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.

Man is attacked by two dogs; owner worried they will be put down

Pet dogs on the loose went after a man and bit him nearly 20 times. A man was trying to save two young boys from the dogs when they went after him instead. Bienvenido Roman said he is still in a lot of pain Wednesday while he is recovering at his home in Fort Myers […]

marijuana

Medical marijuana leaving some people in a fight for their job, health

Using medical marijuana is legal in Florida, but it’s not welcomed by all employers. It’s leaving some people in a fight for their job or their health. Allison Enright was fired by a Florida school district for medical marijuana use. She says medical marijuana changed her life for better and for worse. She took a […]

Former astronaut inspires next generation

One lucky group of Southwest Florida students spent a special day in the classroom, learning lessons that were “out of this world.” Former NASA astronaut Ron Garan talked with the SPARK Hybrid Education Center in Naples on Thursday. “We rode in an elevator to the top of the launchpad and each of us took our […]

Strangers save family trapped in water at Fort Myers Beach

Strangers pulled together to save a family trapped in the water at Fort Myers Beach this weekend. A mom, dad and their young daughter got caught in the strong current Saturday morning at Bowditch Point, and if wasn’t for the help of several bystanders, a day at the beach would have turned tragic. “A lot […]

Florida Senate approves online sales tax bill

Paying an online sales tax in Florida is one step closer to reality. The state Senate approved a proposal (SB-50) that would require out-of-state online retailers to collect sales taxes, with the money slated to be used to help Florida business owners avoid increases in unemployment taxes. It would add a 6% tax to online […]

As vaccine eligibility expands, how close is a return to normalcy?

As more people prepare to get a COVID-19 vaccine, could we still see a resurgence in cases? Those 40 and older in Florida will be eligible to get vaccinated starting Monday, and beginning April 5, the age group drops to 18 and up. Those who are 16 and 17 will also be able to get […]

Community hosting fundraisers for family of 12-year-old who died in fire

The community is showing up for a Southwest Florida family dealing with unimaginable pain after losing a 12-year-old to a house fire. Kristina Hatcher is trying to heal after her sister, Laiellah, died while trying to rescue her dogs from a burning home in Arcadia on March 16. On Saturday, the community is hosting two […]

GREG BUENO

Law enforcement to make sure pedestrians and bicyclists are protected

Law enforcement is trying to make sure that bicyclists and pedestrians are protected. It’s not usually a “good morning” when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper greets you. But, on Friday morning, troopers weren’t there to write tickets. They were out giving friendly reminders to look both ways before you cross the road and make eye […]

All Floridians 18+ eligible for COVID-19 vaccine April 5; people 40+ eligible Monday

Everyone in Florida age 40 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Monday, March 29, according to an announcement by Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday. Beginning the following Monday, April 5, all individuals age 18 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Jada Henry already has her two doses of […]

Boaters volunteer to clean SWFL waterways during Clean Water Week

It is Clean Water Week and the St. James City Boat Club is joining the Calusa Waterkeeper to help clear debris and test the quality of the water in certain spots. On Saturday, members of the boat club headed to Picnic Island and many of the canals throughout St. James City and Flamingo Bay to […]