Claire Metz is now covering the areas of Central Florida she knows best -- Volusia and Flagler counties.

Claire has been with WESH 2 News since 1984, and she was recently named Volusia and Flagler County WESH 2 News Bureau Chief.

Volusia and Flagler counties are two of the fastest growing counties in the country, and Claire knows them better than anybody. WESH-TV viewers will be able to see Claire every day on WESH 2 News, where she'll cover news of her "home turf." She is a vital member of the community, and her reports will bring that fact home.

Claire was born in Chicago and graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans before coming to Central Florida. She really enjoys many of the facets involved with working in the news media.

"I love the fact that the job is different from day to day. The news changes daily, so it's always something different. Then making the news important to each and every person is the real challenge," Claire said.

Claire's work earned her an Emmy award for her coverage of a family who survived in rough seas on Christmas Eve.

Things have changed at Claire's Volusia County home over the years: She and her husband, Pete, have two boys in high school and another boy and girl in grade school, so there's plenty happening in Claire's life around the clock.

Claire loves to follow her sons in sports and watch her youngest daughter grow into a fine dancer. She said while family is the most important thing to her, news remains her passion.

To comment on this story, send an e-mail to Claire Metz.