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JENISE FERNANDEZ • Local 10 News
WORK • Thursday Routine
JENISE FERNANDEZ • anchor & reporter • Local 10 News
Neighborhood you work in: Pembroke Park
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
First thing you need to know about my job is that I do not work traditional hours. As the prime time anchor at Local 10, my work day starts at 2p. We get ready for the first show of the afternoon, FirstCast at 3. This means reading over the show, looking through the wires to make sure we didn’t miss any news, and confirming all our reporters in the field have filed their stories and are ready to go. News is 24/7 and it truly takes a team to make it happen, from the producers to editors, directors, photographers, and (of course) the on-air talent.
After I anchor the 3p show, I continue to report and write stories until 630p, then finish off the day anchoring our newly launched 10p newscast. Tired yet? Yes, it’s a lot. But it’s the best job in the world.
What’s on the agenda for today?
I was recently nominated as a Woman of Impact by the American Heart Association and I’m putting together a series of stories highlighting the importance of heart health.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
This weekend I’ll be celebrating a friend’s birthday at Mi Chini at Phuc Yea. I love a good speakeasy. Last weekend, I went to Macchialina in South Beach, my absolute favorite Italian spot. Order the short rib lasagna — you won’t be disappointed. But place your order right away, because they will sell out. They also have a martini menu I love because you can get a “bambini tini,” perfect if you want just a little taste. End the night with the bread pudding. If I’m looking to keep the night going, I’ll make a stop at Medium Cool. I love live music and they make the best Old-Fashioned.
How about a little leisure or culture?
I love going to the Adrienne Arsht Center for any of their touring Broadway shows. I’m an absolute theater geek. Moulin Rouge the Musical will be here in March and I can’t wait. Grab dinner at Bunbury for Argentinian before any show. Such great food and a quick walk to the theater. In March, gala season is upon us. One of my favorite charity events is the Little Lighthouse Foundation’s Hearts and Stars gala at Mana Wynwood. I’ll be hosting for the fourth year and I can tell you it is the best party in town — and all for a great cause.
Any weekend getaways?
I recently went to a bachelorette party in Grand Cayman — such a gem. The flight’s just over an hour. We did Sting Ray City, such a magical experience (and the stingrays are so friendly). Palm Heights is beautiful, as is their sister property La Concha, a more budget-friendly alternative that grants access to all the same amenities. You have to do Mambo night at Palm Heights. It was one of the most fun nights I’ve ever had. There’s a full Italian dinner, karaoke, and dancing. Do I need to say more?
What was your last great vacation?
I am a big traveler, so you’ll always find me exploring new places. Last summer, I went to Lisbon. If there’s one place to go in Europe, this is it. It is beautiful, has great food, super nice people, beaches and mountains, and it’s so affordable. I recommend staying at the Lumiares Hotel as it’s centrally located and the rooms are bigger than typical European rooms. Mine had a living room and kitchen.
In Lisbon, eat at Café de Sao Bento for the best steak you’ll ever have. I don’t know what sauce they put on it, but I still dream about it. Check out the Red Frog speakeasy; it’s consistently voted one of the best bars in the world. Don’t leave without doing a boat ride along the Tagus River. There were so many dolphins, and they followed our boat, jumping around — it was amazing.
What store or service do you always recommend?
As a TV girlie, there’s some maintenance that is required. I have to wear makeup every day, so skincare is big for me. I love Sana Skin. It’s a good, clean facial and so relaxing. They do a great job of giving my skin a refresh without overloading it with chemicals and lasers. The signature facial is great for monthly maintenance and everything is reasonably priced compared to other spas.
I’ve also recently become obsessed with Lash Society. I wanted to make my lashes pop but didn’t want to do too much maintenance as I’m busy and don’t have the time. A lash lift and tint will change your life. It looks so natural and doesn’t require the same management as lash extensions. I’m a big fan.