Professional Experience

September 2018 to present: Investigative Reporter at WINK News

Previously worked as a multimedia journalist at WCJB TV20 News, WUFT-TV and WUFT-FM in Gainesville, FL; and as an investigative intern at WPLG Local 10 News in Miami, FL

Member of National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)

Awards & Recognition

2019 Excellence in Broadcast News Award for Transportation / Traffic Series reporting, Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists (FABJ) – “Waiting in the Dark”

2019 NATAS Suncoast Regional Emmy Nomination for Education / Schools News reporting– “Waiting in the Dark”

2019 Young Journalist Award for Broadcast, Press Club of Southwest Florida

2019 Sunshine State Award for Multimedia Feature, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) – “You Are Now Live” (2nd Place)

2019 Excellence in Innovation in TV, Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, RTDNA – “Locked Out Florida”

2018 Awards for Photo Essay & Short Hard News Feature, Florida Associated Press Broadcasters (now FABJ) College Contest

News Philosophy

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” — Ida B. Wells

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Sara is a big fan of live theater and performing arts, traveling to faraway places, volunteering, playing roller derby, Gator football, spoiling her nieces and nephews, and cuddling up next to her dog Mickey.

Education

Master’s in Mass Communication and Bachelor’s in Telecommunication News from the University of Florida

Go Gators!

Some seeing improvements in unemployment application, still many unanswered questions

After weeks of dead ends for people trying to file for unemployment in Florida, the state announced major improvements with the system. But are they working? The state has hired hundreds of people to help field calls and 72 servers were added to handle increased traffic for people filing for unemployment online. But many of […]

Options for those struggling to pay auto insurance bill during pandemic

Struggling to pay your auto insurance bills? In light of the coronavirus, major insurance companies are waiving late fees and suspending coverage cancellations. Allstate is offering to forgive 15% of customers’ auto premiums for April and May. We spoke to someone dealing with trouble paying auto insurance bills and heard from an expert who shared […]

Naples community supports elderly neighbor with medical conditions

A Naples woman at high risk for coronavirus reached out to us wanting us to highlight her neighbors. She says it’s their strength and deeds that keep her safe and alive during the pandemic. We found out this is nothing new for the the close-knit community. Geraldine Lisinski lives in Naples, and all her neighbors […]

Fort Myers apartment complex enacts ‘no visitors’ policy

A Fort Myers apartment complex sent a letter to residents telling them they can’t have visitors for 30 days. One woman said the letter, dated March 24, immediately worried her. The 67-year-old, who wants to remain anonymous, said she’s recovering from surgery and needs her son to deliver groceries and run her errands. “…Thirty days […]

Audit reveals Department of Economic Opportunity knew about unemployment website flaws

A 2019 audit on the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) reveals the state knew about several website problems—at least a year ago. These problems range from issues with accuracy and efficiency to security flaws. Viewers have sent in dozens of emails, messages, and comments describing their attempts to apply for unemployment and how they are […]

Valerie’s House moves grief support groups online amid coronavirus crisis

The coronavirus is taking a toll on all of us. For families already grieving the loss of a loved one, the impact is compounded by the isolation both physically and emotionally. “Most of the kids who are part of this group have all just recently lost a parent, so a lot of stress already in […]

Pharmacies ensure patients get treatment now used for COVID-19 patients

The FDA officially authorized the use of certain anti-malaria drugs for use to treat COVID-19, and the state is already making those drugs available to hospitals in South Florida. But people who rely on them to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are worried what it will do to their supply. Hydroxychloroquine supplies plummeted when the […]

Laid-off workers worry about making rent payments; here’s what renters can do

Some people who rent their homes and have been laid off are worried about making their rent payments. One out of every four to five people in Southwest Florida are renters, and right now, keeping a roof over their head is top of mind. While some property managers and landlords are showing their renters sympathy, […]

Domestic violence uptick a concern in SWFL during coronavirus pandemic

As more people are quarantined at home, experts expect domestic violence cases to go up. One county in our region already reports a spike in domestic violence calls in the last two weeks. We looked at how Southwest Florida is responding to a possible uptick in domestic violence amid the coronavirus pandemic, as it affects […]

Traveling doctor worries Florida travel restrictions could cost him his job

Traveling to Florida from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut is officially restricted. Monday night, the governor signed the executive order stating anyone flying in from those areas must quarantine themselves. But what are the exceptions? One traveling doctor we spoke to is worried this could cost him his job. Dr. John Infantolino lives in […]