Professional Experience

2021 - present: WINK News morning anchor
2019 - 2021: WINK News weekend anchor/reporter
2018 - 2019: WINK News reporter
Previously worked as a weekend anchor and reporter at KMIZ in Columbia, Missouri.

Awards and Recognition

2019 Suncoast Regional Emmy Award nomination for reporting on a "Bomb Squad Search at a Home in Cape Coral."
Two Heart of America Gold Awards from the Kansas City Press Club for a special report on "Surviving a Mass Shooting" and for several reports on human and sex trafficking in mid-Missouri.

News Philosophy

Be a voice for the voiceless.

Education

Ohio University, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism

Hometown

Canonsburg, PA

Hobbies and Interests & Community Involvement

I love soaking up the sun. You can find me relaxing at the beach or at the pool with a good murder mystery book. I enjoy working out and recently became a certified Les Mills Body Pump instructor. Being just a short flight away from so many beautiful countries and territories in the Caribbean, I love exploring new areas and cultures. Animals are my favorite. I am a volunteer at the Gulf Coast Humane Society and help other rescue organizations with events and fundraisers. I also volunteer with Best Buddies Southwest Florida and the Children's Advocacy Center.

Family and Pets

My husband and I are proud parents to two black cats named Isaac and Cleo.

Likes best about Southwest Florida:

The weather and beaches. We live where people vacation.

 

Billboard of Margie McGee, who died 43-years ago. (Credit: WINK News)

New billboard shows victim’s photo in 43-year-old cold case

A mother on her way to the bank never returned home. Now, investigators hope a billboard in Fort Myers will help crack the 43-year-old cold case of Margie Phillips. “Although it been 43 years, I never will forget that day,” said Genethel McGee, the victim’s sister. “It’s just like it was yesterday.” The day Genethel […]

Officers honor the fallen hero. (Credit: WINK News)

Community comes together to honor a fallen hero

On Wednesday, family friends and fellow law enforcement said goodbye to Captain Joe Johnson – honoring the fallen hero. The Seminole Police officer died last week in Palm Beach County. He also served more than two decades with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. “The last couple days has really caused me to pause and reflect […]

Cape Coral bar restaurant plans.

New four-story building would feature first-of-its-kind rooftop bar

A change may soon be coming to the Downtown Cape Coral skyline. An empty lot on Cape Coral Pkwy could be the site for a new four-story building. “It’s a good thing for Downtown Cape Coral,” Bonita Wilson said. “I don’t have any problems with it,” Karl Wheatley said. “I mean Cape Coral Pkwy is […]

Driver in Cape Coral crash could be connected to robbery

We learned the driver involved in a crash that caused delays for morning commuters in Cape Coral ran away from the scene. Cape Coral Police Department responded to a crash Monday morning that closed Cape Coral Parkway eastbound to Cape Coral Bridge heading into Fort Myers. A car hit a power pole, snapping it in […]

FGCU forensic studies students get hands-on experience in Pasco County

An FGCU professor is putting her forensic studies students through real-life scenarios. Her students are working at the site of a rubble pile at Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to simulate a mass casualty incident or natural disaster where people may be trapped. WINK News Reporter Taylor Petras gives you a firsthand look at the forensics […]

The School District of Lee County. Photo via WINK News.

Lee County chief academic officer resigns effective immediately

An unplanned shake up within the School District of Lee County happened this week. Wanda Creel, chief academic officer, resigned Tuesday. Creel wrote her letter of resignation saying she was leaving effective immediately to school board members and Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins. In the letter, she discusses a conversation from the previous week that she […]

American Flag

Military museum hosts inaugural Memorial Day parade in Cape Coral

A city in Southwest Florida will honor those who died while serving our country during the long weekend ahead. Southwest Florida Military Museum will host Cape Coral’s inaugural Memorial Day parade in downtown Cape Monday. The museum said it has been planning this for months. A parade to honor the fallen and the brave. “And […]

10-year-old invents shelter to save lives after natural disasters

A portable shelter could help save lives after a natural disaster like a hurricane. And the brains behind it is a 10-year-old boy from Lee County. He looks to put his invention to the test at a national convention. Hayden Fuller hopes the “Life Pod” he developed will one day help save lives after natural […]

American Flag

Military museum hosts inaugural Memorial Day parade in Cape Coral

A city in Southwest Florida will honor those who died while serving our country during the long weekend ahead. Southwest Florida Military Museum will host Cape Coral’s inaugural Memorial Day parade in downtown Cape Monday. The museum said it has been planning this for months. A parade to honor the fallen and the brave. “And […]

FILE: A Fort Myers Police crime scene unit at the Fort Myers home with two dead bodies. (Credit: WINK News/ File)

Persistent violence frightens Lee County neighbors

After another round of violence, a Fort Myers councilperson said it is time to break the silence. Last night was the first time since the weekend Fort Myers Police and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office did not have to respond to a shooting. Now, a councilperson said it is time for everyone to speak up […]