Gina Benitez
KFOX14 News Weekend Anchor/Reporter
I was born and raised in South Florida but I’m definitely making my rounds in the Lone Star state.
My first job was in Laredo, where I reported during the week and produced on weekends. I then got the opportunity to anchor weekends in Abilene, so I said goodbye to the border and headed North. Now, I’m thrilled to be back down south, in a thriving, dynamic, and beautiful city! I’ve covered a wide range of stories, and I can honestly say, I’ve enjoyed each and every one. A day never goes by that I’m not grateful of how fortunate I am. I’m truly living my dream day in and day out. How many people can honestly say that?
I’m a proud graduate of the Florida State University in Tallahassee (Go Noles)! where I spent an amazing 4 years. I have an incredible family who has always supported me in everything I’ve ever set out to do. I was an only child until a little over two years ago. Now, I have a beautiful baby brother named Luca, who is the love of my life.
I’m looking forward to my time here in the Sun City and experiencing everything El Paso has to offer. Feel free to send me story ideas at Gina.Benitez@kfoxtv.com, I’m always looking to look into what YOU want to know!
Q & A
What year did you join KFOX?
2012
What was you first TV appearance?
I anchored Seminole Showcase at FSU in 2010.
Where were you born?
Miami, FL
Where did you grow up?
Pembroke Pines, FL
What was your favorite TV show then?
Too many!
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be?
I wanted to be an actress.
How might someone have described you in high school?
Outgoing, determined, goofy
What was your first job in television?
Reporter/Producer
What do you like about your job?
Meeting different people on a daily basis, learning about so many different things instead of honing in on one particular skillset and being trusted to tell important (and sometimes very personal) stories.
What do you not like about your job?
Often seeing devastation and heartbreak firsthand and having to keep it together.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I’ve never taken a journalism class. I was an English major in college.
What would be a perfect day for you?
Spending all of it with my little brother Luca, laying on the beach and a serious amount of excellent sushi (in no particular order!)
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business?
Be kind, work hard, and stay humble. Learn as much as you can about the business from anyone willing to help you. Intern, intern, intern – and ask questions! If you find out it’s really what you want to do, never stop working at it. You’ll get there!
Favorites
Favorite FOX show:
So You Think You Can Dance
Favorite dream car:
I've never really been picky. I like the one I have now!
Favorite food:
Sushi for sure, but being away from home for so long has really made me miss Cuban food!
Favorite hobby:
Dancing
Favorite El Paso place:
I haven't been here long enough to find out.
Favorite movie:
It’s a tie between Scarface and Grease
Favorite music:
Hip-Hop/Country
Favorite travel destination:
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Latest from Gina Benitez
Fort Bliss officially has new commanding general
Fort Bliss officially has a new leader after Commanding Gen. Dana Pittard handed the reins over Thursday to a former classmate and old friend. Hundreds turned out as Major Gen. Sean MacFarland was officially made new commanding general of the post. MacFarland and Pittard were classmates at West Point. "We ...
Fort Bliss honors soldiers killed in Afghanistan blast
Fort Bliss honors five soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty earlier this month. As KFOX 14 reported, the soldiers were on patrol in southern Afghanistan on May 4 when an improvised explosive device went off, killing them all. The chapel filled to capacity and the raw ...
Maj. Gen. Dana Pittard bids farewell
Fort Bliss' commanding general Maj. Gen. Dana Pittard bid farewell to El Paso and Fort Bliss. Thursday, he will relinquish his title after nearly three years of leading the post. Pittard tells KFOX 14 it's a bittersweet feeling and he feels a mix of emotions. Under his command, Fort Bliss ...
Local pediatric clinic offering free services on Saturdays
A local pediatric clinic is easing the burden of expensive doctor's visits. The Pediamed Clinic in Northeast El Paso has kicked off a program that gives 20 uninsured children a free doctor's visit each Saturday. The first 20 people who register online each week at pediatricnightclinic.com will get that complimentary ...
Local military families suffering from loss can turn to 'Care Team'
It's been a heartwrenching two weeks for Fort Bliss. Five Fort Bliss soldiers were killed on May 4 after an improvised explosive device, also known as an IED, exploded on the deadliest day of 2013 for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Just 10 days later, this past Tuesday, three more Fort ...
Possible homicide investigation at central El Paso residence
Police said they are investigating a possible homicide at a home in the 2600 block of Hamilton Avenue in central El Paso. Police at the scene said they found a 22-year-old man dead at the residence this afternoon. They are treating his death as a homicide because they said circumstances surrounding his death ...
Cloudy water running from faucets in Socorro, San Elizario, Clint
Residents in Socorro, San Elizario and Clint have been seeing something unusual in their water recently. Over the last couple days, the water has had a cloudy white look and it's caused many to voice concerns. J.T., a Socorro resident, said she first noticed the cloudy water last night when ...
Fort Bliss unveils microgrid, first of its kind
History was made Thursday as Fort Bliss unveiled another part in its self-sustainability efforts. "To guarantee that in fact, we have a continuous supply of energy if something were to happen to the grid," said Maj. Gen. Dana Pittard, commanding general of Fort Bliss. The Enlisted Personnel Dining Facility has ...
Multimillion-dollar project to transform UTEP, permanently close streets
The University of Texas at El Paso will soon be completely transformed as one of the main phases of a multimillion-dollar project starts next week. University Avenue, from Wiggins Road to the front of the Liberals Building; and Hawthorne Street, from around Magoffin Auditorium to the Academic Advising Center, will ...
New Socorro city leaders talk about their plan for city's future
Many residents say, it's a new era for the city of Socorro. Two new council members are voted in and a long-vacant mayoral seat, filled. The winners talked to KFOX 14 about their plans to turn the troubled city and its reputation around. "We're just very excited and very honored that ...
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