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

Mary Wright

Child found wandering alone in Cape Coral, mother facing child neglect charge

A baby in a diaper was found unsupervised, roaming the streets of Southwest Florida with their dog. That baby’s mom, Mary Wright, faces a child neglect charge for allowing her toddler to wander the streets of their Cape Coral neighborhood barefoot, wearing only a diaper, while walking with a pit bull. “This child is in […]

Kierra Russ sentenced to life in prison for Club Blu mass shooting

Kierra Russ, the first person brought to trial for the deadly 2016 Club Blu mass shooting in Fort Myers, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday afternoon. Russ was the first of five suspects to go to trial in connection to the Club Blu shooting. In May, a jury found her guilty of two […]

Dog Park

Concerns after a dog gets shot at Naples Dog Park

The dog that was shot at Naples Dog Park will be ok. WINK News reported Sunday, that a dog was shot and taken to the vet at the dog park. Even if the dog is going to be ok, dog owners who frequent the park are feeling a bit uneasy. Bill Schaffner who goes to […]

Classroom

Mental health experts stress the importance of childhood mental health counseling

The Texas school shooting is taking a toll on students in Southwest Florida, and across the country. Mental health experts are stressing the importance of counseling. The mental pain is especially prevalent for the survivors in Uvalde, Texas who will have to live with these memories for the rest of their lives. A moment like […]

Divers search canal along US-27 in Hendry County for evidence in Bee Love homicide

A massive underwater search took place in Hendry Country on Wednesday as authorities searched a canal to look for evidence in the homicide of Bee Love. Love was a 23-year-old transgender woman who was found burned in her vehicle in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Clewiston in Sept. of 2019. The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office […]

Peace River

Smelly substance seen floating on Peace River in Punta Gorda

Something smelly is popping up in Southwest Florida. A viewer sent us a picture of what it looks like at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda with chunks of something floating on top of the Peace River. Mark Cangelosi sent WINK News the picture of the stuff floating in the waters of the Peace River right […]

Census

Florida Census Report undercount could have negative consequences

The Post-Enumeration Survey found that the 2020 Census had neither an undercount nor an overcount for the nation. The report says the agency undercounted people in Florida and 5 other states and overcounted in 8 states. Population determines how much each state gets in federal funding and how many representatives we get in congress. The […]

Kiana Kiara-Alexis Russel

Second person arrested in ‘not for sale by owner’ real estate scheme

Another person has been arrested for a complex ‘not for sale by owner’ real estate scheme spanning multiple counties in the state. 22-year-old Kiana Kiara-Alexis Russel is accused of co-conspiring to steal $300,000 from a dozen people. Tabria Josey was arrested last week in this same scheme. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents say […]