Sam Martello joined WFTV Channel 9 as a reporter in May 2023. She was born and raised in Brevard County, originally from Rockledge, and is thrilled to return home. Martello graduated from Florida State University and got her start in news right out of college in Panama City Beach. While there, she climbed the ranks, starting out as a reporter before transitioning to the live morning reporter and finishing her time there as morning anchor and reporter. During her three years in the Florida Panhandle, Martello covered the area’s recovery following Category 5 Hurricane Michael, the devastation left behind from the Chipola Complex Wildfire and won awards for her coverage of Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending her free time outdoors, whether that be boating, fishing or spending time with her family and friends by the pool or beach.