• by Ray Schultz , July 4, 2022

The Hoffmann Family of Companies, a Florida-based group of businesses, announced it is acquiring Florida Media Group, LLC, publisher of nine Florida newspapers, in an effort to bolster local journalism. 

The newspapers, which have a combined circulation of more than 220,000 weekly readers, will form the new Hoffman Media Group. The staff of 75 publishers, editors, writers and other  employees will remain in place. 

The titles are The Ave Maria Sun, Bonita Springs Florida Weekly, Babcock Ranch Telegraph, Charlotte Florida Weekly, Fort Myers Florida Weekly, Key West Florida Weekly, Naples Florida Weekly, Palm Beach Florida Weekly and Wellen Park Journal.

This could be the first of several acquisitions. 

“We are actively seeking opportunities throughout Florida and the U.S. to bring more papers into the Hoffmann Media Group,” states Pason Gaddis, CEO Hoffmann Media Group, and former business executive of Gannett.  “Through economies of scale, we can work together to maintain these essential news sources so many small communities rely on.”

Hoffmann Media Group will also offer targeted online advertising, search engine optimization, website design and other services for small businesses.

Based in Naples, Florida, the Hoffman Family of Companies includes such enterprises as Hertz Arena and the Florida Everblades, The Naples Princess & Miss Naples boats.