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Gio Benitez

 Gio Benitez

CBS4 Reporter Gio Benitez

E-Mail Gio Benitez

Gio Benitez has been a reporter for CBS4 News since June 2009. His first story on the air made television history because it was shot entirely with the iPhone 3GS.

In January 2010, he was the first reporter to arrive in the Florida Keys just minutes after U.S. Marshals captured Paul Michael Merhige, the man accused of killing four members of his family on Thanksgiving Day in 2009. Merhige had been on the run for a month.

Gio also traveled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to cover relief efforts following the most devastating earthquake to ever hit the region. But instead of making a direct return, the plane was diverted to the island of Curacao, just off the coast of Venezuela, carrying injured evacuees from Haiti. While in Curacao, Gio interviewed the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles.

He joined CBS4 News as an investigative producer with the CBS4 I-Team in May 2008. He worked on stories involving Medicare fraud, daycare safety, toxic soil, government corruption, and public safety.

As a college student, Gio was a work-study scholar at CBS through the Emma L. Bowen Foundation for Minority Interests in Media, a national organization which prepares minority youth for careers in the media industry. He was honored with the Foundation’s “Student of the Year” national award in his senior year.

Before joining CBS4 News, Gio was a correspondent for the nationally syndicated radio show, “Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline,” covering consumer electronics and technology.

Gio is also the recipient of two regional Emmy Awards from the NATAS Suncoast Chapter.

He graduated from Florida International University’s School of International and Public Affairs with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology.

(CBS4)

App Allows Users To Get Paid Watching TV

It’s the ultimate fantasy for couch potatoes: being paid to watch TV. That’s what Viggle does in the form of reward points and gift cards.

CBS4–2012/02/13

Broward Court Judge John "Jay" Hurley sentenced a man to take his wife out on a date after being arrested on domestic violence charges. (CBS4)

Domestic Violence Organization Reacts To Judge’s Unusual Ruling

A Broward County judge ordered a Plantation man to perform an unusual release condition after he was arrested for domestic violence: take your wife out to dinner and bowling.

CBS4–2012/02/08

(Source: Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office) Victor and Jorge Barahona

New Documents Paint Picture Of More Horror For Barahona Twins

Yet another group of documents and recordings were released Monday by attorneys in the murder and child abuse case against Jorge and Carmen Barahona, and with each new documents the horrors done against their adopted twins seem to mount.

CBS4–2012/02/06

(CBS4)

Komen Foundation Cuts Funding For Planned Parenthood

There’s been outrage on the streets and online over the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s decision to cut annual funding to Planned Parenthood.

CBS4–2012/02/02

(Source: CNN) Fl. Senator Marco Rubio speaks at the Hispanic Leadership Conference in Doral on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012.

Rubio Talks Immigration At Hispanic Leadership Conference

Senator Marco Rubio has done his best to stay neutral during the early stages of the 2012 Republican primary, but he’s generating plenty of buzz and made an early appearance at the Hispanic Leadership Conference.

CBS4–2012/01/27

(CBS4)

Hispanic Leaders Weigh In On GOP Candidates At Doral Conference

At the Hispanic Leadership Conference in Doral, a group watched closely as the Republican candidates battled it on stage at the debate in Jacksonville.

CBS4–2012/01/27

Newt Gingrich Campaigns In Naples (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Gaining In The Polls, Gingrich Swings Through South Florida

Buoyed by rising poll numbers and his impressive South Carolina showing, Newt Gingrich will make a swing through South Florida on Wednesday to rally support before Florida’s January 31st primary.

CBS4–2012/01/25

(CBS4)

Video Parody Criticizing Miami-Dade Mayor Gimenez Hits Internet

A day before the Miami-Dade County Commission discusses health insurance for county workers, a new video criticizing the Miami-Dade mayor’s plan is getting thousands of views on YouTube.

CBS4–2012/01/23

JACKSONVILLE, FL - FEBRUARY 4: Actor Gene Hackman attends the Next House ESPN The Magazine party on February 4, 2005 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

Gene Hackman Injured In Keys Accident

Legendary actor Gene Hackman was injured in a bike accident Friday afternoon and was airlifted from the Keys to a local trauma center after he was hit by a car.

CBS4–2012/01/13

DUBUQUE, IA - JANUARY 02: Former Massachusetts Gov. and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney addresses supporters during a campaign rally at the Weber Paper Company January 2, 2012 in Dubuque, Iowa. Polls show that Romney is leading a large field of GOP candidates going into Tuesday's 'first in the nation' Iowa Caucuses. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

S. Fla. Gears Up For Heavy GOP Campaigning

Mitt Romney is campaigning in South Carolina hoping to make it three after his wins in Iowa and New Hampshire.

CBS4–2012/01/12

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