Britt Leoni

United States

Evening Broadcast Journalist at WRDE-TV (Lewes, DE)

Articles

Heels to holster: One woman’s journey from domestic abuse survivor to firearms instructor

1 week ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

>> A WOMAN WHO SUFFERED YEARS OF ABUSE HAS FOUND NEW CONFIDENCE. GULF COAST NEWS REPORTER BRITT LEONI EXPLAINS HOW SHE HOLSTERED IT IN TONIGHT'S STORY TO SHARE. >> AT LOU AND GUN CLUB IN NAPLES, ALWAYS POINT IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FIREARM SAFETY ALWAYS LOCKING THE SLIDE BACK FOR SAFETY BEFORE SET IT DOWN ON A TABLE. SO YOU CAN ALWAYS LOOK IS SECOND NATURE TO SURELY THAT ROLE AND THERE WAS NO MAGAZINES. SO, YOU KNOW, IT'S AN EMPTY GUN, ITS TRAINING. SHE WISHES SHE HAD.
From guitars to glasses: Local couple mixes music and tequila

1 week ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

Spend just a little time with Chris Andrews, and you will learn what lights him up. "You don't pick music, it picks you," said Andrews. He grew up playing guitar with friends and pursued a career in music, which quickly led to another passion. "I traveled to Mexico a lot. I made a lot of friends down there and that's where I really immersed myself into the culture," said Andrews. After many trips to Mexico, Andrews and his wife Geri were inspired to start something new. "I'm like, 'Oh, that's crazy.
Former cancer patient finds peace in journey

2 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

At Naples Cancer Advisors, Alicia Laplant's jobis to take vitals and answer patient questions. But her callingis to walk alongside them in their darkest hours. "I see the calm of the cancer storm," said Alicia. "When I tell them, you know, I just went through this. It's almost like they can breathe for a second."Two years ago, Alicia was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
Immokalee principal takes leap of faith to reward students

2 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

>> WHEN IT COMES TO GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR HIS STUDENTS. ONE IMMOKALEE PRINCIPAL TAKES SCHOOL SPIRIT TO NEW HEIGHTS. CURRENTLY ONLY SHOWS US HOW IN TONIGHT'S STORY TO SHARE. WHAT'S IT LIKE WALKING AROUND HERE WHEN SCHOOL'S OUT IT'S WAY TOO QUIET PINE CREST ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL MATT DYER DOESN'T JUST AROUND THE SCHOOL. HE LIGHTS IT UP WITH LAUGHTER. SO I DRESS UP AS BUDDY THE ELF EVERY YEAR, RIGHT BEFORE OUR CAUSE OF GREAT.
From silence to strength: Naples freshman overcomes rare cancer to take on high school

3 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

Stephen Audain-Dindial is a freshman at Naples' Aubrey Rodgers High. Whether he's walking the halls or playing hangman with friends, he carries himself with the swag of a senior. "If there's a nice girl you want to talk to, you have to just put yourself out there," said Stephen. His confidence didn't come easy. Stephen's mom, Stacey, remembers that just getting to high school once felt impossible. "It started on the upper side of his left shoulder," said Stacey.
What's got one Fort Myers middle school seeing double

3 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

>> YOUR BOXER ALL ABOUT REMEMBERING THE FACES WHO MADE THE SCHOOL YEAR UNFORGETTABLE ARE BRANTLY ONLY TAKES US TO ONE MIDDLE SCHOOL IN FORT MYERS, WHERE THERE'S TWICE AS MUCH TO CELEBRATE. >> AND THINK ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY THROUGHOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL, PARTICULARLY YOU'RE A GREAT YEAR AT 3 OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL, 100 MILES STUDENTS HERE ARE IS CHECKED OUT AS A LAST LIBRARY.
One 19-year-old barber's dream

3 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

Inside Fort Myers' Barber Academy by Sean Casey, many come for the cut and stay for the conversation. "This is my safe haven," said Yanzel Pagan. "Every time I see someone sad, I tell them to go get a haircut. I don't think you can be sad after a haircut."Creating an escape for others gives 19-year-old Angel Pagan Jr. grounding in his own life."My dad asked me, 'Yo, what's your dream?'" said Angel. "I told him I want to change lives, I want to change the world through the gospel.
Stirring up more than food: A Naples chef's mission to preserve family recipes

4 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

Chef Geoff Thomas has made hundreds of dishes in his Naples kitchen. But with some help, he's cooking up a new recipe. "When I wanted to learn [how to make] arrepas, I came to Alberic, because I knew that she was going to be the perfect teacher. She has been, and honestly, very forgiving too," said Thomas. His love for the kitchen is inspired by his own roots. "I always felt like my family was top notch," said Thomas.
FGCU graduate shows there's strength in our differences

1 month ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

At 21 years old, Nile Nanke takes pride in sharing wisdom beyond his years. "Not everyone gets the chance to have confidence, you've got to earn it," said Nile. Thanks to his adoptive parents, Nile's foundation of faith was built on a foundation of family. But at times, underneath his strong stance and warm smile was pain that not everyone understood. Nile was born with a disorder that brings cognitive and social challenges. "In high school, I was bullied," said Nile.
One woman's wait of a lifetime ends in a moment's embrace

1 month ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Britt Leoni

At Southwest International, Lisa Barella anticipates an arrival. It's one she's wanted for 56 years, since the day she was born. "I just want to see his smile. It's primal, you know?" Lisa said. Lisa was adopted. She grew up in a loving home, with a father who did his best to make her feel seen. But naturally, Lisa always wondered about the father she hadn't seen. After finding him on Facebook, Lisa reached out to her biological father, Felice, who lives in Calabria, Italy.