Letter from the Editor

What a year 2023 has been for Villij News. Thank you for all the continued support. In 2023, some of our top stories were “Black Genius in Flight Celebrates Juneteenth with An Ode to 50 Years of Hip-Hop,” about a really cool event and experience in honoring the culture; “New Restaurant Concept Takes a Bite of the Pompano Foodie Scene,” about Pompano’s attempt at a food all; “The Story of the Superbowl Champs: Pompano Chiefs 6U,” a small but mighty football team that dominated the little league season, and “Prayer Vigil for Dayvon Johnson at Scene of Triple Murder in Drive-by Shooting,” about a tragedy that occurred right here in Collier City. Bringing the news to you is hard, but reminiscing is easy.

I’m happy that Villij News could report to you in ways that are received, and in ways that make your community feel smaller and more connected. Recently, Villij News won an award for Excellence in Minority Journalism from the Florida Press Club for its story on Sidney Holmes by Kristen Hernandez. Villij News will accept the award at a ceremony on January 27 in Clearwater. Sure, there were many stories we missed in 2023, but I hope in the new year, staff continues to grow, and the fire continues to go wild. I wish you the best in 2024.