Florida Press Club

21/07/2024

You got that story so now it’s time to win the glory! The Florida Press Club’s 2024 Excellence in Journalism Competition is now open!
For more than 60 years, the contest has been recognizing the best in Florida Journalism. Its top prize, the Frances DeVore Award for Public Service, is one of the most rewarding in the state!
Our categories honor excellence in day-to-day coverage and stories that left a mark and everything in between! Honorees like stories about the Jacksonville public utility sale and aging condos haven’t lost their legs yet.
Your photography, layout, writing and online work are eligible if it was produced in the Sunshine State and published between June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024.
Online-only entries are accepted in every category, except for layout.
You can enter here. Click on “Create your Open Call account” after entering your email and password to get started. Or, if you’ve entered before, enter your email and password.
More details about the categories are available here. Directions on how to load entries onto the Better Newspaper Contest platform are here.
The deadline is Sept. 9. Don’t wait until deadline hits!

07/06/2024

Award-winning travel writer and FPC member Mary Ann DeSantis journeyed far with her keyboard.

View Mary Ann DeSantis's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

04/06/2024

THIS is how you write a daily story! Susannah Bryan nails it.

Attorneys have filed a lawsuit in federal court against the city of Fort Lauderdale over police’s response to a protest on May 31, 2020, in which tear gas and rubber bullets were used.

03/06/2024

HELP WANTED at one of our member organizations: An indy, The Coastal Star, is seeking a municipal reporter for the coastal area of southern Palm Beach County. This position will cover one large city and 2-3 small towns in a distribution area that encompasses three large cities and seven small towns. Although covering commission meetings and reporting on local government is central to the position, feature and enterprise reporting are an important part of the job. Flexibility is key to success in our collegial work environment. Experience with multi-media reporting is a plus, but not essential. We are a monthly, print-first community newspaper.
Our news organization focuses on community reporting micro-targeted to our coastal market. We’re looking for an experienced reporter with knowledge of how governments operate and not afraid of filing public record requests. Daily newspaper retirees are encouraged to apply.
Our work environment is casual and hours are flexible. Time off is also flexible once approved by supervisor. The ability to meet or beat deadlines is essential.
Employee can request to be a 1099 employee or let company handle tax filing. There are no health or retirement benefits.
Our award-winning, community newspaper has been working hard to keep local government honest and readers informed for the past 15 years. If you are interested in being a part of our team, please send your resume and writing samples with “reporting position” in the subject line to: [email protected]
We hope to fill the position before August 2024.

03/06/2024

Great story about subversives taking action!

After the state said its bridges will be lit red, white and blue all summer, LGBTQ supporters used rainbow-colored flashlights on Main Street bridge.

21/05/2024

Stunning story by the Miami Herald. Worth your time.

DCF wants its former ombudsman charged with a felony while she fights for custody and services for her child

06/05/2024

Super huge congrats to FPC members The Villages Daily Sun! The club was privileged to honor this in our 2022-23 contest and now the Pulitzer Prize committee has honored it! (sorry about the bad screen grab, but you can see it) "for its comprehensive investigation and moment by moment account of Florida officials inaction before, during and after Hurricane Ian, the deadliest storm to strike the state since 1935." Woohooo!!

03/04/2024

Two Florida Press Club members, Sharon Aron Baron and John Sotomayor, teamed up to make sure Florida does not get Geoge Santos-ed https://coralspringstalk.com/floridas-george-santos-daniel-sohn-50971?fbclid=IwAR2TZnaU2eUeKYYiuGjge-tsqyp1-S9MX05IJ6N8w-2oLGkO5DRLehkirZE_aem_AZRYNC2MhcoUnQPAi9_7QmnZGMnkdItfIuVfnNwpvsm6iUa4dYUSTiXBr8XN4BI-HfY8TbYE43UBVcB9Ym9dFNwZ

A South Florida politician just experienced two of the most remarkable life events. The problem is they never happened.

02/04/2024

This is a master class in turning a tip into exposing a serious flaw in the system. Another one worth your time.

Mystery bidders Louis Katz and Kitty Lefkowitz help attorney Brad Schandler win. Are they real?

20/03/2024

Impressive reporting from the Orlando Sentinel. Congrats to reporters Annie Martin and Leslie Postal

02/03/2024

OK, we're going to begin March with a parade of journalism worth your time. DM this page or email at us at [email protected] if you see something worthy of note. I'll start with this, from member Joe Capozzi, who did this for The Coastal Star. Great work!

Interior designer Chad Renfro, a member of the Osage Nation, at home in Ocean Ridge with a memento from the film, Killers of the Flower Moon. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star Ocean Ridge designer’s guidance ensured Best Picture nominee stayed true to Osage people By Joe Capozzi If director Martin Scor...

31/01/2024

Joe Capozzi three-peats!

BYJOECAPOZZI.COM won three first-place awards and a second-place honor in the Florida Press Club’s 2023 Excellence in Journalism competition. The independent news website took first place in the Class C category for General News, Community News and Sports Features. The awards honored work produced...

31/01/2024

The Palm Beach Daily News ... YAY!

30/01/2024

WOOHOO! We're getting some "pub"! Thank you to The Palm Beach Post!

30/01/2024

More winning scenes!

30/01/2024

It's true, as the Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell told us, there are 1,000 reasons to leave journalism, but the rewards are immeasurable. And it all was in evidence at the celebration of the Florida Press Club's Excellence in Journalism Competition winners! There was great work to admire, camaraderie, and open bar (for an hour anyway!). Thanks to all who came!! You are so inspiring!

24/12/2023

It’s with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a longtime Florida Press Club member and great supporter. James Combs gave it his all.

13/11/2023

Come celebrate the work with us Jan. 27 in Clearwater. We'll be joined by special guest, the incomparable Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell! For more details! fpcpresident(at)gmail(dot)com
https://www.floridapressclub.org/congratulations-to-the-finalists-of-the-2022-23-florida-press-club-excellence-in-journalism-contest/

Call now to connect with business.

11/11/2023

23 years ago. A little FPC history.

04/11/2023

Finalists: Congratulations!

Illustration, Artist Illustration, Class A-C
Jake Stevens, South Florida Business Journal

Josh Clark, Embrace Magazine

Illustration, Editorial Cartooning, Class A-C
Bryan Steel, Simon Steel, Embrace Magazine

Ed Hall, The Baker County Press/Artizans Media Syndicate

David Willson, Palm Beach Daily News

Illustration, Infographic, A-C
Jake Stevens, South Florida Business Journal

Adam Rogers, The Villages Daily Sun

Colin Smith, The Villages Daily Sun

Layout, Feature Page Design, Class A-B
Kat Duncan, The Villages Daily Sun

Colin Smith, The Villages Daily Sun

Trisha Murphy, Palatka Daily News

Layout, Feature Page Design, Class C
Michael Gaulin, Lake and Sumter Style Magazine

Scott Simmons, The Coastal Star

Layout, Front Page Design, Class A-B
Adam Rogers, The Villages Daily Sun

Kat Duncan, The Villages Daily Sun

Layout, Front Page Design, Class C
Jamie Mark, Rheya Tanner, Wendy Mak, Josh Clark, Embrace Magazine

Michael Gaulin, Lake & Sumter Style Magazine

Shawnee Coppola, Lake & Sumter Style Magazine

Layout, Sports Page Design, Class A-C
Bonita Miyagi, Adam Rogers, Chris Siegel, The Villages Daily Sun

Colin Smith, Adam Rogers, The Villages Daily Sun

Chris Siegel, The Villages Daily Sun

Online, Affiliated News Site, Class A-C
Staff, South Florida Business Journal

Online, Independent News Site, Class A-C
Jeff Hardison, HardisonInk.com

Sallie James, Parkland Talk

Online, Multimedia Presentation, Class A-C
Tony Holt, Law & Crime

John Sotomayor, Alexander Sotomayor, Lisa Anderson, Embrace Magazine

Photography, Breaking News, Class A
Amy Beth Bennett, Joe Cavaretta, Sun Sentinel

Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel

Joe Cavaretta, Sun Sentinel

Photography, Breaking News, Class B-C
Tiffany Tompkins, Bradenton Herald

Nadia Zomorodian, Daytona Beach News-Journal

Photography, Feature Photo Essay, Class A
Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel

Rachael Stuart, The Villages Daily Sun

Photography, Feature Photo Essay, Class B-C
Tim Stepien, The Coastal Star

Magnus Hastings, Embrace Magazine

Jock Fistick, South Florida Business Journal

Photography, Features, Class A-B
John McCall, Sun Sentinel

Joe Cavaretta, Sun Sentinel

India Pantin, The Villages Daily Sun

Photography, Features, Class C
Bruce Ackerman, Ocala Gazette

Jock Fistick, South Florida Business Journal

Magnus Hastings, Embrace Magazine

Photography, General News, Class A
Amy Beth Bennett, Mike Stocker, Joe Cavaretta, Sun Sentinel

Rachel Stuart, The Villages Daily Sun

George Horsford, The Villages Daily Sun

Photography, General News, Class B
Nadia Zomorodian, Daytona Beach News-Journal

Sarah Cavacini, Palatka Daily News

Photography, General News, Class C
Bruce Ackerman, Ocala Gazette

Tim Stepien, The Coastal Star

Photography, Portrait/Personality, Class A
India Pantin, The Villages Daily Sun

MIke Stocker, Sun Sentinel

Bill Mitchell, The Villages Daily Sun

Photography, Portrait/Personality, Class B
Trisha Murphy, Palatka Daily News

Tiffany Tompkins, Bradenton Herald

Photography, Portrait Personality Class C
Adam Baron, Coral Springs Talk

Magnus Hastings, Embrace Magazine

Frank Lopez, Embrace Magazine

Photography, Sports Action, Class A
Arianna Bennett, The Villages Daily Sun

Mike Stocker, Sun Sentinel

Caitlyn Jordan, The Villages Daily Sun

Photography, Sports Action, Class B-C
Bruce Ackerman, Ocala Gazette

Photography, Sports Feature, Class A
Rachel Stuart, The Villages Daily Sun

India Pantin, The Villages Daily Sun

Bill Mitchell, The Villages Daily Sun

Photography, Sports Feature, Class B-C
Bruce Ackerman, Ocala Gazette

Nadia Zomorodian, Daytona Beach News-Journal

Special Awards, Frances DeVore Award for Public Service, Class A-C

Staff, The Villages Daily Sun

Katherine Kokal, The Palm Beach Post

Brittany Wallman, David Fleshler, David Schutz, Spencer Norris, Sun Sentinel

Special Awards, Lucy Morgan Award for In-Depth Reporting, Class A-B
Katherine Kokal, The Palm Beach Post

Curt Hills, David R. Corder, Cody Hills The Villages Daily Sun

J.T. Wilcox, The Villages Daily Sun

Special Awards, Lucy Morgan Award for In-Depth Reporting, Class B
Ryan Callihan, Bradenton Herald

John A. Torres, Florida Today

Ryan Ballogg. Ryan Callihan, Tiffany Tompkins, Bradenton Herald

Special Awards, Lucy Morgan Award for In-Depth Reporting, Class C
John Sotomayor, Shane Lukas, Embrace Magazine

John Sotomayor, Embrace Magazine

Special Sections, Class A
Bonita Miyagi, Adam Rogers, The Villages Daily Sun

Staff, The Villages Daily Sun

Staff, The Villages Daily Sun

Special Sections, Class B-C
Staff, Florida Business Journals

Staff, The Islander

Staff, South Florida Business Journal

Writing, Art News, Class A-C
Roxanne Brown, Akers Media Group

John Sotomayor, Nile Fortner, Melissa-Marie Marks, Embrace Magazine

Andrew Caplan, Gainesville Sun

Writing, Breaking News, Class A-C
Steve Plunkett, The Coastal Star

Curt Hills, The Villages Daily Sun

Ryan Ballogg, Bradenton Herald

Writing, Business News, Class A
Summer Jarro, The Villages Daily Sun

Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel

Writing, Business News, Class B
Alan Festo, Gainesville Sun

Darrell Hofheinz, Palm Beach Daily News

James A. Jones Jr., Bradenton Herald

Writing, Business News, Class C
Ashley Gurbal Kritzer, Tampa Bay Business Journal

Brian Bandell, South Florida Business Journal

Writing, Commentary, Class A
Steve Bousquet, South Florida Sun Sentinel

Mark Gauert, South Florida Sun Sentinel

Ellen Clark, Tampa Bay Times

Writing Commentary, Class B
Mark Lane, Daytona Beach News-Journal

John A. Torres, Florida Today

Writing, Commentary, Class C
Mary Kate Leming, The Coastal Star

John Sotomayor, Embrace Magazine

Marc Masferrrer, The Bradenton Journal

Mel Melendez, South Florida Business Journal

Writing, Community News, Class A-B
Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel

Nora O'Neill, Heather Bushman, Gainesville Sun

Maddie Cutler, The Villages Daily Sun

Writing, Community News, Class C
Alexis Muellner, Tampa Bay Business Journal

John Sotomayor, Sara Gita, Embrace Magazine

Megan Stokes, Eric Orvieto, Oviedo Community News

Writing, Education News, Class A
Katherine Kokal, The Palm Beach Post

Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel

Writing, Education News, Class B
Brandon Oliver, Palatka Daily News

Andrew Caplan, Gainesville Sun

Sarah Cavacini, Brandon Oliver, Palatka Daily News

Writing, Education News, Class C
Rich Pollack, The Coastal Star

Danielle Olivani, Embrace Magazine

Cindy Peterson, Lake & Sumter Style Magazine

Writing, Election Coverage A-C
Keith Pearlman, The Villages Daily Sun

Alexis Muellner, Ashley Gurbal Kritzer, Tampa Bay Business Journal

Andrew Caplan, Gainesville Sun

Writing, Environmental News, Class A-B
Ryan Ballogg, Bradenton Herald

Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel

Michael Salerno, The Villages Daily Sun

Writing, Environmental News, Class C
James Combs, Lake and Sumter Style Magazine

Melissa-Marie Marks , Embrace Magazine

John Pacenti, The Coastal Star

Writing, General News, Class A-B
Darrell Hofheinz, Palm Beach Daily News

Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel

Jason Dill, Bradenton Herald

Writing, General News, Class C
Joe Capozzi, ByJoeCapozzi

John Pacenti, The Coastal Star

Frank Lopez Ballesteros, Palabra

Writing, Government News, Class A

Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel

Keith Pearlman, The Villages Daily Sun

Writing, Government News, Class B
Ryan Callihan, Bradenton Herald

Andrew Caplan, Gainesville Sun

Darrell Hofheinz, Palm Beach Daily News

Writing, Government News, Class C
Isaac Babcock, Eric Orvieto, Megan Stokes. Oviedo Community News

D’Ann White, Clearwater Patch

Agrippina Fadel, Tamarac Talk

Writing, Headline Writing, Class A-B

Chris Siegel, The Villages Daily Sun

Barry Talley, The Villages Daily Sun

Veronica Gallagher, The Villages Daily Sun

Writing, Headline Writing, Class C
Roxanne Brown, Akers Media Group

John Sotomayor, Rheya Tanner, Embrace Magazine

Writing, Health Writing, Class A-B
Andrew Caplan, Gainesville Sun

J.T. Wilcox, The Villages Daily Sun

Trisha Murphy, Palatka Daily News

Writing, Health Writing, Class C
Nichole Manna, The Tributary

James Combs, Lake & Sumter Style Magazine

Charles Elmore, The Coastal Star

John Pacenti, The Coastal Star

Writing, Light Features, Class A
Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel

James Dinan, The Villages Daily Sun

Mark Gauert, City & Shore Magazine, the South Florida Sun Sentinel

Writing, Light Features, Class B
Brandon Oliver, Palatka Daily News

Trisha Murphy, Palatka Daily News

Writing, Light Features, Class C
John Sotomayor, Melissa-Marie Marks, Embrace Magazine

Rich Pollack, The Coastal Star

Roxanne Brown, Akers Media Group

Writing, Minority News, Class A-B
Sarah Cavacini, Palatka Daily News

Writing, Minority News, Class C
Frank Lopez Ballesteros, Palabra

John Sotomayor, Embrace Magazine

Kristen Hernandez, Villij News

Writing, Newsletter, Class A-C
Pat Beall, Carolyn DiPaolo, Joel Engelhardt, Stet Media Group

Ashley Portero, South Florida Business Journal

Writing, Opinion Writing, Class A-C
James Combs, Lake & Sumter Style Magazine

Writing, Public Safety, Class A-B

Lisa J. Huriash, Sun Sentinel

John A. Torres, Florida Today

Staff, Gainesville Sun

Writing, Public Safety News C
Rich Pollack, The Coastal Star

Megan Stokes, Isaac Babcock, Oviedo Community News

Jim Donnelly, Coconut Creek Talk

Writing, Religion News, Class A-C
James Dinan, The Villages Daily Sun

Janis Fontaine, The Coastal Star

Trisha Murphy, Palatka Daily News

Writing, Serious Features, Class A

Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel

Veronica Wernicke, The Villages Daily Sun

Cody Hills, The Villages Daily Sun

Writing Serious Features, Class B
D’Ann White, Tampa Patch

Sarah Cavacini, Palatka Daily News

D’Ann White, Florida Patch

Writing, Serious Features, Class C
Gary Corsair, Akers Media Group

John Sotomayor, Embrace Magazine

Joe Capozzi, ByJoeCapozzi

Writing, Sports Columns, Class A-C
Mark Blumenthal, Palatka Daily News

Drew Chaltry, The Villages Daily Sun

Cody Hills, The Villages Daily Sun

Writing, Sports Features, Class A
J.T. Wilcox, The Villages Daily Sun

Cody Hills, The Villages Daily Sun

Drew Chaltry, The Villages Daily Sun

Writing, Sports Features, Class B
Trisha Murphy, Palatka Daily News

Writing, Sports Features, Class C

Joe Capozzi, ByJoeCapozzi

John Sotomayor, Embrace Magazine

Cindy Peterson, Lake & Sumter Style Magazine

Writing, Sports Writing, Class A-B
Cody Hills, The Villages Daily Sun

Drew Chaltry, The Villages Daily Sun

J.T. Wilcox, The Villages Daily Sun

Writing, Sports Writing, Class C
Matt Rothman, Parkland Talk

Writing, Travel and Tourism, Class A-C
Mark Gauert, City & Shore Magazine, the South Florida Sun Sentinel

Michael Salerno, The VIllages Daily Sun

Bill Malcolm, Fred W. Wright Jr., The Villages Daily Sun

21/09/2023

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2023/09/20/lucy-morgan-pulitzer-winning-force-florida-journalism-dies-82/

The Times’ longtime Tallahassee bureau chief investigated corruption in Tampa Bay and beyond.

02/08/2023

The 2023 Excellence in Journalism Competition is on! Let's break it down, shall we?
WHAT: The most rewarding AND inexpensive journalism contest in Florida!
WHEN: For entries published between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023. Enter through Aug. 8!
WHERE: Florida!
HOW: Enter here, https://betternewspapercontest.com/open_contestants/login and click on "Create your Open Call Account" (NOT CONTESTANT LOGIN) and follow the prompts.
MORE INFORMATION: Details of categories and rules are here. at this link: https://www.floridapressclub.org/call-to-the-florida-press-clubs-2023-excellence-in-journalism-competition/

Call to the Florida Press Club’s 2023 Excellence in Journalism Competition Anne Geggis June 26, 2023 2023, Contest You’re reading this because you are one of the lucky ones who gets to bring home just how interesting subject-verb-object combinations can get since you cover the news in Florida. M...

03/07/2023

You know what? The press is the ONLY profession that gets explicit mentions and protections in the U.S. Constitution! Celebrate the holiday with the way YOU exercised the freedom the Founding Fathers bestowed upon you -- writing, photographing and exposing the truth, without fear or favor. The Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Competition is OPEN!!! Enter today!

Call to the Florida Press Club’s 2023 Excellence in Journalism Competition Anne Geggis June 26, 2023 2023, Contest You’re reading this because you are one of the lucky ones who gets to bring home just how interesting subject-verb-object combinations can get since you cover the news in Florida. M...

23/01/2023

FPC Mystery Cam.. Honey West replaces any S.B. photos as requested. Sotomayor, a giant in his field. Photoshop saves Jerry's pic...

16/01/2023

Congrats to all the winners ... and the competitors in the Florida Press Club's annual Excellence in Journalism Competition! Here's the final ranking. Ask Anne Geggis and she'll see if there are any judges' comments to share if you're interested. Or message the page. https://www.floridapressclub.org/the-sun-sentinel-and-florida-times-union-win-top-honors-in-annual-journalism-competition/?fbclid=IwAR1420e4wF_wTz4I4AGUyjNN0_qzoCa-8sMyzRUTBfAFpTjFaybFljrzIS4

The Sun Sentinel and Florida Times-Union win top honors in annual journalism competition Anne Geggis January 14, 2023 2022 Two stories that have left an imprint on their communities took top honors Saturday as the Florida Press Club recognized the winners of its 2022 Excellence in Journalism Competi...

19/12/2022

Please join us for a night full of the best parts of being a journalist: The camaraderie! The war stories! The award-winning work! And it comes with an extra bonus of disaster tourism via hurricanes Ian and Nicole!

Not only will we shine a spotlight on the winners of the Florida Press Club 2021-22 Excellence in Journalism Competition, you are guaranteed a round of laughs as Daytona Beach's own columnist Mark Lane will entertain with droll, dark humor as only he can.

The gala will start at 7 p.m., Jan. 14, in the ballroom at the Holiday Inn & Suites on the Ocean with a cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres. A vegetarian option will be offered, or a choice of stuffed chicken breast or whisky sirloin.

Dinner is $60 per person. Paying in advance is much appreciated here, at our dues webpage. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LX9JAX6PB45QY

A block of rooms has been created. An email has been sent with the link to it, but if you haven't received it, email us at [email protected], along with your menu choice.

17/12/2022

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ihg.com%2Fholidayinn%2Fhotels%2Fus%2Fen%2Ffind-hotels%2Fselect-roomrate%3FfromRedirect%3Dtrue%26qSrt%3DsBR%26qIta%3D99801505%26icdv%3D99801505%26qDest%3D930%2520N%2520AtlaA link for the awards convention. Thank you Anne!!

ntic%2520Ave%2520%25232c%252C%2520Daytona%2520Beach%252C%2520FL%252032118%252C%2520USA%26qSlH%3Ddabfl%26qRms%3D1%26qAdlt%3D1%26qChld%3D0%26qCiD%3D14%26qCiMy%3D002023%26qCoD%3D15%26qCoMy%3D002023%26qGrpCd%3DFPC%26qAAR%3D6CBARC%26qRtP%3D6CBARC%26setPMCookies%3Dtrue%26qSHBrC%3DHI%26qpMn%3D0%26srb_u%3D1%26fbclid%3DIwAR3QjKQVF5g2T3JpR_xjdYxFid25peVERP6-vsRZ768uc6PVQpneXY6ipeU&h=AT1uKtYHgz4mXqP9vqDIMKRcNnWryoOxEIZngavrEeMvF4HRJ5x7V8uoKq51Bw9hjvW_HekywIapv8gvJpPb4yu9YaffTqqQlEUrZl89lJO_9z21_Sh5c2t-4AsPipTcvsaWCt8l_iHy8evVwkRHcA

We promise you the lowest available price online, or we’ll match it and give you five times the IHG® One Rewards points, up to a 40,000-point maximum.

09/12/2022

from the paper archive: Ocala Convention 2000
The 50th Anniversary

09/12/2022

As we look forward to the upcoming 72nd Florida Press Club Awards banquet, we look back to when Frances met Helen.
It was the 50th anniversary and held in the city where the club was born. Many thanks to Bruce Ackerman of The Star-Banner for the photo.

29/11/2022

Congrats to the finalists in the 2022 Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Competition! Here's a link to the full list... Details about the upcoming gala are coming soon!
https://www.floridapressclub.org/congrats-to-the-finalists-in-fpcs-excellence-in-journalism-competition/