By Henry Fitzgerald
The Coastal Star won nine first-place awards at the recent Florida Press Association ceremony, including the top award for general excellence at the highest level — Division A — for weekly and monthly newspapers with circulations of over 15,000.
“This one says the most,” Editor Larry Barszewski said in an email to the staff. “It’s a team effort and the paper our staff puts out was deemed the best. You all had a hand in this one.”
The newspaper offers “excellent news writing/reporting” … “good arts/events stories” … “news/features seem well sourced,” and “most [stories] have reader-engagement qualities,” according to the judges.
The Coastal Star also won a second-place award and three third-place awards. The awards were for work done in 2024 and were presented at an Aug. 1 ceremony in Charlotte Harbor on the state’s Gulf Coast.
The eight remaining first-place awards (with judge comments in quotes) are:
Investigative reporting (Claudia Ross Memorial Award): Condo costs: A Sudden Storm, by writers Rich Pollack, Mary Hladky, Brian Biggane and photographer Tim Stepien.
“An interesting investigative piece regarding condos and insurance in Southern Florida. As someone who frequents the area, I found this extremely interesting.”
General news (and the Gwen Stevenson Memorial Award): Ocean Ridge: For irate owner wrongly forced to trim hedges, apology doesn’t cut it, by John Pacenti.
“The ‘Hedge War of 2024’ is amazing in that it is a NIMBY issue if there ever was. Yet, Mr. Pacenti found a way to make readers care about Jay Wallshein’s clusia hedges and his ultimate battle against a sham local ordinance. Then it goes further, with a police report and changes to local code. Kudos!”
Feature story, non-profile: Formerly known as Crisis Line, 211 is here to help with housing, health care, transportation — or just to be a willing listener, by Ron Hayes.
“The combination of facts, figures, and personal narratives makes this story both informative and emotionally compelling. The story of the volunteer saving a woman’s life by having her tap on the phone as he listed locations was something that will not be easy to forget!”
Roads & transportation: Crash deepens cries for safer A1A, by The Coastal Star staff.
“[The writers pull] the reader into the scene of the crash with the writing. Plenty of descriptive details, great supporting art, and most importantly, the personal quote factor — all of these elements combined made this the clear winner. Overall, great job by The Coastal Star and its writers for bringing attention to the need for safer roads, especially A1A.”
Online breaking news coverage: Lantana woman driving SUV crashes into A1A cyclists and A1A bike club ‘tragedy’ leaves couple fighting for their lives, by Anne Geggis.
Arts, entertainment & review reporting: Rising prices for cocktails causing a stir; bar owners explain why you pay for quality, by Jan Norris. “I bet a lot of people wonder why that drink they bought cost so much. This writer explains it very well.”
Business reporting: Predatory parking: Drivers stunned by bills from private lots; new state law aims for clearer experience, by Charles Elmore and Anne Geggis.
“This story addressed a problem the community cares about, explains what is happening and addresses what is being done. It’s thoroughly reported and well done.”
Outdoor & recreation: Hypoluxo Island: Boaters win fight to keep Intracoastal access, by Mary Thurwachter.
“This competition judging comes down to the lede. This is fantastic. Well-researched piece, thoughtful interviews. Writing shows thoughtfulness in regards to area residents and outlines action. Well done.”
The second-place award is:
Local government reporting: Delray Beach: Split between factions leaving its mark on commission campaigns, by Anne Geggis.
The third-place awards are:
Serious column (three topics): Battles over home size; Boynton Inlet area is risky; and If you love your neighbor, consider yourself lucky, by Executive Editor Mary Kate Leming.
In-depth reporting (non-investigative): “I’ve never been in any water like that” and What it’s like being caught by a panic-inducing rip current, by John Pacenti.
Agricultural and environmental reporting: Is more silence blowin’ in the wind? by John Pacenti, about noisy leaf blowers.
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