Staff

Robert Bridges was named editor of the Suwannee Democrat Monday by the newspaper’s publisher, Myra Regan. Bridges will oversee newsgathering operations at the Democrat and will continue to write in its news columns.

“I am confident that Robert’s leadership will have a positive impact on our newspaper operations as well as accelerate the implementation of group-wide initiatives,” said Regan.

Bridges has worked as a reporter at the Democrat since August, but began his career at the newspaper in 1979 when, at age 19, he was named editor. He left the post later that year to return to UF, where he received a bachelor’s degree in English. Bridges’ next stint at the Democrat was also as editor, in 1992.

Bridges, 48, has worked in sales, as a high school teacher (briefly) and as a journalist. The hours are longest as a journalist, but that’s what he says he loves best. “I grew up with the Democrat,” he said. “I left, but couldn’t stay away, at least not forever. Now I’m here for good.” Bridges said he plans to retire at the Democrat — somewhere far, far down the road.

Bridges grew up in Live Oak but moved to California in the 1980s. He moved back to stay in 2002.

His favorite hobby is crossword puzzles. Making them, not solving them. Two of his puzzles have been published in the New York Times (Feb. 17, 2001 and Feb. 4, 2005). He’ll have little time for puzzles in his new post. “The puzzles can wait,” he said.

Regan said, “We are working to secure the long-term growth and professional development of our people and our products. To reach our true potential, we must stay focused on our customers. Customer satisfaction is the true gauge of our work.”

Bridges replaces outgoing editor Susan K. Lamb, who retired Friday.