Talk Media is named a finalist for four prestigious Florida Press Club awards this year
Coral Springs, Florida – Talk Media has been named a finalist for four prestigious Florida Press Club awards, underscoring the growing impact of hyperlocal journalism in South Florida. The media organization, which operates multiple local news sites, received nominations in the Community Writing, Education Writing, Election Coverage, and Independent Website categories.
Founded in 2011, Talk Media is the parent company behind Coral Springs Talk, Parkland Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Tamarac Talk, Margate Talk, and Sunrise Talk. Over the years, it has carved a niche as a go-to source for local news, capturing stories that resonate with residents in each community.
In the Election Coverage category, Talk Media writer Kevin Deutsch earned recognition for his story “F–k With Me:” Former Tamarac Commissioner Mike Gelin Involved in Physical Altercation Caught on Video Outside Polling Place.” The report detailed a confrontation in which a Tamarac city commissioner alleged that former colleague Mike Gelin grabbed him around the neck during an altercation partially captured on video. The gripping coverage brought attention to tensions during the local election cycle and showcased Talk Media’s ability to cover high-stakes civic events.
Deutsch also made the finalist list in Community News for his reporting on a 9-year-old Coral Springs girl who captivated the Coral Springs City Commission with a passionate speech. The story highlighted the voices of young residents in the local political process and illustrated the power of community-driven narratives in shaping civic awareness.
In Education News, Deutsch was recognized for his story “Coral Springs Students Shocked by Anti-Israel Material Taught in FIU Class.” The reporting exposed how an adjunct professor at Florida International University administered a quiz that included content from an anti-Israel textbook, raising questions about educational material and its impact on students. The story sparked conversation among parents, students, and educators, demonstrating Talk Media’s commitment to investigative journalism in the education sector.
The fourth finalist spot came in the Independent Website category, where Talk Media writer Martin Lenkowsky earned recognition for “Coral Springs Middle School Inventors Heading to D.C. Competition.” The story chronicled a group of middle school students who developed a color-changing straw capable of detecting substances added to beverages. Lenkowsky’s reporting celebrated the creativity and innovation of local students, while highlighting the educational opportunities available in the Coral Springs area. Competing in the same category are Stet, covering Palm Beach County, and the Key Biscayne Independent.
Entries for the Florida Press Club awards were reviewed for news coverage produced between June 2024 and May 2025. The winners for first, second, and third place in each category will be revealed at the Club’s annual gala, scheduled for January 31, 2026, in West Palm Beach.
Read also: Public records show that some Coral Springs schools are operating without full-time nurses on campus
Led by President Anne Geggis, the Florida Press Club is a volunteer, nonprofit organization celebrating its 75th year. The Club brings together writers, editors, photographers, graphic artists, researchers, librarians, and technical support staff from across Florida’s news organizations, promoting journalistic excellence and recognizing outstanding reporting.
For Talk Media, these nominations underscore a decade of dedication to local storytelling, investigative reporting, and community engagement. By highlighting both compelling human-interest stories and serious investigative reporting, Talk Media continues to establish itself as a key voice in South Florida journalism.
