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
Titusville explores retention ponds to reduce flooding, to be financed through tax liens
Flooding fixes could be coming to Titusville. City leaders want to add more retention ponds in historic, flood-prone areas. Officials are trying to prevent a repeat of the extreme flooding that left some residents stranded in 2025.
Exotic South American parrots thriving in wild colonies on Florida's Space Coast
Bright blue and green parrots native to South America are drawing attention in Melbourne, where bird watchers have reported more sightings across the Space Coast.
Melbourne tears down long-vacant 'horror house' as city begins crack down on nuisance property
City officials in Melbourne have demolished a long-vacant home that neighbors and code enforcement officers said had been a source of complaints and safety concerns for years.
Anna Kepner's accused killer ordered into custody of US Marshals Service: Court documents
The Florida teen accused of attacking and killing his stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a family cruise vacation has had his release conditions revoked and has been ordered into custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, according to newly-unsealed court documents.
Wildlife scientists concerned with skyrocketing dolphin, fishing line cases in Indian River Lagoon
A growing crisis is unfolding in the waters of the Space Coast as discarded fishing gear traps local dolphins at an alarming rate.
Abandoned Palm Bay apartment property getting cleaned up; rescuers concerned about cats, wildlife who moved in
Efforts are underway to clean up and secure an abandoned apartment complex property in Palm Bay that fell into disarray with broken windows, falling balconies, and unkept landscape. But the sudden progress is sparking fresh concerns among neighbors who fear feral and stray cats and other wildlife who moved in may be trapped.
New Rotary Club rescue tubes spark concern, confusion for beachgoers: 'Makes no sense'
Newly installed ocean rescue devices are sparking confusion and safety concerns along the Space Coast.
Defense: FBI doesn't have DNA evidence linking stepbrother to Anna Kepner's murder, asphyxiation
Federal prosecutors may be facing a significant evidentiary challenge in the murder case against Timothy Hudson, the teenager accused of raping and killing his stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a family cruise ship.
Boaters pulled to safety by Good Samaritan when boat sinks in Indian River Lagoon: 'Grateful...we all made it'
What began as a Memorial Day boating trip on the Indian River turned into a frightening rescue after seven young men were left stranded in the water when their boat sank.
Deadly Cocoa dog attack: Dogs to be euthanized after owner remains behind bars, sheriff says
A Brevard County woman remains held behind bars on a felony manslaughter charge after her two loose dogs, Max and Mako, mauled a Cocoa neighbor to death.