab analyst told the jury about […]

Medical examiner testifies, defends findings in Michael Zutten murder trial

Heather Grimshaw’s body was found in disturbing conditions back in 2015. On Monday, in the trial for her suspected killer, the medical examiner showed pictures of the body to the jury. Grimshaw’s fiance is on trial for murder. Investigators believe Michael Zutten killed and dumped Grimshaw’s body in a state forest in Collier County. Prosecutors […]

Zutten trial

Testimony in Michael Zutten trial begins

Testimony got underway on Friday in the trial of a Southwest Florida man who is accused of killing his fiance and disposing of her body. Michael Zutten is accused of killing Heather Grimshaw in 2015 then posting on Facebook about hiding bodies. The prosecution came out with strong words at the Collier County Courthouse. They […]

Lehigh Acres teen has a birthday to remember thanks to people from all across the globe

A big reveal for a special birthday girl. WINK News first introduced you to Emilie last month after her family lost everything in a flood. Afterward, her mom had one request for Emilie’s 17th birthday, lots of cards. WINK News hand-delivered hundreds of birthday cards to Emilie’s house on Thursday after viewers like you, and […]

Lehigh Acres teen getting support from across the country

A Southwest Florida teen’s wish for birthday cards is coming true in a big way. Even though she doesn’t know it yet. Emilie Orta turns 17 on Sunday. Last month her mom came to WINK News asking viewers to make this year unforgettable for her and send cards to her. And birthday cards for Emilie […]

naples beach sand trucks

Sand being brought to Naples Beach causes disruption for neighbors

Even more sand is being brought by truck to Naples Beach. Sadly, there’s really no good way to get it there. Neighbors are tired of the noise, and it’s creating traffic. For the people who live along Fourth Avenue North in Naples, their new reality is noisy. From Monday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to […]

short term rental in Collier

Collier County changing rules for short-term rentals

Collier County is looking to change the rules for short-term rentals. This is in hopes that it will solve noise issues. Collier County Commissioners believe forcing every rental owner to pay a $50 registration fee and to provide a 24/7 contact is an excellent way to keep homes from turning into party houses.  They want […]