Several OutSFL writers were recognized Sept. 6 at the annual Sunshine State Awards ceremony, held this year in Fort Lauderdale.

The statewide contest honors the best journalism in Florida from the previous year. OutSFL’s John Hayden was named a finalist in Small Town & Rural Reporting for his continuing coverage of the City of Wilton Manors, including the city’s budget challenges and the future of its police department.

Meanwhile, OutFAU — OutSFL’s student publication covering Florida Atlantic University — earned seven awards, including first-place finishes by Mary Rasura in Opinion Column and LGBTQ+ Coverage, along with Lewis De Berry in Inside Page Design.

“I am so honored that the Sunshine State Awards recognized our team’s hard work on the Body Issue,” said Mary Rasura. “I’m especially proud of the first-place recognition for LGBTQ+ coverage, and I look forward to continuing my work with OutSFL and OutFAU.”

The student newsroom also received finalist honors in Special Issue, Review, Serious Feature, and Front Page Design. CJ Walden, current executive editor of OutFAU, was recognized in the Special Issue award.

Four of the awards stemmed from OutFAU’s Body Issue — a special edition featuring photographs of nearly nude students and alumni, paired with stories exploring their relationships with their bodies.

“Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists,” said OutSFL Publisher Jason Parsley. “We’re always thrilled when others recognize and celebrate our work. I’m especially proud that the Body Issue has been recognized — I know how much effort the students put into it, and how proud they are of the final product.”