Lisa Bell is no stranger to Central Florida. She has been here since 2007, covering the big stories that impact our community. Lisa was promoted to News 6 evening anchor in 2014. Lisa got her first break in the news industry during a chance meeting while attending the University of Idaho. She was giving a speech about the Boys and Girls Club and was approached afterward by the News Director of the CBS-affiliate in her hometown of Lewiston, Idaho. Lisa was asked to become the station's weather girl... and the rest, they say, is history.
Her love of news eventually took her to Pensacola as a weekend anchor and reporter. While in the panhandle, she covered Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She also flew with the Navy's elite Blue Angels, which Lisa says was a thrilling adventure until the pilot successfully caused her to blackout several times. Since 2007, Lisa has called Central Florida home.
She has covered several life-changing events, from the end of the space shuttle era, to hurricanes, the Casey Anthony trial, the Pulse Nightclub shooting and more. Away from work, she enjoys spending time at the beach, walking around any of Central Florida's beautiful lakes and traveling to new destinations.
During a visit to Leu Gardens in Orlando in 2018, her two sons fell in love with the vegetable garden. Afterward, they decided to plant their own garden. The next day, her boys discovered a little gnome in their garden placed there overnight by News 6 anchor Ginger Gadsden. They named the gnome Norman and soon started writing short stories about Norman the Gnome. Since then, Lisa has published two children's books, Norman the Watchful Gnome and Norman the Gnome has Colorful Friends.
Lisa hopes her books will inspire parents and children to discover all the benefits of gardening. From boosting mental, nutritional and physical health to helping the planet. Embedded in her stories are also messages of inclusiveness, diversity, love and friendship.
Lisa lives in Orlando with her husband, her two sons and her two four-legged kids, Coco and Kiwi.
You can watch Lisa weekdays at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. on News 6. You can also watch Lisa on the Florida Foodie Podcast streaming on News 6+. Follow Lisa Bell on Twitter or on Facebook.
Favorite Restaurants: Hillstone, Santiago's Bodega, Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Thai Cuisine Restaurant, Grills, Hollerbach's Willow Tree Café and Chez Vincent in Winter Park
Favorite Food: That's tough... Avocado, Artichokes, Panang Curry.
Favorite Quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Favorite Theme Park: Epcot... can't miss the Food and Wine Festival or the Candlelight Processional.
Favorite Central Florida hangouts: New Smyrna Beach, Lake Eola (it's where I got engaged), any u-pick farm.
Places You Would Love To Visit: Africa and the Alps
