Professional Experience

2018 to present: Reporter, WINK News. Previously worked as an anchor and reporter for WUFT in Gainesville, F.L, 2017; WSVN in Miami as an Investigative Unit intern, 2017; Today Show intern in NYC.

Awards & Recognition

I earned two Associated Press Awards while covering Hurricane Irma and a confederate rally. I was ranked Top Speaker in the State of Florida for Varsity Public Forum Debate. I’ve covered big stories in my home state of Florida from the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando to the Richard Spencer rally in Gainesville.

News Philosophy

Be the voice people can rely on in a community to relay accurate, important, and inspiring information. Journalism is what we need to make democracy work.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

I worked as a tennis instructor back in Miami, so in my free time, I like to play tennis. I also love to travel with my friends and family! Cheering on the Gators is a big family tradition. I didn't miss a single home football game while I was in college.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications from the University of Florida

Likes best about Southwest Florida

All of the beautiful islands.

Hometown

Miami Beach, Florida.

Recent bus stop child snatching attempts perturb parents

We asked parents why they are picking up their children from school instead of letting them take the bus. “It can be impossible sometimes, but we have to do it,” said Lisa Anderson, a parent. “It’s just not worth it to take any chances.” A father, who requested anonymity, said he has never let his […]

Law enforcement raid offices of Bruno Total Home Performance

A Bonita Springs air conditioning company had their office raided by law enforcement Tuesday morning. Annie Carini said when she thinks about her experience with Bruno Air, which is a subsidiary of Bruno Total Home Performance, it brings her to tears. She claims the company convinced her she needed a new air conditioning system. “He […]

Mugshot of Jason Smith, left, and Karea Smith, right. Photo via LCSO.

Suspicious packages leads LCSO to a 35 pound marijuana drug bust

Thirty-five pounds of marijuana confiscated from Jason and Karea Smith. But it does not stop there. Cape Coral Police said they found edibles, mushrooms, THC oil and wax, along with other paraphernalia. Cole Fergen lives around the corner from the Smith’s home and is happy the joint effort with Lee County, Cape Coral Police and […]

‘Dress for Success Southwest Florida’ founder Barbara Dell remembered

Friends and loved ones are remembering a woman who spent years helping other women find jobs. There are many success stories thanks to Barbara Dell, founder of Dress for Success Southwest Florida. The 66-year-old Dell recently lost her battle with cancer. Five years ago Kara Bernier opened up a local newspaper and saw an ad […]

Vehicle collides into a electricity pole. Photo via WINK News.

Woman flees DUI checkpoint, crashes into utility pole

Police said Letizcia Bell tried to dodge a DUI check on New Year’s Eve and ended up in a crash. “I heard tires screeching,” Robert Sporillo said, a North Port resident. “But I didn’t think nothing of it because this street they race up and down all of the time.” The high-speed chase started in North […]

Police lights crime

Death investigation underway in North Fort Myers

Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious death on the 2000 block of North Second Street in North Fort Myers, LCSO said. Major Crimes Detectives with LCSO responded to the scene around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. LCSO says the scene is secure and there is no threat to the public. Trust WINK News to provide […]

The dead body being pulled from the creek. Photo via WINK News.

Neighbors distraught after a body is found in a nearby creek

Neighbors are waiting for answers after investigators say they pulled a body out of a Bonita Springs canal, between Parkway and Terry Street, on Christmas day. Investigators say they pulled the body from Leitner Creek that runs under Terry St. into the Imperial river. Officials have not released much information about what they are calling […]

Bear rings doorbell. Photo via WINK News.

When a bear rings his doorbell a homeowner tries to scare it away

This isn’t your typical porch pirate. In Collier County, a bear comes to the door and rings a family’s doorbell. Needless to say, the neighbors were in disbelief. “Coming up and ringing the doorbell,” Donna Scudder said, a neighbor. “Huh? I guess they’re looking for friends!” A big furry friend found in an unlikely way. A […]

Golisano Children’s Hospital gets new ambulance

Santa made a special appearance at Golisano Children’s Hospital Tuesday to bring presents to kids when they need it most. But that wasn’t all that Santa brought to the hospital. He also helped the hospital staff welcome a 4th ambulance to their fleet: A much-needed truck that could help save kids’ lives. “So this ambulance is […]

STEM teacher Jody McCarty receives a check with $2,000 in grant money on Wednesday, Dec. 12. Photo via WINK News.

Teacher will use grant money to help Hurricane Irma classroom victims

Creeping through the hallway and flooding this classroom, all to surprise Jody McCarty. McCarty is one of the five STEM teachers in Collier County, who got the surprise visit from Linda Sapakie, a local woman and her husband looking to give back. “I know teacher don’t make a lot, I know they spend their own […]