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.

Charlotte County says no widespread coronavirus outbreak but ready nonetheless

Charlotte County’s state of emergency is in effect for at least another week. The Department of Health in the county said most of the cases there are clusters, meaning they’re focused in specific workplaces or facilities, and it’s not widespread with random cases throughout the community. In the event of a surge, health department administrator […]

Study suggests mother-to-infant transmission of COVID-19 can’t be ruled out

Many of us are worried about our health in general during the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s especially of concern for women expecting to give birth soon. One of life’s greatest joys is to bring a child into the world. Jessica DiCarlo of Port Charlotte is preparing to welcome her second child in August and she […]

Stranger gives out $50 bills to random families in North Port

Call it fate, or a chance encounter. Several people say they were at the right place at the right time when a stranger handed them an envelope at the North Port Walmart. Its contents will have a lasting impact, especially for people like Melissa Violka, a mother of twin girls. “It was just a lot […]

SWFL animal shelters push for fosters ahead of gov’s order

Southwest Florida animal shelters are hoping you’ll open up your home and adopt or foster a pet, as Thursday is the last day to do so until at least April 30. The clock is ticking because of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order, which takes effect Friday at 12:01 a.m. Animal shelters are an essential service, […]

Cooking Cajun Army provides free meals to truckers out on the roads

Spending all day and night on the road can make it tough to get a hot meal. To help these workers out, one group is making sure truckers are not going without a good meal. Truckers are an essential group working to make sure we have the supplies we need during the pandemic. Many of […]

Resident at South Port Square senior living facility dies of COVID-19

A resident at the South Port Square senior living facility has died from COVID-19, according to the facility’s executive director, Brian Hess. There is one additional resident who tested positive for the virus and is being treated at a local hospital. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends during this difficult time, […]

Florida works to enforce incoming out-of-state travel order

Executive orders are in place that mandate visitors from COVID-19 hotspots quarantine for 14 days in the state or the length of their trip in Florida, whichever is shorter. Since then, we’ve had dozens of emails and calls asking about enforcement. The Florida Department of Health and Florida Highway Patrol are working to respond to […]

Charlotte County judge holds proceedings through chat app

The scales of justice weigh heavily on one Charlotte County judge’s mind, and she’s not letting the coronavirus stop the very important work she does on the bench. Reporter Erika Jackson finds out how Judge Mary Evans has adjusted her courtroom to continue helping families. WATCH the report above.

Parade reunites students with teachers of Peace River Elementary

Teachers at a school in Southwest Florida are helping their students understand a special lesson during the coronavirus pandemic. This lesson was about love. Teachers at Peace River Elementary School in Charlotte Harbor drove down the streets, as students watched with a good social distance from their front yards. Watch the video above for the […]

Food trucks allowed into Charlotte County neighborhoods

A food truck could be coming to your neighborhood if you live in Charlotte County. The goal? To give residents easy access to food while restaurants are closed for dine-in – and to keep vendors working. Charlotte County law states that all food trucks must serve within commercially-zoned parking lots, but the county made a […]