Papers win Florida Press Association awards

The Winter Park-Maitland Observer and its sister newspaper the Seminole Voice won four awards at the Florida Press Association’s annual convention on July 24.

Writing for the Observer, Associate Editor Sarah Wilson earned third place in the Health, Medical & Science Reporting category for her story “Blissful waters,” a profile of the growing industry of saltwater tank therapy. “This was an informative and fun read...it was fascinating,” one judge remarked. You can revisit the story online at bit.ly/1OCg5mO.

Also for the Observer, Staff Writer Brittni Larson picked up a second place award in the Health, Medical & Science Reporting category for her story “A trip inside the mind of a dementia sufferer,” a firsthand walk into a dementia simulator that shows caregivers what it’s like to be afflicted by the condition. To read the story yourself, visit bit.ly/1MxQo9n.

Writing for the Voice, Associate Editor Tim Freed won first place for his story “Winter Springs weightlifter raises money for toddler leukemia patient” in the Sports Feature Story category. “From its perfect lede, and introduction, which weaves with ease the tale of a weightlifter looking for personal glory, but soon after delves into his fight for someone much smaller — both subjects looking for miracles — this entry was an easy choice for first,” one judge commented. Revisit the story at bit.ly/1eAAFYq.

Wilson also won a third place award for the Voice for “At feast, prayers for peace” in the Faith & Family Reporting category. “A timely feature well written that helps underscore the importance of seeking peace in troubled times,” one judge wrote. Click online to bit.ly/1VNllcX.