Professional Experience

  • January 2024 to present: WINK News Night Beat Anchor
  • April 2023 to January 2024: WINK News Anchor/Reporter
  • June 2021 to 2023: WINK News Reporter and Video Journalist
  • Previously worked as Reporting/Production Intern, Production Assistant, Associate Producer, Producer at WBBH in Fort Myers, 2019 to 2021

News Philosophy

I am committed to delivering news that uplifts and informs. I believe in leading with compassion, recognizing the human stories behind every headline. By showing grace in our reporting, I aim to foster understanding and empathy among our viewers.

Ethics and objectivity are at the core of my journalistic approach. I strive to present facts fairly and accurately, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. My goal is to create a trusted platform where audiences can engage with news that inspires hope and positive change.

By prioritizing integrity and compassion in my reporting, I seek to not only inform but also to empower our community, highlighting stories of resilience and progress. Together, we can illuminate the good in the world while acknowledging the challenges we face.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

  • ​My faith guides my life and work. I have a passion for staying active and love exercising outdoors, whether it’s hiking, running, pickleball, lifting weights, or enjoying nature.
  • Connecting with new people brings me joy, and I cherish the stories they share.
  • I’m also an animal lover. I have a cat named Olive and often care for my brothers golden retriever.

Education

Bachelor’s in Journalism, Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University

Likes best about Southwest Florida

What I love most about Southwest Florida is the abundance of sunny days that brighten our lives year-round. The vibrant community here, characterized by warm, welcoming people, creates a true sense of belonging. I enjoy the picturesque palm trees swaying in the breeze, the beautiful beaches, and the thrill of surf and sand that make every day feel like a vacation. This blend of nature and community truly makes Southwest Florida a special place to call home.

Hometown

Aurora, CO

Hertz Arena shelter closes; people moved to new shelter in North Fort Myers

People who lost their homes to Hurricane Ian are being moved if they stay at the Hertz Arena shelter. Hertz Arena is shutting down shelter operations after being open for three weeks. The people there are leaving Hertz Arena on busses and going to a new shelter at an old Publix location in North Fort […]

WWII veteran and his wife don’t know what’s next after Ian floods their home

A 98-year-old World War II combat veteran and his wife survived Hurricane Ian after riding the storm out in their North Fort Myers home. The couple was in bed as flood waters filled their home. Veteran Harry Long flew a B-26 Marauder during World War II, and his wife Marvis was a real-life Rosie the […]

Hurricane shelters provide services to the displaced, but some have complaints

Shelters are a place to eat, sleep and find emotional support for those who lost their homes after Hurricane Ian. The Red Cross provides hurricane shelters in Lee and Collier counties. WINK News reporter Emma Heaton spoke to people staying at the Estero shelter, run by the Red Cross, and a nurse working there. The […]

Remembering Ian victims: 73-year-old woman dies in East Naples home

Rose Marie Santangelo had her East Naples home custom-built. There are palm trees in the front yard and it’s painted pink with white accents. The Rivard Road home suffered a catastrophic storm surge. The 73-year-old was supposed to spend the rest of her life there. Instead, Santangelo was one of five people who died in […]

First Lady Niki recounts how her newborn was saved during Hurricane Ian

A mother and her four-month-old baby were rescued from their home during Hurricane Ian. Niki Escobar, also known as First Lady Niki, is a radio DJ for Fly 98.5, a product of the Fort Myers Broadcast Center, and wanted to tell the story of how she and her newborn were saved. It was a scary […]

Remembering the victims of Hurricane Ian

The names of victims who died during Hurricane Ian are beginning to emerge. In Lee County, more than 50 people perished during the storm while five people died each in Charlotte and Collier counties. On Fort Myers Beach, neighbors Mitch Pacyna and Martha “Marti” Campbell died. Pacyna, 74, lived on Estero Boulevard and Hercules Drive. […]

Harlem Heights community dealing with significant storm damage

A Harlem Heights community is dealing with significant storm damage. It is a grim time for homeowners in the community, where people were waist-deep in water after Hurricane Ian. Many residents were left to sleep on water-filled mattresses or on the floors inside of their homes, where mold is beginning to grow, because they have […]

Norway man needs help getting boat out of tree after Hurricane Ian

A man who sailed to Fort Myers Beach is left needing help to get his boat out of a tree and back onto the water after Hurricane Ian. Dion is from Norway and lives on his sailboat. He was on his boat when Hurricane Ian ripped through SWFL. He is searching for anyone who can […]

After Irma flood, home buyout program offered in Bonita Springs

The flood damage in Bonita Springs during Irma in 2017 was so bad the federal government sent the city $5 million to make sure the same damage wouldn’t occur again. The program was supposed to be used to buy homes that suffered severe flooding, but five years later, the city has only purchased three homes. […]

school threat

Helping students get the message on school threats

School threat messages are not a joke, but they keep happening; on Thursday, a hand-written threat was found in a girl’s bathroom at Riverdale High School. The written threat said, “I’mma shoot da school if I fail the EOC again.” Last week, the South Fort Myers High School threat, which turned out to be a […]