Melissa Marino joined WFLA in 2016 and is thrilled to be living and working by the beach.

Melissa graduated with honors from York College of Pennsylvania with a degree in Mass Communications, and minors in behavioral science and human services.

She began her career at FOX43 in her hometown of York, Pennsylvania. She worked her way up the ranks of the newsroom with roles on the assignment desk, producing and writing, before becoming a reporter and fill-in anchor. During her six years at the station, she is known for her investigations into the heroin epidemic, and helping with the formation of a heroin task force. She also covered politics at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, and appeared on Crime Watch Daily for her work on Human Trafficking. Melissa got her start at News Channel 8 in 2016 as the Polk County Bureau reporter. Melissa has covered a wide range of stories from the new attractions at Disney, investigative stories, and more tragic events like the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

Melissa won a community hero award for helping save five dogs abandoned during Hurricane Irma. She was also part of Murrow and Emmy award winning social media coverage during Hurricane Michael.

Despite her northern roots, Melissa has always dreamed of calling Florida home. When she is not covering news, she enjoys traveling and being active, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, spending time at the pool and beach, and also cooking.

Melissa has two rescue cats and a German Shepherd.

Some of her favorite stories have come from viewer tips. Email Melissa at MMarino@wfla.com.