Sam Kerrigan Bio, Age, Family, Net Worth, – Wake-Up Voice on CBS12
Sam Kerrigan is the energetic, quick-witted morning anchor who has been launching South Floridians into their day on WPEC-CBS12 since 2013. A University of Florida Journalism grad and lifelong Palm Beach County resident, “Traffic-Jam Sam” turned hard-news anchor blends local roots, Emmy-nominated storytelling and a social-media game strong enough to earn her the unofficial title of “most-liked journalist” on the West Palm morning circuit.
Meet the 2:15 a.m. Alarm Clock Queen: Sam Kerrigan’s 4 000 Sunrise Streak, Beer-Brewing Hubby & $750 k Net Worth
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Samantha “Sam” Kerrigan |
| Stage Name | Sam Kerrigan on-air; @SamCBS12 online |
| Profession | Broadcast News Anchor / Reporter |
| Birth Date | withheld (mid-30s as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | West Palm Beach, FL, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | withheld |
| Height | ≈ 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | ≈ 125 lb (57 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Qualification | B.S. Journalism, University of Florida |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married (husband: Joey) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Charley, b. 2021) |
| Hobbies | Peloton, paddle-boarding, Florida Gators football, craft-beer tasting |
| Current Work | Morning News Anchor, WPEC CBS12, West Palm Beach |
| Years Active | 2010 – present |
| Net Worth 2025 | ≈ US $750 k (industry estimate) |
Early Life & Education
Born and raised along the Intracoastal in West Palm, Sam grew up watching hometown anchors like Jim Sackett and decided in middle school that “talking for a living” looked fun. At Wellington High she captained the varsity lacrosse team, then headed north to Gainesville where she graduated from UF’s College of Journalism & Communications with a broadcast specialization and a minor in Spanish.
Career Journey
2010-2013 – Traffic Jam Sam
Joined WPEC as a part-time assignment-desk assistant, then promoted to the station’s first-ever “Traffic Reporter” during the 5-7 a.m. block. Her on-screen handle “Traffic Jam Sam” and playful use of toy cars to explain tie-ups became a ratings magnet.
2013-2018 – Morning Anchor Rise
Paired with veteran anchor Michael Sharp, the duo doubled the 6 a.m. household share from 3.2 to 6.8 in two years. Covered:
- 2016 Hurricane Matthew landfall – 14-hour continuous anchor shift.
- Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting – live desk anchor for rolling Palm Beach reaction.
2019-2021 – Main-Anchor Expansion
Began solo-anchoring CBS12 News This Morning (4:30-7 a.m.) plus the 9 a.m. streaming show “CBS12@9”. Launched franchise “Sam’s Salutes,” profiling local veterans; earned Suncoast Emmy nomination 2020.
2022-2025 – Digital-First & Community Push
- TikTok @SamCBS12 surpassed 110 k followers in 2024 by mixing news explainers with behind-the-scenes anchor life.
- Moderated 2024 Palm Beach mayoral debate; praised by Palm Beach Post for “even-keeled questioning.”
- Still wakes up at 2:15 a.m., drinks cold brew, on air by 4:30 a.m. – a streak now past 4 000 sunrises.
Awards & Achievements
- Suncoast Emmy nominee – “Outstanding News Anchor” (2020, 2022)
- Florida AP – Best Morning Newscast, 1st place (2019)
- Palm Beach Humanitarian of the Year finalist – Hurricane Dorian relief telethon (2019)
- UF Alumni Association “Outstanding Young Alumna” (2021)
- Society of Professional Journalists – Sigma Delta Chi Award, Public Service (2022)
Personal Life
Sam married longtime boyfriend Joey Deerman, a local craft-beer brewer, in a 2019 beach ceremony on Jupiter Island. Their daughter Charley arrived in December 2021; viewers first “met” the newborn during a work-from-home pandemic segment. The family splits time between a renovated mid-century house in Lake Worth and Gator football Saturdays in Gainesville.
Physical Statistics
| Measure | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5′5″ | 165 cm |
| Weight | 125 lb | 57 kg |
| Shoe | 7½ US | 38 EU |
| Dress | 4 US | 36 EU |
| Hair | Honey Blonde | – |
| Eyes | Blue | – |
Quotes
- “If you’re not waking up before the crackers, you’re not doing morning TV right.” – UF J-School guest lecture, 2023
- “My rule: one minute of air-time, one minute of social reply – the conversation shouldn’t end when we hit commercial.” – Facebook Live Q&A, 2024
- “Covering hurricanes isn’t scary; it’s personal. My mom lives two blocks from the evacuation zone.” – Palm Beach Post interview, 2022
Controversies
Zero major on-air gaffes. A 2020 tweet joking about “snow-bird drivers” drew mild backlash; she apologized the same morning and the station issued no discipline.
Favorites
| Category | Pick |
|---|---|
| Coffee | Dunkin’ cold brew, black |
| Sports Team | Florida Gators football |
| Beach | Carlin Park, Jupiter |
| Beer (husband’s brew) | “Sam-ber Ale” – American amber |
| Vacation | Asheville, NC mountains |
| Emoji | 🌴 (palm tree) |
Salary & Net Worth 2025
West Palm Beach market size #38 puts a top morning anchor in the $120-140 k band. With streaming bonus, paid social partnerships and voice-over spots, Sam’s annual income is estimated at $165 k. Net worth in 2025 sits around $750 000, factoring in a $525 k Lake Worth townhouse purchased in 2021 and 403(b) contributions since age 22.
Interesting Facts
- Still owns her first car – a 1999 Toyota 4Runner – now parked at the beach house.
- Once paddled across the Lake Worth Lagoon on a giant inflatable swan for a sweeps stunt.
- Holds a “Certified Beer Server” accreditation from the Cicerone Program (hobby courtesy of hubby).
- Has worn the same pair of “lucky” pearl earrings on every newscast since 2015 – a gift from her grandmother.
Social Media Links
- Facebook – 24 558 likes, 1 164 talking about this
- Twitter/X – @SamCBS12 17 k followers
- Instagram – @samkerrigan 7 k followers
- LinkedIn – industry network
- TikTok – @SamCBS12 110 k followers | 2.1 M likes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long has Sam Kerrigan been on CBS12?
A: She joined in 2010, anchoring mornings since November 2013 – more than a decade.
Q2: Is Sam Kerrigan related to the Kerrigan lumber family?
A: No relation; her dad is a retired Palm Beach County firefighter.
Q3: What time does she wake up?
A: Alarm at 2:15 a.m.; on the set by 4:00 a.m. for 4:30 air-time.
Q4: Did she really brew her own beer?
A: She helped husband Joey create “Sam-ber Ale,” released at Steamhorse Brewery in 2022.
Q5: Has she won an Emmy?
A: Nominated twice; no wins yet as of 2025.
Conclusion
Sam Kerrigan’s recipe is simple: local roots, relentless hustle and genuine kindness. Whether she’s warning about an incoming hurricane, saluting a veteran or chasing a toddler through the newsroom, South Florida viewers feel like they’re starting the day with a neighbor. Share this bio if Sam has ever helped you “weather” a Palm Beach morning!
