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.

In Lee County, those with disabilities have a hard time getting vaccine

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine has been difficult in Florida. For those struggling with disabilities, it can be even harder. Patricia Talbert, a 67-year-old Fort Myers woman who is blind, is desperately trying to get a vaccine. The Fort Myers Presbyterian Community resident said she’s twice called Lee County 200 times to try to book an […]

Cape Coral homeowner removes wooden plank with nails used to keep cars off lawn

UPDATE: Cape Coral police called said the homeowner has removed the wood with the nails in it, adding that the homeowner is very apologetic. The homeowner told police he just had new grass put down and it kept getting run over. He said was only trying to deter people from driving over his lawn. CCPD […]

16 week weight loss challenge

Gym members feel duped after signing up for weightloss challenge

Cathy Bryant was ready to kick off 2021 with a weight loss challenge. The Cape Coral resident found a gym deal advertised online for a challenge at the  Gulf Coast Fitness Center in south Fort Myers. “It was supposed to be for 45 women only, flexible schedule, mornings, nights, 15-plus classes a week, they offered,” […]

Home & Garden Show returns to Fort Myers

The Home & Garden Show paved the way for events coming back to Fort Myers during the pandemic and this weekend they are ready to welcome more people to their second show at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. Around 100 vendors and businesses, ranging from hot tub vendors to landscaping companies, set up at the […]

Gym members feel duped after signing up for weightloss challenge

Cathy Bryant was ready to kick off 2021 with a weight loss challenge. The Cape Coral resident found a gym deal advertised online for a challenge at the  Gulf Coast Fitness Center in south Fort Myers. “It was supposed to be for 45 women only, flexible schedule, mornings, nights, 15-plus classes a week, they offered,” […]

Beach activity increase a boost to businesses

After the new year, many people have new resolutions, some include traveling to Southwest Florida beaches. According to AAA, around 84 million Americans traveled for Christmas and New Year’s indicative of the crowds on Fort Myers Beach on Saturday. Visitors say they’re sick of staying home in many states that are shut down so they’ve […]

Server at Cape Coral restaurant receives $2,020 tip to end the year

Servers had it tough in 2020. We saw it when restaurants closed, unemployment spiked, and food lines grew. To start 2021, it took one person to show us there are better days ahead for people in the restaurant industry. Dawn Sliger greets every one of her customers with a high energy, and good karma made […]

Crowds gather on Fort Myers Beach for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Toned down New Year’s celebrations are expected this year, as most large events are canceled because of the pandemic. People are still finding a way to celebrate, as was evident Thursday on Fort Myers Beach. As the sun goes down, more people are coming out. You wouldn’t know we’re in the middle of a pandemic. […]

Cape Coral police are testing electric bikes for their patrols

The Cape Coral Police Department is considering purchasing electric bikes to help officers with patrols. The department, in a news release, wrote the department is testing the Recon Power Bike to evaluate whether the technology can help improve the efficiency and responsiveness of officers. The electric bikes would be in addition to foot patrols. Cape […]