Tampa Bay Times, Tracey McManus, & Olivia George: Outstanding Media Leadership Award

TAMPA BAY TIMES, TRACEY MCMANUS, & OLIVIA GEORGE

This year, we introduced a unique recognition within our awards lineup by presenting the Outstanding Media Leadership Award to the Tampa Bay Times and two of its distinguished reporters, Tracey McManus and Olivia George, for their exceptional contributions to journalism in the Tampa Bay area.

Tracey McManus, a seasoned newspaper reporter, has dedicated her career to covering the cities of Clearwater and Tarpon Springs, Florida. In addition to navigating the complexities of local governance and development, Tracey has taken on the challenging Scientology beat in Clearwater, where the organization's headquarters are located. Her reporting is characterized by a meticulous approach to accuracy and a commitment to thorough investigation, making her a reliable source for understanding the intricate dynamics that influence these cities. Clearwater, as Tampa Bay’s third-largest city, and Tarpon Springs, with its rich Greek heritage, have both been at the forefront of significant planning and development decisions, thanks in part to Tracey's insightful coverage.

Olivia George has made a profound impact through her coverage of transportation issues in Tampa and Hillsborough County. Her investigative reporting, particularly a compelling series on a week of deadly crashes in Tampa, has not only brought attention to critical safety concerns but has also evoked a deep emotional response from the community and her colleagues. Olivia's ability to report on local government issues with clarity, straightforwardness, and empathy has been instrumental in driving meaningful change and highlighting the importance of planners in community development.

In an era where the significance of journalism in shaping and informing public discourse cannot be overstated, the work of Tracey McManus and Olivia George exemplifies the vital role of journalists in articulating the impact of planning and development on communities. Their dedication to uncovering the truth and presenting it in a manner that is both informative and accessible to the public underscores the essence of media leadership.

Although Tracey and Olivia are currently on assignment and could not attend the ceremony, this award is a testament to their dedication and the Tampa Bay Times' commitment to excellence in journalism. It is with great pleasure that we honor the Tampa Bay Times, Tracey McManus, and Olivia George with the Outstanding Media Leadership Award, acknowledging their significant contributions to our understanding of the complexities of urban planning and development in the Tampa Bay region.