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.
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.
One week ago today Tropical Storm Debby made a first impression on Gulfport. High waves on the Gulf started early but wind picked up, rain came down and by late afternoon downtown Gulfport was underwater. Let's take a look back at our top storm stories.
Everyone is invited to lend and hand and help beautify downtown Gulfport today, Saturday, June 30 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
From cracks in the Scout Hall sign to wood planks torn off the handicap dock at Gulfport Beach, high winds, rough waves and torrential downpours damaged Gulfport,.
Tropical Debby's mess in Gulfport has inspired two cleanup events in Gulfport today and tomorrow. Volunteers are asked to stop by Clam Bayou this morning and then lend a hand on Saturday on Shore and Beach Boulevards.
The 10th annual St. Pete Pride Celebration kicks off Saturday, June 30 at 9 a.m. with a promanade and street festival. Check out this week's Patch Minute
The 10th annual St. Pete Pride Celebration kicks off Saturday, June 30 at 9 a.m. with a promanade and street festival. Check out this week's Patch Minute
Gulfport resident Jane Ogilvie went out for a morning walk and discovered trash along her route. That's when she started picking up the discarded items and quickly filled nearly a dozen bags.
While the city and residents are cleaning up after Tropical Storm Debby, the City Council Workshop is still on for today at 3:30 p.m. at Gulfport City Hall. That and much more in "5 Things to Know Today in Gulfport."
Tropical Storm Debby is on her way outta Florida. Hopefully the sunshine sticks around for a while, so that the City's 4th of July Celebration goes off without a hitch!
Mounds of seagrass, as large as cars, can be seen at Gulfport Beach today. City crews are using a skid loader and other heavy equipment to pile seagrass, leaves and other debris that Tropical Storm Debby washed ashore.
Storm runoff and saltwater flooded several stormwater ponds connected to Clam Bayou in Gulfport and St. Petersburg this week. Check out our user submitted photos from Elizabeth Brown Worthington.
Tropical Storm Debby is putting a dent in our normal Tuesday plans in Gulfport. The weekly Fresh Market is cancelled due to severe weather.
High tide and rough winds flood streets in downtown Gulfport again. Businesses on Beach and Shore piled up sandbags on Tuesday in the hopes of keeping their shops and restaurants dry.
Three Gulfport couples share what the domestic partnership registry means to them. Watch our video to hear from them and why the registry is a step in the right direction for equal rights for all.
Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent says a tidal surge on Tuesday morning could flood beachfront areas worse than Sunday night.
Three Gulfport couples waited outside Gulfport City Hall before doors opened at 8 a.m. to register their domestic partnership Monday.
Here's what you should include in a hurricane kit in event of an emergency.
'The wind picked up and I saw, I guess, what would have taken out a transformer, everything came crashing down and the lights went out.'
Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport and Tampa will be closed on Monday due to severe weather.
