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!

Sarasota Co. child protection operation busts FGCU student, Port Charlotte man

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested 23 people during Operation Intercept VII—a four-day initiative on protecting Sarasota County children from online predators and human trafficking. Among the group of suspects, ranging in age from 21 to 77 years old, is an FGCU student and a Port Charlotte man. The suspects responded to internet-based ads, online […]

Study says outdoor activity improves kids’ mental health

It’s “National Bring a Child Outside Week,” and studies show it can do wonder for their mental health. Some experts say it can even improve kids’ performance in school. WATCH the video above, as WINK News Reporter Taylor Smith spoke to parents about when they let their kids get fresh air and interact with their […]

Marco Island Police Dept. (Credit: WINK News)

Marco Island police officers accused of sexually traumatizing a young woman

A new lawsuit against the Marco Island Police Dept. says four officers repeatedly took advantage of a young woman. It is the latest accusation against a department that seems to be caught in an ongoing saga of controversy. The warning letter states the MIPD officers capitalized on the “fragility, vulnerability and instability” of the woman. […]