Samantha Neely on Muck Rack

Samantha Neely

Verified
(She/Her)
Florida
As seen in: Fort Myers News-Press, MSN, MSN Canada, Yahoo Entertainment, Yahoo Life, Golfweek, Raiders Wire - USA Today, Rams Wire, The Steelers Wire, USA Today, Yahoo Canada and
Covers:  Business, Trends, Pine Island, Matlacha, Hurricane Recovery
Economic Growth and Trending Reporter at @thenewspress | UCF Journalism Alumna | she/her | queen of not using my work twitter 🗞️

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Samantha Neely’s Biography

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I'm the Economic Development and Trends Reporter for the Fort Myers News Press.

Born and raised in Florida with some Philly-roots mixed in. Attended the University of Central Florida and landed multiple internships to cover exciting topics, such as high-profile political races, drag queens and I-4 traffic troubles. Graduated in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in political science.

When I'm not reporting, I spend my spare time spending too much money on iced matcha latte…

Samantha Neely’s Journalist Portfolio

How did Hurricane Ian affect the 'Seashell Capital'? Experts worry about Florida wildlife

How did Hurricane Ian affect the 'Seashell Capital'? Experts worry about Florida wildlife

Storms in general usually bring in an excess of shells - so Sanibel, the "seashell capital of the world," cou…

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'We were weightless': Florida woman says she was in her home as a suspected tornado lifted it off...

'We were weightless': Florida woman says she was in her home as a suspected tornado lifted it off...

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - When Erika Van Sweringen awoke from her nap Friday evening, all she could hear was wind w…

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'In 3 years, I've lost 2 houses': Florida families watch as wildfires destroy their homes

'In 3 years, I've lost 2 houses': Florida families watch as wildfires destroy their homes

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - Jackie and Rick Wilkie's nightmare began Friday with a cloud of smoke in the distance. Be…

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Panama City artist recalls how he's overcome adversity through his career

Panama City artist recalls how he's overcome adversity through his career

PANAMA CITY - Ricky Steele said he remembers the moment he knew he decided to become an artist. The Panama Ci…

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Donald Rupe expands his Pulse-inspired, Fringe musical 'From Here' for the Orlando stage - Waterm...

Donald Rupe expands his Pulse-inspired, Fringe musical 'From Here' for the Orlando stage - Waterm...

The Pulse tragedy in 2016 had an effect on every aspect of life in Orlando - socially, politically, spiritual…

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The rise of film major who creates custom Star Wars costumes

The rise of film major who creates custom Star Wars costumes

When his dad introduced him to the original Star Wars trilogy as a kid, sophomore film major Jake Carlson sai…

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Articles

How many cases of 'diarrhea-causing' parasite are in Florida?

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By Samantha Neely Verified, Lance Schulteis
| Yahoo Verified
How many cases of 'diarrhea-causing' parasite are in Florida? Samantha Neely and Lance Schulteis, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida Mon, July 6, 2026 at 6:07 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. How many cases of 'diarrhea-causing' parasite are in Florida? Florida is one of 17 states reporting cases of an intestinal illness linked to a microscopic parasite that can sometimes cause "explosive" diarrhea.
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How many cases of 'diarrhea-causing' parasite are in Florida?

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By Samantha Neely Verified, Lance Schulteis
| Florida Today Verified
Florida is one of 17 states reporting cases of an intestinal illness linked to a microscopic parasite that can sometimes cause "explosive" diarrhea. Cryptosporidiosis in humans is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum or Cryptosporidium hominis, according to the Florida Department of Health.
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When is the best time to visit Florida? An expert weighs in

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By Samantha Neely Verified
| Aol Verified
When is the best time to visit Florida? An expert weighs in Mon, July 6, 2026 at 4:21 PM UTC When is the best time to visit Florida? An expert weighs in From beach vacations to theme park trips, an expert breaks down the ideal times to visit Florida based on travelers' goals.
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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

I was an intern at Watermark Online in Orlando. I loved it!

How is social media changing news?

I believe it changes how we consume the news. It's at our fingertips within a second and we have to make sure it's still accurate and fair.

What tools and software do you use to do your job?

I mainly use all of Microsoft's products, such as Word, OneNote, Excel, and Outlook. I also use an AP stylebook and a dictionary as my tools.
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