News

Mary Kate Leming, executive editor, and Jerry Lower, publisher

    When The Coastal Star began, we calculated that print newspapers had about a five-year lifespan before all advertising became digital. Happily, we were wrong. 

    This edition marks the completion of five years of publishing, and we see no dimming of enthusiasm from our advertisers or our readers.

    What a ride it has been! 

    When we began, many called us crazy to start a print publication in the midst of a recession.

    We shrugged and figured we’d give it a few years, and then re-evaluate our business model. We never anticipated there would be a growing number of print publications hoping to replicate our success and seduce away our advertisers. Who knew that print publications would become so popular in the digital age?

    As a result of our success, we have had only one nonworking weekend each month for the past five years. And although we love our work, we aren’t spring chickens anymore and still have many dreams we’d like a chance to pursue.

    So, beginning this month you’ll be seeing some different delivery vehicles and new faces in the little white VW Cabrio cruising your neighborhood with the top down each month. As much as we loved watching the sunset over Ocean Ridge and the sunrise over Manalapan and Hypoluxo Island, we are handing the home-delivery keys over to some capable co-workers who promise to toss your newspaper as high and dry as possible. And in Boca Raton and Highland Beach, you’ll see someone new dropping off papers to your condo. 

    If these new folks somehow miss your street or driveway or condo lobby, please let us know. You can reach the office at: 561-337-1553. We’ll get a paper out to you as soon as we can.

    So with this small change, we move confidently into our sixth year of publishing. With each new day, we experience an exciting and growing sense of unity along the coast. 

    We always knew our neighbors would become our readers, but we’ve learned that our advertisers are our neighbors, too. They live here and know they are investing in their community by supporting our newsgathering operation. Whether we report good news or uncomfortable news, we hold a mirror to our community. Reflected back is a place we all care about — deeply. 

    Thank you for taking this ride with us.

— Mary Kate Leming, executive editor, and Jerry Lower, publisher

P.S. In this edition you will find an example of our commitment to the local community. With our special Gulf Stream School section, we are happy to share in the 75th anniversary celebration of our “little school by the sea.” Even if you have no connection to the school, the stories and photos of your neighbors will charm you. We hope you enjoy this special publication.