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.
Hillsborough County residents are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Hillsborough County residents are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
With Tropical Storm Isaac lurking in the distance and Tropical Storm Joyce right behind it, locals are urged to be prepared in case disaster strikes the Tampa Bay area.
The City of Gulfport will have sandbags available at City Hall on Friday.
Hillsborough County residents are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Nine official delegations will stay in the Pinellas Beaches area during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa. Gulfport officials hope they spend their down time in Gulfport.
From dressing up like a Hollywood starlet to putting on your game face, we have plenty of day and evening events in Gulfport, St. Pete and the beaches this weekend.
Hillsborough County residents are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Hillsborough County residents are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Hillsborough County residents are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Floridians are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Floridians are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Pasco County residents are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Join Gulfport Artist Owen Pach tonight at the Museum of Fine Arts for "Gallery Talk," an interactive tour of the special exhibition "Global+Local."
Plan ahead for the worst and hope for the best, as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. Pinellas County is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Pasco County residents are urged to prepare as the National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
Floridians are urged to prepare as The National Hurricane Center monitors Tropical Storm Isaac. The Tampa Bay area is in the five-day cone of uncertainty.
The following people were arrested in Gulfport between August 15 and August 21.
A newly rebuilt pier pavilion would have to be hurricane-proof, and able to withstand winds up to 140 mph. That will require some unusual materials for construction. What do you think?
In lieu of paying nearly $2,000 in fines for having his boat on the beach, a Pinellas County judge ordered Captain Jay to move his boat out of Gulfport waters by today.
