Professional Experience

I joined the WINK News team in June 2020. I am a general assignment reporter, soaking in more than just sunshine every single day!

I started my reporting career in Panama City Beach, Florida, at WJHG/WECP. There, my love for storytelling expanded as I learned the true impact of great journalism.

Four months into my time in the Panhandle, Hurricane Michael ravaged the area, showing me the importance of local news and the crucial need for journalism after a devastating event. My reporting helped people get the resources they needed after the storm, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Given my experience covering a major storm, Hurricane Ian was like deja vu. Immediately after the storm, I knew how crucial it was to tell the stories of survival and connect people with the right resources to rebuild their lives.

The best feeling in the world is when my stories can bring a helping hand to someone in need.

My time in Southwest Florida has led me to cover various topics. From being a lead reporter on the Gabby Petitio case to covering the highly anticipated Florida elections, but not before navigating the challenges of reporting during a global pandemic.

There's a reason why I'm soaking up more than just sunshine! Every day I am lucky to learn something new about the environmental, political, and deeply personal stories of the Sunshine State.

Awards and Recognition

My work in the field led me to win a Florida Associated Press award for my coverage after Hurricane Michael.

I've emceed nearly half a dozen community staple events.

I have been written up in the Florida State University Nomadic Nole magazine for my accomplishments as a proud Seminole alumnus.

Hobbies, Interest & Community Involvement

I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes! I also have an aloe plant I’m really trying to keep alive. More than anything, I love getting outdoors and exercising with my dog Maggie Mae.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

I love just being down south! I love the warm weather, the beaches, and being near friends and family.

Crist Demings

Could Crist and Demings help each other win in the general election

With the candidates now set for November’s governor’s race, Democrat Charlie Crist faces an uphill battle as he tries to topple Republican incumbent Ron DeSantis. Crist says he’ll focus on abortion rights and remind voters about other controversial aspects of DeSantis’ leadership, but the big concern for Crist is money since DeSantis has hundreds of […]

Golisano Children’s Hospital patients get break from reality with toy cars

Golisano Children’s Hospital teamed up with local businesses to bring kid-sized Mustangs, Broncos and Mercedes for them to drive around the hospital. It was a gift not just for the children but for their parents too. Amy Burge would do anything to hear and see her son happy every day. “Days like today are amazing,” […]

Man facing second-degree murder charge for Immokalee homicide

A man was arrested Sunday, accused of a homicide in Immokalee that morning. Chadrick Austile was arrested by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office as a suspect in a homicide at around 2 a.m. According to an arrest report, deputies were called to a home on Willie Mae Harper Drive for a suspicious incident. When deputies […]

medical exam room

Florida 16-year-old denied an abortion by the courts

A Florida teenager denied an abortion has been making headlines after a judge ruled against it, saying she isn’t mature enough to make that decision. Florida law states if you’re under 18, you have to have consent from a parent or legal guardian before getting an abortion. This case is different because the girl doesn’t have […]

Gov. DeSantis proposes bonuses for retired first responders to become teachers

First responders could fill the void of teachers in the classroom. Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing a way for them to help combat the teacher shortage the same way he allowed retired military members to get involved. And now, he is incentivizing them with bonuses. First responders could receive a bonus between $4,000 and $5,000 […]

Naples Jan. 6 suspect accused of violating the conditions of his release

A Southwest Florida man accused of storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6 is now facing more legal troubles. Chris Worrell, 51, is accused of violating the conditions of his release by speaking about the event. Legal experts say Worrell should expect a judge to order him back into custody. WINK News spoke to a […]

Rescues in Florida help 65 neglected dogs removed from Hendry County home

65 dogs have been removed from a neglectful home in Hendry County, with rescues from all over Florida picking up the malnourished dogs. The dogs were found in crates, homemade cages, chained up, with empty food bowls and no drinking water. According to the Clewiston Police Department, 66 dogs on the property needed to be […]

Andrew Byrd

Guns taken from teen who built ghost gun used in accidental death of 17-year-old

The 18-year-old accused of building a ghost gun that killed a 17-year-old girl is now not allowed to have any guns for more than a year. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says Andrew Byrd built that gun, and the girl shot herself accidentally. No criminal charges have been filed. Byrd had already given up his […]