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.

 

Pet Pals: Agador Spartacus (and Princess Tanko)

On WINK News’ weekly Pet Pals segment, anchor Taylor Petras is joined by Carrie Leverrett from Cat Tails and More, Inc. to show viewers not just one, but two adoptable pets! Agador Spartacus, a 2-year-old terrier mix, has spent his entire life looking for a home to call his own. Cat Tails and More has […]

Fort Myers woman details 20-year journey with bipolar disorder

One Southwest Florida woman is sharing her 20-year journey with bipolar disorder and how she finally got help. Cristina Johansson was in high school when she noticed her sadness was more than teenage angst. “I couldn’t get over being sad,” Johansson said. “Anything that happened was the worst thing that happened ever. It felt so […]

Pet Pal pet Lady A

Pet Pals: Lady A

On this week’s Pet Pals segment, WINK News anchor meets adoptable dog Lady A. After suffering from abuse at the hands of her previous owner, Lady A is looking for a home that can give her a lot of love. The 1-year-old pitbull mix came to the Gulf Coast Humane Society with a broken leg. […]

Money Monday: Retire or un-retire?

According to a recent report from the U.S. Federal Reserve, around 2.6 million older workers retired above ordinary trends since the start of the pandemic two years ago. Here to give us some advice on retirement is Stefan Contorno, senior vice president and partner of Touchstone Wealth Partners UBS – Bonita Springs. Watch the full […]

Pet Pals: Gunner

On this week’s Pet Pals segment, Brian Wierima from the Gulf Coast Humane Society introduces adoptable dog Gunner to WINK News anchor Taylor Petras. He may have some scars, but Gunner has a lot of love to give to his future family. The 3-year-old lab-terrier mix loves people and loves to play. He’s the perfect […]

Money Monday: Federal interest rates and April 2022 jobs report

Last week was a busy one for the Federal Reserve, as it reported its interest rate decision and the widely anticipated jobs report. Here to help us understand it is Stefan Contorno, senior vice president and partner of Touchstone Wealth Partners UBS – Bonita Springs. Watch the full video above.

Pet Pals: Rocky

It’s time for another Pet Pals Wednesday, and today’s adoptable dog is Rocky! Rocky is brand new to the adoption floor at the Gulf Coast Humane Society, located at 2010 Arcdia St. The 8-year-old dog is looking for a family that will take him on walks and feed him a healthy diet to help him […]

Denny Grimes: Navigating Florida’s tough real estate market

The real estate market is difficult right now. In 2021, we saw record price gains, but also a record low number of homes for buyers. What should we expect this year? Joining WINK News anchor Taylor Petras in the studio is Denny Grimes from Denny Grimes and team at Keller Williams Realty. Watch the full […]

Pet Pals: Berty

In this week’s Pet Pals segment Brian Wierima from the Gulf Coast Humane Society joins WINK News anchor Taylor Petras along with one pet waiting to be adopted. After being abandoned at the Gulf Coast Humane Society earlier this month, 12-year-old Berty is ready to find her next forever home. The lab-terrier mix is a […]