Navarre Press wins 11 journalism awards

The Navarre Press was honored with seven first-place awards, and several others, in the 2010 Better Weekly Newspaper Contest.

Navarre Press was awarded during the 2011 Florida Press Association Annual Conference held in Orlando last week.

Other honors included second-place awards for sports game-day story and third place for photo series in one issue.

Navarre Press also won both second and third place in the Tax Watch Award category.

Patrick Dorsey of the Tallahassee Democrat relieved Sandi Kemp as chairman of FPA. Kemp will now serve as immediate past chairman of the board of directors.

The FPA is a nonprofit organization that aims to protect and advance journalism within Florida.

Seventy-three weekly newspapers submitted 1,543 entries for consideration.

Below is a descriptive list of awards won by Navarre Press, followed by the judges’ comments.

First Place

Sports Game Day Story

Entry Name: Amazing

Credit: Ken Garner

Ken Garner skillfully tells this amazing football win story. His excellent reporting picks up all the game highlights with stats and quotes. Fine photos by Dickie Williams and Ron Charette.  Dramatic page layout.

Editorial Page

Credit:  Staff

Two very strong editorials submitted. Best of all entries calls out school official for letting students charged with felonies play in the state title game. Great close about missed teaching moment. Opposing BP boycott, offering three things to do instead. “We need more than touchy-feely populist solutions.”  Publisher’s column is a nice balance.

Overall Graphic Design

Entry: November 18, November 11, December 9

Credit: Staff

If all newspapers looked like this one, there would be no more talk of newspapers dying. This newspaper serves up great graphics, spectacular photos (great photos deserved to be showcased in an appropriate size and this paper does that), nice typography, drop quotes; inside pages are thoughtfully produced; section covers are high impact – super sports package. There are some caring, creative people producing this newspaper. This is the kind of work we need to see more of – bravo!

Individual Graphic (non-photo: Non-cartoon)

Entry: A Seeping Tragedy

Credit: Dickie Williams

Clear and concise depiction of areas affected by oil. This graphic served the readers well, showing in a glance what would take many words to explain.

Investigative Reporting

Entry:  Whittier: Murder or mishap?

Credit:  Christine O’Connor

Gripping saga of an unsolved mystery. The writer delves into the case and follows her interview with the victim’s mother with her own investigation.

Website Development

Credit: Nic Nowlan

The web site is very clean and eye-catching with the rotating stories at the top. The photos used are excellent and add to the experience of viewing the website. Having stocks and local weather on the front is a good touch and makes you feel that you are getting the latest news. 

Sports Page or Section

Credit: Staff

Second Place

The TaxWatch Award for reporting on a state or local tax issue

Entry: Fire board juggles fee-increase question

Credit: Ken Garner

When is a fee a tax? When is it justified? What do taxpayers think about the idea of fees for fire protection? This story looks into all this.

Sports Game Day Story

Entry: Raiders finish with best regular season record

Credit: Ken Garner

Ken Garner, Dickie Williams and Ron Charrette make for a winning prep Sports coverage team. Great example of reporting/photos/layout teamwork.

Third Place

Photo Series in One Issue

Entry: USS Enterprise

Credit: Sandi Kemp

The TaxWatch Award for reporting on a state or local tax issue:

Entry: Leaseholders will appeal tax ruling

Credits: Ken Garner

When property taxes are raised, taxpayers have a legal remedy if they believe they’ve been treated unfairly. This story shines a light on that process.