Florida

SPJ Florida

Founded in 1946

The Society for Professional Journalism (SPJ) Florida awards the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting as part of its annual Sunshine State Awards.

SPJ Florida says, “Investigative journalism is never easy, and it’s getting harder. There are fewer reporters at fewer news outlets with smaller budgets trying to tackle the biggest stories in their communities.”

Investigative reporting by an individual or team in a single report or a series of up to five items are eligible for A-Mark Prize recognition. The SPJ Florida requirements note that “Stories should expose a wrong or promote understanding of a problem, issue, or subject in the public interest. A supporting statement (400 words max) is suggested.”

A-Mark Prize Recipients


2025

First Place

Trevor Aaronson and Eleanor Knight, “Pulse: The Untold Story,” Audible & Western Sound

Second Place

Kylie McGivern, Randy Wright, and Melanie Payne, “Pay to Stay: Incarceration Fees Stifle Former Felons Series,” WFTS-TV

Third Place

Caroline Brauchler and Jennifer Hunt Murty, “Deaths in Custody at the Marion County Jail,” Ocala Gazette