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.

Parents upset over packed school buses in Lee County

Parents are concerned after seeing a recording of kids packed together on a bus with and without masks on. Those we spoke to are upset and say they will take action if the school district doesn’t act first. Meanwhile, the district says there’s no way the bus could pass its capacity limit. A district spokesperson […]

COVID-19 patient admitted to Cape Coral Hospital wishes she’d been vaccinated

A woman shared her story with us about her ongoing experience battling coronavirus in a Southwest Florida hospital. Shannon Ruvelas says it’s lonely, scary, and preventable. When COVID-19 began to spread in the community, Ruvelas said you wouldn’t catch her without a mask and hand sanitizer. She said she recently let her guard down. For […]

2 dogs, 1 bird dead in mobile home fire in Punta Gorda

Firefighters responded to a deadly mobile home fire that killed three pets at the Eagle Point community in Punta Gorda Thursday. The home appeared to be unlivable when our crew was at he scene. Fire Chief Ray Briggs of City of Punta Gorda Fire Department says no people were inside the home during the time […]

san carlos island fire

Fire rips through home on San Carlos Island

It took nearly two dozen firefighters to put out a fire at home on San Carlos Island. As flames shot through the roof neighbors said they were worried about their own homes catching fire. This fire happened on South Street, near San Carlos Boulevard on San Carlos Island. One person was taken to the hospital with […]

South Carolina man dies days after being struck by lightning on Sanibel

A South Carolina man who was struck by lightning along with his wife on Sanibel last weekend died Wednesday in a Lee County hospital. Brent Jerome’s church posted an update Thursday to say the father of two was declared brain dead and was taken from ICU to surgery for the removal of five organs to […]

Man injured in Lehigh Acres shooting speaks about friend who was killed

A month ago, Yairo Oropeza and his best friend were attacked while they were riding ATVs in Lehigh Acres. Oropeza was shot and killed, and his best was injured in the shooting and survived. We spoke to Oropeza’s best friend Wednesday in an exclusive sit-down, as he shared memories of when they were attacked on […]

Community members in Lehigh Acres rally for Cuban freedom in homeland

The chants for Cuban freedom aren’t stopping. Cuban=Americans and many others are still demanding the U.S. government’s help. Community member lined the street in Lehigh Acres Tuesday rallying in solidarity with Cubans on the island nation. They want their loved ones to know what freedom feels like. Many say they’re disappointed they’ve protested for 16 […]

SWFL law enforcement utilizing license plate readers to track down suspects

Subtle technology is helping keep Southwest Florida safe. License plate readers are helping local law enforcement agencies in Southwest Florida keep everyone safer in public. The technology is nabbing a number of accused criminals, and the backs of cars are the key to many answers. Locally, law enforcement officers are working to get any answers […]

Armed felon arrested after 15-year-old travels from Texas to Charlotte County to meet

An armed felon from Georgia was arrested and faces charges after being accused of holding a 15-year-old girl against her will after she traveled from Texas to Charlotte County. Charlotte County deputies went to a home on Ohara Drive in Port Charlotte Friday after a girl from Dilley, Texas was reported missing. Several days prior, […]

DOH issues health alert for blue-green algae at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a Health Alert on Friday for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral. This is in response to a water sample taken on July 20. According to the DOH, the public should exercise caution in and around Jaycee Park. […]