Email: Sunde.Farquhar@Patch.com
Phone: 727-249-4457
Hometown: Seattle
Birthday: Yes, I have one!
Bio: Sunde Farquhar is Local Editor for Palm Harbor Patch. Prior to joining Patch, she spent 16 years working as a journalist at TV stations in Tampa, Seattle, and Knoxville, TN. Some of the positions she's held include Managing Editor at Bay News 9 in Tampa, Assignment Manager at Northwest Cable News in Seattle, Assignment Editor at Northwest Cable News in Seattle, Newscast Producer at ABC Action News (WFTS-TV) in Tampa and WATE-TV in Knoxville, TN, and Independent Newspaper Publisher in Knoxville, TN.
Sunde graduated from Seattle University with a bachelor's degree in Communications -Journalism.
Sunde is very knowledgable about the issues impacting people who live in Tampa Bay, especially in Pinellas County, which is where Sunde and her journalist husband live with their Chow Chow named Daisy.
In their spare time, Sunde and her husband enjoy camping, hiking, traveling and hanging out with family, friends and their dog.
Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I was raised by a single mother who was a liberal Democrat and very strong in her political beliefs. Having been raised in a Democratic family, I always considered myself a Democrat, but, as I became older my political beliefs changed and I am now a registered Republican. I consider myself to have moderate political beliefs leaning toward the conservative side. However, I do not always vote along party lines.
Religion
How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?
Casual. I have a deep respect and pride for our country which allows people to have the freedom of the religion of their choice.
Local Hot Button Issues
What do you think are the two or three most important issues facing the community?
Schools
Local Economy
Property Values
Where do you stand on each of these issues?
Schools- I believe that a good education is the foundation to a good life, and making sure kids get a solid education should be a top priority. I think it is everyone's responsibility to make that happen, from parents, to students, to teachers, and community leaders. Maybe it's time to think outside the box, when it comes to solving issues involving funding, quality of education and teacher salaries.
Local Economy- I see a lot of empty storefronts which is disturbing because local businesses are a vital part of every community. More should be done to support small businesses, which in turn will make for a stronger economy in local communities.
Property Values- Yowsa! What a mess!
U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, heard about the Lady Hurricanes' big win against Durant High Wednesday. The congressman has a special message for the team as they head into the finals. Watch the accompanying video to see what he says
The site is loaded with free internet-browser games that Tony Giallourakis, 52, of Palm Harbor, has handpicked and tested himself. He describes the site as a directory of free games that you won't find anywhere else.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators say Axios A. Kazouris, 30, crashed into three other vehicles after he attempted to make a u-turn by driving over the grassy median just north of Nebraska Avenue in Palm Harbor Wednesday.
Two East Lake Fire lieutenants and a fire commissioner are involved in an assortment of accusations against each other that includes racist text messages, discriminatory behavior and Nazi salutes.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators say Axios A. Kazouris, 30, crashed into three other vehicles after attempted to make a u-turn by driving over a grassy median on U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators say Axios A. Kazouris, 30, crashed into three other vehicles after attempted to make a u-turn by driving over the grassy median just north of Nebraska Avenue Wednesday afternoon.
Two East Lake Fire lieutenants and a fire commissioner are involved in an assortment of accusations against each other that includes racist text messages, discriminatory behavior and Nazi salutes.
While the Palm Harbor toddler is recovering from horrific injuries suffered in a lawnmower accident earlier this month, national and local organizations are coming to her aid.
Palm Harbor University High's Lady Hurricanes beat the defending state champion Durant High Cougars 1-0 in Tuesday evening's regional semi-finals.
Palm Harbor University High's Lady Hurricanes beat the defending state champion Durant High Cougars 1-0 in Tuesday evening's regional semi-finals.
"They said the gator was snapping at cars in front of the dentist office," said Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Spokesperson Cristen Rensel, referring to the person who called 911 early Tuesday morning.
"They said the gator was snapping at cars in front of the dentist office," said Pinellas County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Cristen Rensel, referring to the person who called 911 early Tuesday morning.
The theme for the cocktail party-style fundraiser at The Centre was "Community Masterpieces: Where Art Takes Many Forms".
Elvis Presley and a friend who looked a lot like Marilyn Monroe stopped by the East Lake Rotary Club Car Show held at John Chesnut Sr. Park on Saturday, April 27.
Lyle Dokken, who suffers from dementia, had left the Harbor Chase Assisted Living Facility at 7 a.m. Monday. He was found early Monday afternoon at the Dunedin Marina, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Lyle Dokken, who suffers from dementia, had left the Harbor Chase Assisted Living Facility at 7 a.m. Monday. He was found early Monday afternoon at the Dunedin Marina, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Lyle Dokken, who suffers from dementia, had left the Harbor Chase Assisted Living Facility at 7 a.m. Monday. He was found early Monday afternoon at the Dunedin Marina, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
While the Palm Harbor toddler is recovering from horrific injuries suffered in a lawnmower accident earlier this month, national and local organizations are coming to her aid.
Adrianne Haslet-Davis, 32, is an Arthur Murray dance instructor who lost her foot and lower leg in the Boston bomings.
In case you missed them, here's a look at the top stories on East Lake Patch from April 21-27.
