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.
The following people were arrested by Gulfport Police between Feb 11 and Feb 18, 2013. The information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Construction is underway on the 1.8 mile, 14 turn waterfront race track in downtown St. Pete.
St. Petersburg is one of only four cities in Florida to make the list.
As part of our coverage of the Gulfport City Elections this March, we are asking both Gulfport Mayor Candidates a "Question of the Week." Below is each candidate's answer to our fifth question.
We've got a terrific lineup of bloggers now on Gulfport Patch. Check out some of the more popular posts from the past week.
We've got a terrific lineup of bloggers now on St. Pete Patch. Check out some of the more popular posts from the past week.
We want to see your photos! We know we live in paradise and part of that is enjoying a beautiful sunset everyday. We want you to send in your sunset photos from around the area and every Sunday, we'll share it on Gulfport Patch.
The Pinellas County cold night shelters for the homeless will be open on Saturday, Feb. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 17.
The Pinellas County cold night shelters for the homeless will be open on Saturday, Feb. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 17.
In an effort to raise awareness and discover a new challenge, Daniel Alvarez is kayaking 4,000 miles from Angle Inlet, MN to Key West, FL.
In an effort to raise awareness and discover a new challenge, Daniel Alvarez is kayaking 4,000 miles from Angle Inlet, MN to Key West, FL.
The Pinellas County cold night shelters for the homeless will be open on Saturday, Feb. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 17.
The Pinellas County cold night shelters for the homeless will be open on Saturday, Feb. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 17.
In an effort to raise awareness and take on a new challenge, Daniel Alvarez is kayaking 4,000 miles from Angle Inlet, MN to Key West, FL.
Organizers of the Neighborly Care Network's Meals on Wheels program of Pinellas County say they'll lose 25 percent of volunteers this summer.
Organizers of the Neighborly Care Network's Meals on Wheels program of Pinellas County say they'll lose 25 percent of volunteers this summer.
Organizers of the Neighborly Care Network's Meals on Wheels program of Pinellas County say they'll lose 25 percent of volunteers this summer.
In an effort to raise awareness and discover a new challenge, Daniel Alvarez is kayaking 4,000 miles from Angle Inlet, MN to Key West, FL.
St. Petersburg Police arrested one suspect and are asking for the public's help to find the second suspect in connection with four convenience store robberies.
Organizers of the Neighborly Care Network's Meals on Wheels program of Pinellas County say they'll lose 25 percent of volunteers this summer.