New Bill Baggs Fearless Journalism Award to Honor South Florida Journalists

A new annual journalism award will honor the legacy of Miami News editor Bill Baggs by recognizing reporters and writers who address key environmental issues facing South Florida.

The Bill Baggs Fearless Journalism Award will be announced on Sept. 30 during a celebration honoring Baggs at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The Friends of Cape Florida, the park's community-based organization, is establishing the award in partnership with the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, The Miami Foundation and Press Forward South Florida.

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Cape Florida State Park is named after Baggs, who served as editor at The Miami News from 1957 until his death in 1969. He wrote more than 3,000 articles and editorials, many focused on environmental preservation and responsible development.

"This award honors Bill's belief that journalism has a responsibility to ask difficult questions and serve the public," said Christina Bracken, president of Friends of Cape Florida. "During the annual celebration honoring his birthday, we are proud to announce the Bill Baggs Fearless Journalism Award, which supports journalists willing to investigate important issues and contribute to meaningful discussion about South Florida's environmental future."

The inaugural winners will be announced at the April 2027 Esserman-Knight Journalism Awards ceremony, which celebrates outstanding investigative and public service reporting in South Florida.

What: Bill Baggs Birthday Bash

When: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

Where: Cape Florida Lighthouse, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne

Registration: Eventbrite

The event is open to the public and will feature lighthouse tours, entertainment, a screening of the documentary "The Life of Bill Baggs," reflections from Baggs' son, Craig Baggs, and remarks from community leaders.

Friends of Cape Florida

The Friends of Cape Florida State Park, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Citizen Support Organization (CSO) established in 2000 to support Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The organization enhances the park's historical and environmental value through community engagement, wildlife conservation, visitor services and financial support. To learn more or get involved, visit the Friends of Cape Florida website.

Key Biscayne Community Foundation

Our mission is to enable, facilitate and empower residents to make a positive difference in the local, greater and global community through programs, grantmaking, fiscal scholarship and community leadership. KBCF is part of the Press Forward South Florida Coalition working to strengthen local news and civic information. To learn more about the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, visit kbcf.org.