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.

Truck driver faces charges for DUI, hit-and-run, leading deputies on chase

Friday, Collier County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kenneth Allan Herring, 45, who is accused of driving a pickup truck involved in a hit-and-run crash, and then, leading pursuing deputies on a chase in Collier County. At one point during the chase, the Herring is accused of driving the pickup truck in the wrong direction of traffic. […]

Army Corps works to reduce blue-green algae flowing in Caloosahatchee

Streaks of blue-green algae are flowing through the Caloosahatchee River Friday. As the algae increases and moves closer to Fort Myers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking steps to reduce it. Josue Correa expected sun and dry weather to be conditions for a nice day on the water with his family. “I’m trying […]

Blue-green algae toxins showing up in Caloosahatchee River

New images of the Caloosahatchee River show blue-green algae surrounding the boat basin near the State Road 31 bridge. Streaks of green goo are also on the surface of the Franklin Lock, so much so that the Florida Department of Health in Lee County issued a health alert for algae toxins found by the ramp. […]

punta gorda crash

One driver caught up in 8-car Punta Gorda crash speaks

A 23-year-old Fort Myers man is facing seven counts of DUI with property damage for causing a crash in Punta Gorda on Saturday, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The crash happened shortly before noon. WINK News spoke to one of the drivers who was caught up in the eight-car crash. Destroyed cars, ambulances and a […]

bishop verot car parade

Bishop Verot holds parade to send off senior class

Bishop Verot Catholic High School gathered Saturday for a lovely end to an unusual school year. They held a car parade so students could say goodbye to staff, teachers, and their beloved school. Everyone remembers the excitement of graduating high school and starting the next chapter in their lives. And, although we’re still in a […]

Marco Patriots collect lumber during shortage to store for hurricane season

With hurricane season less than a month away, many people want to stock up on supplies to protect their homes. Now, there’s a shortage of lumber and the price has increased, which means that there could be less protection for your home. Experts say taxes on lumber have already been increasing. When the pandemic first […]

lake o algae

Lake O’s algae bloom and possible impacts on Southwest Florida

If you’re heading out on the water, you’ll want to watch out for areas with algae blooms this weekend. On Friday, the Florida Department of Health issued a health advisory for Davis Boat Ramp, which is on Davis Boulevard in Fort Myers Shores.  The alert for Franklin Locks is still active for now. WINK News […]

Firefighters learn how to save lives in hybrid-car crashes

It used to be only gas-powered cars on the road. Now, firefighters have to rescue people from electric and hybrid cars, too. Teslas, Audis, Chevrolets, and everything in between are trending in the way of the future. More of us are driving electric or hybrid vehicles and using natural gas to get around. “The future […]

Police lights blare from the officer's vehicle.

One child dead after Fort Myers shooting

Fort Myers police say one juvenile has died from their injuries after a Sunday night shooting at a shopping center. The shooting occurred just before 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Columbus Square Shopping Center at 3513 Fowler Street. According to a press release from the Fort Myers Police Department, two young people, […]

fmpd officer

Lee County NAACP wants to talk reform with FMPD, LCSO

Lee County NAACP wants to make sure that law enforcement is serving you. On Saturday, the president of the Lee County NAACP asked in a letter to meet with Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno and Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs. They want to continue discussing police reform and community engagement. “To their point, they […]