‘Roatan New Times’ Founder Dies

Jeff Stratton, 47, founder of “Roatan New Times” has died from apparent complications from a stomach ulcer.

Jeff began his life in Roatan teaching English, but last year left teaching to start the Roatan New Times. The paper was groundbreaking for the Bay Island, establishing the first news service dedicated soley to Roatan. The news source has a refreshing approach, and isn’t beholden to government interests. He published the fourth issue November 21st.

Jeff Stratton had moved to Roatan from the United States, where he worked for the Broward-Palm Beach “New Times” paper as music editor. He established a presence for the publication in the music community. He transitioned to staff writer and quickly excelled, winning the prestigious Society of Professional Journalists’ Green Eyeshade Award in 2006 for his article “Mr. Big Shot.” A year later he won a Sunshine State Award for a cover story titled “Rim Job.”

Chuck Strouse, his editor at the time, and now editor of the Miami New Times, said: “Jeff was my music editor, my staff writer, and my friend. I loved him. His smart copy and rapier wit saved me more times than I can count. He was cheerful, smart, and creative. I will miss him horribly.”

Arrangements for Stratton’s service are not yet available.


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