Why I Founded 352News.com: A Gainesville Publication
Dustin Terry Founded 352News.com on January 6, 2026.
Why I Founded 352News.com — And Where I Hope We Go From Here
I didn’t found 352News.com to chase clicks, outrage, or political tribes.
I founded it because communities like ours deserve journalism that actually shows up.
The 352 area code isn’t just a number. It represents Gainesville and the surrounding communities—neighbors, small businesses, students, families, veterans, service workers, and people who live here every day. It represents conversations at coffee shops, local restaurants trying to survive, victims of crime who feel unheard, and public decisions that quietly affect real lives.
352News exists to tell those stories.
A Community-Focused Mission
At its core, 352News.com is about accountability—but not just political accountability.
It’s about community accountability.
That means:
Holding public officials accountable for the decisions they make
Holding institutions accountable when systems fail people
Holding ourselves accountable to stay informed, engaged, and honest
Local journalism should never exist just to criticize. It should exist to clarify. To ask hard questions without becoming hostile. To report facts without dehumanizing people. And to give residents the information they need to decide for themselves.
My hope is that 352News becomes a trusted place where readers feel informed—not manipulated—and empowered—not angry.
What We’ll Cover (And Why It Matters)
🍽️ Restaurant Reviews That Support Local Business
Local restaurants are part of a community’s identity. When we review a restaurant, the goal isn’t to tear it down—it’s to highlight local effort, creativity, and culture. Small businesses don’t have national PR teams. They have families, staff, and thin margins.
Good journalism supports the backbone of a community.
🎤 Interviews With People Affected by Crime
Crime reporting often focuses on headlines and mugshots, not human impact. We aim to center the voices of those affected—victims, families, and community members—while reporting responsibly and without sensationalism.
People deserve dignity, even in difficult stories.
🏛️ Political Accountability Without Partisan Theater
Local politics affect schools, policing, housing, zoning, and public trust. 352News will ask questions, review records, attend meetings, and explain decisions in plain language—without telling readers what to think.
Accountability works best when it’s informed, fair, and consistent.
📰 The Full Gamut of Local News
From community events and public safety updates to cultural stories and local debates, we aim to cover the full spectrum of what matters here—especially the things that often go uncovered.
Not everything important is breaking news. Some of the most meaningful stories unfold quietly.
Giving Back to the Community
Journalism should never just extract from a community—it should give back.
That means:
Promoting local voices
Highlighting nonprofits and community efforts
Creating space for constructive dialogue
Showing up consistently, not just when something goes wrong
Long-term, my hope is that 352News becomes a platform where community members feel comfortable reaching out—whether they have a story, a concern, or an idea that deserves attention.
What I Hope We Accomplish Together
I don’t believe one person builds a strong local newsroom alone.
My hope is that 352News becomes:
A place people trust
A place officials respect
A place residents feel represented
A place where facts matter more than noise
If we can hold leaders accountable and treat each other with respect, we all win.
If we can stay informed and stay human, communities grow stronger.
If we care about where we live, we should care about the truth—especially when it’s uncomfortable.
352News.com exists because this community deserves journalism that’s present, honest, and invested.
And this is just the beginning.