Professional Experience

Previous to having the pleasure of working as a reporter at Wink News in June 2018, I was a reporter at WXXV in Gulfport, Mississippi for 2 years after interning at WZZM 13 in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Awards & Recognition

Honored to have had the opportunity keep the Mississippi Gulf Coast informed from the shores during Hurricane Nate, part of the station's very first time providing wall-to-wall severe weather coverage. Also covered a story on a car crash that reopened a police investigation, and was a three-year award winner of the Radio and Television Digital News Association broadcasting scholarship.

News Philosophy

Be a voice for those that need to be heard and always listen to your community, everyone has a story to tell.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Whether it's swimming, boating, kayaking, wakeboarding, fishing or just enjoying the beach--- my free time is most enjoyably spent near the water! And we're in just the right place. I also really like to volunteer at my church, bike ride, hike, do yoga, and eat ice cream.

Education

Majored in Broadcasting Arts at Central Michigan University, with a double minor in journalism and sports management.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The beautiful sunshine, sandy beaches and friendly people.

Hometown

Farmington Hills, MI

Good Samaritan searches for owners of missing Christmas tree

Does this tree look familiar to you? One man says it came flying off someone’s car roof and somehow wasn’t damaged. Now, he wants to make sure that family has a happy holiday, with the tree they picked out. Anthony Stango wasn’t planning on taking home a Christmas tree on his way home from work. […]

Edison Estate shines bright during Friday night tree lighting

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…now that the Edison Estate’s holiday lights are shining brightly for thousands to see! A choir sang Christmas songs during the tree lighting ceremony along McGregor in Fort Myers Friday evening. Families told us why it’s a beloved Christmas tradition for Southwest Florida. “It’s enlightening,” said Louisa Washburn. […]

People camping outside stores ahead of Black Friday for the best deals

People were already camping outside local stores Tuesday night, so they can get their hands on big Black Friday deals. Some people in line have a special plan for the items they will buy. People outside Best Buy along US-41 near Page Field in south Fort Myers are ready to get the deals on Black […]

FILE: Manatee that died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019. (Credit: WINK News/FILE)

Boat kills ‘baby manatee’ near Big Carlos Pass in Lee County

Another manatee was killed by a boat. Witnesses said the boat hit the manatee near Big Carlos Pass in Lee County on Tuesday afternoon. Sonia Seiuto was in a crowd on the beach near Lover’s Key as an injured manatee took its last breaths. ”They give it a CPR, but she died,” Seiuto said. “It […]

Domestic violence illustration. (Credit: MGN)

Sheriff’s office puts Charlotte County domestic abusers on notice

Some letters went out in Charlotte County to anyone accused of domestic violence. They say the smallest complaint against them will land him or her in jail. But one woman who used to work with the survivors said there could be a downfall to the new plan. Domestic violence is a crime Linda Lusk knows […]

Cape Coral woman arrested for spending over $40,000 of person’s money

Deputies say a Cape Coral woman took advantage of an elderly person by using the victim’s credit cards to spend over $40,000 for personal items and bills over the course of two years. The suspect, Kristin Nicole Jordan, 38, faces charges for Exploitation of the Elderly and Fraud-Impersonation. Lee County Sheriff’s Office was able to […]

Fishing charters may be forced to charge more with new GPS requirement

Could your next charter boat trip get more costly? Fishermen say new government rules are forcing them to buy GPS systems for their boats, and it’s likely to put strain on their businesses. The goal of the requirement is to keep an eye on the fish caught on charter boats. ”We have to go out […]

Distinctive architecture in Cuba (Credit: U.S. Dept of State)

RSW adds new flights to Cuba despite travel restrictions

Southwest Florida International Airport added a new flight to Cuba despite several travel restrictions. The next flight is just days away. It is a dream come true for Gloria Jordan and a new way home for her to see family in Cuba. ”Somehow,” Jordan said, “something that was bad turned into something good.” Jordan said […]

Mugshot of Jessica Gutzler. 40. (Credit: Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)

Punta Gorda woman arrested after breaking into disabled firefighter’s home

A Punta Gorda woman was arrested Tuesday after she was accused of forcefully breaking into a disabled firefighter’s home last week, then attacking the first responder before he shot her in the stomach to protect himself. The suspect, Jessica Gutzler, 40, faces a felony charge of Burglary with Assault or Battery. She is in Charlotte […]

Is Black Friday impeding on Thanksgiving family time?

Is greed taking over the Thanksgiving holiday? More stores are going to open hours ahead of Black Friday this year, so people can save on the best deals. But some say the stores should stay closed so families can stay together. Black Friday is days away, and people such as Bradley Rowley are ready to […]