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
Challenger disaster remembered 40 years later as NASA prepares for new lunar mission
The Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts around the moon, is currently on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center. Like Challenger four decades ago, the rocket is facing freezing temperatures, though officials say modern safeguards are in place to help prevent another tragedy.
Emaciated dog finally gaining weight after months of malnutrition
A dog found severely malnourished after being adopted from a shelter is showing signs of recovery, as the people accused of abusing her face criminal charges, authorities said.
Florida’s coast sees unusual wildlife activity as marine animals migrate south during winter
While recent freezing temperatures have unsettled humans across Florida, the waters remain relatively warm for migrating whales, drawing more of the marine mammals to the region, wildlife experts say.
Parents raise safety concerns about crowded Brevard County school buses
Parents in Brevard County say overcrowding on school buses has reached a breaking point after new images showed students sitting on the floor of moving buses, months after earlier complaints about packed conditions.
Over a dozen baby raccoons nurtured back to health after abandoned in Brevard
More than a dozen orphans are being rehabbed after their moms were re-located or the babies were left behind.
New Research shows seaweed on Florida shores costs billions in economic losses
Seaweed stuck on Florida's shores is causing a billion-dollar impact. Now, a published study by researchers in Rhode Island, shows that seaweed is creating losses that ripple across tourism, fishing, restaurants, and local jobs.
Former principal accused of hosting underage party may avoid jail time
A former Cocoa Beach elementary school principal accused of hosting a large underage drinking party at her home may avoid jail time as her criminal case nears a resolution, prosecutors said.
Friends grieve 10-year-old boy, grandmother who died in Palm Bay house fire: 'A blessing to know him'
The tragic fire happened on Jan. 12 around 2:19 a.m. Palm Bay Fire Rescue crews responded to a home on Janus Road NE after multiple 911 calls came in about a house fire with people possibly trapped inside.
Artemis II moon rocket scheduled for rollout ahead of anticipated launch
NASA is preparing for it's first crewed Artemis mission with a NASA a rocket rollout – which involves moving an 11-millon point stack four miles
A rare sighting: Fisherman see Humpback whales off the coast of Port Canaveral
Local fisherman captured a rare sighting of Humpback whales on camera about 20 miles of the coast of Port Canaveral. Here's what we know