Turning the Page: A New Era for the SDNL

“Dale and Ann brought more to the table than just running the paper. They are community-minded individuals who care about the city's civic affairs. Over time, they have done more than just run the South Dade News Leader, they have become permanent fixtures in the community and personal friends of mine. I was a little sad when I heard they were leaving until I found out the reason why: to be closer to their grandkids. As a recent grandparent myself, I can say there is no better reason to go.” – Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace

“I can’t think of a man who better exemplifies a patriot, combining love of country and community with boundless energy, heartfelt compassion, and unquestionable integrity. He has impacted many lives and his loss will be felt in the South Dade community for many years to come. I wish our friends Dale and Ann Godspeed in their future endeavors and look forward to visiting our new neighbors in Oklahoma!” - Col. Elwin A. Rozyskie (retired)

Dale Machesic has been working in media since 1990, spending 25-plus years in the Philadelphia market. In December 2010, he took on a new challenge here in Homestead, FL. The former owners of the News Leader tasked Dale with evaluating the market and making the necessary changes to revitalize the paper. His sister helped him find a place to live, while his family stayed back in Pennsylvania to finish the school year.

Soon, Machesic moved into a Key Largo apartment and arrived at the old News Leader offices on Flagler Avenue to get started with his new assignment.

From the onset, it became evident that this venture would be enjoyable for Dale. Some staff members extended a warm and friendly welcome, while others perceived him as an agent of change, eliciting mixed reactions.

A stroll down the street to meet the staff at the Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce and he was greeted with a hug from the director. This signaled the beginning of a favorable experience.

Within a few months, Machesic's involvement in the community expanded significantly. He was appointed to the Chamber Board and became a member of the Rotary Club, the Dade County Farm Bureau Board, and the South Florida National Park Association Board. Additionally, he played a role in founding the South Florida National Parks Camera Club and secured a spot on the Military Affairs Council Board. The discovery of Shiver's BBQ added to Dale's local experiences!

Attending a Homestead City Council meeting, Dale received acknowledgment from the dais, solidifying his positive start in South Dade County. He engaged with prominent figures, including meetings with Homestead Miami Speedway executives, an Admiral Commander at HARB, two Congressmen, two Miami-Dade County Commissioners, and various local officials. Machesic further integrated himself into the community.

After seven years as publisher of the News Leader, the opportunity to purchase the paper arose in 2017. His wife, Ann, spent the first seven years of their life in Florida as the Catering Manager/Events Planner at what was then the Hilton Resort in Key Largo. With the decision to purchase the News Leader made, it was a ‘no-brainer’ that Ann would be a valuable asset. She immediately raised the bar journalistically on the editorial side.

Together, they intended to give the community a voice - a window into the issues that are affecting South Dade. "Local, local, local" has been their mantra.

Active participation in the Rotary Club of Homestead, including two stints as President, allowed Dale to build friendships with selfless and brilliant Rotarians, who will be lifelong friends. During his time here, the club has focused on growing its scholarship fund, giving away close to $1,000,000 to area students. This was made possible by the volunteer efforts of Rotarians with the annual Prime Rib Dinner and Auction, and then starting in 2018, with the results of the hugely successful and widely popular Homestead Stone Crab and Seafood Festival.

The News Leader's collaboration with Homestead Miami Speedway brought the local community into the limelight during the annual NASCAR races, as well as in the middle of the action in the pits.

During the Machesic's tenure, the News Leader recognized the vital importance of supporting the local growers in South Dade as being a crucial force in the economy and the culture of our community.

As a board member of the Florida National Parks Association, Dale worked to highlight the incredible ecosystems of the four national parks right here, in our backyard.

The News Leader's commitment extended to supporting the local military community through coverage of events at HARB and features on active military personnel and veterans. Notable efforts included relocating veteran's memorial bricks from Losner Park to the entrance of Homestead Miami Speedway.

Upon deciding to retire and move on to the next chapter, the Machesic's top priority was to sell the News Leader to owners who shared their passion for the local community, ensuring the continuation of the newspaper's remarkable 114-year history.

Dale and Ann believe they found such owners.

The new ownership of the News Leader includes Juan Figueras, Sylvia Bernstein Batista and Carlos Batista, owners of local businesses and longtime South Florida residents, who plan to “incorporate the positive legacy established by Ann and Dale Machesic. Their focus will be to continue reporting community news pertinent to our area. The emphasis will be placed on local events and family, the military, agriculture, and local schools. A major emphasis will include encouraging parents to read to their children and to do so in as many languages as possible.” Reader’s contributions will continue to be welcomed.

“Dale and Ann are proof positive that South Dade is an open and welcoming place, as they made a huge impact for the good during their time with us. Always ready for a community gathering, and spreading good news and cheer wherever they went. A huge loss for us as they move on to sprinkle their fairy dust in their new home.” – Steve Shelley, former Mayor of Homestead/Pres. Farm Share