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

Former volunteer basketball coach arrested for having sex with teen

A former basketball coach once arrested for sending sexual images to young boys has now been arrested for having sex with one. Brandon Stetson, 28, was arrested on Tuesday by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. He faces charges of sexual assault of a victim of 16 or 17 years of age, promoting a sexual performance […]

Robbery suspect killed in LCSO deputy-involved shooting has been identified

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy shot and killed a robbery suspect after he tried to attack a deputy on Corkscrew Commons Drive in Estero. The sheriff’s office said the deputy involved in the shooting is OK. Sheriff Carmine Marceno said in a press conference on Sunday that the suspect was a 30-year-old […]

Florida International Air Show returns to Southwest Florida

The 2021 Florida International Air Show took off on Saturday in Punta Gorda. Scott Farnsworth is a pilot. “I’m looking forward to inspiring the crowd with what we believe to be the most dynamic civilian jet aerobatic team that’s available,” Farnsworth said. This year the air show featured C-17s. Farnsworth has been flying in air […]

i-75 carjacking scene

Details released in Thursday’s I-75 carjacking

Two women and a child were in a car and a woman was assaulted. She was then forced to drive around the man that carjacked them. WINK News went to the victim’s home today and attempted to talk to Milagros Chirinos. She didn’t want to go on camera. She just recalls “they were trying to […]

Adyn Pickett

Family supporting child with cancer

A family is staying strong for their son and brother since he’s been in and out of the hospital for the past few years. 9-year-old Adyn Pickett was diagnosed with cancer at just four years old. Adyn’s family says that while this journey has been tough, they will always support him in his fight. It’s […]

boat race

Roar Offshore powerboat races begin

Powerboats competing in Roar Offshore revved up their engines on Saturday. While the boats took over the water, thousands of people lined the shores of Fort Myers Beach to catch the action. Many people like that the action is right in front of them. Rose Larkin works with the Marin Rescue Task Force. “It is […]

road

US-41 road project in Fort Myers a nuisance for nearby businesses

Small businesses nearby say the road project on a stretch of US-41 in Fort Myers has caused many headaches. Drivers also say it’s a mess. Everyone we spoke Friday to who has been affected by it hopes the project wraps up soon. “It’s impacting us on a daily basis,” said Romulo Contra, who works for […]

HOMECOMING

Husband battles COVID in hospital for nine months before coming home

A Southwest Florida family is now celebrating after one family member comes home from the hospital. A man spent nine months battling COVID-19, beat the odds and now has an emotional homecoming. His wife was by his side during the entire journey. Doctors and nurses say they’ve been reminded of mortality throughout this pandemic but […]

SWFL man on vacation in Nashville attacked, hospitalized for 2 weeks

Nashville police are looking for the suspects who attacked a Southwest Florida man while he was on vacation — leaving Paul Calero of Lee County bruised, beaten and unconscious. Surveillance video shows the four suspects just after the attack. They were walking around as if nothing happened, and you can see one laughing as two […]

A boy’s childhood wish is granted

A young boy had a wish and on Sunday his wish came true. Cody Luft has always had a love for animals. They made him happy and, growing up, he needed all the happiness he could get. Erica Luft is Cody’s mother. “Just having that comfort in the love of an animal and to be […]