Kayla McDermott joined the WPTV news team in September 2024 and her reporting focuses on crime, courts and public safety in Palm Beach County.
Kayla has long been passionate about standing up for others and being a voice for the voiceless and she is honored to give a platform to those who deserve a voice across the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast. She strives every day to ensure her reporting is fair and accurate.
Kayla grew up in Rockland County, New York, not far from New York City where she received a bachelor's degree in communications and played Division I softball at Manhattan University. After graduation, Kayla moved to Chicago and earned her master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University.
Kayla began her professional reporting career at WHIO in Dayton, OH. While there, she covered severe weather, crime and everything in between. Kayla is the recipient of two Emmy nominations, and she was part of the team coverage that won an Edward R. Murrow award. She is most proud of her reporting at WHIO which led to the introduction of House Bill 351 that advocates for animal rights.
Kayla is thrilled to be working in West Palm Beach and happy to be reporting closer to family and friends. When she is not reporting, you can find Kayla at any one of our beautiful beaches, trying new restaurants and coffee shops or out thrifting!
You can say hi or send story ideas to kayla.mcdermott@wptv.com
