[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 166 (Wednesday, October 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF LUCY MORGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2023

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today in 
celebration of the life of Lucy Morgan, a relentless journalist and 
advocate for the truth who passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 
2023, at the age of 82. Lucy Morgan worked to ensure that Florida lived 
up to its moniker the ``Sunshine State'' in the halls of power through 
public records, public meetings and ``government in the sunshine.'' She 
helped hold powerful leaders accountable through news coverage of 
courthouses and the state capitol and by shining a light on corruption.
  Lucy was born in Memphis, Tennessee on October 11, 1940, and grew up 
in Hattiesburg. Mississippi. At the age of 25, she moved to Crystal 
River, Florida. She was an avid reader and found herself visiting the 
library often. A local librarian noticed her passionate approach and 
provided a recommendation that eventually landed her a job as a local 
correspondent, marking her first step towards a lifelong career of 
uncovering the truth.
  Her striking questions and fearless approach to journalism gained 
Lucy the recognition as a trustworthy and authentic reporter. She 
provided in-depth writings and updates from all corners of Florida. For 
nearly five decades, Lucy pursued the truth, keeping Florida lawmakers, 
lobbyists and public officials in check.
  She gained national recognition in 1973 while working for the then 
St. Petersburg Times. While investigating corruption in Dade City, Lucy 
was charged with contempt of court and sentenced to a total of eight 
months in jail for refusing to name her sources of information. Her 
appeal to the case reached the Florida Supreme Court, in a victory not 
just for her freedom, but the ethical standards of journalism and the 
First Amendment of the Constitution. Though she regretted the notoriety 
the case brought to her and the paper, she acknowledged that it did 
lead to more people to trust her with sensitive information.
  A decade later, her veracity and righteous reporting on Pasco County 
Sheriff John Short revealed his department's corruption and led to his 
removal from office by voters. Lucy's efforts were recognized in 1985 
with the Pulitzer Prize for a distinguished example of investigative 
reporting within a newspaper's area of circulation by an individual or 
team, along with her colleague Jack Reed. Furthermore. this 
investigation and recognition catapulted her to the bureau chief 
position in Tallahassee for the St. Petersburg Times, a role she held 
for 20 years.
  During her time as an investigative journalist for the St. Petersburg 
Times, now known as the Tampa Bay Times, Lucy informed Florida 
residents about corrupt office holders, sexual assault cases, drug 
smuggling and many more topics that required the trust of the community 
for information. Her approach was admired by colleagues and her 
pioneering experience served as role model to many young journalists. 
She extended her mentorship to many in the newsroom. especially women 
navigating challenging stories and their own career paths.
  Lucy's lasting legacy in journalism extends to the people she 
mentored. She was a trailblazer, and her work broke the gender barrier 
built in the male dominated field, paving the way for women in 
journalism. Lucy nurtured and encouraged younger colleagues, teaching 
them how to be fearless and encouraging them to be bold. Her mentorship 
extended far beyond the newsroom, she guided colleagues in matters such 
as career changes, motherhood and more.
  ``She was one of the most fearless humans I think I have ever 
known,'' said Katie Schardl, one of Lucy's former colleagues. Among 
those who she mentored are reporters, editors and writers who now work 
for national newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post 
and POLITICO. Carrie O'Brion remembers her as ``a role model, a 
surrogate mother and a fiercely loyal advocate,'' further adding that 
``She [Lucy] took incredible joy and satisfaction in her reporters' 
triumphs. As much as she delighted in a good scoop, she loved it even 
more when it was one of her proteges doing the digging.
  Lucy married Richard Morgan, also of the St. Petersburg Times who is 
one of her biggest fans and a husband ahead of his time. His abiding 
love and steadfast support and admiration to Lucy made him an advocate 
of her work. Lucy is survived by her husband, Richard, their children 
and grandchildren to whom I give my deepest sympathies.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I would like to express my sincere 
condolences to Lucy's family and friends. She will be remembered for 
her commitment to exposing the truth, holding public officials 
accountable and embracing the highest ethical standards of journalism. 
Her service, sacrifice and legacy must never be forgotten. Florida is 
grateful for her contributions and the legacy she leaves.

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