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.

 

Family Initiative introduces Autism Acceptance campaign

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and one Southwest Florida nonprofit is working to promote inclusiveness, understanding and compassion in our community. Joining WINK News anchor Taylor Petras is Family Initiative co-founder and president David Brown, as well as Jessica van Hart, who has a child with autism. Watch the full video above.

Pet Pals: Caramel

Caramel is a 5-year-old terrier mix hoping to join your family soon! She came to the Gulf Coast Humane Society from an animal rescue in Arcadia not long ago. This sweet girl is easygoing, loves belly rubs and walks well on a leash. She’s good with kids and gets along with other dogs. Caramel would […]

Harlem Globetrotters coming to SWFL

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their newly re-imagined Spread Game Tour here to Southwest Florida. The Spread Game will be coming to the Hertz Arena, located at 11000 Everglades Parkway in Estero, on April 30. Visit the Globetrotters website for tickets. WINK News anchor Taylor Petras got a chance to talk to one of […]

Money Monday: March 22 jobs report

On Friday. the Department of Labor released its widely anticipated jobs report. Here to help us interpret this report is Stefan Contorno,  senior vice president and partner of Touchstone Wealth Partners UBS – Bonita Springs. Watch the full video above.

BBQ, Bands & Brew fundraiser in downtown Fort Myers Saturday

Saturday is BBQ, Bands & Brew at Centennial Park, located at 2000 W. First St. in downtown Fort Myers. The event, which will feature barbecue dishes, games and live music, is being held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to raise money for the Lee County Building Industry Association Builders Care. WINK News anchor Taylor […]

Golisano Children’s Museum 10th anniversary

On the last week of March, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, located at 15080 Livingston Road, celebrated its 10th anniversary. WINK News anchor Taylor Petras spoke to Jonathan Foerster, CEO of the museum, about the milestone. Watch the full video above.

Pet Pals: Alani

Alani, a 5.5-year-old terrier mix, has been patiently waiting at Gulf Coast Humane Society for her forever home for four months. She came to GCHS after having a litter of puppies. All of her babies got adopted, and now it’s this mama’s turn to go to a loving home. Alani is a big lovebug. She […]

Pet Pals: Bear

Are you looking for a real-life Teddy Bear to snuggle at home? Look no further than 8-year-old Bear! He’s a mixed breed dog available for adoption at the Gulf Coast Humane Society. Bear has the perfect temperament for any family and is good around children. He likes his walks but is also perfectly content just […]

TeleCPR training bill heads to governor’s desk

A bill that would get 911 dispatchers trained in teleCPR is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk after Florida lawmakers unanimously passed it last week. When lives are on the line, seconds matter. A Collier County 911 dispatcher, for instance, once had to walk a girl through performing CPR on her mother, who had lost […]

Retired firefighter pushes to amend law requiring CPR training in Florida schools

George Laman, a retired firefighter, paramedic and heart transplant survivor, wants students in Florida to have all the tools and training they need to save lives, after losing his teenage daughter to cardiac arrest in 2008. Laman is a proud father. Inside his Gateway home, you’ll find a wall dedicated to Lauren, the youngest of […]