National reporter, with a focus on the environment, climate and wild weather. She is a four-time recipient of Florida's Waldo Proffitt Award for Excellence in Environmental Journalism. She received a gold medal for public service from the Florida Society of News Editors and was a finalist for the national Grantham Prize. She's had more than 30 years of adventure in journalism, including counting alligators after midnight, starting a prescribed fire with a drip torch and helping record a rattlesnake's warning. A native Floridian who visited all 50 states by 50, she's a grandma who loves the outdoors, fast cars, genealogy and making elaborate cakes and costumes.