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

LaBelle High School. (Credit: WINK News)

Parents find solace with Hendry district schools mental health plan after mass shootings

In a matter of hours, President Donald Trump will visit the families of the victims gunned down in two separate mass shootings. His visit comes as both shootings have reignited the debate over mental health concerns – something school districts in Southwest Florida are ready to deal with. For parents like Michael and Marisa Gonzalez, […]

(Credit: Troubled Waters)

Calusa Waterkeeper Summit explores the impact of algae on your health

How does algae impact your health? On Monday evening, scientists, health officials and clean water activists talked to many of you about what the green gunk we saw last year does to your body. Last summer, water conditions did more than put Captain David Menist of Florida’s Son Fishing Charters out of work. Now, he […]

Cape Coral considers ban of retail sales of cats and dogs

The City of Cape Coral is making another attempt to ban retailers from selling cats and dogs. But one store owner says it’s targeting his shop unfairly. We looked into the debate over protecting pets and consumer choice. Cape Coral City Council is scheduled to have its final public hearing Monday for the ordinance that […]

Florida Highway Patrol

State troopers say data shows hit-and-runs rising in state

With record-breaking statistics, state troopers with Florida Highway Patrol say the agency needs to hire more specialized troopers to solve the growing amount of hit-and-run cases in the state. FHP says with current specialists, it’s not enough to prevent the rise in hit-and-run crashes on local roads. The last thing Codie Doolin remembers after a […]

lightning generic

Lightning strikes, setting Cape Coral family’s home on fire

It was a terrifying day for a Cape Coral family as a father scrambled to save his kids when a lightning strike sparked a house fire. Wade Fuwell said he’s lucky that there wasn’t more damage after a bolt of lightning hit a palm tree just outside their home while his son and three daughters […]

Cape Coral continues discussing ‘Four Corners’ project, neighbors oppose

Cape Coral City Council held its first public hearing ahead of a decision for a publicly-disputed plan known as the “Four Corners” project at its Monday meeting. An area of undeveloped land has been slated to become apartment complexes for months, and neighbors who already live near the area are against it altogether. The city […]

18-year-old arrested for one-man crime spree in Lehigh Acres

An accused crook was caught on surveillance stealing a bike, and was later connected to a number of crimes along a residential street. On Thursday, Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18-year-old Giovanni Gonzalez after deputies say he went on a one-man crime spree in Lehigh Acres. According to the arrest report, Gonzalez is accused of […]

SWFL Puerto Ricans celebrate Gov. Rossello stepping down end of term

Puerto Rican community members of Lee County are hopeful for the future of their homeland amid Gov. Ricardo Rossello’s announcement he will step down at the end of his term. Puerto Ricans gathered in North Fort Myers Thursday night to celebrate a new era. They came together at La Casita Boricua to ring in a […]

Store where the incident happened. (Credit: WINK News)

Suspect at Fort Myers store fondles himself, attacks woman

Deputies said a man was touching himself inside an auto parts store in front of customers and employees. Things got scary when he grabbed one of those employees. “He could have had a weapon,” Jacquie Matthews-Williams said. “She could have gotten hurt.” The suspect, Matthew McFalls, faces charges for battery, indecent exposure and smuggling contraband. […]

Airplane soars in the air. (Credit: Nils Nedel, Unsplash)

Hacker swipes Lee County man’s airline miles, $120,000 from his bank

A Lee County man went to check his United Airlines Awards balance only to see 150,000 of his miles were gone! The crime does not stop there. Crooks also stole more than $120,000 out of his checking account. Mary Vincenti and Beth Janus use airline miles to get more bang for their buck. Right now, […]