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.

Lee Health holding blood drive Sunday amid critical need

Lee Health is in desperate need of blood donations, and on Sunday, you can help. Now more than ever, your blood is needed to save lives, as the pandemic has pushed blood supply to an all-time low, according to Lee Health. John Loeber said he’s still alive because of a blood donor. In June, he […]

Homeless celebrate Christmas, get outreach ahead of cold night in SWFL

With the cold weather expected Friday night, Southwest Florida opened up shelters to make sure people experiencing homelessness had a warm place to stay. Staff in Lee County handed out blankets and hot coffee to the homeless, as well as hand warmers and socks. For the past decade, Gene Bradley’s family has celebrated Christmas by […]

nursing home

COVID-19 deaths are rising in Florida’s nursing homes AARP says

AARP says death rates from COVID-19 doubled in Florida over the Thanksgiving holiday. The spread of the virus in our nursing homes is also higher than the national average. So, AARP wants lawmakers to do something to protect those in nursing homes. AARP is saying that coronavirus has exposed that our way of caring for […]

Home DNA test kit brings 5 long-lost siblings together for the first time

While many of us wait to reunite with family members once the pandemic eases up, five family members are excited to meet for the very first time. The five found out they were related thanks to the personal genomics and biotechnology company 23andMe. It was far from the perfect family picture, but one Zoom call […]

Man hopes he’s a match for 8-year-old in need of lifesaving bone marrow transplant

Thursday, we introduced you to 8-year-old Jakobe “Kobe” Washington, who has leukemia. He’s in need of a lifesaving bone marrow transplant. There are 14,000 people like Kobe who are waiting for a match. Many people reached out to us after his story aired and was shared online to find out what they could do to […]

8-year-old Charlotte County boy in need of lifesaving bone marrow transplant

An 8-year-old in need of a lifesaving transplant faces slim odds of finding a match. His family hopes there will be a Christmas miracle for him. There is an effort to help him find a donor. Jakobe “Kobe” Washington has leukemia, and he needs a bone marrow transplant. Kobe is Black, and African Americans seeking […]

Crash involving FMPD vehicle damages traffic signal, shuts down intersection for hours

A crash involving a Fort Myers Police Department patrol car and another car knocked out a traffic signal early Wednesday morning and lasted for 12 hours before repairs were completed. The crash happened before 5:30 a.m. and damaged a traffic control box at the intersection of MLK Boulevard and Evans Avenue. The Lee County Traffic […]

Portion of Lynn Hall Park closing for beach renourishment on Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach will be closed beginning Saturday from the fishing pier to the north end of Lynn Hall Memorial Park for dune renourishment. We looked at what the project will do for beaches Friday. Forrest Kiser’s whole life revolves around the beach with his business Liquid Levitation. “It’s part of my job because I […]

Happy Hanukkah! 8-day festival of lights begins at sunset

Hanukkah, the eight-day festival of lights, begins Thursday at sunset, and as we all know, 2020 has been a rough year. One Southwest Florida rabbi is hoping to inspire others that a better year is on the way. As the sun goes down Thursday evening, homes of Jewish people will light up in celebration of […]