Professional Experience:
 
I joined the WINK News team in June 2022 and worked as an Environmental Reporter for the first year and a half. Now I work as a general assignment reporter.
At the University of Florida, I reported, produced, and anchored for WUFT News.
Awards & Recognition:
 
National Student Edward R. Murrow award and first place in BEA's news magazine category for coverage of Hurricane Ida's aftermath in Houma, LA.
Education
 
Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication-News, University of Florida. GO GATORS!
Likes best about Southwest Florida
 
The beach, the people, and the lack of a winter.
Memorable Assignments
As a native Floridian, I have witnessed the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms throughout my life. During my senior year at the University of Florida, I took an investigative reporting class and traveled to Houma, Louisiana, after Hurricane Ida. There, I saw the devastation from the storm and the resilience of a community rising from the rubble. That story solidified what I wanted to do - become a broadcast journalist.
Just months after joining the WINK News team, Hurricane Ian struck, and once again, I saw the familiar sight of a community uniting in the wake of disaster. Those stories of hope, moments of kindness, and the people within hold a special place in my memory.
Hobbies and Interests: 
I love doing anything outdoors! On weekends, you can find me on a walk at one of my favorite nature preserves, including Six-Mile-Cypress and Audobon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and then at one of our beautiful beaches.
Hometown: 
I was born and raised in Orlando. My mom, dad, and two brothers still live there. They are the reason WINK News viewership out of Central Florida spiked starting in June 2022.
Fun fact: 
My number one goal is to be on Jeopardy one day. Growing up, my dad and I watched every night we could, and I continue that tradition today.
Red tide research

Researchers studying red tide off the coast of Southwest Florida

Red tide has been detected off Southwest Florida’s coastline. Low concentrations were found off Lee County, with a high concentration off Charlotte’s coast. From sunrise to sundown, researchers from Florida Gulf Coast University and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation focus on the water. They want to know how Ian stirred up the Gulf of Mexico. […]

Gulf of Mexico

Scientists studying impacts of Hurricane Ian on sea life in the Gulf of Mexico

A week-long voyage in the Gulf of Mexico has come to an end. Scientists aboard the Hogarth research vessel traveled south from St. Pete to Collier County to study Hurricane Ian’s impact on the Gulf. “Every time I went there, this was one of my favorite places to go dive in Southwest Florida,” said Cole Tillman, […]

Possible Red Tide in Gulf of Mexico

On Sunday, about 12 to 15 miles Southwest of Sanibel, a team of researchers found reddish water. The researchers are finishing up a week-long study of water conditions after Hurricane Ian. Researchers went all around the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, starting in Tampa and working their way all the way down to Marco Island. Visually, […]

Research trip in Gulf continues with day three after Ian

There has been a lot of focus on how Hurricane Ian affected everything on land, but how is the water doing? A research boat operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography is testing the water in the Gulf. The research boat is on day three of seven and on Thursday they were miles off of […]

Researchers inspect Gulf water on seven-day voyage

When exactly will our water be safe, allowing people to return to the beaches in Southwest Florida? Researchers are about to set sail on a seven-day trip to discover what the hurricane did to the Gulf waters. The W/T Hogarth is a 78-foot research vessel that’s owned and operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography. […]

The dangers that hide in the water after a hurricane

Most of us know not to go in the water right after a hurricane because it is polluted with many things that can make you sick or injure you. Now, 15 days after Ian hit Southwest Florida, some people are returning to business as usual, even going for a swim at the beach. A lot […]

Downtown Fort Myers businesses overcoming obstacles in Ian recovery

These are tough times for a popular spot where you can grab anything from a slice of pizza to a scoop of ice cream and even a cigar. Hurricane Ian definitely took its toll on downtown Fort Myers. But businesses there are wasting no time with their recovery efforts. As Southwest Florida rebuilds, contractors and […]

water level

Keeping an eye on water levels at Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee’s water level stands at just under 13 feet which means there is plenty of room for rising water if a storm blows in. The Army Corps isn’t sending any water toward SWFL. They’re tracking the development of tropical depression nine and the forecast. If a storm goes near or over Lake Okeechobee we […]

trees

How to prepare the trees around your home for a tropical storm

With a tropical system expected in the gulf next week now is the time to check on the trees outside your home. A recent study from the University of Florida found most trees can withstand category one hurricanes. But you don’t have to be a tree expert to spot most tree defects, and taking care […]