FLORIDA TODAY photographers sweep awards for launch, moonrise and dog photos

FLORIDA TODAY journalists took home numerous awards from the annual Florida Society of News Editors competition.

The 2023 awards recognized our photography, coverage of underserved communities as well as our long-running investigative/true crime podcast and a new sports podcast.

Our three photographers swept the Feature Photography category winning first, second and third places.

Here’s the journalism FLORIDA TODAY was honored for:

Photojournalist Craig Bailey won a first place award in Feature Photography for Space Coast launches .

The judges said: "The photographer clearly had to engage in extensive planning and have the technical expertise to capture these space launches. The shot of the Space X rocket transiting the moon was especially striking. "

Journalists J.D Gallop, Finch Walker and Eric Rogers earned a second place award in Community Leadership for covering underserved communities. For this category, FLORIDA TODAY submitted Gallop's story about Black Seminoles as well as his piece about the frustration many Black Floridians felt about some of the governor's actions . We also submitted as part of this package: Rogers' piece about the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Center's dispute with the county and Walker's piece about Black student discipline .

Here's what the judges said: " All three stories richly detail people of color struggling for a sense of place ... All are important stories; all are well told. The quote that stayed with me was from LeEtta Osborne-Sampson in the Black Seminoles story — “If we don't stand up, we will fade away and that can't happen.” "

Education Reporter Finch Walker also won a second place award in Features Writing for their piece on Brevard's transgender community.

The judges said: " I really liked this story because of its simplicity. The reporter had a goal of sharing members of the transgender community's stories and ... did so in such an uncomplicated way. At the same time, you could tell the subjects trusted the reporter because of the detail and how organic each "blurb" feels. "

Photojournalist Malcolm Denemark won second place in Feature Photography for his moonrise/sunrise photos . The judges noted: " Shooting photos in low or limited light is especially challenging. The photographer showed strong technical expertise and patience."

Photojournalist Tim Shortt captured third place in Feature Photography for his photos of “Dogs being silly.” The judges said simply: " Dogs are always winners ."

Sports Editor Tim Walters took second place in the Podcast category for “The state of Florida sports.”

Here's what judges had to say: " Although guests are the experts, it’s clear the host does his research to be knowledgeable in asking questions. Great balance of guiding the guests, letting them talk and chiming in when it makes sense ... Interesting all the way through. "

Engagement Editor John A. Torres and Multimedia Editor Rob Landers were honored with third place in the Podcast category for Monster on the Beach.

The USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, of which FLORIDA TODAY is a member, left Orlando with almost 70 awards.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: FLORIDA TODAY photographers sweep awards for launch, moonrise and dog photos