Professional Experience

May 2023 - present: Sports Reporter at WINK News

September 2020 – May 2023: Reporter at WINK News
Previously worked as a Sports and News Anchor/Reporter at WUFT News in Gainesville, FL; Sports Coordinator at ESPN Gainesville WRUF; interned at WSVN and 790 The Ticket in Miami, FL

Awards & Recognition

2020 Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists Award in Education Reporting
2020 Broadcast Education Association Award of Excellence (TV Sports Talent, TV Sports News Program, and TV Sports Story/Feature Short)
University of Florida Red Barber Award

News Philosophy

Every story must be told with honesty and integrity. It’s a journalist’s responsibility and privilege to share people’s stories.

Hobbies, interests and community involvement

Spending time with friends and family; and cheering on the Florida Gators, Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins and New York Yankees.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication-News, University of Florida summa cum laude

Likes best about SWFL

Being a native Floridian, it’s great to be within driving distance to friends and family as well as everything the state has to offer. The people here truly make SWFL feel like home. You also can’t beat Florida in the winter!

Hometown

Fort Lauderdale, FL

LGBTQ group issues travel advisory warning for Florida

From the so-called “Don’t say gay bill” to penalizing venues hosting drag shows and banning gender-affirming care for transgender children. As a result of bills like these, the group Equality Florida issued a travel advisory warning telling the LGBTQ community they may not be safe in Florida. A warning to those in the LGBTQ community […]

Concerning policy changes at summer camp in Naples

Parents were left shocked by a policy change at the River Park Community Center in Naples. Forcibly paying thousands of extra dollars would result from the policy change regarding parents of kids with special needs. Precious memories of swimming, rock climbing, The Color Run, and more keep kids coming back to the all-inclusive Naples summer […]

1 dog killed, another severely injured after attack in Collier County

One dog is dead and another on the mend after a dog attack in Collier County. Collier County Domestic Animal Services said a pitbull grabbed one dog by the neck, throwing him around. Then it went after the other dog on Valencia Drive near Immokalee and Oil Well Roads, pinning it in its mouth. Matt […]

Deformed finger identifies Collier County distraction theft suspects

A duo from Miami faces over a dozen charges in connection with multiple distraction thefts and credit card fraud in Collier County. The newest charges are from an alleged distraction theft on March 22, at 13080 US-41 East, at an Aldi grocery store. Detectives identified the suspects, Oscar Enrique Samamamd-Lujan and Rosa Gladys Grados-Salvador, from […]

Collier County man faces two felonies for animal cruelty

One dog is dead, and another requires surgery to remove both of its eyes after getting neglected by its owner. The dogs were dropped off at the Humane Society in Naples by their owner Nickey Cothran and was arrested by Collier County deputies for animal cruelty. According to the booking report, he told deputies he […]

Brush Fire

Fire breaks out in Big Cypress National Preserve Tuesday

A fire broke out in the Big Cypress National Preserve on Tuesday evening. The fire hasn’t impacted traffic for people driving on I-75. But the smoke is visible from quite a distance away. Despite the flames and smoke in Big Cypress, cars are moving along just fine on I-75. WINK News reached out to Big […]

Moms protesting school gun violence in Collier County on Tuesday

Moms gathered outside the Collier County courthouse on Tuesday, and they all wanted lawmakers to protect their children from gun violence. Chants from a street corner in Naples echoed throughout the state as one of many demonstrations organized by moms to demand action. The goal is to send a message to end gun violence. All […]