Bringing a combined 65 years of publishing experience to the new North Brevard Beacon, Publisher Laura Kelly, Columnist Fred Krupski, and Dianne Simmons, heading up the sales department, will introduce the newspaper to readers Wednesday, November 5. The Beacon will focus on local news, events and political concerns that affect residents of North Brevard, and profiles of people who make the news in the communities it serves.The Beacon will initially be published biweekly, but, with sufficient advertising and reader support, will become a weekly product. It will be distributed at more than 125 locations from Mims to Port St. John, and offers subscription-based mail delivery to homes and businesses.
The idea of publishing The Beacon originated with Kelly, who recognized the void after the sudden closing of the 15-year old News Observer in September. For years she had been associated with the former News Observer under Krupski's direction before he resigned, and was responsible for the design, layout and editing of the paper. "I was so proud to be working for Fred back then. The paper always kept readers at the forefront of the crucial issues and local concerns facing our community, and was chock-full of interesting stories about the people and current events in our area," said Kelly. "And that's what I intend to bring back to readers through The Beacon. We will not fill our pages with editorial copy which has no relevance to the community, but local news that affects and interests all residents."
In many ways, the new publication will mirror the editorial policy that Krupski's paper had years ago. Krupski will bring his popular column "Kaleidoscope" to The Beacon, as well as his biting editorials. "Urging him (Krupski) out of retirement wasn't as hard as I thought it might have been," said Kelly. "But when he saw what happened to the paper he started in 1988, it obviously upset him, so he was eager to join my efforts to produce a quality community newspaper." Other staff members include a team of writers and contributing columnists, including Bob Socks, focusing on local issues of concern and interest.
Kelly decided that naming the paper the North Brevard Beacon would best reflect the editorial content and direction her newspaper will take-targeting and illuminating news and events in the Titusville, Mims, Scottsmoor, Port St. John and Bellwood communities.
Krupski believes the new venture will be a success under the stewardship of Kelly. "With Laura directing the operation, I have no doubt it will be received enthusiastically by the community," he said.
The off ices of the North Brevard Beacon are located at 4340 S. Hopkins Ave. News releases, commentaries, letters, classified advertising and subscriptions are currently being accepted for future editions.
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