Professional Experience

2021-present: WINK News Investigative Reporter and fill-in Anchor.

Peter comes to Fort Myers after spending more than seven years in Memphis, Tennessee. There, he worked for the top-rated news team in Memphis as a reporter and anchor in both news and sports. Before switching to news, Peter worked as the Sports Director for the FOX affiliate in Memphis. He also worked as the Director of Creative Services for the Memphis Redbirds in 2018, when the team won the first national championship in franchise history. Peter has also worked for ESPN and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Awards & Recognition

During his time in the Sunshine State, Peter has received an Emmy award for investigative work after the historic Hurricane Ian. He has been honored five times as a Florida News Awards finalist, winning the Reporter Craft (Medium Market) award consecutively in 2022 and 2023. He has also been honored by the Society of Professional Journalism, winning 1st place: Investigative Reporting Series.

News Philosophy

Journalists should be advocates for the voiceless and hold those in power accountable. Local news should deliver news and information that impacts the viewer, or tells a story that interests the audience so much, that they can't look away.

Hobbies and interests

Peter loves staying active, whether it's at the gym, the beach, or outside with his dogs. He also loves movies, live music and comedy, and sports.

Education

Graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri.

Favorite part about SWFL

The beautiful beaches and hiking that the area has to offer.

FISH of SANCAP helping to rebuild Sanibel/Captiva area after Ian

For more than 40 years, FISH of SANCAP served the Sanibel/Captiva community as any other charitable group would. But when Hurricane Ian turned life upside down at FISH headquarters and on those islands, the group adjusted to meet the community’s needs.

Report: Board member Patricca created hostile work environment

Bullying, threats, and intimidation, WINK News obtained the results of an investigation that found all of that taking place inside the School District of Lee County. Now, one school board member could face possible sanctions from the governor. WINK News investigative reporter Peter Fleischer takes you through the allegations, the findings, and possible punishment. WINK […]

Workers cleaning up SWFL’s Ian debris form community in Lee County

Rubble and debris from Hurricane Ian have been everyone’s problem for months, but who are the people cleaning it up, and where are they living while they help Southwest Florida recover? Eric Henry can’t remember the exact day when he made a small roadside area of grass and dirt off Alico Road his home. He […]

Why some Lee County homeowners are receiving code violations for hurricane repairs

The aftermath of Hurricane Ian has been devastating for many, and now some are dealing with violations and small fines as they repair their homes. WINK News investigative reporter Peter Fleischer visited a neighborhood where nearly 20 homes have been hit with Lee County code violations. Homeowners say they’re not trying to get away with […]

New Florida law helping law enforcement crackdown on street racing

Maybe you’re at home and hear an engine roar in the distance, or perhaps you’re driving in your car when bright lights go speeding by; street racing is a problem across Florida and can have deadly consequences. The sights and sounds of street racing are easy to recognize. Kyle Martins, a traffic homicide investigator with […]

Records show Lee County delayed evacuation order for 12 hours ahead of Ian

Memories of those lost during Hurricane Ian remain across Southwest Florida. Signs of love and grief are still displayed for an entire region to mourn. The latest numbers from the coroner’s office show Hurricane Ian is responsible for 137 total deaths, 61 in Lee County. Dan Noah has been with the National Weather Service for […]

student athletes

FGCU Women’s basketball coach built organization and success from the ground up

The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s basketball team is ranked in the top 25 in the country and is getting dubbed as the top mid-major program in the country. While Karl Smesko may not be the most well-known head coach, he is one of the most successful coaches of all time. FGCU women’s hoops aren’t […]