Michelle Hammontree

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Michelle Hammontree I am a writer and multimedia content producer based in Miami, Florida. In 2012, I was courted by the public sector.

I have a 20+ years of combined experience in journalism, writing, content production and working with local government. I began my multimedia communications career at Univision Online when it was a start-up, in 2000. Helping the dot-com grow and launch was my introduction to digital media content production, and the catalyst that set me on my 20+ year path toward producing compelling multimedia stories. Five years after my time with Univision, I began working as a freelance reporter for the Miami Herald where I wrote about topics that include tow-truck pirates, snarky municipal leaders, and heartfelt features about loss, success, and effectuating change. I established centralized-communication offices for two Miami-Dade County municipalities. First as the communications director at the City of Sweetwater, and two years later as the first communications manager at the Village of Pinecrest – where I currently work. I intuitively make connections with key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and have 15 years’ experience working closely with elected officials and local government both as a reporter and staffer. I am experienced in emergency and crisis operations and hold an Advanced Public Information Officer FEMA certification. Additionally, I can proudly say that I am one of 200 public communicators in the nation to be accredited by the Texas Christian University Certified Public Communicator (CPC) program. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with an emphasis on print journalism and Master of Science degree in global strategic communications – both from Florida International University. Outside of work I would describe myself as curious and energetic. I enjoy nature, bird watching, the ocean, the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park. I like bicycling, stand up paddling, kayaking, running and boxing. I have a love affair with plants and propagate different types of succulents. Meditation and yoga keep me content, healthy and creative.

👀 Check out the December Pinecrest Sun magazine to learn about all the wonderful programming, camps and events the Villa...
13/12/2021

👀 Check out the December Pinecrest Sun magazine to learn about all the wonderful programming, camps and events the Village is hosting between now and the end of February 2022.

Visit www.pinecrestsun.com for the full digital magazine.

After yoga glow while in one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in South Florida, Pinecrest Gardens 🤩We made a new ...
12/12/2021

After yoga glow while in one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in South Florida, Pinecrest Gardens 🤩

We made a new friend. His name is Joaquin, and he walks with a limp. His plumage is on point, tho.

04/12/2021
Grief is hard. Really, hard. Most of the time, I can’t focus. Unexpected feelings come up and I break into an ugly cry m...
06/11/2021

Grief is hard. Really, hard. Most of the time, I can’t focus. Unexpected feelings come up and I break into an ugly cry mid-shower. There is no guide to grief.

But, I am getting the hang of this. I fully exploit any moments of joy. I catch up with work stuff. Do mini photo shoots of myself under my believe tree topper that is a nod to Ted Lasso.

I watched both seasons while my mom was in the hospital. It was one of my coping mechanisms. I even wrote believe on my bathroom mirror. Eva thought I’d gone mad.

Whatever helps, right? There is no rhyme or reason to this. I just go with what feels right while trying to remain grounded.

🦋🦩✨
30/10/2021

🦋🦩✨

My mother, Rosario Irene Vargas, 68, passed away today. She fought to the end. Eva Rose, Joshua and I were with her. Whe...
26/10/2021

My mother, Rosario Irene Vargas, 68, passed away today. She fought to the end. Eva Rose, Joshua and I were with her. When she passed, Eva Rose and I were standing on the sides of the hospital bed. The nurse said that my mom knew we were all there praying, remembering good times and sobbing.

I am in peace because I have strong faith and I know she is all around me free of pain and suffering. Rest in peace you fierce, strong, warrior - knowing that your granddaughter and I will honor your journey, sacrifice and unflinching love for us both.

This is a photo of her rosary. It smells like her. When it is time, I will pass it on to Eva Rose.

🐍 Earrings made from rattlesnake ribs and wood beads. A unique and perfect gift from Eva. 🥰🐝 Thank you, Baby. 🐞
03/10/2021

🐍 Earrings made from rattlesnake ribs and wood beads. A unique and perfect gift from Eva. 🥰

🐝 Thank you, Baby. 🐞

My mom’s health went sideways on Thursday and she’s been on a ventilator since then. I realized that day that this is go...
27/09/2021

My mom’s health went sideways on Thursday and she’s been on a ventilator since then. I realized that day that this is going to be a rollercoaster filled with tiny moments of good and a few out of nowhere drops.

I spent the day with her yesterday and the PA said to me, we have put a lot of work into giving your mom a second chance at life with a liver transplant and we are nowhere near giving up. That felt really good. I believe her. I felt her conviction.

My mom would always throw these over the top parties for me as a child. She invited all the kids in the building - whether we knew them or not.

She would want me to be happy today. I am content. I am grateful for the people who show up for me - on the phone, in person, text. These are the kind of friends who will knock my door down, if I don’t send signs of life within 24 hours.

I love you. You know who you are.

Photo 1: Floral arrangement by who came by with the earlier this month for a soft SURPRISE celebration.

Photo 2: One of my bad ass kid bdays.

Photo 3: the WGG on 9/18 with a few peeps missing.

Ahhhhh, nature.
12/09/2021

Ahhhhh, nature.

📣 Proud Mom Alert!🌱 We went to Eva’s freshman orientation at TERRA Environmental Research Institute today! She is one of...
14/08/2021

📣 Proud Mom Alert!

🌱 We went to Eva’s freshman orientation at TERRA Environmental Research Institute today! She is one of 400 out of 4,000+ students who applied and got into the program.

🐺 80% of graduates get the Bright Futures Scholarship + U.S. Presidential Scholarship. I am crazy proud of her and am so excited for her future successes.

🏫 The campus has an open layout and has a lot of green space in and round it.

👨🏼‍🏫 The principal has more energy than a stick of dynamite. He jumped on a table and hyped up the crowd while telling the DJ what songs to play. Nice to see he can have fun while running a “rigorous” program.

🙏🏼 I am so grateful. Thank you God for the gift of Eva and all her inside and outside beauty.

1. She was one of the few kids who DGAF & posed with the mascot and her mama.

2. She is telling me to stop being so embarrassing 🙈 I may have howled here and there 🤣.

3. Truth!

4. Humor 😂

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About Me

Michelle Hammontree began her communications career at Univision Online when it was just a start-up in 2000. Helping the dotcom launch and grow was her introduction to digital media content production, and the catalyst that set Michelle on her path toward compelling and interactive storytelling. In 2005, Michelle began working as a freelance writer for the Miami Herald where for the next seven years she wrote about topics that include tow-truck pirates, snarky municipal leaders, and heartfelt stories about loss, success and effectuating change.

Passionate about storytelling, she is not only well-versed in writing but is also a photographer, videographer and multimedia editor.

In 2011, Michelle established the Communications Department in the City of Sweetwater, and two years later became the first Communications Manager at the Village of Pinecrest - where she currently works.

Michelle is experienced in emergency and crisis operations and holds Advanced Public Information Officer FEMA certification. She has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a focus on print journalism and a master’s degree in Global Strategic Communications – both from Florida International University. Additionally, she is one of 125 public communicators in the nation to be accredited by the Texas Christian University Certified Public Communicator program.