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.

LCSO homecoming

LCSO deputy returns home after being on ventilator during COVID battle

A Lee County Sheriff’s deputy was able to return to normal after spending weeks on a ventilator battling COVID-19. Sergeant Steve Drum and his family say they never thought this day would come. Michele Drum says she never thought she’d see her husband, Steve, walk through their front door again. But on Friday, her dream […]

State rep. demands Lee County Schools get rid of mask mandate

State Rep. Spencer Roach (Fla-R) sent a letter to Interim Superintendent Ken Savage of Lee County Schools Friday to let him and the school district know he does not approve of the school mask mandate presently in effect. In his letter, Roach demands Savage drop the mask mandate by end of day Monday and allow […]

Family waits in SWFL for power to return in Louisiana town

Thousands of families have been forced to rebuild their lives after the destruction of Hurricane Ida ripped through Louisiana. A family we spoke to says the aftermath is worse than what they saw during Hurricane Katrina. Hundreds of thousands of people are still in the dark. We spoke to the Kramer family, who share their […]

Lee County school bus driver battles COVID-19 in hospital

A wife fears she’ll lose her husband to the coronavirus and prays he makes a healthy return home. Jay Figueroa is a bus driver for The School District of Lee County, and he was fighting COVID-19 in the hospital Monday. Wife Sandra Figueroa thinks her husband contracted the virus on the job. “He’s like a […]

Englewood smoke shop says thieves broke into shop twice

A manager is less than pleased his store was stolen from twice in two different days. He says he’s worried these thieves will return. Cheap Smokes in Englewood reported break-ins at it business to Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office recently. Manager Kodi Higman says he’s taking things into his own hands to prevent another break-in and […]

Firefighters respond to fire with explosions at maintenance building in Lely Resort

Greater Naples Fire Rescue District responded to a fire at a maintenance building behind the Players Club & Spa community in Lely Resort Friday. According to the first district, there were reportedly a number of explosions inside the building. The explosions are believed to have involved propane or gas tanks. It’s not confirmed if the […]

SWFL father devastated by loss of 2 young daughters in crash

The deaths of a family’s two little girls became a heartbreaking reality when they were killed in a car crash. Last Saturday, Mother Joyce Zamago, 44, of Immokalee was arrested after investigators say she was drunk in the passenger’s seat of the car when she let her 14-year-old daughter drive with other children in the […]

Worker trapped in collapsing hole with water rescued by USAR team

A construction worker was saved after getting trapped in a 10-foot deep hole while installing sewer lines Wednesday afternoon prompting a rescue effort. The incident happened around 3:20 p.m. in the Royal Palm Golf Estates at Eagle Lakes Golf Club off US-41 in south Collier County. According to Greater Naples Fire District, the worker was […]

Lee County school cafeterias hit by worker shortage due to COVID-19

There are at least 100 Lee County school cafeteria workers and cooks out sick or in quarantine due to COVID-19, forcing employees still working to step up their daily routines, and the shortage is turning into a safety concern. “I fear for everyone’s life because you don’t know what their medical situation is,” said Jamie […]