2026 Sunshine State Awards finalists

The finalists for the A-Mark Foundation Award for Investigative Journalism will be released July 7. The annual ceremony will take place Aug. 29 at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale. More info HERE. Early bird tickets on sale HERE. 

SPECIAL AWARDS

A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism

• Miami Herald & WLRN News | Brittany Wallman, Aaron Leibowitz, Matias Ocner, Daniel Rivero, Joshua Ceballos, Susan Merriam, Shradha Dinesh, McClatchy, Allison Beck | Brightline, Florida’s Killer Train
• Suncoast Searchlight & Florida Trident | Michael Barfield, Derek Gilliam | Sarasota County Stormwater Investigation
• The Florida Trib | Nichole Manna, Casey Frank | “Cold-Blooded”: How a Florida prosecutor fixed a ‘weak’ case using a liar and 3 jailhouse snitches to send a man to Death Row

NABJ South Florida Diversity Award

• WTSP-TV | Emerald Morrow | Collection
• WUSF | Nancy Guan | Collection

Barbara A. Petersen Freedom of Information Award

• Daytona Beach News-Journal | John Dunbar, Frank Fernandez, Patricio Balona | News-Journal holds sheriff accountable despite intimidation tactics and unequal treatment
• Orlando Sentinel | Jeffrey Schweers & the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board | The state told us to “cease and desist”
• Prism Reports | Alexandra Martinez | Alligator Alcatraz

Journalist of the Year

• Spectrum News 13 | Asher Wildman | Asher Wildman Journalist Of the Year Entry
• The Coastal Star, Key Biscayne Independent and South Florida Business & Wealth | John Pacenti | A micro-local showcase by John Pacenti
• WUSF | Kerry Sheridan | Kerry Sheridan

Anchor of the Year

• WUSF | Sky Lebron | Sky Lebron

Photojournalist of the Year

• Creative Loafing Tampa Bay | Dave Decker | Dave Decker
• Miami Herald | Matias J. Ocner | Collection
• Tallahassee Democrat | Alicia Devine | Behind the Lens with Alicia Devine

Outstanding New Journalist

• Bisnow | Chloe Gallivan | Chloe Gallivan
• Florida Phoenix | Jackie Llanos | Collection
• TCPalm / Treasure Coast Newspapers | Jack Lemnus | Collection

Editor of the Year

• Noticias Telemundo | Eulimar Núñez | Eulimar Núñez Collection

Social Justice Reporting

• Grist | Ayurella Horn-Muller | Collection
• Orlando Sentinel | Natalia Jaramillo, Ryan Gillespie | Central Florida immigrants weather the turmoil
• The Florida Trib | Nichole Manna | “Cold-Blooded”: How a Florida prosecutor fixed a ‘weak’ case using a liar and 3 jailhouse snitches to send a man to Death Row

PRINT & DIGITAL WRITING

Breaking News Reporting

• Orlando Sentinel | Ryan Gillespie, Staff | Painting over the rainbow crosswalk
• Oviedo Community News | Isaac Benjamin Babcock | Surprise vote ends fluoride in Seminole County
• Tallahassee Democrat | Staff | A Mass Shooting at FSU

Investigative Reporting – Local & Community

• Suncoast Searchlight & Bradenton Herald | By: Carter Weinhofer, Kara Newhouse, Josh Salman | Manatee County Schools Misconduct
• Suncoast Searchlight & Florida Trident | Michael Barfield, Derek Gilliam | Sarasota County Stormwater Investigation
• The Florida Trib | Nichole Manna | “Cold-Blooded”: How a Florida prosecutor fixed a ‘weak’ case using a liar and 3 jailhouse snitches to send a man to Death Row

Investigative Reporting – Regional & Statewide

• Miami Herald | Denise Hruby, Susan Merriam | Built on Sand
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Shira Moolten | He beat and terrorized the women he said he loved. Florida’s justice system nearly failed them.
• Suncoast Searchlight & Bradenton Herald | Josh Salman, Derek Gilliam, Michael Moore Jr. | Illegal Arcades

Non-Deadline News Reporting – Local & Community

• Florida Trident | Laura Cassels | Severe Weather: As budget cuts hit, AI tools could fill gaps but data they need is at risk
• Tallahassee Democrat | Alicia Devine | Blood, Bullets and Heartbreak: Inside the ER
• Tampa Bay Times | Lane DeGregory | She spent 50 years in a perfect pink house. Then came Hurricane Helene.

Non-Deadline News Reporting – County & Regional

• Florida Weekly | Mary Wozniak | The crisis we can’t ignore: Suicide now a leading cause of death for children
• Key Biscayne Independent | Tony Winton, Jessica DeLeon, John Pacenti | Key Biscayne Nature Center fight Miami-Dade
• Miami Herald | Max Klaver | More than half of Miamians can barely make ends meet

Non-Deadline News Reporting – State & National

• Suncoast Searchlight | Kara Newhouse, Alice Herman | Jail-to-Deportation Pipeline
• The Associated Press | Bianca Vázquez Toness | For these incarcerated students, online school has been a disaster
• VoxPopuli | Andrea Charur | Tuan Le’s restaurant chain left trail of evictions, unpaid bills, tax liens, health code violations

Serious Feature Reporting – Local & Community

• Miami Herald | Amanda Rosa | Around Alligator Alcatraz
• Oxford American | Jordan Blumetti | The Machine in the Garden
• Sarasota Magazine | Kim Doleatto | Sea Change

Serious Feature Reporting – Regional, State & National

• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Uma Raja | Everglades therapy: Veterans combat PTSD by wrangling invasive Burmese pythons
• Stateline | Nada Hassanein | Glaucoma-related vision loss is often preventable, but many can’t afford treatment
• Switchboard Magazine | Uma Raja | The Holy Thursday Massacre

Light Feature Reporting – Local & Community

• Florida Today | Jim Waymer, Tim Shortt | Florida Cowboys
• Orlando Magazine | Jennifer McKee | Want a Greener Planet? Consider Donating to Goodwill
• The Palm Beach Post | James Coleman | Why are gas prices so high here? A year in the life of one gas station

Light Feature Reporting – Regional, State & National

• Orlando Sentinel | Stephen Hudak | Meet Orlando’s dinkiest diva: Pearl, the world’s shortest dog
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Ron Hurtibise | Life aboard a cruise ship
• Tampa Bay Times | Lane DeGregory | At Parrot Kindergarten, bird moms look to a famous Florida cockatoo

Series

• Miami Herald & Tampa Bay Times | Alexandra Glorioso, Lawrence Mower, Justin Garcia | Hope Florida package
• Suncoast Searchlight | Josh Salman, Derek Gilliam, Kara Newhouse | Power and Profit
• The Naples Press | Aisling Swift | Permit fraud investigation series

General Commentary & Criticism

• Orlando Sentinel | Scott Maxwell | Collection
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Pat Beall | Pat Beall Columns
• The Palm Beach Post | Antonio Fins | An Immigrant Speaks Out

Arts & Culture Commentary & Criticism

• Artburst Miami & Miami Herald | Michelle F. Solomon | Collection
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Rod Stafford Hagwood | Collection
• Winter Park Magazine | Randy Noles | Reel Life

Sports Commentary

• Miami Herald | Noah White | Noah White Collection
• Tallahassee Democrat | Jim Henry | The columns of Jim Henry

Profile Reporting

• Miami Herald | Tess Riski | Being mayor was good for Francis Suarez. Was it good for Miami?
• Miami Herald | Max Klaver | Get with him or get out of his way: Ron Book’s on a mission from God to end homelessness
• Miami Herald | Michelle Marchante, David Goodhue | “I’m a fighter.” Survivor of fatal boat crash honored at Nicklaus Children’s ball

Obituary Reporting

• Florida Politics | Andrew Meacham | Louis Betz, lobbyist and leader for many, dies
• Miami Herald | Howard Cohen | Connie Francis obituary and obituary collection
• Tallahassee Democrat | James Call | The Political Life and Death of Ruth Chase

Election Reporting

• Miami Herald | Tess Riski | Collection
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Abigail Hasebroock | Boca Raton’s Special Election Series
• VoxPopuli | Norine Dworkin, Andrea Charur | Randolph Bracy III Special Election Collection

Data Reporting

• Miami Herald | Alex Harris, Susan Merriam | Floods of Trouble
• Suncoast Searchlight | Josh Salman, Kara Newhouse | Rent-a-Cow
• The Palm Beach Post | Michael Diamond | PBSO deputies racking up thousands of OT hours, massive paychecks for Trump duty

Editorial Writing

• FAU University Press | Mikai Datilus | From FAU to LSU, Lane Kiffin has always struggled with loyalty
• South Florida Business Journal | Mel Meléndez | Mel Meléndez – Columns
• The Miami Hurricane | Staff | The storm around student journalism won’t stop The Hurricane

Editorial Cartooning

• No winners

Small Town & Rural Reporting

• Florida Politics | Mike Wright | Citrus County won’t play Sandman for Suncoast Parkway
• Florida Trend | Brittney J. Miller | Timber’s Tipping Point
• Suncoast Searchlight | Staff | DeSoto County

Human Interest Story

• Miami Herald | Michelle Marchante, David Goodhue | “I’m a fighter.” Survivor of fatal boat crash honored at Nicklaus Children’s ball
• Sarasota Magazine | Carrie Seidman | A Family’s Leap
• Suncoast Searchlight | Clinton Engelberger | Queens of Domestic Violence

Blog, Newsletter & Digital-First Writing

• Florida Politics | Jacob Ogles | Delegation
• Tropic Press | Hermina Hermelinda Obregon, a.k.a. Miss Mingo | Miss Mingo Columns
• WGCU Public Media | Tom Bayles | Tom Bayles’ Water Quality Report

Special Publication or Section

• Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa & South Florida Business Journals | Staff | Florida’s Wealth Transfer
• South Florida Business Journal | Cortney Danielle Moore, Brian Bandell, Ashley Portero, Mark Dovich | Marine Industry Special Section
• Winter Park Magazine | Randy Noles | Living in Winter Park

Trade, Niche or Special Interest Publication

• Lynn University – iPulse News | Michael Crary, Scott LeBlanc, Timea Varga-Milyomi | LYNKD Magazine – 2nd Edition
• The Real Deal | Staff | Head in the Sand
• Winter Park Magazine | Randy Noles | ArtsLife

Beat Reporting – Arts & Culture

• Artburst Miami & Miami Herald | Michelle F. Solomon | Collection
• Miami Herald | Andres Viglucci | Collection
• The Art Newspaper & Artburst Miami | Douglas Markowitz | Collection

Beat Reporting – Business & Consumer Affairs

• South Florida Business Journal | Ashley Portero | Collection
• South Florida Business Journal | Eman Elshahawy | Collection
• South Florida Business Journal | Cortney Danielle Moore | Collection

Beat Reporting – Community

• OutSFL | Jason Parsley | Fegenbush, Queer Centers & Attack on Run Club
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Abigail Hasebroock | Ag Reserve Collection
• Stet News | Joel Engelhardt, Holly Baltz, Mary Rasura | Covering Palm Beach County

Beat Reporting – Crime & Courts

• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Angie DiMichele, Shira Moolten | Domestic Violence Murders Collection
• Stet News | Jane Musgrave | The Powerful in Court
• The Florida Trib | Nichole Manna | A death at the Duval County jail

Beat Reporting – Education

• Miami Herald | Clara-Sophia Daly | Clara-Sophia Daly Collection
• Orlando Sentinel | Steven Walker | Collection
• Suncoast Searchlight | Alice Herman | New College of Florida

Beat Reporting – Environment, Science & Technology

• Inside Climate News | Amy Green, Peter Aldhous | Florida Environmental Threats Collection
• Miami Herald | Alex Harris, Susan Merriam | Floods of Trouble
• Miami Herald | Denise Hruby, Susan Merriam | Built on Sand

Beat Reporting – Food & Travel

• Miami Herald | Connie Ogle | Collection
• South Florida Business Journal | Cortney Danielle Moore | Collection
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Phillip Valys | Collection

Beat Reporting – Lifestyle, Culture & Trends

• Jacksonville Business Journal | Matt Denis | The Business of Jacksonville’s Lifestyle & Culture
• South Florida Business Journal | Cortney Danielle Moore | Collection

Beat Reporting – Government & Politics

• Florida Trident | Michael Barfield | Backroom Development Deals
• Grist | Ayurella Horn-Muller | Collection
• The USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | John Kennedy | The John Kennedy Collection

Beat Reporting – Health

• Noticias Telemundo | Jorge Carrasco, Anagilmara Vílchez, José Osuna, staff | Children with autism increasingly depend on a booming, largely unregulated therapy industry
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Cindy Goodman | Health Beat Reporting
• Stateline | Nada Hassanein | Independent pharmacies know their communities. But many are struggling to stay open.

Beat Reporting – Housing & Real Estate

• Orlando Sentinel | Laura Kinsler | Collection
• South Florida Business Journal | Brian Bandell | Collection
• The Real Deal | Katherine Kallergis | Real estate chaos rocks South Florida communities

Beat Reporting – Sports

• FAU University Press | Angelina Martell | Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair reunites with Nick Caley, the coach who never got to coach him
• The Palm Beach Post | Hal Habib | Collection
• The Palm Beach Post | Tom D’Angelo | Collection

Beat Reporting – Underrepresented Communities

• Stateline | Nada Hassanein | Tribes, long shut out from their own health data, fight for access and sovereignty
• Stet News | Carolyn DiPaolo, Liz Capozzi, Holly Baltz | Community Voices
• The Palm Beach Post | Valentina Palm | Collection

PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Breaking News Photography

• Miami Herald | Matias J. Ocner | Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park Development
• Tallahassee Democrat | Alicia Devine | Terror and Tears at FSU
• TCPalm | Kaila Jones | Law enforcement officer killed during eviction

General News Photo

• Miami Herald | Matias J. Ocner | Terminal and Undocumented
• South Florida Business Journal | Jock Fistick | General News Photos – Jock Fistick
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Amy Beth Bennett | Critics worry Swimming Hall of Fame tower will steal limelight from dive tower

Feature Photography

• Florida Today | Craig Bailey | Lightning at the VAB
• Miami Herald | Matias J. Ocner | Aquaplex is open for business
• South Florida Business Journal | Jock Fistick | Feature Photography – Jock Fistick

Portrait/Personality

• Miami Herald | Al Diaz | Miami Herald’s 2025 Football Season Preview
• Miami Herald | Matias J. Ocner | Miami suits up for Florida Supercon 2025
• TCPalm | Crystal Vander Weit | One year later

Photography Story

• Florida Today | Tim Shortt | Viera Cowboys
• Miami Herald | Al Diaz, Pedro Portal, Matias J. Ocner | Alligator Alcatraz
• TCPalm | Kaila Jones | Funeral

Sports Photography

• Miami Herald | Al Diaz | Malachi Toney Scores
• Miami Herald | David Santiago | Inter Miami makes a run for the MLS Cup
• The News-Press & Naples Daily News | Jonah Hinebaugh | Swim

Art/Photo Illustration

• Miami New Times | Kristin Bjornsen | Collection
• South Florida Business Journal | Stephanie Redding, Branden Barker | Art/Photo Illustration (Redding & Barker)
• Tallahassee Democrat | Alicia Devine | Sportstraits by Alicia Devine

Infographics & Data Visualization

• Distraction Magazine | Anna Mondschein, Julia Campbell, Jay Moyer, Valentina Mena | Steal Her Look: The Miami Girl
• Distraction Magazine | Lizzie Kristal | Eating for the Seasons
• South Florida Business Journal | Branden Barker | Stem Cell Story Infographic – Branden Barker

Newspaper Front Page Design

• South Florida Business Journal | Stephanie Redding, Branden Barker | Front Page Design

Magazine Cover Design

• Edible South Florida | Miguel Mendoza, Dave Lavernia, Pangea Kali Virga | Edible South Florida covers
• The Real Deal | Paul Dilakian | Head in the Sand

Magazine Inside Design

• Lynn University – iPulse News | Michael Crary, Scott LeBlanc, Timea Varga-Milyomi | LYNKD Magazine – 2nd Edition Inside Design
• Winter Park Magazine | Carolyn Edmonds | Inside Design

Magazine Single Issue

• Lynn University – iPulse News | Michael Crary, Scott LeBlanc, Timea Varga-Milyomi | LYNKD Magazine – 2nd Edition – Single Issue
• Winter Park Magazine | Randy Noles | Best Single Issue

Magazine Special Issue

• The Real Deal | Paul Dilakian, Victoria Tuturice | Head in the Sand

TELEVISION & VIDEO

TV Or Video Newscast

• Spectrum News 13 | Staff | August 29th Midday
• Spectrum News 13 | Staff | Pulse Remembrance PM
• WGCU Public Media | Sandra Viktorova, Jennifer Crawford, Teddy Byrne, Pamela James | The Legal & Environmental Concerns of Alligator Alcatraz

Investigative Reporting – Single Report

• Because Miami | Billy Corben | “My Hero, My Daddy”: Investigation Reveals Miami Beach Candidate Is Daughter of Hitler-Loving Serial Killer
• WPTV | Dave Bohman, Jim Sitton | “They took my money”
• WTSP-TV | Emerald Morrow, Kyle Porter | $PENT

Investigative Reporting – Series

• WFTS | Kylie McGivern, Matt McGlashen, Matt Apthorp, Lisa Blegen | MacDill Mold Series
• WFTS/Tampa Bay 28 | Adam Walser, Matt McGlashen, Allison Shaw, Lisa Blegen Chudzik | “They failed my dad”… Assisted Living Facility Freezer Death
• WPBF 25 News | Terri Parker | Left to drown – City’s lack of water training uncovered

Spot News Reporting

• No winners

Breaking News

• Spectrum News 13 | Staff | Marcos Lopez arrested
• WESH 2 | News Staff | Rider Dies on Universal Epic Universe Roller Coaster

General Assignment Report

• WFLA | Linnie Supall | 50% Rule = Total Loss
• WTVJ NBC 6 | Kim Wynne, Brandon Bryant | There Is No Justice

Continuing Coverage or Series

• WFTS | Kylie McGivern, Randy Wright, Lisa Blegen | Mom fights for answers after school employee slaps son with special needs
• WFTS/Tampa Bay 28 | Adam Walser, Matt McGlashen, Randy Wright, Lisa Blegen Chudzik | Home Sweet HOA
• WTVJ NBC 6 | Constance Jones, Connie Fossi, Zahira Collazo | From Prison to Freedom

Special Reporting

• Spectrum News 13 | Maureen McCann | From Food to Flying: The Impacts of Florida’s Changing Climate
• Spectrum News Florida | Staff | Political Connections: Alligator Alcatraz
• WTSP-TV | Emerald Morrow, Amanda Cordero, Kyle Porter, Gregory Nowell | The Price of Progress

Government, Politics & Election Reporting

• Spectrum News 13 | Asher Wildman | 2025 Orlando City Commission Races
• WPLG | Christina Boomer Vazquez | Executive Orders

Environment, Science & Technology Reporting

• Action News Jax | Tenikka Smith Hughes, Diar Gilyana | Who’s Guiding Your Mind?
• Action News Jax | Tenikka Smith Hughes, Diar Gilyana, Steve Berrios | The Future of Biometric Security
• WTSP-TV | Emerald Morrow, Kyle Porter | Tallevast’s Well

Health Reporting

• Action News Jax | Tenikka Smith Hughes, Diar Gilyana | The Buzz Behind THC Beverages
• Spectrum News 13 | Asher Wildman | Vets Try New Methods To Cope With PTSD

Light Feature Reporting

• CBS Miami | Tania Francois | Families evicted from Railroad Shop community in Miami share history of displacement
• WGCU Public Media | Jennifer Crawford, Amanda Inscore Whittamore | Inspiring the Next Generation of Miccosukee Tribe
• WGCU-TV | Mike Walcher, Kevin Smith | Harlem Heights Music

Serious Feature Reporting

• WFTS | Kylie McGivern, Randy Wright, Lisa Blegen | Father of deputy murdered in officer-involved domestic violence pushes for change
• WGCU-TV | Amanda Whittamore | Pine Island Recovers while preparing for hurricane season
• WUCF-TV | Krystel Knowles | Lives Pushed to The Edge: A Venezuelan Violin Student Faces Deportation

Sports Reporting

• Spectrum News 13 | Asher Wildman | Evolution of NIL For College Football
• WGCU Public Media | Amanda Inscore-Whittamore | Building Better Sportsmanship Through Understanding
• WGCU Public Media | Mike Walcher, Amanda Inscore-Whittamore | An Ageless Love for the Game of Baseball

Weather Reporting

• Spectrum News 13 | Asher Wildman | EF-2 Tornado Hits Seminole County

Non-Newscast Program

• WESH 2 | Nancy Alvarez, Marcie Golgoski, Jacob Wiklund, Torrey Barnett | Saving Our Streets: Her Last Word was Mom
• WFTS-TV/Tampa Bay 28 | Staff | Patient No More
• WTSP-TV | Emerald Morrow, Amanda Cordero, Kyle Porter, Gregory Nowell | The Price of Progress

Video – Short Form

• Orlando Sentinel | Rich Pope | Central Floridian of the Year
• South Florida Sun Sentinel | Sean Pitts, Mike Stocker | First-look: Fly-through the new Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale
• The News-Press  & Naples Daily News | Andrew West | Tiara Brown

RADIO & AUDIO

Radio or Audio Newscast

• Florida News Network | Wayne Roustan | Florida’s News with Wayne Roustan
• WMNF News | Seán Kinane | WMNF’s The Scoop
• WUSF | Cathy Carter | WUSF Nov. 10 newscast

Podcast

• Univision | Yinett Polanco Fernandez, Natalia Bravo | Plan Bebé
• WMNF News | Ben Montgomery, Mitch Perry, Ray Roa | The Skinny: Fascinating Egmont Key
• WUSF | Sky Lebron | Hanging with mermaids, and things to do for 813 Day

General Coverage

• WGCU Public Media | Elizabeth Andarge | Fort Myers church hosts ‘Rainbow Protest in Love’ after state orders removal of street art
• WUSF | Jessica Meszaros, Steve Newborn, Kerry Sheridan | Tampa Bay region rebuilds after 2024 hurricanes
• WUSF | Nancy Guan | Owner of Asian grocery in Bradenton says tariffs, rising costs may close store for good

Investigative Reporting

• Central Florida Public Media | Joe Mario Pedersen | Medically Unnecessary
• Central Florida Public Media | Molly Duerig | Drinking recycled water? In Central Florida, the day will come

Government, Politics & Election Reporting

• Central Florida Public Media – WMFE-FM | Rick Brunson | Holy Thursday Service Participants Express Love for Jesus and Immigrants
• WMNF News | Chris Young | Freedom concerns over Florida’s letter to a reporter
• WUSF | Douglas Soule, Meghan Bowman | Your Florida team covers state government

Serious Feature Reporting

• Central Florida Public Media | Joe Byrnes | Apopka man detained at ICE appointment, despite approval for crime-victim visa
• WUSF | Nancy Guan | Immigrants in Florida pushed out by federal policies
• WUSF | Jessica Meszaros | Extreme heat is increasing health risks for pregnant Floridians

Light Feature Reporting

• Central Florida Public Media | Luis Alfredo Garcia | Saints, sinners and saviors: a Florida cemetery in repair
• Central Florida Public Media | Marian Summerall | Cathedral in Orlando reaches out to people feeling blue at Christmas
• Central Florida Public Media | Joe Mario Pedersen | Orlando’s esports scene levels up with bigger tournaments, and learning opportunities

Public Affairs

• WMNF News | Seán Kinane | Storm Surge: the 2024 hurricane season in Tampa Bay
• WUSF | Matthew Peddie, Gracyn Doctor, Amelie Horace, Lily Belcher | Can’t find a primary care physician? And a classic story comes to TV

Environment, Science & Technology Reporting

• Central Florida Public Media | Molly Duerig | Central Florida lakes are struggling. Engineers behind this new sensor system want to help
• WUSF | Jessica Meszaros, Steve Newborn | WUSF’s environmental reporting collection

Health Reporting

• Central Florida Public Media | Joe Mario Pedersen | Health Reporting Compilation
• WUSF | Meghan Bowman, Kerry Sheridan | Florida vaccine collection

Continuing Coverage or Series

• Central Florida Public Media | Joe Byrnes | Immigration Concerns Compilation
• WGCU Public Media, NPR & PBS for Southwest Florida | Tom Bayles | Parched
• WUSF | Gabriella Paul | Government cuts to benefit programs

Education Reporting

• WMNF News | Chris Young | Pinellas Job Corps students fear budget cuts
• WUSF | Kerry Sheridan | Schools of Hope collection

Arts Reporting

• WMNF News | Chris Young | Tampa Theatre highlights Black filmmakers
• WUSF | Cathy Carter, Steve Newborn, Jessica Meszaros | Arts reporting collection

DIGITAL

News Website – Independent

• Florida Politics | Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Drew Wilson, Staff | Florida Politics
• Stet News | Joel Engelhardt, Carolyn DiPaolo, Liz Capozzi | Stet News Website

News Website – Affiliated

• Central Florida Public Media | Staff | Central Florida Public Media Website
• Noticias Telemundo | Staff | Collection
• WUSF | Carl Lisciandrello, Meleah Lyden, Daylina Miller, Rick Mayer | WUSF.org

Multimedia Feature

• Central Florida Public Media | Molly Duerig | Fix (slowly) coming for contaminated wells in this historically Black Osceola community
• Central Florida Public Media | Joe Mario Pedersen, Molly Duerig | More Florida communities are pulling back from fluoride. Here’s why
• WUSF | Meghan Bowman | Florida’s plan to end vaccine mandates elicits concerns about diagnosing polio

Online Package

• Noticias Telemundo | Ronny Rojas, José Osuna, Albinson Linares, Staff | Hundreds of truckers are driving in the U.S. with fraudulent Mexican licenses. Some have caused fatal accidents
• South Florida Business Journal | Jock Fistick, Stephanie Redding, Eman Elshahawy | Online Package
• WUSF | Gabriella Paul, Octavio Jones | Not so forever home

Infographics

• No winners

Digital Newsletter

• Stet News | Staff | Stet News in your inbox
• WUSF | Meleah Lyden, Carl Lisciandrello, Rick Mayer | Wake Up Call Newsletter

SPANISH LANGUAGE

Mejor trabajo de investigación en televisión/radio

• Noticias Telemundo | Ronny Rojas, José Osuna, Albinson Linares, Staff | Presunta red corrupta en México permite a camioneros manejar en EE.UU. con licencias fraudulentas
• WLTV Univision 23 Miami | Doricer Alvarado, César Charles | El Cartel de los Soles: Cocaína, Poder y Revolución
• WVEA-TV N Más Univision Tampa | Ariana Colina | Una Frontera, Dos Miedos

Mejor trabajo de investigación en prensa escrita/digital

• Univision Noticias Digital | Patricia Clarembaux | Desde las dudas sobre los tatuajes a sus operaciones en EEUU: qué es lo que el gobierno sabe realmente sobre el Tren de Aragua
• Univision Noticias Digital | Patricia Clarembaux | ICE le informó que estaba embarazada y la mantuvo detenida por meses: organizaciones reportan casos similares en números “sin precedentes”
• Univision Noticias Digital & The Marshall Project | Patricia Clarembaux, Federica Narancio, Christie Thompson, Geoff Hing | Desesperante: Con Trump, ICE encierra a más inmigrantes en celdas en solitario

Mejor reportaje especial (features) en televisión/radio/video/podcast

• TelevisaUnivision | Roser Toll | Más violencia, nuevos perfiles, con agentes y autos camuflados: las nuevas detenciones de ICE
• WTMO Telemundo 31 | Arnulfo Peralta | Autodeportación, la drástica decisión de un trabajador hondureño
• WVEN-TV N Más Univision Orlando | Laura Bermúdez Araujo | A millas del infierno

Mejor reportaje especial en prensa escrita/medio digital

• Univision Noticias Digital | Isaías Alvarado, Javier Figueroa, Federica Narancio | ¿Dónde están los carteles en EEUU? Así avanza el narco mexicano
• Univision Noticias Digital | Patricia Vélez, Javier Figueroa | ¿Qué es el ‘expediente en la sombra’ de la Corte Suprema y cómo lo usa Trump para retar a los jueces federales?
• Univision Noticias Digital | Patricia Vélez, Javier Figueroa | En gráficos: los datos económicos dicen una cosa y la gente espera otra por las políticas de Trump

Mejor cobertura de noticias de última hora (breaking news) en televisión/radio/digital

• Noticias Telemundo | Osmin Martinez, Erika Marcano, Francisco Espinosa, Geysell Cisneros | Choque de avión de AA con helicóptero militar
• Univision Noticias Digital | Redacción (equipo de breaking News) | La vuelta de Donald Trump al poder
• WTMO Telemundo 31 | Arnulfo Peralta | En los zapatos de un exiliado

Periodista del año en televisión/radio

• WLTV Univision 23 Miami | Doricer Alvarado | Las Historias de Doricer Alvarado
• WTMO Telemundo 31 | Arnulfo Peralta | Venezuela e inmigración

Periodista del año en prensa escrita/digital

• Noticias Telemundo | Albinson Linares | Albinson Linares Collection
• Noticias Telemundo | Celeste Rodas de Juarez | Celeste Rodas de Juarez Collection
• Noticias Telemundo | Marina E. Franco | Marina E. Franco Collection

Mejor infografía y/o visualización de dato

• Univision Noticias Digital | Isaías Alvarado, Javier Figueroa, Federica Narancio | ¿Dónde están los carteles en EEUU? Así avanza el narco mexicano
• Univision Noticias Digital | Roser Toll, Patricia Clarembaux, Federica Narancio, Javier Figueroa | ¿Tienes TPS, ‘parole’ o asilo? Una guía para saber si estás en riesgo de deportación

Mejor cobertura de desastres naturales en televisión/radio/video

• No winners

Mejor cobertura de desastres naturales en prensa escrita/digital

• Noticias Telemundo | Jorge Carrasco, Alexandra Lander, Osmin Martinez, Francisco Espinosa | Cobertura de los incendios en Los Ángeles

Mejor trabajo estudiantil (todo tipo de medios)

• Caplin News | Staff | Migrantes – Collection
• WUFT News | Oriana Torre, Andrea Fonseca | Artista Venezolana embellece la ciudad de Gainesville con sus murales
• WUFT News, University of Florida | Candy Fontana Verde | Del alcoholismo a la recuperación

STUDENT

College Journalist of the Year

• The New York Times, The Charge News, Central Florida Public Media, The Community Paper | Kendal Asbury | Collection
• University of Miami TV (UMTV) | Melanie Lowe | Collection
• WUFT News, American Essence Magazine & The Epoch Times | Natasha Holt | Collection

College Photojournalist of the Year

• Mako Media Network | Madison Kasper | Collection
• MDC – The Reporter | Lucas Duarte | The Act of Noticing
• The Patriot Press | Amber Battillo | Collection

Adviser of the Year

• The Corsair | Marisa Mills | Adviser Submission
• University of Florida – Grandstand Magazine | Ryan Hunt | Ryan Hunt
• University of Miami TV (UMTV) | Edward Julbe | College Adviser of the Year: UMTV’s Ed Julbe

Student Publication

• Mako Media Network / The Current | Antonio Escorzon, Lila Taricco, Victoria Ruiz | The Current
• The Corsair | Staff | Corsair Issues
• The FAMUAN Newspaper | Staff | Fall 2025 FAMAUN Print Collection

Special Issue

• Caplin News | Staff | Class of 2025
• FAU University Press | Michael Cook, Sabrina Sylvester | The Immigration Issue
• The Miami Hurricane | Staff | The Miami Hurricane

Student Broadcast Outlet

• Mako Media Network / Mako TV | Mako TV Staff | Collection
• Stingtown News | Staff | Daily Sting
• University of Miami TV (UMTV) | Staff | University of Miami Television

Website

• Grandstand Magazine | Liana Handler, Noah White, Staff | Grandstand Magazine Website
• Lynn University – iPulse News | Lisset Guillen, Guilherme De Domenico, Max Abrams, Allison Wallace | iPulse News Website
• The Miami Hurricane | Staff | The Miami Hurricane

Investigative Reporting

• Fresh Take Florida at the University of Florida | Matthew Cupelli | Exclusive: Top Florida GOP official was convicted in probe into his romantic involvement with inmate during his time as jail employee
• The Miami Hurricane | Katie Karlson | Firework Incident Series
• The Oracle | Camila Gomez | USF police plan to participate in immigration enforcement program

Breaking News Story

• FSView & Florida Flambeau | Sarah Cheatham, Michaela Galligan, Justice Ulrich, Cameron Glymph | Large fire at off-campus apartment The Social Seminole injures seven
• The Miami Hurricane | Katie Karlson | RSMAS shuttle driver arrested for DUI while operating shuttle
• The Minaret | Staff | Hurricane Melissa Live Coverage

News Photo

• Mako Media Network | Marlee Card | News Photo: Shark pride on display: Homecoming Week brings students together
• The Patriot Press | Amber Battillo | Sugar Moon Kingdom: Baked Goods and Happy Customers

Arts & Entertainment Review

• FSView & Florida Flambeau | Raquelle Elson, Tanner Block, Justice Ulrich, Cameron Glymph | It’s Florida, Man.’ Season 2 is a love letter to the Sunshine State
• OutFAU | Staff | Lady Gaga
• The Patriot Press | Ashley Brace | Dance of the Deadly: Ballerina Twirls into the John Wick Universe with Precision and Power

Arts & Entertainment News

• Caplin News | Yaelis Pena, Paige Samuels | From the Bronx to the barre: Kelly Robotham’s full-circle journey home to Armour Dance Theatre
• Lynn University – iPulse News | Lisset Guillen | PBS Immersive Pharaohs’ Experience
• Stingtown News | Alessandro De Palma, Anthony Padron | Las Alfombras de Asserin: The Path Towards God

Serious Feature

• Caplin News | Staff | History for Sale
• Fresh Take Florida at the University of Florida | Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp | Chasing rarity: Poachers brave dangerous Florida swamps for imperiled ghost orchid
• OutFAU | Mary Rasura | 10 Questions

Lifestyle Feature

• “The Charge” UCF Nicholson School of Communication & Media | Jeremy Gottschalk, Justice Covert, Grace Lowell | How a UCF professor uses ‘Harry Potter’ to inspire students into learning about anthropology
• PantherNOW | Linette Garcia | You can still be stylish on a back-to-school budget
• The Reporter Magazine | Natalie Reese McCoy | Brainrot Versus the Bard: Who is Quoted More at Stetson, Internet Slang or William Shakespeare?

Human Interest Feature

• Caplin News | Beverly R. Muzii | Miami’s churches are changing. Will local history be lost?
• The Independent Florida Alligator | Candy Fontana Verde | The Latin American and Caribbean Collection preserves history at UF
• The Miami Hurricane | Samantha Rodriguez | Former UM neurologist explains post that led to resignation

Narrative Feature

• Caplin News | Giancarlo Diago Cevallos | Steve Cody: From hometown hero to tragic pariah
• Lynn University – iPulse News | Lisset Guillen | Old Florida Bookshop
• Lynn University – iPulse News | Lisset Guillen | PBS Immersive Pharaohs’ Experience

Sports News Story

• Fresh Take Florida at the University of Florida | Olivia Evans | New law aimed at punishing Trump protesters being used against UF fans who ran onto football field
• Miami Herald | Noah White | Last-second field goal shocks No. 13 Florida at home as USF completes upset bid
• The FAMUAN Newspaper | Autumn Haddox | FAMU rattlers defeat Alcorn State in homecoming win

Sports Feature Story

• Grandstand Magazine | Liana Handler | More Than Words: Inside the important, unique — and sometimes random — role of MLB translators.
• Grandstand Magazine | Jessica Garcete | Racing’s Virtual Revolution
• The Oracle | Mithil Vyas | USF softball’s Kathy Garcia-Soto balances joy with ambition

Sports Photo

• Florida Atlantic University | Bryce Walker | Zenith
• Florida Atlantic University | Bryce Walker | Churn
• Grandstand Magazine | Matthew Lewis | Jadan Baugh: Jump Man

Commentary & Criticism

• The Miami Hurricane | Paulina Barnjak | Advocating for life should include more than just abortion
• The Oracle | Liv Baker | OPINION: USF students shouldn’t have to pray through hate
• The Oracle | Lily Belcher | OPINION: Getting public records at USF is too difficult

Front Page Design

• The Miami Hurricane | Brendan Cafferty, Camryn Greiner, Sovannreach Po | Free Speech Edition
• The Minaret | Samantha Linares, Aleandra Austin, Isabella Alicea, Ciara Grad | Front Page design

Inside Page Design

• The Miami Hurricane | Camryn Greiner | Free Speech Edition Page 2

Video

• Stingtown News | Alvaro Ramirez, Mohammad Monem, Ezequiel Garcia, Rubi Ortega | The Honey Bee Tree
• University of Miami TV (UMTV) | Gavin Bicho | No King’s Day Protests in Miami
• University of Miami TV (UMTV) | Billie Brightman | High School Student in Miami Helps NICU Babies

Podcast

• Florida Prison Education Project, Nicholson School of Communication & Media | Donald Sutton, Jeff Pratte, Claire Macchiarola | The Unheard Society Podcast
• The Miami Hurricane | Bella Wells | The Rawlings Experience

Multimedia Feature

• Caplin News | Lucas Bogardus, Lola Rodriguez, Joanna Camargo, Dylan Teboe | Pages They Pulled
• Inside Swoop University of North Florida | Isa Leen, Ken Thomas | Name, Image, and Likeness: the Complexities for International Student-Athletes
• The Miami Hurricane | Sophia Ibanez, Anabelle Carpenter | Freshman Influencers Series

LGBTQ+ Coverage

• Caplin News | Sarah Mayorca | St. Petersburg residents rally for LGBTQ+ community with chalk art (includes video story)
• OutFAU | Gabriela Quintero | We Stand United’ – Individuals Share How Anti-trans Legislation Affect Them
• The Minaret | Kailey Aiken | Samantha Luque Flips the Script on Filmmaking

Race & Underrepresented Communities Coverage

• Flagler College Gargoyle | Sophia Cardona | As Immigrants Grow Fearful Over Their Safety, Health Concerns Escalate
• Flagler College Gargoyle | Kaia Wright | Uncovering Historic Black Cemeteries in West St. Augustine
• Lynn University – iPulse News | Lisset Guillen | Find Your Mission

General News Story

• Fresh Take Florida at the University of Florida | Aidan Bush | Florida begins first prosecutions under controversial ‘Halo Law’
• Fresh Take Florida at the University of Florida | Sara-James Ranta | Exclusive: Man at center of landmark Florida open-carry gun ruling calls himself ‘patriot’
• FSView & Florida Flambeau | Gregory Rusin, Michaela Galligan, Adalyn Pickett | New legislation proposes lowering the minimum age to purchase firearms

High School Journalist of the Year

• Christopher Columbus High School | Nicholas Dovales | Collection
• Our Lady of Lourdes Academy – OLLA TV | Andrea Padron | Collection