Professional Experience

April 2023 to present: 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

Be honest. Own up to your mistakes. Do your best, no matter who is watching. Be the hardest worker in the room. Never compare yourself to others. Your only true competition is yourself.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

​Being active, out & about in the Florida sunshine. Meeting new people and hearing their stories.

Education

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

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The weather, gulf beaches, and the people!

Hometown

Aurora, CO

First day of testimony in Club Blu trial for Kierra Russ

A reluctant witness testified on Wednesday that she saw the men allegedly involved in the Club Blu shooting leave a home prior to the shooting with a ton of guns. The woman, who WINK News is not identifying, sobbed during her witness testimony as she told jurors she was present at a home where the […]

Jury selected in first Club Blu trial, opening statements to begin on Wednesday

The fight for justice for the families of two teens killed in a shooting continues. Kierra Russ is the first of five defendants who will face a jury in the deaths of Stef’An Strawder and Sean Archilles, who were killed in the 2016 Club Blu shooting that injured 14 others. It took about six hours […]

Notebook with passwords topic of hearing for man accused of sexual battery

A Cape Coral man charged with seven counts of sexual battery of a minor and one count of sexual battery and kidnapping was in court Monday for a discovery hearing. 67-year-old Douglas Skoczek was arrested in December for what detectives call a brutal attack on a 30-year-old woman he met on a dating app. Detectives […]

Shortage of court reporters affecting trials, including Club Blu trial, in Lee County

A high-profile trial is about to get underway in Lee County, but defense attorneys are worried because there is a shortage of court reporters. Kierra Russ is one of five people accused in the 2016 Club Blu shooting that killed Stef’An Strawder, 18, and 14-year-old Sean Archilles as well as injured dozens. Tajze Battle, Derrick […]

What textbooks were deemed inappropriate by the Florida Department of Education?

More than 50 math textbooks were rejected by the state of Florida’s Department of Education. It’s the longest list of rejected math textbooks in state history. The Florida Department of Education decided the material in the books does not meet its standards. On Thursday, the department shared a few examples of the offending texts on […]

books

State Board of Education rejects 41% of math textbooks

School districts and their teachers are scrambling to check their lesson plans after dozens of books were banned for being inappropriate. The State Board of Education has a list, and 41% of math textbooks aren’t allowed in schools. Lee County School Board member Gwyn Gittens said the focus should be directed toward the students. And […]

Southwest Florida student performs heartfelt song he wrote for uncle with cancer

A Southwest Florida student wrote a song for his uncle, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, and performed it in front of his family and classmates. Christopher Rosario realized by age nine that he had a gift. He could sing. At age 11, his uncle enhanced his talent when he taught him how to strum […]

Businesses concerned about health impacts as MW Horticulture fire burns for 4th day

Businesses and commuters are sick of the smoke as a mulch fire burns at MW Horticulture in south Fort Myers for the fourth day. Fire crews have been working around the clock to contain the flare-ups. Business owners are concerned because this smoke is pushing away customers. They are also concerned about the health of […]