It’s been quite a ride

Dec. 26, 2000. That was the date my journey began at the Osceola News-Gazette.

But in a bittersweet announcement, I’m here to say that my journey is ending.

After more than 20 years with the News-Gazette, today is my last day. I’m resigning for a new opportunity. I’ll be editor of several Polk Sun newspapers in Winter Haven, just a stone’s throw from my home. No more of a 60 to a 90-minute drive from Winter Haven to Kissimmee and back, even though I’ve done it for so often, it didn’t even feel so long.

I’ve met so many great people here along the way, both in the office and the community. I’ve had so many interesting experiences and wrote stories across the spectrum. From police news to city government, when I thought I had seen it all, along came something else.

I got to know some great local leaders, public safety officials and city and county employees. Just a short list of people I have to thank for the help and friendship: Jim Walls, Twis Lizasuain, Jim Swan, Jerry Gemskie, Bill Johnston, Jay Wheeler, Bob Hansell, Dana Schafer, Don Smallwood, Ralph Moore and Chad Durham and Mark Durbin.

I started as a staff writer on the street and worked my way up to being a proud editor of this great paper.

Looking back, I have to mention some amazing people at the News-Gazette that helped me succeed and made it a joy to come to work.

Bill Orben: Bill, you hired me and I loved working for you. Not only were you a great editor and boss, you were a mentor. You didn’t give compliments on stories at will, but when you did, it really meant something to me. I learned so much from you about leading a newsroom.

Rick Pedone: To the legendary sports writer in this town, you helped me so much when I was first promoted to editor. You were never too busy when I asked you to write an editorial or a story if I needed it. And I loved talking football with you.

Peter Covino: You were the first friend I made here at the Gazette. We hit it off quickly. Sitting behind me for years, I had some great conversations with you about life. You made me burst out laughing often. A great entertainment editor, I can’t thank you enough for letting me go to events with you. Halloween Horror Nights were always a blast.

Tom Kirk: A great publisher, who gave me the editor’s job. You had confidence in me to run my newsroom the way I saw fit. The barbecue lunches you made for the office during our monthly safety meetings are missed.

Charlie Reed: What can I say Charlie? We were staff writers together before you came back and worked for me. You’re a great writer and an even better friend.

Fallan Patterson: Fallan, you spoiled me as an editor. As a staff writer, you were a machine filing stories. There wasn’t anything you couldn’t tackle. You wrote some amazing articles. I hated the day I had to lose you.

Andrew Sullivan: You were a master of your craft and the tons of hardware you won for your photography showed it. I’ll never forget our first assignment together. I’ll always believe the story I wrote coupled with your photography helped the Sheriff ’s Office solve a cold murder case. I always appreciated your sharp wit and sense of humor. Just added more fun to the newsroom. Let’s keep in touch.

Angelique Priore: My production manager. My partner-in-crime. It was an honor to share an office with you. Week after week you made my layout skills look better than they actually were. And thanks for being my amateur therapist. We could talk about anything. I’ll miss you Ang.

Rochelle Stidham: My final publisher. I want to thank you and Juder for keeping the office a family atmosphere. Thanks for all your support in these challenging COVID-19 times. I truly enjoyed working for you and I wish the continued success for the News-Gazette.

There are so many others to mention, but I can only go on for so long.

Thank you Osceola County for treating me so well and making me feel welcome from the beginning. It’s been quite a ride.