Jeff Stidham, former Polk County judicial hearing officer and award-winning reporter, dies at 66

Yahoo! News - Mar 25th, 2025
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Jeffrey Wofford Stidham, a respected former Tampa Tribune journalist and Polk County judicial hearing officer, passed away on March 6 at the age of 66, following a battle with glioblastoma. Stidham's career spanned both journalism and law, where he was known for his insightful editorials and detailed reporting on significant legal cases. He was deeply admired by colleagues and the community for his work and his warm personality. He is survived by his daughter, Murphy Swiedals, and a close-knit family. A service in his honor will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church Parish in Bartow on May 10.

Stidham's career journey from journalism to law illustrated his versatile talent and dedication to public service. His work at the Tampa Tribune included significant contributions like co-writing an award-winning series on emergency room wait times and providing in-depth analysis of Florida’s role in the 2000 presidential election. Beyond his professional life, Stidham was devoted to his family, especially his wife, Mary Ellen, and daughter. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to making a difference through both written words and legal service, leaving a lasting legacy in his community.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and respectful account of Jeffrey Wofford Stidham's life, focusing on his career in journalism and law, as well as his personal relationships. It scores high on accuracy and clarity, offering a coherent narrative that is easy to follow. However, it could benefit from more transparency regarding sources and verification of specific claims. The article's balance leans toward a positive portrayal, typical of obituaries, but may overlook potential challenges or criticisms. While the story holds significant interest for those who knew Stidham, its broader public impact is limited. Overall, the article effectively serves its purpose as an obituary, honoring Stidham's legacy and informing readers of his contributions and passing.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story appears to be largely accurate in its factual claims, as it provides detailed information about Jeffrey Wofford Stidham's life, career, and family. For instance, it accurately states his age at death, the cause of his death (glioblastoma), and his professional transition from journalism to law. However, certain claims, such as his father's role in establishing Holland & Knight and his education credentials from specific universities, would benefit from further verification. The article's mention of an award-winning series co-written by Stidham also requires confirmation to ensure precision.

7
Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective by focusing on both professional and personal aspects of Stidham's life. It highlights his contributions to journalism and law while also providing insights into his family life and personal relationships. However, the narrative is predominantly positive, emphasizing his achievements and the respect he garnered, which might overlook any potential criticisms or challenges he faced in his career. This could lead to a slightly one-sided portrayal, though it is typical for obituaries to focus on positive aspects.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, with a clear and logical flow that makes it easy to follow. The language is concise and neutral, providing a respectful tone appropriate for an obituary. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of Stidham's life, such as his career, education, or family, which aids in comprehension. However, some readers might find the lack of detailed source attribution slightly confusing if they seek to verify the information independently.

6
Source quality

The article seems to rely on credible sources, such as quotes from a colleague, Rosemary Goudreau-O’Hara, and family members. However, it does not explicitly cite external sources or documents to verify claims about Stidham’s career and awards. The reliance on personal anecdotes and quotes, while valuable, means the article could be strengthened by including more diverse and authoritative sources, such as official records or third-party confirmations of his professional achievements.

5
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of Stidham's life and career but lacks transparency in detailing the sources of its information. It does not explain how the information was gathered or whether any efforts were made to verify claims independently. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as the relationship between the author and Stidham, which could impact the impartiality of the coverage.

Sources

  1. https://justice.ky.gov/Boards-Commissions/pb/Documents/Eligibility%20Lists/2024/Notice%20to%20CWA%20November%202024.pdf
  2. https://www3.charlestoncounty.org/docs/CourtRosters/jurytrialroster.html
  3. https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/ad4/Clerk/Decisions/2023/0728T1500/pdf/AllDecisions.pdf
  4. https://paroles.alabama.gov/hearings/parole-results-previous-year-3/
  5. https://studicata.com/case-briefs/case/us-v-stidham/