For years, Vicki Kirby sold her hand-made custom crafts in Port Charlotte while working at Joann fabric and craft store. She never dreamed of starting a business at 71, but an unexpected event led her to opening Kirby’s Fabric Korner on March 10 at 4549 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
Following Hurricane Ian, Tony Lapi faced a dilemma. He could either rebuild the resort in the same footprint as the 22 Beachview Cottages that were destroyed on Sanibel Island or move it farther back from the beach and construct something more resilient.
Less than two weeks after hundreds of residents packed a neighborhood information meeting to protest conceptual plans for a second location in Collier County, Costco Wholesale Corp. submitted formal development plans earlier this month for a new store proposed on the southeast corner of Collier Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road.
A brush fire in Collier County threatened the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples on Wednesday, but quick action from first responders helped prevent disaster.
For years, Vicki Kirby sold her hand-made custom crafts in Port Charlotte while working at Joann fabric and craft store. She never dreamed of starting a business at 71, but an unexpected event led her to opening Kirby’s Fabric Korner on March 10 at 4549 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
Following Hurricane Ian, Tony Lapi faced a dilemma. He could either rebuild the resort in the same footprint as the 22 Beachview Cottages that were destroyed on Sanibel Island or move it farther back from the beach and construct something more resilient.
Less than two weeks after hundreds of residents packed a neighborhood information meeting to protest conceptual plans for a second location in Collier County, Costco Wholesale Corp. submitted formal development plans earlier this month for a new store proposed on the southeast corner of Collier Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road.
A brush fire in Collier County threatened the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples on Wednesday, but quick action from first responders helped prevent disaster.
2018 to present: Reporter, WINK News. Previously worked as an anchor and reporter for WUFT in Gainesville, F.L, 2017; WSVN in Miami as an Investigative Unit intern, 2017; Today Show intern in NYC.
Awards & Recognition
I earned two Associated Press Awards while covering Hurricane Irma and a confederate rally. I was ranked Top Speaker in the State of Florida for Varsity Public Forum Debate. I’ve covered big stories in my home state of Florida from the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando to the Richard Spencer rally in Gainesville.
News Philosophy
Be the voice people can rely on in a community to relay accurate, important, and inspiring information. Journalism is what we need to make democracy work.
Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement
I worked as a tennis instructor back in Miami, so in my free time, I like to play tennis. I also love to travel with my friends and family! Cheering on the Gators is a big family tradition. I didn't miss a single home football game while I was in college.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications from the University of Florida
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The next presidential election might be more than two years away, but people are already weighing in on who they want to run for the Republican nomination. An early 2024 straw poll shows Gov. Ron DeSantis is on top, even over former President Donald Trump. What about the two running as a pair? “I would […]
Neighbors are fed up with what they call an eyesore. Trash and debris are piling up in a front yard, and the homeowner has been fined thousands of dollars. Lee County sent three trucks to haul away various items Friday from the front and backyard of a home on Aldrige Avenue in south Fort Myers. […]
A school board member is calling for an investigation of the entire Lee County School Board. Board member Melisa Giovanelli wants the entire school board to be looked into after she was cleared following an investigation of an ethics complaint made against her. The state says it found no evidence about a complaint claiming Giovannelli […]
Honoring law enforcement who responded during the January 6 attack on the capitol. But not everyone is on board. Florida Congressman Greg Steube voted against honoring Capitol police. Steube was one of 21 Republicans who voted against it and one of two Florida representatives to vote no. Steube joined Matt Gaetz who also voted against […]
Tensions multiplied in the courtroom on day two of former Lee County deputy Sergio Perez’s hearing asking the judge to dismiss the case entirely based on the “stand your ground” law. The defense asked Judge L. Frank Porter to ignore the fact that Perez is a former law enforcement officer and treat him like any […]
A former Lee County deputy accused in the death of his son in 2019 wants his case dismissed based on the state’s “stand your ground” law. Sergio Perez began crying in court Monday at the sight of his dead son, Ramon, as body camera footage from the first responding officer played. They also showed footage […]
Rep. Byron Donalds met with former President Donald Trump on Thursday in New Jersey. They spoke about public policy including border security and the budget. While Trump may no longer hold the highest office, Donalds said the Republican Party still turns to him and will continue to do so. “It’s probably also indicative of why […]
During hurricane season in 2021, homeowners have less time to report possible damage from potential storms and could get less money to pay for it. Florida’s insurance commissioner said Friday he is seeing “positive signs” in the market as Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a property insurance package passed by lawmakers in April. The measure (SB […]