Professional Experience

August 2021 to present: WINK News Reporter and Video Journalist. Previously worked as Production Assistant at Fort Myers Broadcasting, 2020 to 2021. Michelle was previously a Reporter at WGCU, Southwest Florida’s NPR station, and is also bilingual.

News Philosophy

I believe in truth, I believe in fairness, and more than anything I want to give a voice to those less heard.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

​When she’s away from work, Michelle enjoys music festivals, art, travel, golf, and cheering on the Tampa Bay Bucs!

Education

Bachelor’s in Communication, Minor in Journalism from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

Michelle was born in Homestead and raised in Naples Florida, so it’s great to be home!

Hometown

Born in Homestead, Fla., raised in Naples, Fla.

Collier County resolution bans future mask, vaccine mandates

Collier County passed a new resolution banning both vaccine and mask mandates in the event of a future pandemic. The resolution’s supporters say it is meant to protect individual liberties, while critics worry it could create a future health crisis.

Suspect shatters glass door, takes cash register in Collier County

Surveillance cameras caught a person breaking into a dry cleaner business on US-41 near Morning Side Drive in Collier County. But deputies believe the same person also tried getting into other nearby stores. Collier County deputies are looking for the suspect after trying to break into several businesses. In under 30 seconds, the suspect shatters […]

Bonita Springs weekend wildfire 95% contained

First responders are making progress on fires that have destroyed a manufactured home, some cars, and other property. The wildfires started over the weekend closing roads and forcing evacuations after damaging Bonita Springs. The fire is 95% contained and under control, but, because the wind shifted directions, crews are working to avoid the smoke from […]

Fire spanning more than 6,000 acres raging in Collier County

Latest reports indicate the fire in Collier County was about 6,600 acres in size and only 10% contained. If you’re driving south on Alligator Alley, you can’t miss the smoke. WINK News was off the interstate at the Big Cypress National Preserve access area. You can see, feel, and smell the heavy, dense smoke filling […]

Compass by Margaritaville coming to Naples

The company making big changes in Fort Myers Beach is about to make its presence known further south. Margaritaville has purchased a building and land in Naples. The company plans to open a Compass Hotel in 2023. It won’t be a huge resort project like the one on Fort Myers Beach, but it will give […]

Oldest house in Naples reopening for the first time since Hurricane Ian

The oldest house in Naples has withstood the test of time and also Hurricane Ian now that it’s reopening. The Historic Palm Cottage in Naples took a powerful hit from Hurricane Ian. “We’ve been closed since Hurricane Ian came and caused significant damage to the house. But we are now open,” John Telishak, education manager […]

School bus driver arrested for touching and kissing a student

A locked-up bus driver is raising concerns after allegedly inappropriately touching a student. Detectives are confident they have the evidence they need after watching a surveillance video showing Tomas Cabrera and the disturbing actions to prove he is guilty. Collier County deputies checked the video after the victim said Cabrera touched and kissed her breast […]