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 Port Animal Rescue Garage urgently needs help before dogs suffer

Overcrowded, understaffed, and without enough resources is the unfortunate reality for the North Port Animal Rescue Garage. If they can’t take in more dogs, the people at the North Port Animal Rescue Garage know they’ll likely be put down. The Rescue Garage is issuing an urgent cry for help. They need money, and volunteers, but […]

As parents feel financial pressure from inflation, children carrying the burden

Making ends meet is a lot harder than it was even six months ago. Gas prices are soaring and groceries seem to have doubled in cost. Parents are struggling. Close to two-thirds of families are living paycheck to paycheck. Local advocates say they are seeing more children suffer some kind of trauma at home and […]

Fort Myers police

Event held to build trust between the community and police

A local woman is working to bridge the gap between children and law enforcement and strengthen these vital relationships. Taunya Cola is doing it through the “Unity in our Community” event. Law enforcement and the community are groups that don’t always see eye to eye. On Thursday in Dunbar, they found common ground. “We live in […]

Suspect arrested in shooting of Lehigh Acres hot dog stand owner

A suspect was arrested Tuesday in connection with the shooting of a hot dog stand owner in Lehigh Acres. Deputies arrested 25-year-old James William Gonzalez after they say he shot Kelvis Maiguel while he was working. Maiguel is a well-known hot dog stand owner at Ceberiano’s Hot Dogs & More. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office […]

Pet Pals: Scout

It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for WINK News’ weekly Pet Pal segment. This morning, Gary Willoughby from the Gulf Coast Humane Society joins WINK News anchor Taylor Wirtz with one pet waiting to be adopted: Scout, a 4.5-year-old coonhound mix. Watch the full video above.

Affordable Cape Coral housing becoming a thing of the past

A housing crisis is getting worse in Southwest Florida’s largest city. On Friday, only eight houses in Cape Coral cost under $300,000. On Monday, realtors said that number was five. If you’re looking to buy a home in Cape Coral, it may feel more like the hunger games. “It seems like the kiss of death. […]

Job fair attracts few as employers struggle to hire in Fort Myers

Only a handful of people showed up to a job fair on Tuesday where employers were hoping to hire 200 workers. Employers are rolling out the red carpet to get people to show up, but it doesn’t always work; they call hiring these days “a nightmare.” “It’s frustrating,” said Doug Alexander, a sales manager at InReach […]

March to a Million Meals: Gladiolus Food Pantry distributes food with smiles

Lots of places feed the hungry. But the people at the Gladiolus Food Pantry try every Wednesday to make the humbling experience, uplifting. They just don’t hand people a box of food, instead, volunteers help them choose the food they want, just like going to the store. On top of the usual, there are a […]