How to contact me: deb.belt@patch.com.
Deb Belt has been an editor and team leader with Patch.com since August 2011, and regional manager of the Southeast team since 2017. After launching Patches in Iowa -- where staffers covered the 2012 Iowa Caucuses and the presidential campaign -- Deb joined the Southeast team of editors. Since March 2017 she has led Patch sites ranging from the Baltimore/DC area to Atlanta and Tampa/St. Pete.
She previously worked as an editor for 13 years at the Des Moines Register, focused on suburban coverage that ranged from local election coverage to city and county government reporting and crime/safety issues. During this period she led a team of 27 reporters, photographers and editors who produced 27 print sections a week, and transitioned into digital news.
As a weekly newspaper editor, Deb led the staff of the Indianola Record-Herald to win the prestigious Newspaper of the Year award from the Iowa Newspaper Association in 1997, competing against newspapers from major metros. She also won multiple INA and National Newspaper Association awards for covering city government and editorials examining open meetings issues, the need for bond issue approvals, and other good government practices.
In the digital space, Deb has earned an award for Patch's 2024 coverage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore harbor, along with local editor Jacob Baumgart.
Deb grew up in Missouri, Iowa and Illinois, and majored in journalism at Northwest Missouri State University. She has spent her entire career in community journalism.
Porch pirates nationwide stole at least 48 million packages valued at $12 billion in the past year, according to a survey. How did VA fare?
Porch pirates nationwide stole at least 48 million packages valued at $12 billion in the past year, according to a survey. How did MD fare?
It's that festive time of year. Florida Patch wants to show off photos of your pets in their cutest holiday getup.
It's that festive time of year. Virginia Patch wants to show off photos of your pets in their cutest holiday getup.
It's that festive time of year. Maryland Patch wants to show off photos of your pets in their cutest holiday getup.
The "Home for the Holidays" adoption event waives the fee for all animals at Montgomery County's shelter and runs Dec. 14 and 15.
The second Paris Baguette bakery café location in Maryland, as well as in Montgomery County, will open Dec. 14.
Two Miami luxury real estate brokers and their brother have been charged with sex trafficking and violently sexually assaulting victims.
A Wegmans grocery store will be built in Rockville's Twinbrook Quarter Community, and open before the end of 2025, the company said.
Surveillance images of 10 theft suspects at Target, CVS Pharmacy, and Gap stores in Chevy Chase and Bethesda have been released.
A racial slur written on the desk of a Black student at Wootton High School in Rockville has prompted renewed efforts to fight racism.
A 3-month-old drowned in Chevy Chase, Montgomery County Police said, and the child's mother has been charged with murder.
Fireplace ashes stored on the wood deck of a Jarrettsville home sparked a fire that caused $50,000 damage Thursday, the fire marshal said.
Formaldehyde, which causes more cancer than any other toxic chemical in outdoor air, puts many FL communities at risk. Check your address.
Formaldehyde, which causes more cancer than any other toxic chemical in outdoor air, puts many VA communities at risk. Check your address.
Formaldehyde, which causes more cancer than any other toxic chemical in outdoor air, puts many MD communities at risk. Check your address.
What the most popular dog and cat names for 2024 in the Tampa area? Check out the list for top monikers in the state and nationwide.
What the most popular dog and cat names for 2024 in Virginia? Check out the list for top monikers in the state and nationwide.
What the most popular dog and cat names for 2024 in Maryland? Check out the list for top monikers in the state and nationwide.
A list by Travel + Leisure highlights the 25 most charming towns to visit during the holidays. See which FL cities made the list.
