Daralene Jones Biography
Daralene Jones is an Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and author working at Channel 9 Eyewitness News in Orlando, Florida, as a Senior News Anchor, Investigative Reporter, and Producer. She joined the station in May 2014 and anchors Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 4 with Greg Warmoth.
How old is Daralene Jones?
WFTV Channel 9 Senior News Anchor Daralene Mesha JoAnna Jones was born on 25 November 1983, making her 43 years old as of 2026. 25 November 2019, Eboni Deon WSBTV posted a photo of her on her Facebook account and captioned it, Happiest of birthdays to you, Daralene Jones!!!🎉🎂🎉 Hope your day is as fabulous as you!🤗😘Interestingly, she actually celebrates her birthday on 25 November, and her zodiac sign is Sagittarius.
Early Life
Daralene Jones hails from the vibrant state of Illinois in the United States. She is the proud daughter of Russell Hawkins, a resident of Chicago, and the late Shirley Jean Head, who was known for her warm spirit and dedication to her family. While insights into Daralene’s upbringing reveal her strong ties to her parents, it remains uncertain whether she has any siblings who might share her experiences and family legacy. The details around her family background reflect a tapestry of connections and influences that have shaped her life, yet the lack of information about possible siblings leaves an intriguing gap in her personal narrative.
Education Background
Daralene Jones pursued her higher education at Illinois State University, where she dedicated herself to studying Communication and Journalism. Her hard work and commitment culminated in her earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in this dynamic field. Following her undergraduate studies, she took her academic journey to the next level by enrolling at the University of Illinois Springfield. There, she delved deeper into her interests and successfully completed a Master of Arts (MA) in Public Affairs, gaining valuable insights and skills relevant to public policy and community engagement.
Career Background
Daralene currently anchors Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 4 alongside Greg Warmoth. This is her second time working at WFTV. Jones was originally recruited from the station in 2012 due to her groundbreaking coverage of the death of Trayvon Martin and the hazing-related death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion. Drawn to journalism early, Jones was inspired by Ethel Payne of the Chicago Defender, a fearless reporter who covered major national events and became one of the first Black women in the White House Press Corps. Jones began in college at Illinois State University, writing for the newspaper and TV station about student and community issues. Her earliest stories focused on health, shaped by losing her mother to a brain aneurysm.
She is an Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter for our 9 Investigates team, focusing on in-depth stories. She produced the Ocoee Massacre project, a documentary detailing the 1920 killings of Blacks in Ocoee, and “Groveland Four: Journey to Exoneration,” about four Black men falsely accused in 1949. Her 2019 reporting on police use of force led several agencies to audit their practices, earning praise from the Orlando police chief. She also uncovered questionable traffic stops, prompting a review of department tactics, and revealed gang violence linked to a series of murders, leading the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to seek FBI assistance. Her reporting on COVID-19 tracking in daycares led the Florida Department of Health to change its approach, while her coverage of testing in Florida prisons resulted in increased availability.
Before joining Channel 9, Jones worked as a reporter in Decatur, Illinois; Springfield, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where her reporting received Emmy nominations. Her investigative work on the G.W. Bridge scandal involving New Jersey Governor Chris Christie garnered national attention. At her previous station, she served as the lead reporter on major stories such as the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes, the D.C. Navy Yard shooting, and the Boston Marathon bombings.
Jones is known for holding public figures accountable. After the 2012 election, she was the only reporter pressing Florida Gov. Rick Scott on his refusal to extend early voting and its impact on delayed results, with her reporting featured on MSNBC. She belongs to Delta Sigma Theta, Jack and Jill, and Florida Executive Women, volunteers with Meals on Wheels, and serves on boards for the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County and the Boys and Girls Club (West Orange).
Is Daralene Jones married?
Daralene Mesha JoAnna Jones is happily married to Antoine Jamaal Bell, who is 45 years old and works as a mechanical engineer for Lockheed Martin in Orlando. Antoine graduated from North Carolina A&T State University and holds both a master’s degree in engineering management and an MBA from the University of Florida. The couple was married on Saturday evening at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Marvin A. Jackson, the lead pastor of the River of Life Christian Center in Orlando, officiated the ceremony. Daralene and Antoine live in Orange County with their three children.
Daralene Jones Height
Jones is estimated to be 5 feet 6 inches tall, or 1.68 meters.
Daralene Jones Salary
WFTV Channel 9 Senior News Anchor Daralene has an estimated annual salary ranging from $ 115, 195 to $ 185,110.
Daralene Jones Net Worth
Jones’ net worth is estimated at $1–$ 5 million, reflecting steady career growth and financial stability. Most of her income comes from media work as a Senior News Anchor, Investigative Reporter, and Producer.
Daralene Jones, WFTV Channel 9
Jones works at WFTV Channel 9 with her fellow anchors, reporters, and meteorologists, such as;
Social Media
You can follow Daralene Jones on Instagram and Twitter.