Indian River County Nick Slater, watchdog reporter started at TCPalm in July after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. A Windy City native and die-hard Cubs fan, Nick is quick to point out that ketchup has no place on a hot dog.
Before moving to the Sunshine State, he interned at the Billings Gazette in Montana. Although he reluctantly traded his cowboy boots for flip-flops, he soon made the Treasure Coast his home.
Q: Why did you choose to be a monitoring journalist?
A: Municipal government infiltrates every aspect of daily life. By providing factual, accurate reporting about Indian River County, I can help readers stay informed about the issues that affect their lives and ultimately do the most good. I have the opportunity to learn and grow every day as a journalist and citizen. Covering Indian River County is truly an honor. I can’t imagine a better place to start my career.
Q: What do you like most about covering Indian River County?
A: There is never a dull moment! Even in the short time I have covered the county, it has changed and evolved. Vero Beach has two huge projects in Three Corners and the downtown revitalization that will captivate residents for years to come; Sebastian celebrates his centenary; and Fellsmere is on the brink of a population boom. I’m so excited to see what the future holds and plan to bring readers accurate reporting and compelling stories as we stand on the precipice of history.
Q: What is your most memorable story?
A: I have two. One is the first story I wrote as a TCPalm member on the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County. The shelter was suffering from overcrowding and it was my first experience as a member of the news team. The other was the devastating flooding in Fellsmere and Vero Lake Estates in November. I waded through knee-deep water to collect the victims’ stories, and it was a truly humbling experience.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: Go outside! I spent three summers as a kayak guide on Lake Superior in Wisconsin. So I love paddling and exploring the Indian River Lagoon. Even though I’m not related to world champion Kelly Slater, I tried to teach myself to surf. I’m also a huge history buff, so I find myself diving down rabbit holes and using my investigative skills to piece together stories from our past.
Nick Slater is TCPalm’s Indian River County watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.
This article originally appeared in Treasure Coast Newspapers: Meet the Staff: Watchdog Reporter Nick Slater Covers Indian River County
