I am a multimedia journalist. I've worked for local NBC and CBS affiliates, documentary companies and contributed video and content for an Emmy Award winning website. I began my career in journalism when I was 19 years old, working as a news production assistant for KELO TV in Sioux Falls, SD. In the past 7 years I worked my way up from running prompter to anchoring the evening news. I spent time with KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, KVLY-TV & KXJB-TV in Fargo, North Dakota. I've reported on tornado stricken towns, state and federal murder trials, and record-breaking snowstorms. I've been to Washington D.C. for special assignments. My work has been featured on the CBS Morning Show and has caught the attention of the Oprah Winfrey Show.
I spend my free time with my husband Robert and 12-year-old Persian cat Snow White. We enjoy almost everything outdoors including beach volleyball, camping, hiking, mountain biking, jet skiing and tubing in the summer and winter. I have the bruises to prove it!
I recently moved to Florida and I look forward to reporting and learning about the community inside and out.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs? Are you registered with a certain party?
I am a registered Independent and have been since I turned 18. I vote according to issues and candidates' qualifications, beliefs and voting record. Given that, I'm a firm believer of freedom of speech, the right to bear arms and am a strong supporter of the United States Military and Veterans of our country's wars and conflicts.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself?
I believe in God and a greater being and purpose, but I do not currently attend church or belong to any religious organizations.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Where do you stand on each of these issues?
I'm new to the Gulfport community and look forward to covering local politics, community development and city growth.
Check out our photos from the day's events! Are you wearing green today? Better put something green on and head to downtown Gulfport. Remember to upload your photos here to share with all of Patch!
A third-grade class at Gulfport Elementary helped raise more than $3,000 at the last downtown Art Walk; students hope to keep their momentum going at tonight's event.
Clam Bayou Cleanup, St. Patrick's Day, Art Walk, Citywide Yard Sale, Antiques in the Park and more, oh, much more this weekend in Gulfport!
Incumbent Jennifer Salmon and Dan Liedtke were voted in as Ward 3 and Ward 1 City Council members. South Pasadena Fire Chief was in a crash. There was a lot of news in Gulfport this week.
There's still time to plan your weekend! We have several events going on!
The weekend is here! What's going on at the Beaches, Gulfport and St. Petersburg? We have a few ideas for you!
We've got block parties, street parties, corned beef & cabbage and more!
Attention local businesses, you have a home in our "Patch Places." Claim your free listing, hop online and add photos, menus, promotions, reach out to your customers and respond to ratings and reviews today!
The Canvassing Board conducted a complete recount of the 1,867 poll and mail in ballots for the Gulfport Municipal Elections Ward 1 Councilmember race. The recount shows that the results are correct and Dan Liedtke wins by nine votes.
Gulfport Patch caught up with Vice Mayor David Hastings Tuesday night. Watch our video to hear how Hastings and Campaign Manager Gina Burke feel about the outcome and moving forward in the City.
Gulfport Fire Chief James Marenkovic says firefighters responded to a small curb fire on 30th Ave S. near the Peninsula Inn & Spa.
There's still time to get involved with Relay for Life in Gulfport, YNOT Youth Ministries needs your help, Gulfport's first city council race recount and more in "5 Things to Know Today."
According to the unofficial results from the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, Incumbent Jennifer Salmon clinched the majority of the vote, 1,084 to 695 votes cast for James Perry for the Ward 3 Gulfport City Council seat.
According to the unofficial results from the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, Dan Liedtke pulled ahead in the Ward 1 City Council race by nine votes, with 938 total votes to Incumbent David Hastings' 929 votes.
The unofficial results show Dan Liedtke and Jennifer Salmon as the council members for Ward 1 and Ward 3 with Liedtke's race winning by only nine votes.
Check out our photos from polling places in Gulfport! Polls are open on Tuesday until 7 p.m. Do you have pictures, add them on this story!
Get out and vote! Polls are open 7 - 7 at four locations in Gulfport for the Municipal Elections. That and much more in "5 Things to Know Today."
The County Canvassing Board will meet on Wednesday at 1 p.m. for a machine recount for the City of Gulfport Councilmember Ward 1 race. That and more in "5 Things to Know Today."
Gulfport Patch asked City Council Candidates David Hastings, Dan Liedtke, Jennifer Salmon and James Perry about several topics, including reserve funds, human rights, city services and more in our weekly series "Candidate Question of the Week."
Here is your Gulfport Municipal Election checklist before heading out to vote. Polls are open Tuesday, March 13, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
