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.

Rotonda West sidewalk plan. (Credit: WINK News)

Commissioners to decide on Rotonda West sidewalk tax increase

Angry neighbors, upset that they may have to pay for sidewalks they do not want. Linda Reisen has a message she wants to relay to the Charlotte County Commissioners: No more sidewalks. “I don’t think that Rotonda West was a community designed for sidewalks,” Reisen said. The county is considering resurfacing roads, repairing bridges and […]

Earl Hjertstedt laying in the hospital, recovering from his wound. (Credit: WINK News)

North Port man nearly loses his leg from rattlesnake bite

Excruciating pain and a bite so devastating that a victim nearly lost his leg. As Earl Hjertstedt  recovers from a rattlesnake bite, he share his terrifying tale with WINK News Reporter Erika Jackson from his hospital bed.

Charlotte County Vietnam wall reads the names of veterans. (Credit: WINK News)

Renovations to Vietnam Wall of SWFL to honor all branches of the military

The organization behind a Vietnam Wall in Punta Gorda wants people to come to the park and take away something special. That is why they are working to make the park accessible to everyone who visits. A memorial, which is in the heart of Punta Gorda, honors Vietnam’s fallen. The many who served alongside Air […]

Neighbors worried wildlife taking over rundown Charlotte County property

Neighbors in Charlotte County believe some big lizards are taking over a rundown home near them. Neighbors in Englewood East have seen dozens of iguanas crawl in and out of a home under foreclosure. “There’s a big hole in there,” neighbor Henry Overhoff said. “And you can just see them on a nice day that […]

Charlotte County approves fire/EMS services for Babcock Ranch

With Family No. 500 getting ready to move to Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County, a focus on safety is key. But the closest fire station is outside the community at Station 9 along State Road 31, so county officials are looking to boost services for community members. To enhance safety, Charlotte County commissioners recently approved […]

Notorious Southwest Florida politician is planning a comeback

A notorious Southwest Florida politician, who resigned in disgrace, might make another run for office. Mark Foley, a former Charlotte County congressperson, left a scar on his reputation after stepping down from office in 2006. Foley also left behind about $1.7 million in unused campaign money. The Federal Election Commission lets former candidates donate extra […]

Port Charlotte sign. (Credit: WINK News)

Parkside Community nears completion of its 20-year master plan

The master plan to transform Parkside Community into one of Charlotte County’s top destinations is halfway done. For the past few years, the county focused on improving parks, roads and creating a family atmosphere. Now, the next step is drawing more businesses into the area. Reporter Erika Jackson explains what is next to make that […]

Leann Thibodeau loves the beach but did not expect to contract flesh-eating bacteria on her foot. (Credit: Leann Rose)

Port Charlotte woman becomes victim of flesh-eating bacteria

A case of flesh-eating bacteria, right here in Southwest Florida. There have been several people infected the last couple weeks in Gulf waters. Now, a Port Charlotte woman is the latest victim, bringing the medical malady close-to-home. Leann Thibodeau loves the beach. She is a regular at Boca Grande every weekend. But in the last weekend […]

Sheriff’s office says deputy’s identities protected by law meant for public

A law intended to protect crime victims is now being used to protect the identities of law enforcement officers. Two Charlotte County deputies shot a man after he fired at them, and the deputy’s names have been redacted from the reports because of Marsy’s Law. In November, 61% of Floridians voted in support of Marsy’s […]

Fourth of July festivities in Charlotte County bring families together

Independence Day traditions are bringing families together in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood. During the day, a thousand swimmers, boaters, and floaters are sporting their red, white, and blue in Charlotte Harbor for the 28th annual Freedom Swim. In Englewood, pyrotechnicians will shoot off 2,800 shells of fireworks over Lemon Bay. The Lemon Bay […]