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.

Florida nursing homes are desperate for workers and most nursing home providers have offered an increase in wages and bonuses in response.

Florida nursing homes struggle with staffing shortages

Florida nursing homes are desperate for workers and the majority of nursing home providers have offered an increase in wages and bonuses in response. One of our most vulnerable populations is being hit hard, as many nursing home facilities face the risk of closure because of staffing shortages and higher operating costs In a recent […]

Arcadia day care

911 calls released from deadly Arcadia day care crash

The horrific 911 calls from a crash that killed a 4-year-old girl at an Arcadia day care have been released. The crash happened at the Imagination Station day care on March 16. A car drove through the playground while kids were playing. There is now a guardrail surrounding that area so that a similar tragedy […]

fmpd k9

Rescue dog from Ukraine becomes Fort Myers police’s newest K9

There’s a new K9 officer in Southwest Florida rescued from Ukraine. Bruno is a narcotics detection canine that will work with Fort Myers police. Bruno, a 1½-year-old Labrador, stands four legs tall and weighs in at about 60 pounds. He’s the latest addition to the Fort Myers Police Department’s narcotics unit. Detective Harrison Williams trains […]

Hostage

Family held hostage, duct-taped and zip-tied in their Lehigh Acres home

Neighbors are terrified after deputies say three people including a child were held hostage in their own home in Lehigh Acres. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect used zip ties and duct-taped their mouths shut. A neighbor that spoke with WINK News said that she, and the victims, know the suspect, Leo Feliz. […]

52 arrested in Lee County on drug charges in ‘Operation Double Booked’

More than 50 people were arrested in Lee County on drug charges. More than 30 of those suspects went in front of a judge on Wednesday for their first appearing hearings. It took a judge nearly three hours to read through their charges. On Thursday, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno held a news conference to […]

gulf gator

Gator in the Gulf: Alligator spotted off Fort Myers Beach

A gator in the Gulf caused a commotion on Fort Myers Beach on Tuesday. Wildlife experts said it’s probably just a guy on the prowl looking for a mate. People saw the gator in the water near the Best Western. Some on the beach were excited to see the visitor but others were scared. Gulf […]

Someone put racist and antisemitic flyers on cars at Miromar Outlets and Coconut Point Mall.

Antisemitic, racist flyers cause hurt in Southwest Florida

Hateful messages were left on cars in Southwest Florida malls. WINK News reported earlier this week that someone put racist and antisemitic flyers on cars at Miromar Outlets and Coconut Point Mall. Religious leaders say this type of hate only tears our community apart. Pastor Rickey Anderson, a follower of Christ Ministries, said “there was […]

Memorial Day

Southwest Floridians prepare for busy Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend means locals are preparing for packed beaches, traffic, and heavy crowds. If you get to the beach before 11 a.m. you’re probably less likely to run into problems. But, people that like to sleep in a little bit later, may find themselves doing laps around a parking lot for a long time. […]

Traffic

‘Pack your patience’: Memorial Day expected to bring lots of travelers

The unofficial start to the summer, Memorial Day weekend, is nearly here. It is a weekend usually met with a lot of traveling and vacationing. AAA suggests you give yourself double the amount of time you need for travel because they expect it to be a busy weekend. They don’t just mean cars. Airports are […]