They help shape discussions, influencers in Southwest Florida whose reach extends beyond the region.
More and more, content creators on social media drive discussion, provide information from fun events to hilarious memes.
We asked readers to share their favorites and here’s a list of some of the top social media influencers in Southwest Florida.
Here’s our list and, if you see anyone who deserves praise, email dosborn@usatodayco.com.
Matt Devitt, everyone’s weather guy
Matt Devitt ― The former WINK meteorologist is most popular on his “Matt Devitt Weather” Facebook. His fun weather memes especially resonate like a recent one that said: “Remember to drink lots of water and stay indoors between 11:00 AM and November 1st.” And it seems Devitt ― who’s in litigation with his former employer ― is as popular as ever since he was fired in January.
Queen of TikTok in Southwest Florida
Chemical Kim ― When we asked readers for their favorite content creators, Nancy Pushea raved about the Chemical Kim (real name is Kimberly Hilton) TikTok.
“This site is loaded with wonderful ideas!! They are the best!” Pushea said in an email.
Hilton, a chemistry professor at Florida SouthWestern State College, formerly was the scientist in residence for WZZM-13’s ABC broadcasts in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and hosted a public access show before that.
When the COVID pandemic hit, she could not teach classes or produce programs for local schools, Hilton took her enthusiasm for science to the internet.
Realtor with real tips
Vanessa Beretta ― Local Realtor and lifestyle influencer who offers tips with a great sense of humor. She grew up in Naples, which she said “gives me a unique perspective. I’ve watched the area evolve over the years, and I think that local knowledge comes through in the content.”
Find her on Instagram @vanessa_beretta.
“As a local Realtor, I was already sharing recommendations with clients, friends, and people moving to Naples all day long,” Beretta said in an email. “Posting on Instagram felt like a natural extension of those conversations.
“I think the account has grown because people trust that what I’m sharing is authentic. I’ve never been the most polished or curated person. What people see online is who I am in real life, and I think that’s what resonates. I don’t really have a strategy beyond sharing things I genuinely find interesting or worth talking about.”
Having fun with Florida in videos
Josh Wicks Robinson ― Chemical Kim cast a vote as best local content creator Josh Wicks Robinson, known on social media as for @omgitswicks.
The Lee County native is a sketch comedian and podcaster who makes creative, fun videos about Florida like how non-Floridians want to leave their shoes outside a home and why that’s a bad idea.
‘Loaded with wonderful ideas’
Denise Monteath ― Nancy Pushea was one of several who voted for Denise who runs @theswflguide that’s found on Instagram and has nearly 30,000 followers.
“This site is loaded with wonderful ideas!” Pushea wrote in an email.
Facebook: 538 followers (https://bit.ly/4ewR3e4)
Instagram: Nearly 30,000 followers (@theswflguide)
TikTok: 7,234 followers (@swflguide)
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@usatodayco.com and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Matt Devitt leads SW Florida’s top content creators
Reporting by Dave Osborn, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dave Osborn, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
