#USA #Fort Lauderdale #Investigative Reporting #Sunshine State Awards #Florida Journalism

Sunshine State Awards 2026

On August 29, 2026, the Sunshine State Awards, the most prestigious journalism competition in Florida, unveiled its list of honorees during a ceremony at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s awards celebrate outstanding journalism and commend the dedication of professionals in the field, highlighting work produced in 2025.

A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting

The spotlight of the evening was on the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting, an accolade supported by a grant from the A-Mark Foundation. This prize underscores the crucial role of investigative journalism, emphasizing its importance in fostering accountability among the powerful, encouraging transparency, and empowering citizens in a democratic society. A total of $15,000 in cash prizes was awarded as follows:

• - First Place: The Investigative Team of the Miami Herald and WLRN News, recognized for their impactful series "Brightline, Florida's Killer Train."
• - Second Place: Journalists Michael Barfield and Derek Gilliam from Suncoast Searchlight and Florida Trident were acknowledged for their investigation into Sarasota County’s stormwater issues.
• - Third Place: Nichole Manna and Casey Frank from The Florida Trib received recognition for "Cold-Blooded," a compelling investigation into how a Florida prosecutor manipulated case details to secure a death sentence against a man.

Awards Across Multiple Divisions

In addition to the esteemed A-Mark Prize, awards were conferred across seven distinct divisions, showcasing a diverse range of media and storytelling techniques. Categories included:

• - Print and Digital Writing
• - Photography and Design
• - Television and Video
• - Radio and Audio
• - Digital Media
• - Spanish Language Journalism
• - Student Entries

The variety of categories emphasizes the Sunshine State Awards' commitment to acknowledging excellence across the broad spectrum of journalism.

Celebrating Journalism Since 1994

SPJ Florida has been honoring excellence in journalism since the program's inception in 1994, offering recognition to journalists operating across not just Florida, but also Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The awards are conducted in conjunction with local chapters of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists.
Judging for the awards is conducted by a panel of seasoned professionals and educators from outside the Florida market, ensuring impartiality and high standards. Proceeds from the competition are reinvested into training, advocacy, and programming for journalists, fostering a robust environment for media professionals.

Looking Ahead

The 2027 Sunshine State Awards are scheduled to open for entries in February, extending an invitation to professional print, broadcast, and online journalists, as well as college students pursuing journalism. With aims to gather more entries each year, Florida’s commitment to upholding quality journalism remains unwavering.

For those wishing to find a complete list of the 2026 winners or to understand more about the competition, the official SPJ Florida website offers comprehensive details.

In a world where information is paramount, such recognitions remind us of the valiant efforts of journalists, ensuring transparency and accountability within society, thereby empowering citizens to be informed and engaged.

The honors of journalism extend beyond mere awards; they symbolize the foundation of democracy and the importance of upholding truth in an ever-evolving landscape.