Professional Experience

I joined the WINK News team in June 2020. I am a general assignment reporter, soaking in more than just sunshine every single day!

I started my reporting career in Panama City Beach, Florida, at WJHG/WECP. There, my love for storytelling expanded as I learned the true impact of great journalism.

Four months into my time in the Panhandle, Hurricane Michael ravaged the area, showing me the importance of local news and the crucial need for journalism after a devastating event. My reporting helped people get the resources they needed after the storm, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Given my experience covering a major storm, Hurricane Ian was like deja vu. Immediately after the storm, I knew how crucial it was to tell the stories of survival and connect people with the right resources to rebuild their lives.

The best feeling in the world is when my stories can bring a helping hand to someone in need.

My time in Southwest Florida has led me to cover various topics. From being a lead reporter on the Gabby Petitio case to covering the highly anticipated Florida elections, but not before navigating the challenges of reporting during a global pandemic.

There's a reason why I'm soaking up more than just sunshine! Every day I am lucky to learn something new about the environmental, political, and deeply personal stories of the Sunshine State.

Awards and Recognition

My work in the field led me to win a Florida Associated Press award for my coverage after Hurricane Michael.

I've emceed nearly half a dozen community staple events.

I have been written up in the Florida State University Nomadic Nole magazine for my accomplishments as a proud Seminole alumnus.

Hobbies, Interest & Community Involvement

I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes! I also have an aloe plant I’m really trying to keep alive. More than anything, I love getting outdoors and exercising with my dog Maggie Mae.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

I love just being down south! I love the warm weather, the beaches, and being near friends and family.

Southwest Florida rallies for Ukraine

Lydia Bilous has pain in her knees. But every night she kneels to pray for Ukraine, her home country. “It’s painful but it’s not the pain that’s going through Ukraine. So I want to help with my pain, I’m with Ukraine,” Bilous said. It’s hard not to feel her pain. She sees Russians bomb her […]

LCSO looking for suspect in south Fort Myers Wells Fargo bank robbery

Authorities are investigating a bank robbery at a Wells Fargo in south Fort Myers. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating the robbery at the Wells Fargo at the intersection of Daniels Parkway and Treeline Avenue. The bank is closed to the public. The suspect is accused of handing a bank teller a […]

FSW professor concerned about his family in Ukraine

Most of the world is condemning Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. The United Nations is demanding Russia withdraw its troops immediately. More bombing in Ukraine means more anxiety and more worry for Dr. Serhiy Pasishnyk, an FSW professor who has family in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. “I feel… distracted because you know every 15 minutes […]

ukriane protests

Ukrainians are fighting to stay in their homeland

Ukrainians who are now living in Southwest Florida are now balancing watching those difficult images of war in their country and having a sense of pride for those staying and fighting. One woman WINK News introduced you to has family members trying to leave Ukraine but had to say and fight. With martial law now […]

Man connected to missing Iona woman confesses to her murder

James Lally, the man thought to have been with missing Iona woman Suzanne LaPierre, went before a judge in Lee County Wednesday morning for his first appearance after state attorneys say he confessed to murdering her. Deputies arrested 51-year-old Lally in Jacksonville on Tuesday afternoon. Neighbors say he was dating 54-year-old LaPierre. He is currently […]

Child found wandering alone wearing dirty diaper in Charlotte County, parents arrested

Authorities have arrested a 34-year-old woman and 38-year-old man in Charlotte County after a child was found wandering around a towing business on Monday. Jacqueline Wells and Christian Zuber face charges of child neglect without great bodily harm. According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, a child between the ages of four and six years […]

Florida Senate

Florida Senate Appropriations Committee approves bill to ban abortion after 15 weeks

A controversial abortion bill has taken another step forward. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved this legislation that would ban abortions after 15 weeks. WINK News reporter Gail Levy was monitoring the conversation all day. The abortion fight continued with a new group of lawmakers. But this conversation had the same arguments and the same results. […]

antisemitic flyers

Antisemitic flyers angering neighbors along McGregor Boulevard

People are furious after their neighborhood is covered with hate messages. The antisemitic flyers were found at multiple homes along McGregor Blvd. While there may be a cartoon on the flyers, neighbors were distraught. You don’t have to be Jewish to take offense to what someone drew and threw at properties along McGregor Blvd. But, […]

Florida lawmakers considering a new law to increase the penalty for groping

Florida lawmakers are looking to increase the penalties for people who grope others. Currently, groping is just a misdemeanor, but under a new proposed law in Florida, it would jump to a felony. Supporters of the bill want to see the change because most women say it happens too often, and the punishment doesn’t fit […]