Discover Tampa Bay Times’ New Environmental Hub: Your Go-To Source for Eco-News and Sustainability Insights

The Tampa Bay Times has launched an environment hub, focusing on crucial local issues. This team consists of four dedicated journalists along with a coordinating editor. The lineup includes Max Chesnes, the lead climate reporter; Emily L. Mahoney, specializing in energy; Michaela Mulligan and Jack Prator, both covering environmental news; and Chris Tisch, serving as the senior editor for environment and breaking news.

In a statement, editor Mark Katches emphasized the need for strong reporting to highlight environmental challenges facing Florida. He noted, “There’s so much work to do. With sustained funding, our team will continue to report on environmental issues in Tampa Bay and beyond.”

The Times has a solid track record in environmental journalism. It won a Pulitzer Prize in 2022 for its impactful series “Poisoned,” which revealed the dangers of a local lead smelter. Recently, they published another investigation titled “Wasting Away,” which reveals the significant impact of pollution on Florida’s waterways. The report mentions that nearly 89,000 acres of seagrass have died, which has severely affected local wildlife, particularly manatees.

To sustain the annual budget of about $500,000 for the environment hub, the Tampa Bay Times is actively seeking support through community partnerships, grants, and donations. This effort aims not just to report the news but to create a broader awareness of environmental issues and their consequences.

Recent statistics highlight the urgent need for environmental journalism. A survey by the Pew Research Center shows that 72% of Americans believe that news media should focus more on climate change. As discussions on climate action intensify, local reporting becomes essential for community engagement and awareness.

As the situation continues to evolve, the work of the Tampa Bay Times and similar organizations may become even more significant. Engaging with the community and providing in-depth coverage will help to educate and mobilize efforts to address these critical environmental challenges.



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