Mara Bellaby

Merritt Island

Runner, reader of everything, likes questioning and listening; editor @Florida_Today. former Associated Press journalist in Kyiv, Moscow and London.

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Articles

Saying goodbye to my boisterous disruptor of a dog | From the Editor

1 week ago | floridatoday.com | Mara Bellaby

The author's dog, Radar, recently passed away from hemangiosarcoma. Radar was a beloved member of the family, known for his energetic and disruptive personality. The author reflects on Radar's life, from puppyhood antics to his final days. I tucked his stained, frayed leash in my purse — just in case. I knew already that we likely wouldn’t need it, that Radar wouldn’t be coming home with us. But I needed that last bit of hope.
Photo of the Week | Jeff Abramowski bonds out of jail after 23 years behind bars

1 month ago | floridatoday.com | Mara Bellaby

Jail photographs typically are one of two things: arrest mugshots or photos of someone handcuffed being led inside. Rare is the photograph of someone emerging. But that's just what Photographer Malcolm Denemark captured as Jeff Abramowski, flanked by his two adult children, left the Brevard County Jail on April 18. It was his first taste of freedom in 23 years, coming after his conviction on a murder charge was tossed out due to new DNA testing of the murder weapon.
FLORIDA TODAY journalists win awards in state journalism contest

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Mara Bellaby

FLORIDA TODAY journalists were recognized for their reporting, writing and photography work in the 2025 Florida Society of News Editors journalism contest. FLORIDA TODAY won seven awards, including first place honors in column writing and feature photography, as well as second place in the prestigious Community Leadership category for our coverage of mental health on the Space Coast. Overall, the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida ― of which FLORIDA TODAY is a member ― won more than 70 awards.
Photo of the Week: New Glenn streaks across Space Coast sky

Jan 18, 2025 | floridatoday.com | Mara Bellaby

Weeks like this one, with an inaugural rocket launch, make it very hard to choose any one photo as Photo of the Week. Our photographers outdid themselves with creatively captured shots of New Glenn as it launched into the dark sky early Thursday morning. Photographer Malcolm Denemark published a gorgeous time lapse streak shot that managed to combine people on the beach, New Glenn's fiery liftoff and the rocket's bright streak it raced east over the Atlantic Ocean.
I ran a marathon and here's what I learned | From the Editor

Dec 8, 2024 | floridatoday.com | Mara Bellaby

A week ago today, I ran a marathon. 26.2 miles. Next time you drive, glance down at your mileage and notice when you hit that distance. It will take some time. Even driving, 26.2 miles feels long. I’m still a bit in shock and awe that I did it. So I hope you’ll indulge me as I reflect on my journey to becoming a marathoner. 1. I’m proud of myself, and it feels good to be proud of myself. In fact, I think we all should spend more time being proud of ourselves.
Wednesday, stop in FLORIDA TODAY office to buy Space Launch calendar

Dec 2, 2024 | yahoo.com | Mara Bellaby

Don't miss out on this great holiday gift: a space launch calendar for 2025 featuring our favorite launch photos from award-winning FLORIDA TODAY photographers Malcolm Denemark, Craig Bailey and Tim Shortt. FLORIDA TODAY’s 2025 Space Launch Wall Calendar is now available for purchase. The calendar also features 'On this Date' markers that lead you on a journey through space history. It’s a perfect holiday gift or personal keepsake. It costs only $16.95 and can be mailed straight to you.
Honoring Brevard's volunteers and nonprofits | From the Editor

Dec 1, 2024 | yahoo.com | Mara Bellaby

It’s in their smiles. Look at the beautiful portraits photographer Malcolm Denemark took of our nine finalists for the annual FLORIDA TODAY Volunteer Recognition Awards and see if you notice what I did. Aren't their smiles so engaging? Each one radiates joy. Try to look and not smile in return. And then when you read the stories about each person and organization by journalists Michelle Spitzer and Amber Olesen, you’ll be inspired and awed by what these people and these groups are doing.
Thanksgiving is a good time to restart a daily gratitude list | From the Editor

Nov 24, 2024 | floridatoday.com | Mara Bellaby

Back in 2016, inspired by a former colleague Jessica Saggio, I embarked on a daily gratitude challenge. From Nov. 1 through Thanksgiving, I jotted down three things I was thankful for every day. I shared my daily gratitude list on Facebook, giving me a nice record of what I was thinking at the time. Topping the list on more than one day: my son, whom I wrote “makes me laugh, gets me to stop and look around and is so much fun to be around.” He was 8 at the time. Now he’s 16.
From the Editor | Election night, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving meals

Nov 10, 2024 | floridatoday.com | Mara Bellaby

Tuesday night, after devouring our traditional election night pizza, a group of colleagues and I were sitting around our computers in our new Eau Gallie office. The clock hit 7 p.m. and polling returns started to come in fast for Brevard County, as expected. It quickly became apparent: Our local Republicans were having a very good night.
Election Day 2024 is almost here: How FLORIDA TODAY plans to cover

Nov 3, 2024 | floridatoday.com | Mara Bellaby

By the time you read this, I will have already cast my ballot in the 2024 election. Typically, I prefer to vote on Election Day. I enjoy the feeling of camaraderie that comes with voting along with so many other Americans on Election Day, and wearing my "I voted" sticker all day. But this year, I decided to take advantage of the ease of early voting. I hope you've either already voted or have solid plans to vote on Tuesday.