ASE, Lakeland, Fla.

[NatureBoy]

Here's the full description from the Poynter site ...

http://careers.poynter.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2520783&keywords=&ref=1

And a brief description here ...

Assist sports editor by running the sports desk at night, overseeing the daily output of the sports section. He/she assumes the sports editor's responsibilities in her absence. Must be able to meet deadlines and adhere to AP and Ledger style.
NOTES: Employer will assist with relocation costs

I don't know much about the paper, but being halfway between Tampa and Orlando is a pretty good location.

 

[Riddick]

and unlike the OTHER Florida opening, they're offering to help out with relocation.

 

[koolbreeze]

Anyone have any additional info on this one? Pros, cons, etc.

 

[Sunshine Scooter]

It's a New York Times newspaper, for whatever that's worth. There's two main people for preps, one that covers mostly Lakeland, and another that does youth and the east side of the county. They staff Bucs, Magic and sometimes Gators.

The SE's been there less than a year. I've heard she can be a hardass, though.

 

[koolbreeze]

Thanks for the info! I may look into this one.

 

[Sunshine Scooter]

This job was posted a few months back. I heard it was kind of a copy editor/ASE job, but I don't know if it was filled or if the candidate they had fell through.

 

[Rockbottom]

Said hardass SE has indeed been there a little less than a year, and she is very good people. Then again, she has learned from some of the best -- and worst. Take your pick on which category yours truly falls in.

Lakeland is one of the better under-100K papers in the state. They spread out nicely in Sports, and manage to do a solid job doing so.

PM me if you want to know more.

rb

 

[Riddick]

And the Rock, has spoken.

 

[Lollygaggers]

Pretty solid paper and sports section, owned by the NY Times Co. Preps is the big deal, but the Bucs and college sports get a lot of love, too, as does golf. Not sure how many people are on the desk now, but I know there has been a hiring freeze for a while (no new positions). Should be a pretty good opportunity, though.

 

[Side2Front]

Wonderful, veteran writing staff with several award winners on it many of whom I consider some of my very best friends in the business. I wouldn't say preps is the big deal, actually I would say Gators is the big deal with prep football being equally large. Lakeland High has won three straight state football titles and the county has had at least two representatives in the state football finals every year since 2003.

They've also put a big emphasis on NASCAR in recent years too. The other prep sports get treated as such except during state playoffs. Lakeland hosts state wrestling and basketball finals. The golf and outdoors writing is terrific and done by the same person, Del Milligan, one of the most efficient, clean and intelligent writers I've come across. They staff home and away Bucs, home Magic, most home Rays games, mostly Gators and USF college football and the Lightning during the playoffs if they have time.

Couldn't tell you about the SE other than I've only dealt with her on a couple of occasions. It's nearly impossible act to follow the wonderful, retired John Valerino. And Tigertown is a GREAT spring training complex. The Indians and Royals have, however, left or are leaving the area.

Desk staff is smaller and completely different than the one I knew. Section has shrank considerably too. Nice big newsroom, far bigger than most below 100Ks complete with its press building. Solid deadlines too. Lots of potential to do great things with that writing staff.

Anything else? PM me and I'll tell you what little else I know.

 

[Hank_Scorpio]

Not only is Tigertown a great spring training facility, but there is also the Class A Lakeland Tigers, although I don't know how well the paper covers them.

As a side note, top pitching prospect Andrew Miller is expected to start the season there (but likely moved up to AA Erie in midseason).

 

[I'll never tell]

How old is Della Costa? Was she once upon a time in Tuscaloosa?

 

[Cristiano_Ronaldo]

Joker Marchant Stadium is solid.

 

[Lollygaggers]

Pretty sure Della Costa's in her mid-30s, and she did have a stop in Tuscaloosa.

 

[LemMan]

Joker Marchant is my favorite spring training facility. I haven't been to them all yet, but I have been to Legends Field and McKechnie and Port St. Lucie and the like, and Joker Marchant blows them all away.

As for the paper, all of the writers I have come in contact with have been good people. Very friendly and generous.

 

[nafselon]

I worked there for much of my career. I can't disagree with Side2 on the writers. I know each of them well and I love every damn one of them.

Great people.

As for the L-Tigers, the Ledger had a super stringer who covered most of their games home and away and he did it with a lot of passion. If he's still there he still does it but I'm not sure if he is.

Meanwhile I'll concur on Joker Marchant, any stadium that has seats that can fit my big ass comfortably is a place I love. Also the fact that my beloved Mets make Lakeland a yearly spring stop these days is even better.

However, I must admit the Phillies facility in Clearwater (Brighthouse Networks Field) is damn impressive.

 

[Side2Front]

nafselon: Do you have any idea why the Lakeland paper stopping running boxes? I've seen two papers this week and no NHL or NBA boxes. What gives?

 

[zman82]

is this job really open or just rumored to be? there's nothing about the opening on the NY times site regarding any sports openings in lakeland or gainsville - the papers they own.

 

[Lollygaggers]

The paper was on a hiring freeze, though I don't know why there would be a Poynter ad for it if there was no intention of filling it.

 

[nafselon]

It's open and apparently it's never been actually frozen...just frosty. The publisher has recently announced his retirement so another management overhaul awaits.

Meanwhile I have no clue why the section isn't running boxes.