Editor, Breaking News

I’m a second-generation journalist. I fell in love with the written word as a young child, and I knew early on that I wanted to follow in my mom’s footsteps and help readers stay informed about their communities. I landed my first paying journalism job as a college freshman working for my school newspaper, The Vidette. Born and raised in Illinois, I worked there until 2015. But after driving home during yet another blizzard, I decided to say goodbye to cold, snowy winters. A few weeks later I drove across the country to my new job in the Sunshine State. I spent several years as the web editor at The Ledger in Lakeland, and I survived and covered Irma, my first major hurricane. I’m excited to be part of the Times’ breaking news team, and I thank you for trusting us to give you the latest news and the information you need to keep your family safe. When I’m not working I can be found rooting on my beloved Chicago Cubs, reading, swimming, watching the wildlife in my yard or obsessing over my plants. My golden retriever, Santo, is never far from my side.

• AmyGehrt
• agehrt@tampabay.com