BREAKING NEWS 2 teens identified in Franklin Lock Park drowning

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.

Memorial service held for Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann

The Southwest Florida community came together on Saturday to pay respects to Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann, who died on June 21. Mann was 80. He built a career out of serving others. The service for Mann was held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers. Mann was a lifelong resident of Lee County and […]

Cape police search for pickup hit during crash that killed 12-year-old at Walmart

Cape Coral police are searching for a vehicle they say fled from a crash at a Walmart parking lot. The green Ford F-250 or F-350 was involved in a crash with another vehicle that police say is responsible for the death of a 12-year-old Sierra Rose Vazquez. Cape Coral police officers say the truck didn’t […]

Candidate for Fort Myers mayor explains his platform, felony history

A Fort Myers mayoral candidate with a felony record says he has big plans if elected. David Ruffin will face off against Mayor Kevin Anderson. Ruffin has seven felonies but said he doesn’t want his past to define him. From 1996 to 2018, Ruffin was arrested and got convicted of a handful of felonies. He […]

Yanoti

Court appearance for suspect in road rage shooting on I-75

A good samaritan followed Thomas Yanoti, an accused shooter, after leaving an SUV riddled with bullet holes on I-75. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said the driver had to duck out of the way to avoid getting shot. But, the driver was hurt when the windshield shattered over him. “I find the facts of this […]

Abortion pills

Abortion pills in question now that Roe v Wade was overturned

Abortion pills available for women within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy are in question after Roe v Wade was overturned. There are two pills available and each of them provides a purpose to help a woman pass an unwanted pregnancy. Doctors say they’ve been proven safe for 20 years but that’s not enough proof […]

Tiny home

Stolen tiny home found burnt to the ground

Authorities found Richard Dunmire’s tiny home reduced to rubble, burnt to the ground, after being stolen. The veteran who built it is devastated after putting a year of his life into building it. Dunmire said, “Tiny homes are built like a home, they’re not built like a trailer.” Once a home, now a blackened shell […]

Fort Myers City Hall

A look at the two candidates running for Fort Myers mayor

A battle is coming for the Fort Myers mayor’s office. Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson is up for re-election, his opponent is David Ruffin. Anderson said he isn’t afraid of a bit of competition. “I think it’s good to have multiple candidates. I think that keeps us on our toes.” WINK News has reached out […]

Two-way conversion

Fort Myers’ First St and Palm Beach Blvd two-way conversion complete

A two-way conversion near the Fort Myers historic district is now complete. The project changed First Street, Palm Beach Boulevard, Seaboard, and Second streets. Palm Beach Blvd has been a one-way street since the late 1980s, but city planners hope with time, this new traffic pattern will be easy and offer drivers flexibility, keeping them […]

Veterans

Veterans honored with plaque and flag in Charlotte Harbor

More than 80 veterans who call South Port Square in Charlotte Harbor home now have a plaque and flag standing in their honor. Marion Clarence Walarth doesn’t go a day without remembering his days in Korea. When asked about how he got his Purple Heart Walarath said, “Ha! Just getting shot. That’s all.” Walarth was […]

two-way

Downtown Fort Myers two-way conversion causes driver confusion

Crews will begin converting Palm Beach Blvd. in downtown Fort Myers into a two-way road Monday evening. There’s a lot of change in the works which will require drivers to break old habits. The intersection at Palm Beach Blvd. and Seaboard St. has traffic going straight through the intersection toward downtown. And, for the first […]