Esther Bower
Esther Bower joined FOX 35 as a reporter in February 2023, and reports on Florida’s Space Coast part of our Brevard County news bureau.
While she didn’t grow up in the Sunshine State, she was born in Zephyrhills, Florida, making this a homecoming of sorts. Bower is a passionate journalist who is dedicated to connecting communities and empowering viewers.
Before joining FOX 35, she worked in Spokane, Washington, where she covered the tragic story of the four University of Idaho students who were murdered in their home, the sentencing for one of the first school shootings in the Inland Northwest, and the growing homelessness crisis on the West Coast.
Esther grew up in the farmland of Indiana, graduated from Ball State University, and studied at Northwestern University before starting her professional career. She loves the opportunity to bring people together and highlight humanity through stories of hope stemming from tragedy and neighbors supporting each other.
In her free time, she cherishes spending time with her family, trying new foods (the spicier the better!), running, dancing, and growing her faith. She’s so excited to call Central Florida home.
The latest from Esther Bower
Blue Origin asks for permit to dump rocket wastewater in Indian River
Blue Origin, an aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, is seeking a permit to dump millions of gallons of processed and non-processed waste water into the Indian River, a letter to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection says.
Former Melbourne councilwoman censured for alleged death threat against current Vice Mayor
The Melbourne City Council recently voted to censure a former City Council member for allegedly making a death threat against the Vice Mayor several months ago during a heated meeting.
Invasive armored catfish taking over waterways on Florida's Space Coast
An invasive armored catfish is spreading through waterways on Florida’s Space Coast, carving into shorelines and even harming manatees.
Michael Halberstam: Indian River shooting suspect wrote anti-police comments on social media, officials say
The man who allegedly shot and killed an Indian River County deputy had made negative social media posts about the sheriff’s office before the shooting.
Anna Kepner: Court hearing reveals new details on Kepner Family's Carnival cruise vacation
Anna Kepner's stepmom and ex-husband appeared virtually in Brevard County court on Thursday regarding an unrelated custody dispute. However, as part of that hearing, new details and allegations about the Kepner Family's vacation aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship were discussed.
Anna Kepner's stepbrother, 16, a 'suspect' in Florida teen's death aboard cruise ship: Court filing
The 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner, the Florida teenager who died aboard a Carnival cruise ship, is being investigated as a possible suspect in the teen's death, according to a new court filing in an unrelated family case.
Residents report alleged human waste in Merritt Island canal
Residents who live along Sykes Creek on Merritt Island are concerned about water quality and a potential sewage spill.
FAA requiring overnight launches for commercial companies
The federal government is back open, but rocket launches on the Space Coast remain restricted. A new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order that shifts most commercial liftoffs to overnight hours.