Two Newspapers, One City, One History

On June 25, 1962, an important chapter in St. Petersburg’s media history began when the St. Petersburg Times purchased the Evening Independent. The acquisition brought two of the city’s most influential newspapers under the ownership of Times Publishing Company, led by publisher Nelson Poynter.

Founded in 1906, the Evening Independent had become a familiar part of daily life for generations of readers. Following the purchase, both newspapers continued operating separately. The Times remained a morning paper, while the Evening Independent continued publishing in the afternoon. Poynter (pictured) emphasized that each publication would maintain its distinct identity while benefiting from shared resources and streamlined operations.

The move reflected broader changes across the newspaper industry as publishers adapted to shifting readership habits and intensifying competition. In St. Petersburg, the goal was to strengthen local journalism and ensure the continued delivery of reliable community news.

The Evening Independent published its final edition on November 7, 1986, ending an 80-year run. Its remaining employees joined the St. Petersburg Times, preserving a legacy of local reporting that helped document the growth and transformation of the Sunshine City throughout much of the twentieth century.