Editorial Policy
Our commitment to accuracy, verification, transparency, and community-focused reporting for Lee County, Florida.
Our Editorial Mission
LeeCounty.app is dedicated to providing Lee County residents with accurate, timely, and actionable information about local developments, infrastructure projects, and community changes. Our editorial policy ensures that every article we publish meets the highest standards of journalism and serves the public interest.
We focus exclusively on "report-worthy content" - verified information from primary sources that provides clear insights into what changes mean for residents and offers actionable next steps for community members.
Core Editorial Principles
Accuracy First
All facts must be verified through primary sources before publication. We prioritize accuracy over speed.
Primary Source Verification
Every article must cite primary sources including Lee County official documents, FEMA data, and government reports.
Community Impact Focus
All reporting must clearly explain what changes mean for Lee County residents and provide actionable insights.
Data-Backed Reporting
We use verified statistics, official records, and quantifiable data to support our analysis and conclusions.
Content Standards
Original Reporting Requirement
All content must be original reporting based on primary sources. We do not republish wire service stories or press releases without original analysis.
- • Direct analysis of Lee County official documents
- • Independent verification of government data
- • Original community impact assessment
- • Unique insights beyond official announcements
Source Requirements
Every article must include verifiable primary sources with stable links for citation and verification.
- • Lee County official websites and documents
- • FEMA and other federal agency data
- • FGCU RERI and academic research sources
- • Direct government records and databases
Author Attribution
Every article must have clear author attribution with real team names and editorial responsibility.
- • No anonymous or "Admin" bylines
- • Clear team attribution (Development Team, Emergency Management Team, etc.)
- • Editorial oversight and review process
- • Contact information for corrections
Community Impact Analysis
All articles must include clear analysis of how reported changes affect Lee County residents.
- • Impact on homeowners, renters, and businesses
- • Effects on traffic, schools, and services
- • Cost implications and financial impact
- • Actionable next steps for residents
Verification Process
Our Multi-Step Verification
Primary Source Collection
Gather official documents, government data, and authoritative sources
Cross-Reference Verification
Verify data across multiple independent sources
Community Impact Analysis
Assess implications for Lee County residents
Editorial Review
Final review for accuracy, clarity, and completeness
Corrections Policy
Timely Corrections
We correct errors promptly and transparently. Corrections are made within 24 hours of verification.
Correction Process
Significant corrections are noted at the top of articles with clear explanation of what was corrected and when.
Documentation
All corrections are documented internally to prevent similar errors and improve our processes.
Content Restrictions
We Do Not Publish:
- • Hate speech, discriminatory content, or harassment
- • Deceptive practices, misinformation, or unverified claims
- • Sexually explicit content or inappropriate material
- • Personal attacks or invasive privacy violations
- • Content that could incite violence or illegal activity
- • Unverified rumors or speculation without source attribution
Editorial Independence
LeeCounty.app maintains complete editorial independence from government agencies, political organizations, and commercial interests. Our reporting is based solely on verified data and facts that serve the public interest.
We do not accept payment for coverage, nor do we allow advertisers or sponsors to influence our editorial decisions. All content decisions are made based on newsworthiness, accuracy, and community relevance.
Related Pages
Policy Updates
This editorial policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect evolving journalistic standards and community needs. Last updated: January 21, 2026.