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.

WINK poll: Majority would not get COVID-19 vaccine immediately

A vaccine is what’s needed during the coronavirus pandemic, but people we’ve spoken to in Southwest Florida are mixed about a future vaccine for COVID-19. In a Facebook poll we shared July 2, we asked, with a coronavirus vaccine in the works, if you would consider getting it when it’s ready. The results: 35% yes, […]

New and old SWFL businesses continue making moves to stay open

While businesses across Southwest Florida are working to bring customers back in, a few stores are opening for the first time. We spoke to the owners of businesses in the region who continue to hope for the best during the coronavirus pandemic. Some businesses have been in the area a while and are trying to […]

Rally in North Naples to support law enforcement

A group who said they are tired of the way law enforcement has been portrayed recently wanted to do something, so they gathered Saturday in North Naples to hold a rally to show their support. “It just gets me upset that the men and the women who put themselves on the line every day, the […]

Restaurant owner says to survive pandemic, relocating and downsizing is necessary

LaMotta’s Italian restaurant is moving after more than 40 years in south Fort Myers. Despite surviving multiple recessions and a long foreclosure crisis, the economic impacts from the coronavirus pandemic is causing the doors to close. With that closure will come a new beginning in Cape Coral. “When we started over there we were the […]

SWFL Jewish community reacts to NFL star’s anti-Semitic post

NFL star DeSean Jackson posted a quote from Adolf Hitler on his Instagram, but why isn’t he facing retaliation? We’ve seen the “Black Lives Matter” protests happening all over the country – and the world – but this week, anti-Semitism is making headlines after Jackson, a Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, posted a Hitler quote claiming […]

Money. (Credit: CBS News)

Why Black Americans are emphasizing Blackout Day

Black Americans aren’t buying any products Tuesday. “Commercial goods, household products, automobiles, technology, all of those businesses are hurt when African Americans don’t spend with them,” said James Muwakkil, the president of the Lee County NAACP. And, if they do, it’ll be from Black-owned businesses. Why? “It has to happen. We have to stand up. […]

Youth baseball tournament takes place near COVID testing site

Kids participating in the Perfect Game tournament were pretty excited to get back out on the field, especially on such a nice day. “It feels amazing,” said Jake Turer, a Perfect Game baseball player. “It feels amazing to be back after about two or three months of being off.” Some of them just felt nice […]

WWII fighter planes to soar through the sky in celebration of Independence Day

Saturday in Fort Myers, four World War II fighter planes will soar through the skies in honor of the Fourth of July. Mark Henley, team lead for Team Aeorofield said, “You guys have us for Fourth of July and we’re excited to be here.” The planes themselves are kind of a big deal. “There’s a […]

Celebrating Independence Day amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Many people are getting ready to celebrate America’s Independence Day, but this year, events on the schedule will look a little different. If you come to the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Racing Track, you can watch fireworks but from inside your car and once that parking lot is full, you’re out of luck. There will be […]