Professional Experience

September 2018 to present: Investigative Reporter at WINK News

Previously worked as a multimedia journalist at WCJB TV20 News, WUFT-TV and WUFT-FM in Gainesville, FL; and as an investigative intern at WPLG Local 10 News in Miami, FL

Member of National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)

Awards & Recognition

2019 Excellence in Broadcast News Award for Transportation / Traffic Series reporting, Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists (FABJ) – “Waiting in the Dark”

2019 NATAS Suncoast Regional Emmy Nomination for Education / Schools News reporting– “Waiting in the Dark”

2019 Young Journalist Award for Broadcast, Press Club of Southwest Florida

2019 Sunshine State Award for Multimedia Feature, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) – “You Are Now Live” (2nd Place)

2019 Excellence in Innovation in TV, Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, RTDNA – “Locked Out Florida”

2018 Awards for Photo Essay & Short Hard News Feature, Florida Associated Press Broadcasters (now FABJ) College Contest

News Philosophy

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” — Ida B. Wells

Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement

Sara is a big fan of live theater and performing arts, traveling to faraway places, volunteering, playing roller derby, Gator football, spoiling her nieces and nephews, and cuddling up next to her dog Mickey.

Education

Master’s in Mass Communication and Bachelor’s in Telecommunication News from the University of Florida

Go Gators!

SunPass’ Toll-by-Plate customers may soon be hit with a big bill

More than seven months since the state tried to upgrade the SunPass system and failed, SunPass is finally collecting on more bills. The upgrade issue caused all kinds of billing delays which saw more than 100 million transactions backlogged in the SunPass system. Those transactions have since been cleared but for Toll-by-Plate customers it’s time to […]

Fort Myers Beach sees big crowd Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. Photo via WINK News.

Smelly seaweed doesn’t deter big crowds at Fort Myers Beach

There has been a lot of traffic heading towards the Fort Myers Beach. Many people are going for the sand and water, as they soak in the sun during their holiday break. But some visitors encountered something they did not expect. The seaweed at Fort Myers Beach has been clumping near the water’s edge and […]

Safety steps to follow while setting up new phone

Cell phones are some of the hottest gifts this Christmas holiday. But scammer specialist warn that there are some important steps to take before getting rid of your old phone. Not everyone can be a tech genius. “I learned from my nieces and nephews, and teenagers, that’s how I learned to operate the phone in […]

Two strangers meet one another at the Christmas dinner. Photo via WINK News.

Hundreds come together for the 13th Rotary Christmas dinner

Organizers of the 13th annual Rotary Christmas Dinner at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, expect to have feed roughly between 500 to 600 people Tuesday. But it is the story of two strangers who enjoyed their first Christmas together that demonstrates why the event brings hundreds every year. “I’m here today because ever since my mom […]

Aerial footage of Lake Okeechobee on Aug. 13, 2018

Conservation groups sue over the water quality crisis

Conservation groups could head to court over the water quality crisis. Three groups, including the Calusa Waterkeeper, have filed an intent to sue the Army Corps of Engineers. The groups said the Corps is not doing enough research before releasing polluted water from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers. Also, water releases are […]

Comparing Christmas tree prices this holiday season

Nothing says the holidays quite like a decorated Christmas tree, but how much would you be willing to pay for the perfect pine? There are multiple types of trees to consider as well as height preference that all determine a tree’s cost, and those prices can vary all over Southwest Florida. MORE: Christmas tree shortage linked […]

WINK News Investigates

Water Crisis Impact: Businesses hope to bounce back as tourists return

Red tide and blue-green algae ravaged Southwest Florida’s ecosystem and businesses across the state reported laying off workers and even closing their doors. For now, the fish, birds and tourists are just starting to flock back. “The whole idea of being here is being near the ocean,” said Shari-Lynn Battaglia, visiting from Rochester, NY with […]

5G wireless will provide faster cellular service. But how safe is it?

From cell phones to laptops to even vacuums, nowadays the world runs on WiFi. And people on the streets of Fort Myers told WINK News they can hardly live without it. “All the time,” Alesha Watchowski told WINK News on her way to grab coffee. “I’m addicted.” Soon, fifth generation wireless technology (5G) will offer […]

Why millions of dollars set aside to protect Florida schools is going untouched

Millions of dollars that could be spent keeping children safe isn’t doing its job. The money, roughly $58 million, is sitting in Tallahassee because it can only be used for one thing: the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, which allows school districts to arm employees. Aaron Feis was one of 17 students and staff killed […]