Professional Experience

2019 to present: Reporter, WINK News
2015 to 2019: Reporter, Producer, and fill-in Anchor, WWSB in Sarasota
2014: Intern, The Today Show and NBC Nightly News in Miami

Awards & Recognition

Finalist in Feature Television Reporting for the Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence awards, and Robert Corley Groves Award for Outstanding Achievement in TV Producing.

News Philosophy

Every person has a story. Be honest and transparent while sharing it with the world.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Cheering on the Miami Hurricanes, experimenting with vegetarian recipes, spending too much money at Target and taking long naps.

Education

Bachelor of Science from the University of Miami, majoring in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in LGBTQ Studies.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The WINK Weather Authority will never predict snow for SWFL. Every day feels like summer. It's either hot, hotter, or hottest.

Hometown

Mullica Hill, NJ.

Muscle Car City in Punta Gorda set to close, auction off collectible cars

A car guru let us in on a piece of his collection, as he shuts down the place where it’s been housed for almost two decades. After 15 years of operation, classic car museum Muscle Car City is closing its doors in Punta Gorda. Museum and collection owner Rick Treworgy plans to auction over 200 […]

Fishin Franks won’t reopen after loss of business to fiery crash last year

It’s time for Frank Hommema to put down the lure and pass on the fishing rod. The business owner, known as “Fishin Frank” in Port Charlotte, has been through a lot in his 35 years of selling bait and tackle from his fishing store on US-41. Hurricane Charley demolished his storefront in 2004. And an […]

DeSoto County sees Floridians around the state get in line for COVID-19 vaccine

Hundreds of people in DeSoto County spent their day trying to snag a COVID-19 vaccine. Some say they were lucky. The process there looked a bit different compared to before. “We’ve been waiting for this time for quite a while,” Phyllis Slagell said. People from near and far lined up for one the 200 COVID-19 […]

Charlotte County Public Schools follows protocols to inform parents about COVID-19 exposures

As cases surge nationwide, schools are dealing with exposures to the coronavirus. Charlotte County Public Schools walked us through its current protocols for when someone is exposed. Parents of students at Punta Gorda Middle School received a dozen calls this school year about COVID-19 exposures at school. “When I get these messages, I’m not very […]

Teen records man when he starts soliciting her for sex in Charlotte Harbor

A teen’s quick actions got her accused predator arrested. Tuesday, a 15-year-old girl says she was approached by suspect Jerome Northern, 49, at a gas station in Charlotte Harbor, who offered her money for sexual favors. Wednesday, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office arrested Northern, and he faces a charge for lewd or lascivious conduct. “It’s just […]

Punta Gorda Police Department creates task force to help veterans in crisis

Warning: This story discusses the topic of suicide that some people may find disturbing A new program at the Punta Gorda Police Department is hoping to assist veterans in crisis. The Veteran Crisis Assistance Task Force is staffed by five veterans on the police force, all from different military branches. They’re trained to help veterans […]

DOH in Charlotte County answers questions about vaccine rollout

The Department of Health in Charlotte County expects to get another 800 vaccinations this week, with reservations for those opening up on Wednesday. WINK News sat down with Dr. Joseph Pepe, a health officer with the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, to answer some of viewers’ questions about vaccinations. WATCH the interview above […]

charlotte stone crabs sale

Charlotte Stone Crabs sells items that used to sit in the sports park

People are rushing to own a piece of Southwest Florida sports history. The Charlotte Stone Crabs are selling items from Charlotte Sports Park after the team lost its affiliation with the Tampa Bay Rays. Many can not believe the Stone Crabs won’t be playing after a decade. They’re packing it up and moving out of […]

wreaths across america

SWFL Wreaths Across America chapter needs wreath donations

One Southwest Florida community is worried they won’t be able to honor veterans properly this year. A site coordinator for a local chapter of Wreaths Across America is saying there is a shortage of not only wreath sponsors but also volunteers because of the pandemic. Catalina Bakas comes from a family of veterans. Her brother, father, great-grandfather, […]