My name is Kendal Asbury, and I'm the Sarasota Herald-Tribune's new real estate and development reporter. I'm a native Floridian, originally from a small town an hour inland from St. Augustine, where I was born. I've always been an avid East Coast fan, but I'm excited to switch sides and finally catch a Gulf sunset without driving three hours.
For the past few years, I've tracked down leads across Central Florida, reporting in Orlando's local journalism sphere. I'm excited to immerse myself in a new community, covering the local economy, business landscape and growth along Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast.
In May, I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a dual degree in journalism and English literature, with a certification in editing
and publishing. I'm excited to pursue local journalism in a town with such rich character and rapidly growing reputation.
I've loved storytelling and writing since I was young. I've had a signature, ingrained curiosity that annoyed my teachers and sometimes stressed my mother out, but it has served me well in my pursuit of journalism. You can rest assured that I won't be scared to ask questions.
In my limited free time, I enjoy trying local coffee shops (in need of some Sarasota recommendations!), doing yoga and checking books off my reading list. And, of course, going to the beach.
My reporting journey
During my time at UCF, I worked with several local news outlets and student-run publications. I've tried my hand at just about every facet of journalism, spanning television, radio, social media, digital and print.
With stories published in the Orlando Sentinel, The New York Times and more, my areas of expertise are mainly political, business and investigative reporting. Some of my most recent enterprise works include an award-winning piece exposing the lack of state heat protections for employees working outdoors and a six-month-long investigation into my university's strategic plan's impact on non-STEM students.
During my graduating semester, I was editor-in-chief of the university's student-run news outlet The Charge. I also interned at the Orlando Business Journal until August, where I covered everything from commercial real estate to tourism. I additionally freelanced for The New York Times ā covering affordability, higher education and the state economy ā following my editing internship with the national newsroom last year.
Though this is my first full-time job, I worked throughout college to be ready to hit the ground running. I've written more than 500 articles, held seven internships and won several awards for my work, which I hope is evidence of my commitment to accurate, ethical journalism. My mission is to give local communities the reporting they deserve to help them understand what's going on in the world around them.
Iām thrilled to continue my career so soon after graduation and in my home state, as I will always be passionate about covering Florida. While any job in journalism is a dream come true, I'm excited to have one that allows me to serve a local community.
I look forward to connecting with you, Sarasota.
Kendal Asbury is the real estate and development reporter for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Have an idea, tip or question about development? Send her an email at kasbury@usatodayco.com. Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Instagram @wordsbykendal, and support local journalism by subscribing to the Herald-Tribune.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Meet Kendal Asbury, Sarasota Herald-Tribune's newest reporter
