Indian River Magazine wins two top statewide awards
Indian River Magazine took home two top statewide awards during the annual Florida Magazine Association’s Charlie Awards banquet held Friday at the Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg.
The magazine won a Charlie Award for general excellence in the best custom publication division for Vero at 100, a 128-page special edition on the history of Vero Beach from prehistoric times to today. The magazine was produced as part of the celebration of Vero Beach’s 100th anniversary as a city and in conjunction with the Vero Beach Centennial Committee.
Those who helped produce Vero at 100 included editor Janie Gould, writers Rody Johnson, Milt Thomas, Christina Tascon, Willi Miller, Kerry Firth, Pam Cooper and Gregory Enns, photographers Phil Reid, Jim Wilson and John Biondo, designer Michelle Burney and copy editors Judith Collins, Patricia Durham, Gigi Paul. The issue’s sales team consisted of Lisa Crawford, Marsha Lange and Sunny Gates.
"A grand keepsake edition with solid reporting from pre-historic times to the present," the judges wrote. "That alone is quite the accomplishment. A great gift to the centennial."
The complete version of Vero at 100 is available online at https://indianrivermagazine.com/emags/VeroAt100OnlineEdition/index.html or in print at indianriverstore.com
Indian River Magazine also won the top award for best overall writing in a department for three stories written in the magazine’s Living History Department appearing in every issue. The FMA cited Rick Crary’s story on the lost Indian River colonies of the 1800s, Donna Crary’s story on the history of treasure salvaging and Publisher/Editor Gregory Enns’ story on the life and times of Vero Beach visionary Waldo Sexton.
"Brilliant idea for a regular department, with well-told tales and well-researched topics," the judges wrote. "These are gems and ... much anticipated in each issue."
This is the third consecutive year that Indian River Magazine has won an award in the overall best writing categories.
"Our history stories have become one of our trademarks and have been a great way for us to connect with our readers," said Enns. "Newcomers want to learn as much as they can about their new communities and longtime residents enjoy learning more about a topic they may have only a vague recollection of."
The FMA also bestowed bronze awards on the St. Lucie Travel Guide, produced by Indian River Magazine in conjunction with St. Lucie County Tourism, for best custom publication and best visitor publication. The FMA cited the work of St. Lucie County Tourism and Marketing Director Charlotte Bireley and content and marketing specialist Taylor Hardison as well as Indian River Magazine Design Editor Michelle Burney.
Indian River Magazine Inc., based in Fort Pierce, serves St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties. Founded in 2006 by childhood friends Gregory Enns and Allen Osteen, the company today produces seven magazine titles and matching websites. Besides the flagship Indian River Magazine and the St. Lucie Travel Guide, the company also produces Port St. Lucie Magazine, Treasure Coast Business Magazine, Fort Pierce Magazine, the Sunrise Theatre playbill and the program for the Emerson Center in Vero Beach.
