MATT CLARK

Staff Writer & Visual Journalist

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He is a computer-geek-turned- filmmaker-turned-journalist, but for the Scripps Southwest Florida Group he is all three. Matt Clark has worked for the Daily News since May 2007 as a visual journalist and staff writer.

A native of Findlay, Ohio, Matt attended Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, which is about 30 minutes from his childhood home.

By the time he left Northwest Ohio, Matt had received numerous scholarships, honors and awards through involvement in his alma mater's community, including being recognized as the most outstanding print journalism student for the 2006-'07 school year. He graduated cum laude and with university honors in December 2006, receiving a bachelor of science in print journalism degree.

The son of a lawyer father and a professional, operatic singer mother, Matt's analytical and creative upbringing come full-circle at the Daily News. As a staff writer, he focuses deeply into issues surrounding the city of Bonita Springs and the $1.66 billion, 80,000-student Lee County School District. He also produces videos on a wide range of subject matter, among them Lee County breaking news and area high school football games.

At 24, Clark has spent nearly half his life producing motion pictures. He started at the age of 13. He has been producing films professionally for more than seven years, has received training from the world-renowned American Film Institute and has sold his documentaries across the United States.

When not working — which is rare — Clark enjoys dining at the diverse selection of restaurants in Lee and Collier counties, catching a flick, watching a concert and visiting with friends. On vacation, Clark enjoys trips to other countries and backpacking in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Recent stories:

• Smoke-filled plane makes U-turn, lands safely at SW International
  November 20, 2008
• Old 41 exemptions one step closer
  November 19, 2008
• Bonita permit rates get approved despite objections
  November 19, 2008
• Bonita expected to discuss fertilizer ordinance
  November 18, 2008
• Lee schools consolidating to make improvements
  November 18, 2008
• Lee School Board members will review a plan Tuesday to expand school choice
  November 17, 2008
• It’s not fine in Bonita as $4.5 million in unpaid code violations pile up
  November 16, 2008
• Lee board members say there is no substitute for classroom experience
  November 13, 2008
• PHOTOS: Bonita’s famed Dixie Moon gets cooking at new location
  November 12, 2008
• Lee Superintendent Browder interested in second job
  November 10, 2008
• See full list of stories by MATT CLARK...

Recent videos by MATT CLARK:

• South slams Cypress
  MATT CLARK as Producer | November 15, 2008
• Golden Gate ends Estero's season
  MATT CLARK as Producer | November 8, 2008
• Barron gets by Cypress, 28-21
  MATT CLARK as Producer | November 1, 2008
• Gulf Coast bites Lehigh 42-21
  MATT CLARK as Producer | October 25, 2008
• Verot throttles Neumann 42-6
  MATT CLARK as Producer | October 18, 2008
• Cougars eat Shark in a 38-20 dinner
  MATT CLARK as Producer | October 11, 2008
• Kramer's 100th victory
  MATT CLARK as Producer | October 4, 2008
• Estero football: a legacy shut out?
  MATT CLARK as Producer | October 3, 2008
• Cougars bite Bears, 56-12
  MATT CLARK as Producer | September 27, 2008
• SFMHS takes down Estero 56-7
  MATT CLARK as Producer | September 6, 2008
• See full list of videos by MATT CLARK...

Recent photos by MATT CLARK:

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This Bonita Springs home, at 26726 Token Court, holds the current title for largest total in outstanding code enforcement fines. The property's owners, listed as Jody Skinner and Tammy Ortengren of 1034 Capri Drive in Naples, have been told to clean the property up or pay fines totaling $443,322.94 to Bonita. The Lee County property appraiser places the value of the building and lot at $92,160. Foreclosure proceedings on the property began in June and are ongoing.


This is an example of what Lee County School District support personnel employees' salaries might look like if an agreement passed by the district's contract negotiation team is approved by the school board. This table was prepared by adding 3 percent to the salary schedule from the support employees' current contract.


This is an example of what Lee County School District teachers' salaries might look like if an agreement passed by the district's contract negotiation team is approved by the school board. This table was prepared by adding 3 percent to the salary schedule from the teacher's current contract.


The scene of a fatal car accident Saturday afternoon in Bonita Springs at the intersection of Bonita Beach Road and Arroyal Road.


Officials from Bonita Springs Fire Rescue and the Florida Highway Patrol on the scene of a fatal crash Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Bonita Beach Road and Arroyal Road.

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