I happened upon Mainstreet Daily News in 2021 at a community event in downtown Gainesville, where I was tabling for another organization. A fellow representing Mainstreet struck up a conversation, and when I told him I had worked for years as a journalist, he took my information and said he would have publisher J.C. Derrick contact me.

J.C. reached out, and I was intrigued. He described Mainstreet as a local, independent news outlet working hard to inform people about government, elections, education and sports—plus things that may be just fun.

He asked if I was interested in joining Mainstreet’s team as a freelancer. I didn’t need to think about it—I said yes! So, shortly after I turned 72, I embarked on a new journalism venture, and I am ever glad I did so.

Over the last three years, I’ve developed two regular series for Mainstreet. “Florida Finds” offers stories about museums, parks, and other family-friendly activities just a short drive away. “Aging Matters” examines trends, challenges and other issues facing our aging population—work that the Florida Council on Aging recently recognized at its annual conference.

But now I am ready to do more than write for Mainstreet. I have signed up as a member because I believe in our work.

Mainstreet’s important role in our community was underscored for me when I attended the National Convention of the League of Women Voters of the United States in Washington, D.C., in June. The League voted overwhelmingly, 859-63, to support local news, saying, “It is the responsibility of the government to provide support for conditions under which credible local journalism can survive and thrive.”

It’s no secret that there are fewer local news outlets here and across the country—and that those still operating face difficult headwinds.

Last year Northwestern University researchers released a study showing that, on average, 2.5 local newspapers close per week. More than 200 U.S. counties, including at least five in Florida, are “news deserts” where citizens have only limited access to local news and information.

Mainstreet has a small but scrappy staff working to keep that from happening here. In recent weeks Seth Johnson and Glory Reitz published a series of stories introducing us to ALL of our local candidates, from the school board to city and county commissions, before the Aug. 20 elections. How’s that for local news?

Glory has also kept up with the leadership changes at UF, the proposed admission changes at P.K. Yonge, and all the twists and turns of the Newberry charter school conversion effort.

Correspondent Gary Nelson’s reporting about issues at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital is an example of journalism at its best.

Sports Director Mike Ridaught does an outstanding job of covering local high school sports—as he’s been doing here for 25 years. If you have a child or grandchild on a local sports team, you know how important this coverage is to the community.

And are you ever stumped on where to go for a new restaurant? Check out what food writer Lillian Hamman reports on the local food scene to whet your appetite.

Senior Editor C.J. Gish orchestrates it all, filling gaps and ensuring coverage is accurate and reliable.

Local news is about school board and commission meetings, but it is also about our people and everything that makes up our lives. Mainstreet staffers, along with those of us on the freelance team, are working hard to bring it all to you.

But we need your help, so click here to join me in becoming a Mainstreet member and take a stand for independent local news in Alachua County.