Professional Experience

March 2021 to present: Weekend Anchor & Reporter at WINK News. Previously worked at KTWO-TV in Casper, Wyoming as a weekday morning anchor.

News Philosophy

“I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world.” -Henry R. Luce

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Walking my dog Scarlett along the water, going to the beach, traveling both in and outside of Florida.

Education

Bachelor of Arts from Texas Christian University, Bob Schieffer School of Journalism with a minor in political science - Cum Laude

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The sunshine, beaches, and endless amount of things to do!

Hometown

Palos Verdes, CA

North Fort Myers wildlife facility under FWC investigation; animals seized

A captive wildlife facility in North Fort Myers is under investigation by the FWC after more than 200 exotic animals were seized. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said they searched Carl Laquidara’s property, Bad Attitude Everglades Exotics, at 18450 Nalle Road on Aug. 1. The FWC said it intends to revoke Laquidara’s wildlife […]

Ghost gun

Father speaks out on Andrew Byrd punishment involving ghost gun

A father wants more done after his 17-year-old daughter, Destiny Padilla, accidentally shot and killed herself with a ghost gun in Lee County on July 18. The ghost gun belonged to her cousin, who’s already facing charges for a drug incident. But, all Andrew got for his cousin’s death was a probation violation. The gun […]

lightning

Lightning sparks house fire in south Fort Myers

A fire was seen at a home struck by lightning in south Fort Myers late Monday afternoon. According to Iona McGregor Fire, the home, on Medoc Lane in south Fort Myers, was struck by lightning. Flames seen through the roof of the home. An area on the roof is clearly blackened marking where lightning hit. […]

6-year-old

Missing 6-year-old girl from Fort Myers found safe

A 6-year-old is back and safe with the police. The girl was handed off to officers on Wednesday afternoon. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued an alert earlier in the day on Wednesday that the girl had been missing since July 1. WINK News was there when the little girl’s parents handed her over […]

Fire

Lightning strikes house, causing fire in Charlotte County

A house was struck by lightning in Charlotte County causing a fire on Tuesday. According to the Charlotte County Fire Department, the house in Port Charlotte was struck by lighting mostly damaging the attic. Crews on the scene are monitoring the area to be sure no hot spots pop up. The homeowner was home and […]

Judge recommends penalty for Hendry County school principal who paddled student

A judge is recommending consequences for a principal caught on camera paddling a child in a Hendry County school. Melissa Carter, principal of Central Elementary School, came under fire in April of last year after a video surfaced of her paddling a child on the rear. Now, a judge recommends the Department of Education suspend […]

Teachers

Veterans returning home to Florida could become teachers

The Florida Department of Education’s plan would allow veterans and their spouses to get a five-year voucher to teach in the classroom without a degree. Emmitt Ingram served three years in Afghanistan. Now he’s home and said finding a new career isn’t as easy as it sounds. “I’m always for any kind of opportunity to […]

Remains identified in serial killer cold case dating back 40 years

A family finally has some closure after remains found in a backyard in 1981 have been positively identified. The remains were identified as Theresa Caroline Fillingim, who is part of a 40-year-old cold case. Fillingim was originally reported missing to the Tampa Police Department by her sister, Margaret Johns, who currently lives in Cape Coral. […]

McGregor

Businesses get adjustments made to McGregor Blvd. median proposal

Businesses along McGregor Boulevard in south Fort Myers thought they’d go out of business after a proposal from the Florida Department of Transportation to make a roadway safer. Now, instead of a very long median, there are more openings and some left turn lanes. FDOT argues the changes will help balance the safety needs of […]

kidney

A SWFL Army veteran needs a new kidney, here’s how you can help

A Southwest Florida veteran needs a kidney to stay alive. Dave Crist lives on Fort Myers Beach and is on the transplant list. But right now, he is on home dialysis 10 hours a day, every day. And he fears a hurricane will wipe out power. Crist is waiting for that important phone call telling […]