Part-Time Tampa Bay
Resume:
PAT MORRIS
***.************@*****.***
**** ***** **** *****, ***. C, New Port Richey, FL 34653
EDUCATION
Rutgers University
B.A., journalism and political science
EXPERIENCE
Tampa Bay Newspapers
12945 Seminole Blvd., Largo, FL 33778
Staff writer
Oct. 12, 2022 – May 2, 2025
Covered west Pasco County for the Suncoast News, a weekly owned by the Tampa Bay Times. Produced an average of 5 stories per week. Won two awards from the Florida Press Association for stories published in 2023; nominated for two published in 2024 (awards not announced until August 2025). Exponentially increased community involvement with the paper. During last few months, stories were picked up by the Tampa Bay Times (daily).
Freelance editor/writer/proofreader
Jan. 2009 – current
Editorial freelancer for clients including Oxford University Press, Publisher’s Auxiliary, EastSide Weekend News, Cincinnati Magazine, Cincinnati City Beat, Creatives on Call, Avon Books, Chronicle Books, Demand Studio, Native American Business Journal, Callisto Media, Natural Awakenings Atlanta, Story Terrace, private clients.
Summary of previous employment
1997-2009
Positions included, in chronological order: associate editor, Everybody’s News, Cincinnati, Ohio; associate editor, The American Israelite, Cincinnati, Ohio; news editor, Henderson Daily Dispatch, Henderson, N.C.; copy editor, Virgin Islands Daily News, St. Thomas, USVI; copy editor, New Jersey Herald, Newton, N.J.; editor, Florham Park Eagle, Madison, N.J.
SKILLS
Research/fact checking
Interviewing
Writing
Copy editing
Proofreading
AP, CMS, AMA, APA, ALA, customized styles
Newsroom management
Pagination
Publication management
Mentoring
AWARDS
1999, Ohio Society of Professional Journalists. Second place, “The Steps of Cincinnati.” Everybody’s News.
2023, Florida Press Association. Second place, general news story, “PCSO team seeks to offer hope to those without homes,” Suncoast News, July 11, 2023. Third place, faith and family, “Survival story of a New Port Richey man’s father shines light on dark times during Holocaust,” Suncoast News, April 28, 2023.
2024. Florida Press Association. Nominated for best business story and community history. Winners to be announced in August 2025.
CREATIVE WRITING
“Nobody Special.” Short story. Detective Mysteries Short Stories, Flame Tree Publishing, London, 2019.
“May Day.” Short Story. Heartland Society of Women Writers, 2021.
“Christmas in Belfast.” Short memoir. Manhattan Linear, No. 9
“Riley’s Old Lady.” Short story. Manhattan Linear, No. 10.
“Pastiche.” Poem. Manhattan Linear, No. 10.
“OTMA: Daughters of the Lord.” Short story. Last Girls Club. Fall 2023.
“Loose Lips.” Short play. Richey Suncoast Theatre Local Playwrights Series. May 1, 2025.
VOLUNTEERING
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, New Port Richey. Social service nonprofit. Interview new clients to assess their needs and provide/refer them to services.
Founder/facilitator, Write Now, writing/storytelling program for creative self-expression for marginalized populations. Have had programs in women’s jail, women’s shelters, women’s rehab and sober living facility. Currently running for men and women at Elfers Senior Center, New Port Richey, Florida.
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