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.

Barking dogs scare a would-be robbery away from a Cape Coral home

A Cape Coral family is thankful for their furry friends after a man breaking into their home was scared away by barking in the middle of the night. Surveillance video from the family’s home shows the man attempting to break in. He slowly slides the door open but doesn’t get very far before he is […]

Couple’s surveillance cameras damaged after disputes with ATV riders

The last thing a couple saw on their surveillance camera before it was smashed was a masked person holding a baseball bat. But, this isn’t the first time ATV riders had come onto the couple’s property. The image is frozen in their minds. Shri and Mary Cheddie were terrified to see a bat heading straight […]

Fire destroys North Fort Myers home on Sunday

Fire ripped through a North Fort Myers home on Sunday morning near Flynn and Evergreen Roads, and neighbors describe it as intense. John Zalenski lives in a camper trailer on the property, however, he said he was asleep in the house when the flames caught the home on fire. “There’s some things that happen in […]

FDOH-Lee COVID testing sites switch to appointment-only

On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County announced that its COVID-19 testing sites will now operate appointment-only. FDOH-Lee, Lee County and Nomi Health have decided to update procedures at the county’s two COVID-19 testing locations. To meet the soaring demand for COVID-19 tests, both of Lee County’s testing sites will now only […]

SWFL businesses marching ahead with New Year’s Eve plans

COVID-19 cases are rising all across southwest Florida, but that isn’t stopping some businesses from continuing with events planned for New Year’s Eve. Most places are carrying on with their new year’s eve plans. WINK News called 18 places on Tuesday that have an event or special celebration planned; more than half of them said […]

Nomi Health struggling to honor COVID-19 testing appointments at CenturyLink site

As cases rise, more people are lining up to get a COVID-19 test. So many people were at the CenturyLink Stadium testing site that officials said they couldn’t take appointments on Monday. They will also stop making new appointments for the rest of the week. A woman working the site said it’s just too difficult […]

Santa getting a helping hand from a Cape Coral business owner

A special gift to those in need this Christmas. One man is giving out free presents and food; enough to help out more than 70 families. It’s no secret that Santa and his elves work overtime the week of Christmas, but Jason Bhimji, the owner of Big 10 Tavern, is hopping in the sleigh to […]

Fort Myers limiting lawn watering for residents and businesses

The City of Fort Myers is limiting your use of water. Beginning Friday, you’ll only be able to water your lawn once a week or face a fine. The city says it is because there was unprecedented population growth this year. Compounding the issue is a lot of traditionally seasonal residents that never left. With […]

San Carlos Park woman gives birth in car with help of neighbor

For a Southwest Florida couple, Christmas came early. They were headed to the hospital, but the baby decided she couldn’t wait any longer. So, those parents pulled into a driveway not far from their home, and the mom ended up giving birth there. From across the street, Michele ward could see that a car had […]

Beloved community member dies in hospice on same day tornado rips through

While pieces of plywood and roofs lay across the ground, there’s a hole in the hearts of those who live in The Fairways at Eagle Ridge. Just hours after a storm ripped through the community, at around 6 a.m., one of its oldest and most beloved residents passed away. Evie Bezdeicheck’s death is what created […]