Nick Papantonis, WFTV.com

Nick Papantonis, WFTV.com

Reporter

Nick Papantonis joined Eyewitness News as a reporter in June 2021, and primarily focuses on matters involving local governments and courts. Since arriving in Central Florida, Nick has uncovered investigations into elected leaders, unfair treatment in schools and illegal activity that contributed to multiple businesses shutting down. His coverage of the Disney vs. DeSantis battle earned international attention. Before moving to the Sunshine State, Papantonis spent four years reporting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where his background in data journalism helped him lead the state’s coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. His reporting on disparities in the state’s education system won a Regional Murrow in 2020, the same year he was ranked by the National Press Photographer’s Association for his long-form visual storytelling. Papantonis grew up near Boston, attended Syracuse University and began his career in Binghamton, New York, covering snowstorms that influenced his move to warmer climates. In his spare time, he can usually be found in his back garden, biking the Cady Way Trail or baking a pie.

Latest Headlines by Nick Papantonis

Eustis launches new, bigger effort to revamp downtown

The words “think big” were uttered about a dozen times in a two-hour span inside Eustis City Hall Tuesday as leaders gathered to make decisions on a project they’ve talked about for years: revamping the city’s downtown.


Iran war could push back Osceola death penalty decision

A man accused of killing three tourists in Osceola County could have to wait longer to find out if prosecutors will pursue the death penalty in his murder trial, if a judge agrees to a request filed this week.


Accused gold bar scam scheme participants set free

Texas authorities have dropped their extradition demands for two Central Florida men accused of participating in a nationwide gold bar scam ring targeting seniors, one month after their arrests.