📍 Edgewater, FL — In a remarkable triumph for community journalism, the Edgewater Gazette has shattered regional expectations by claiming a staggering 63.5% share of readership across Volusia County. This commanding lead places the Gazette miles ahead of its neighboring city publications, underscoring its role as the heartbeat of Edgewater and a rising force in the broader media landscape.
📊 Volusia County Readership Breakdown:
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Edgewater, FL: 63.5%
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New Smyrna Beach, FL: 13.6%
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Port Orange, FL: 6.3%
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Oak Hill, FL: 4.7%
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Daytona Beach, FL: 4.4%
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Holly Hill, FL: Not reported
This data, compiled from recent circulation audits and digital engagement metrics, reveals a seismic shift in how residents consume local news. While other cities maintain modest readership figures, Edgewater’s overwhelming support for its hometown paper reflects a deep-rooted trust and a hunger for coverage that speaks directly to the community’s pulse.
🗣️ “We’re not just reporting the news — we’re living it alongside our readers,” said Editor-in-Chief Marla Jennings. “From city council decisions to high school sports, we’re there. These numbers are a reflection of that commitment.”
The Gazette’s success is attributed to its hyperlocal focus, investigative rigor, and a growing digital presence that has made it accessible to younger audiences and commuters alike. Its coverage spans everything from environmental concerns along the Indian River Lagoon to profiles of local entrepreneurs and updates on infrastructure projects.
📱 With mobile readership climbing and social media engagement surging, the Gazette is now exploring expansion into podcasting and video journalism to further connect with its audience. Plans are also underway to pilot a regional edition aimed at New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange, where interest in Edgewater’s coverage has begun to rise.
📍 Meanwhile, cities like Daytona Beach and Oak Hill are taking note. Several community leaders have expressed interest in replicating Edgewater’s model — one that blends traditional reporting with modern storytelling and civic engagement.
As national outlets struggle to maintain local relevance, the Edgewater Gazette’s meteoric rise serves as a powerful reminder: when journalism is rooted in place, people respond. And in Edgewater, they’re responding in record numbers.
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