The Florida Trident increases investigations and reporting throughout the state

TALLAHASSEE, FL –The Florida Trident is pleased to announce two key additions to its reporting staff. Award-winning journalist Michelle DeMarco joins the Trident organization, reporting out of the state’s Capitol and FLCGA Public Access Director and award-winning investigative journalist Michael Barfield will be reporting on Manatee and Sarasota counties for the Trident.

DeMarco is returning to journalism after two decades in public service. As a print reporter, she covered two state Capitols and earned multiple state awards. Her investigative work included unearthing an upscale housing development built atop an abandoned dump; the involvement of high-ranking state officials helping private companies secure controversial regulatory approval; and the hanging deaths of women inmates. The latter led to a change in Florida’s administrative code and outside law enforcement scrutiny of suspicious prison deaths. 

“As the Trident continues to expand its impact across the state, I’m honored to take on the role of ensuring what happens in Florida’s Capitol is shared with its citizens,” said DeMarco. “This unique and sustainable approach to investigative reporting is going to change how Floridians see their tax dollars at work.”

Her work has appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Tampa Tribune, and The New York Times, among other publications.

Barfield focuses on the enforcement of open government laws. He serves as an investigative reporter for the Florida Trident and Director of Public Access at the Florida Center for Government Accountability. He regularly assists journalists across the country with collecting information and publishing news reports obtained from public records and other sources. He is a member of Investigative Reporters & Editors, the Society of Professional Journalists, and an associate member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

“I’m honored to expand my role at the Florida Trident by taking on new responsibilities as an investigative reporter focusing on critical issues facing Sarasota and Manatee counties,” said Barfield. “My goal is to shine a light on stories that matter most to our communities—whether it’s government accountability, social justice, or environmental concerns—and to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity as I do so.”

The Florida Trident is an independent, nonpartisan online news site published by the not-for-profit Florida Center for Government Accountability. To learn more, visit flcga.org.