Miami New Times was shortlisted for ten awards for Excellence in Journalism from the Florida Press Club, with staff writer Tim Elfrink a finalist for four awards. Gus Garcia-Roberts is finalist for two awards, while Francisco Alvarado, Kyle Muzenreider, and Pam Shavalier are also nominated.
The staff is also up for the prestigious Lucy Morgan Award for In-Depth Reporting for its coverage of anti-gay activist George Rekers and his trip with an escort from Rentboy.com. Most of the articles and blogs were by Penn Bullock and Brandon Thorp, who broke the story that received international coverage.
Following are the ten nominations:
General News
Tim Elfrink for "He Buried Che," a profile of Gustavo Villoldo, who buried Che Guevara with his own hands in a Bolivian airfield and is now after Fidel Castro.
Breaking News
Tim Elfrink for "Posner the Plagiarist," a two-part investigation that showed widespread plagiarism by a Miami Beach author in four best selling books.
Public Safety Reporting
Tim Elfrink for "Disorderly Conduct," an investigation showing that 50 percent of the Miami Beach police force earned six figures -- and a number of officers had horrible records.
Light Feature Writing
Gus Garica-Roberts for "Park or Die Tryin'" about the surreal experience of finding a parking space.
Environmental Writing
Tim Elfrink for "Bolivia's Green Gold," which chronicles how the poorest nation in South America has a key role in America's green energy future, thanks to its huge lithium reserves.
Minority News
Gus Garcia Roberts for "Crime 101," about how students must cope with violence at Florida Memorial University.
Sports Feature Writing
Francisco Alvarado for "One the Level," a profile of fighter Rene Martinez.
Blog Writing
Kyle Muzenreider
Front Page Design
Pam Shavalier
Lucy Morgan Award for In-Depth Reporting
Staff for the Rekers story