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.

Senate bill targeting what teachers can and cannot say gets committee approval

A bill making its way through the Florida legislature could limit what teachers can and can’t say in the classroom. Senate Bill 148 cleared its first hurdle, getting approval from the State Senate Education Committee. The Florida Education Association, the state’s teacher union, said the legislation is concerning. Gov. Ron DeSantis promised new rules for […]

Curative sends out COVID test cancellation notices, says OK to disregard

People who booked COVID-19 rapid PCR test appointments at two Curative sites in Lee County are getting notices that their appointment had been canceled. The two sites include; Lee Health at 4761 S Cleveland Ave in Fort Myers and the Cape Coral site at 1020 Cultural Park Blvd. Curative sent out a notification to people […]

Fellow skydiver explains what he saw during fatal Hendry County skydiving accident

A woman who was well known in the skydiving community died during a skydiving accident in Hendry County on Saturday. WINK News spoke with a man who jumped with her and saw what led to disaster. Gregg Flowers said Susan Sweetman had what skydivers call “Line twists”. That means when she pulled her parachute, the […]

norris roof

Former snowbirds have home destroyed in EF2 tornado

Two former snowbirds decided to make Florida their full-time home a few months ago. But, after Sunday’s tornado, the home they loved so much is no longer habitable. For years, Lois Norris and her husband were snowbirds from North Carolina. But, back in October, they decided to become full-time Floridians. Of course, some repairs needed […]

Caleb White's room

High school senior loses everything in tornado

On Sunday morning, Caleb was lying in his warm bed. Now, nothing of that room is left. His former room with shattered glass, blinds and metal that used to hold those four walls together. That part of his home was a total loss. Caleb and his family have no idea what’s next. The future is […]

collier tornado

Collier County experiences tornado, weather damage

A Collier County Sheriff’s deputy was able to see a tornado coming towards him near the intersection of US-41 and Collier Blvd. Now parts of Collier County are reeling after storms left significant damage. While the damage may be pretty bad, many in Collier County told WINK News reporter Gail Levy that it could be […]

Law enforcement using new method to catch people who buy women, children online

The Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Collier County is working with law enforcement to fight domestic violence and human trafficking in our community and catch more buyers online. They’re pushing for a strategy called “The Nordic model”. Some human trafficking isn’t in the dark like you might expect. There are websites where you can […]

Banks engineering site plan estero

Neighbors voice concerns over planned medical offices during Estero meeting

On Monday night, WINK News told you about planned medical offices that could be placed right next to the entrance of the Fountain Lakes neighborhood in Estero. Now, neighbors and embers of the planning, zoning and design board are making their voices heard in opposition to the planned offices. They say safety is their top […]

fountain lakes in estero

Estero neighbors upset about possible medical offices near their community

Dozens of neighbors in one Estero community are worried about sprouting up a possible dental and medical office. It would be placed next to the Fountain Lakes entrance off US-41 in Estero. They say their biggest concern is safety. Right now, the planned facility would be right next to the neighborhood’s entrance. And, it’s the […]