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.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market reopens

Farmers markets are a popular place to find local produce and unique items, and many of you have missed out on your favorite must-haves since the pandemic began. Good news: the Bonita Springs Farmers Market is back up and running. It’s a boost for local small businesses that have been out of in-person work for […]

FILE: Water being released from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee River on October 29, 2018. (Credit: WINK News/FILE)

Water releases from Lake Okeechobee to begin next week

A lot of water from Lake Okeechobee is coming our way. The Army Corps of Engineers said Friday they’ll start releasing water from the lake in a matter of days. The water level right now in Lake O is over 16 feet. Col. Andrew Kelly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said releases from […]

Lakes Park Farmers Market vendors hoping for rebound after reopening

The Lakes Park Farmers Market is back open Wednesday as vendors struggle to stay afloat after the busy season got cut short. They’re hoping for a rebound. A job fueled by passion. It’s not something you hear about every day. “I feel like once you find something that you love doing, you’ll never work a […]

Make sure your voice is heard: Voter registration deadline is Monday night

As we move closer to Election Day, time is running out for you to make sure your voice and vote will be counted. Being registered to vote is the only way to officially give your input on who you want to lead our country. The deadline to register to vote ends Monday at 11:59 p.m. […]

United States Census illustration. (Credit: MGN)

2020 Census deadline approaches following extension

Every 10 years, our country recounts the population through the census. This process helps our state and local leaders provide needs for you and your family. Complications to complete the 2020 Census has caused the deadline to be extended, but we might not get any more time to complete it. Make yourself count: We’ve been […]

Advanced Disposal negotiating with employees following strike

Better pay and shorter routes: That’s what Advanced Disposal workers say their company is negotiating with them. This comes after two days of strikes. We talked to some people in one neighborhood who say they didn’t realize the workers were treated poorly. The sound is unmistakable. A sound the Athime family counts on hearing every […]

Garbage collection strike over pay, working conditions continues in parts of Lee County

Garbage workers in Lehigh Acres are fed up. They want shorter routes and higher pay. It’s a dirty job. And the drivers for Advanced Disposal say the conditions threaten their health and safety. Anier Fernandez works for Advanced Disposal and says, “Every time, normally, when you get a leaking box, when you dump the box, […]

Cape Coral police now have safer, non-lethal device on hand

Cape Coral police have a new device to help them catch the bad guys. The BolaWrap is a remote restraint device that’s safer for everyone involved. If a peaceful protest turns into a chaotic riot, police must be prepared. “Being able to do our jobs without injuring people is essential,” said Sgt. Patrick O’Grady with […]