Past President John Bartosek to run Politifact Florida

John Bartosek, a former FSNE president and top editor at The Palm Beach Post, has been selected to oversee PolitiFact Florida, a joint project of the St. Petersburg Times and The Miami Herald.

St. Pete Times Government and Politics Editor Amy Hollyfield announced the appointment Friday:

“When you hear the name JBart around the newsroom starting next month, it’ll be because John “JBart” Bartosek is our new PolitiFact Florida editor. We couldn’t be happier to have such a talented, experienced editor taking the lead on our latest joint project with the Miami Herald.

“JBart joins us after 24 years at the Palm Beach Post where he served in nearly every newsroom capacity, including four years at the helm as editor. A number of other titles have been his, most recently investigations editor. His 30 years’ experience in managing complex stories and events, including multiple election cycles, make him a great fit for PolitiFact Florida.

“JBart’s position is a one-year appointment, made possible through a grant PolitiFact Florida received from the Knight Foundation. He will oversee the Times and Herald staff writers for PolitiFact Florida, as well as build a network around the state of reporters serving the site. We’ll look to him to build our content, exposure, traffic and social networking.

“Since PolitiFact Florida launched nearly three months ago, we’ve had immediate effect on the campaigns around the state. JBart’s arrival will be another milestone as we look to expand fact-checking to candidates at all levels, in all corners of Florida.

“JBart will work from his home in West Palm Beach when he starts June 14.”