We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nile Fortner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nile below.

Alright, Nile thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Covering everything from artists and entrepreneurs to restaurants and major events, I realized that journalism wasn’t just about reporting—it was about truly immersing myself in the community. But as the media landscape evolved, I saw the demand for something more engaging, dynamic, and interactive.

s much as I love traditional journalism, I recognized that media was evolving. People weren’t just looking for articles—they wanted immersive content that combined video, podcasts, social media, and more. So, I expanded my approach, blending storytelling with multimedia elements to bring stories to life in a more engaging way.

That’s when I had an idea: What if I created something of my own? Instead of solely contributing to newspapers and magazines, what if I built a platform that fully embraced multimedia storytelling?

That’s how Our South Florida was born. Our mission is to celebrate the culture, creativity, and businesses that make South Florida special. From West Palm Beach to Miami, we highlight the best restaurants, events, and emerging entrepreneurs while offering in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and immersive storytelling.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always been captivated by stories—whether they unfold on the big screen, through the pages of a book, or in the heart of our own backyard. That passion led me into multimedia journalism, where I discovered the magic of uncovering, sharing, and amplifying voices that make South Florida unique.

Back in school, I thrived on writing essays and even contributed to my high school’s blog. That early love for storytelling led me to study journalism at Florida Atlantic University, where I honed my skills and developed a deep appreciation for local media. Soon, I found myself writing for top publications like Sun-Sentinel, New Pelican Newspaper, Fort Lauderdale Magazine, Miami New Times, South Florida Digest, and more. But I realized that media was evolving, and people wanted more than just basic news reporting.

So, I expanded my approach, blending storytelling with creativity, variety, diversity, and more multimedia elements to bring local stories to life in a more engaging and relatable way.

While other outlets may just stick with the same methods of traditional articles, Our South Florida goes above and beyond that. We still do traditional articles; however, our platform provides more in-depth details through descriptions, creativity, and something more relatable and engaging while of course, providing quality news.

Building Our South Florida hasn’t been without its challenges. Like any new business, it takes time, effort, and plenty of learning experiences. From balancing freelance journalism with launching a brand to figuring out the technical aspects of website development, every step has been a journey.

But the goal remains clear: To create a platform that feels local, personal, and engaging. We’re here to spotlight South Florida’s most exciting stories—whether it’s a hidden-gem restaurant, an up-and-coming artist, a groundbreaking entrepreneur, or a community event that deserves recognition.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building Our South Florida wasn’t just about launching another media brand—it was about leveraging years of experience, credibility, and genuine connections to create something people trust and engage with.

As a journalist, I’ve always believed that credibility is everything. My work with major publications like Sun-Sentinel, Miami New Times, Fort Lauderdale Magazine, and others has allowed me to build a reputation for accurate, compelling, and community-driven storytelling. People recognize my name, not just because of the bylines, but because I’ve been actively present—attending events, engaging with local businesses, and building real relationships with the people I write about.

One of the biggest advantages I’ve had in launching Our South Florida is the foundation of trust and respect I’ve built within the community. Being actively involved—whether through networking events, local meetups, or simply showing up and supporting businesses—has made Our South Florida more than just another media outlet; it’s a platform people feel connected to.

Regularly attending events, panels, and community gatherings has helped me build a strong network of artists, business owners, and industry leaders. Because of this, Our South Florida naturally gains traction through word-of-mouth, organic referrals, and strategic partnerships.

People can tell when you genuinely care. Whether I’m covering an artist’s journey, highlighting a new restaurant, or showcasing a local entrepreneur, my approach is always rooted in authenticity. This has made both readers and businesses eager to engage with Our South Florida because they know it’s a trusted and respectful platform.

Because I’ve already established strong relationships with local businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs, Our South Florida has been able to collaborate with key players in the community. This has not only expanded our reach but also solidified our reputation as a go-to platform for South Florida culture and lifestyle.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Because I’ve already established strong relationships with local businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs, Our South Florida has been able to collaborate with key players in the community. This has not only expanded our reach but also solidified our reputation as a go-to platform for South Florida culture and lifestyle.

Our South Florida isn’t just another website—it’s an extension of my years of experience, passion for storytelling, and dedication to the South Florida community. By being genuine, engaged, and actively present, I’ve been able to turn personal credibility into brand credibility, making Our South Florida a trusted source for news, entertainment, and local culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oursouthflorida.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursouthflorida
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-South-Florida/61566758352929/?mibextid=JRoKGi
• Twitter: https://x.com/OurSouthFL?t=wn39nnfp5bDUDtNXJ_JPTQ&s=09

Image Credits

ZW Illustration
@IkoTheRainMan
Stephen Rafferty
@delgadocreates