Two University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Fresh Take Florida student reporters were finalists in the Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) 2021 Awards Student Small Market category.

“The Real Estate Agents in School Board Land Deal are Accused of ‘Working Both Sides,’ Increasing Cost to Alachua County Taxpayers” by Journalism senior Houston Harwood and Journalism junior Anna Wilder was published on WUFT News on Oct. 22, 2021.This story examined a controversial school board land deal and the actions of two real estate brokers at the center of the deal.

Confidential records indicated the brokers worked to increase the price of the land to county taxpayers – and increase their commission on the sale – despite ostensibly working under contract for the school board. The student investigation showed that the brokers had a prior business relationship with the seller raising questions about the school board’s process for awarding lucrative contracts, its competency in evaluating complex real estate deals and the lack of independent oversight.

The 2021 IRE Award winners were selected from more than 500 entries. The awards recognize the most outstanding watchdog journalism of the year and covers 17 categories across media platforms and a range of market sizes.

IRE is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting. Fresh Take Florida is a news service producing top-caliber investigative and political content. Hard-hitting coverage focuses on Florida’s state government, including the Legislature, or other issues of statewide, regional or national interest.

Posted: April 7, 2022
Category: Alumni News, College News, Student News
Tagged as: Anna Wilder, Houston Harwood, IRE Awards