Professional Experience

2019 to present: Taylor is our Collier County reporter. She previously worked at WTVA in Tupelo, Mississippi as a reporter and weekend evening anchor.

While in school she interned at NBC 6 in Miami and CBS12 in West Palm Beach.

News Philosophy

To be a light in the darkness in the communities of SWFL. To give everyone a chance to tell their side of the story and be understanding of whatever they are going through.

Hobbies, Interests, & Involvement

You can find her in the sunshine, working out, tanning, traveling, or exploring in her free time!

Education

Bachelor in Journalism and minors in Communication and Film from Florida Atlantic University!

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The sunshine ☀️

Hometown
Hello, Aloha, Annyeonghaseyo, Hey Ya’ll, those are just a few of the ways Taylor has been saying hello in the different states and country’s she has lived in. Being a self-proclaimed military brat most of her life she has never had a home base!

Make sure to put safety first when putting up your Christmas lights

This weekend will be perfect weather to put up those Christmas lights many of you have been dying to put up. We have some safety tips for you from the City of Naples Fire Department. Never leave your lights running when you leave the house. If you’re up on a ladder, always have three points […]

Holiday beachgoers in Naples not deterred by red tide in the gulf

While red tide effects are lessening, beachgoers might still notice some side effects like coughing and breathing issues at the beach this holiday weekend. Many vacationers in Naples told us it’s been much better at the beach recently, and they are not going to let the effects of red tide change their plans for holiday […]

How to navigate uncomfortable topics at the Thanksgiving dinner table

Thanksgiving is almost here and it is time for you to catch up with your family. But some uncomfortable topics can arise around the dinner table. Here are some tips to navigate around them from people Reporter Taylor Smith spoke with on Monday. Watch in the video above.    

Statewide visitors take to the skies for Naples hot air balloon rides

Hundreds of people statewide visited Naples to see and take rides in hot air balloons at the Naples Balloon Glow Friday. “It’s awesome,” Joshua Trierweiler said. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” No matter what age you are, being able to fly in the sky in a huge balloon is pretty cool. “Honestly, I […]

Man arrested after crash that leads to sexual assault in Collier County

A woman says she feared a man was about to rape her after crashing into her car. She says he followed her and then intentionally rear-ended her car. Then, she says he forcefully and inappropriately touched her. Wednesday, Collier County Sheriff’s Office arrested Rickardo Burgess, 35, after responding to a crash along Immokalee Road near […]

Some burrowing owls are under attack in Marco Island

Many people on Marco Island said the person who filled a burrowing owl nest with dirt did it to make sure the birds do not come back. Just days later, a car drove over a different nest. But the owls are resilient and have many people backing them up. In the month of November alone, […]

Suspect arrested in Naples Park hit-and-run that seriously injured woman

The suspect in a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a Naples Park woman has been arrested. Florida Highway Patrol arrested suspect Louis Lacivita, 17, for an August hit-and-run that injured 53-year-old Jesusa “Susan” Alang in Naples Park. “To God be the glory. Thanks be to God. He is not sleeping, yet he is good all […]

Neighbor at East Naples community told to take Christmas lights down

We looked into whether a Grinch was stealing a neighbor’s Christmas in Collier County. She says the lights she has up on her home for the holidays make her happy. But her landlord said they have to go. A woman at the Crown Pointe neighborhood in East Naples is being told by her homeowner’s association […]

2020 Naples Winter Wine Fest showcasing luxurious destination auctions

People in Southwest Florida will soon have a chance to win extravagant trips to India and Hawaii while helping local children. The annual Naples Winter Wine Festival at the Ritz Carlton hotel in North Naples is two months away. “One hundred percent of the money we raise goes to charities in our community that serve […]

Chef Asif Syed. (Credit: WINK News)

Gulfshore Life recognizes its 2019 men and women of the year

Eight men and women received a significant honor on Wednesday evening. Gulfshore Life recognized each as the men and women of the year. WINK News partner, Gulfshore Life, celebrated community trailblazers and people who endlessly make Southwest Florida a better place at the Ritz Golf Resort. Chef Asif Syed is one of the men this […]