Professional Experience

2019 to present: Reporter, WINK News
2015 to 2019: Reporter, Producer, and fill-in Anchor, WWSB in Sarasota
2014: Intern, The Today Show and NBC Nightly News in Miami

Awards & Recognition

Finalist in Feature Television Reporting for the Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence awards, and Robert Corley Groves Award for Outstanding Achievement in TV Producing.

News Philosophy

Every person has a story. Be honest and transparent while sharing it with the world.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Cheering on the Miami Hurricanes, experimenting with vegetarian recipes, spending too much money at Target and taking long naps.

Education

Bachelor of Science from the University of Miami, majoring in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in LGBTQ Studies.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The WINK Weather Authority will never predict snow for SWFL. Every day feels like summer. It's either hot, hotter, or hottest.

Hometown

Mullica Hill, NJ.

Charlotte County sheriff write-in hopeful continues campaign despite trespass order

A write-in candidate for sheriff is banned from going into the buildings he wants to oversee. Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office issued a trespass order against Andrew Sheets, who is campaigning as a write-in candidate for sheriff. We spoke to Sheets about the controversy Thursday and also heard what the current sheriff had to say. “If […]

Deputies: DNA ties Port Charlotte man to attempted kidnapping

A Port Charlotte man who was already in jail was tied to an attempted kidnapping that happened nearly a year ago thanks to leaving his DNA with the victim, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday. Victor Brown Jr., 24, was jailed Oct. 15 for loitering and prowling and resisting an officer without violence after […]

charlotte county early voting

Long lines at Charlotte County polling locations for first day of early voting

Polls opened at 7 a.m. in Charlotte County and voters were lining up early. Some ended up waiting as long as two hours to vote. County elections offices are saying this is not typical of the first day of early voting. The Supervisor of Elections for Charlotte County says the wait is only 45 minutes […]

Shops in Punta Gorda see success with untraditional business plan

New shops in Southwest Florida are attracting customers in a unique way. Shops in Punta Gorda are going the untraditional route to get their businesses booming. Watch the video above for the full story by WINK News Reporter Erika Jackson, who got a look at the unique business models that are working for them.

Protecting yourself from construction fraud; SWFL leaders form task force

A group of industry leaders is working to make sure you don’t fall victim to construction scams after multiple arrests in the HD Custom Homes scandal, leaving many to-be homeowners with unfinished houses. Gail and Tom Hazelton’s new home in Port Charlotte is a cleared lot and some foam panels, but they feel like the […]

CharlotteCARES deadline approaching for families and small businesses in need

Halloween marks the last day that for families in need to take advantage of the CharlotteCARES program. WINK News Reporter Erika Jackson spoke to one business owner who says CharlotteCARES money is benefitting them greatly. Business at TnD Gluten Free Bakery sometimes looks on the rise. “We catch up and then I’m thinking we’re right […]

greenhouse

First-of-its-kind farm set to call Babcock Ranch home

Using eco-friendly prairies and technology from Finland, one farm hopes to be the first of its kind in America. Finn Farms is going to be sustainable, innovative, and clean. “There are no emissions, we are using all organic materials, ” said Finn Farms founder Oskari Kariste. This new way of farming is the first of […]

Off-road park opens in Charlotte County

A new place for off-roaders just opened up in Charlotte County. Eleven-year-old Lincoln Lawton has the need for speed, but finding a space to let him rev his engine has been bringing him a screeching halt. “The tracks I go to, they only have one track and it is for all of the bikes,” he […]

Allegiant Air, the only airline at Punta Gorda Airport, furloughs 100 pilots

“There are not many people traveling right now because of the restrictions,” said Daniel Bonenberger of Harbour Heights. That’s the case for travelers all over the U.S. “We didn’t have a reason to fly, but now we do,” said John Unnerstal from Venice. The reason — for mass layoffs across the airline industry. The latest […]

unfinished pool

Construction and Contractor task force created for Charlotte County

Just days after two construction company owners were arrested for a scheme to defraud and misappropriated funds in Charlotte County, a new program has been created.  Now, with the help of the State Attorney’s Office, they will be creating a construction and contractor fraud task force to crack down on these crimes. Fred Marcussen now […]