Executive Editor Passes Away

Legendary newsman Curt Middleton,60,  passes away  June 21, 2013. Middleton suffered a heart attack on June 17, 2013. Funeral arrangements are pending in Mississippi and Florida.

Middleton joined the Lehigh Acres Gazette staff as an owner and executive editor. Long-time residents will recall Middleton’s presence in the community where in the course of time he contributed business and editorial guidance at both the News-Star and Citizen newspapers.

“Lehigh Acres is a special place for my family and always will be,” Middleton said. “No matter where we ever roam, the call from Lehigh Acres is that strong that we have to return. People attach themselves to certain places to be near family. Fortunately for us, all of Lehigh Acres is family.”

Middleton was in charge of all editorial operations and used his acquired skills as a hardcopy newspaper publisher to help guide the business end as well. Middleton was an Internet “pioneer” in the newspaper business helping develop many of the early online appearances of local newspapers including the News-Star. His credits include developing newspaper websites in Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee as well as Florida.

Middleton raised his four children in Lehigh Acres and, along with running newspapers here, was actively involved in Little League baseball, Pop Warner football and parents’ associations supporting school activities such as the Lehigh Lightning Marching Band.

Middleton is survived by his wife Beverly, two daughters Rebecca and Samantha, son Jeremiah, and son Jason who was killed on Jan. 20 2011 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.