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

Purple Heart returned to hometown of WWII Veteran

WINK News first introduced you to Brenda Carlson, and the Purple Heart she found, last month. That Purple Heart has since been put into some very special hands and Carlson couldn’t be prouder. Carlson contacted WINK in July in hopes that we’d be able to find the family of Charles W. Crabbe. While she didn’t […]

With growing number of COVID deaths, Cape Coral Hospital brings in external morgue

A refrigerated external morgue is now in use at Cape Coral Hospital to house bodies. Lee Health’s Chief Officer of Operations Armando Llechu said the hospital can house four bodies in its morgue, but because of the growing number of COVID deaths, they have run out of space. “It’s typically sufficient for us,” Llechu said […]

Majority of poll participants think DeSantis has mishandled pandemic

According to a Quinnipiac University Poll, more than half of Floridians disapprove of the way Gov. Ron DeSantis has handled the pandemic. We spoke to a Lee County Republican Party leader who says he believes the new poll numbers, but he doesn’t believe it’s bad news for the governor. “So do I think the polling […]

calusa waterkeeper

Red tide sticking around longer could cause more damage

A Facebook post from the Calusa Waterkeeper shows that areas from Sarasota to Sanibel are being impacted by red tide toxins. The photos were taken between Boca Grande and Venice. On the latest red tide map, you can see that in the area where the pictures were taken, there are medium to high concentrations of […]

fallen officer foundation

Biking from Florida to New York to honor fallen heroes

A group of 60 law enforcement officers and health care workers is biking from Naples to New York to honor heroes killed in the line of duty. Their 1,700-mile journey began on Saturday. Mike Randall is the Vice President of the Fallen Officers Foundation. “They go out and the pedal and they’re working to remember […]

englewood dog attack house

Man and woman attacked by their own dog in Englewood

A pit bull has attacked its owners and now WINK News is showing you the 911 calls of their daughter pleading for help. The call is difficult to listen to.  “What if he’s killing him and I’m not doing anything?!” she said. The attack happened Wednesday morning and the couple was flown to a hospital. […]

Man in critical condition, woman injured by pet dog in Englewood

Charlotte County Fire & EMS responded to a married couple who were attacked by their pet dog, confirmed to be a pit bull breed, in Englewood Wednesday. According to EMS, a man and woman, likely in their 60s, were taken to the hospital in a trauma helicopter to treat injuries from the attack. The attack […]

fort myers beach

Many prepared for worst as remnants of Fred fizzled out

Many in Southwest Florida spent their Saturday morning at the beach, as is customary. But that was before the sky got dark and gloomy. WINK News reporter Emma Heaton talked to some beachgoers on Fort Myers Beach who were keeping their eyes on what is happening in the tropics. On Tuesday, the forecast cone for […]

Parents want the Lee County school district to track cases of COVID-19 in schools

Parents are hoping for a change in the way the Lee County school district tracks COVID-19 cases. They want access to the numbers. Brandi Gluski went in with a mission. “I definitely want to ask if they are updating their system for notifying parents about cases,” said Gluski, a parent of a student at the […]