Flkeysnews.com and the man who started it all

While Facebook groups about life in the Florida Keys can be informative, there’s nothing like an actual professional news source for getting local news. That’s where flkeysnews.com and its print predecessor, the Florida Keys Keynoter shine. These resources, coupled with your favorite Facebook group, provide locals and visitors with news tailored to the unique charm of the Florida Keys.

The Founding of the Keynoter

In 1953, Edgar Seney Jr., a newsman from Michigan, founded the Florida Keys Keynoter. He started the publication on February 19 in Marathon, Florida. Seney’s motivation stemmed from his regular vacations to the Keys. He recognized a significant gap in local news coverage outside Key West. The only daily newspaper at the time, the Key West Citizen, focused primarily on Key West. This left communities in the middle and upper Keys underserved.

Seney relocated permanently to the Keys to launch the Keynoter. Operating out of a modest office, the paper began as a weekly publication. Its focus included local events, fishing, and tourism—subjects close to the heart of the Keys’ residents and visitors alike.

Timeline of the Keynoter’s History

1953: Founding

• Edgar Seney Jr. founded the Florida Keys Keynoter on February 19, 1953, in Marathon, Florida.
• Recognizing a gap in local news coverage, Seney launched the paper to serve the middle and upper Keys communities.
• Operated from a modest office, it began as a weekly publication focusing on local events, fishing, and tourism.

1955: Sale to Nicholas Mitchell

• After two years, Seney sold the Keynoter to Nicholas Mitchell, the associate editor of a Greenville, South Carolina newspaper.
• This decision came after Seney was accepted into the Nieman Fellowship program at Harvard University.
• The fellowship allowed him to study journalism at Harvard and advance his skills.

1956: Acquisition by James L. Knight

• The newspaper was acquired by James L. Knight, co-founder of the Knight Ridder newspaper chain.
• Under Knight’s ownership, the Keynoter gained enhanced resources and infrastructure, cementing its role as a vital local news source.

1960s-1970s: Growth and Expansion

• The Keynoter began publishing twice weekly, increasing its presence in Monroe County.
• It gained recognition for its in-depth coverage of fishing, tourism, and local issues.
• The paper frequently won awards from the Florida Press Association for its design and reporting.

1980s-1990s: Continued Evolution

• The Keynoter embraced modern typesetting and printing methods.
• It expanded its scope to cover more environmental issues while retaining its hyper-local focus.
• The newspaper continued to reflect the distinct culture and challenges of life in the Keys.

2006: Acquisition by McClatchy

• The McClatchy Company, a major newspaper publisher, acquired Knight Ridder and, with it, the Keynoter.
• This integration connected the Keynoter with publications like the Miami Herald, broadening its reach and resources.

2010s: Digital Transition

• The Keynoter established a significant online presence through flkeysnews.com.
• The website offered real-time updates, interactive content, and expanded the publication’s reach.
• Content included local news, obituaries, tourism features, and environmental updates.

Present Day: flkeysnews.com

• Today, flkeysnews.com serves as the primary digital platform for news in the Florida Keys.
• It maintains the legacy of the Keynoter while adapting to modern media consumption habits.
• Flkeysnews.com focuses on:
  • Real-time updates and multimedia storytelling.
  • Local news and community updates.
  • Environmental reporting and tourism insights.
  • Lifestyle features reflecting the Keys‘ unique culture.

Legacy and Community Impact

The journey from a small weekly newspaper to a dynamic digital platform showcases the resilience of the Keynoter. Edgar Seney Jr.’s vision of filling a gap in local journalism has grown into an enduring resource. The Keynoter has always focused on serving the unique needs of the Florida Keys community.

Although Seney’s professional background before founding the Keynoter remains less documented, his dedication to journalism is clear. His decision to pursue the Nieman Fellowship and sell the paper to trusted hands ensured the Keynoter’s longevity.

---

---

Photo Credits

“Keynoter Offices, Marathon Key ” Wikipedia

“Neiman Foundation Fellowship group photo, 1957” Nieman Foundation at Harvard

“Viewtron” Wikipedia

*Special note: As far as we can tell, The rest of the photos in this blog post are public domain. If we are mistaken, please contact us!

Sources

• Florida Keys Keynoter – Wikipedia
• Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University
• flkeysnews.com – About and History