Cortney Danielle Moore - Journalist

09/08/2026

Yesterday, I learned that Harold Chilton, a World War II veteran I interviewed in 2022 as he celebrated his 100th birthday, has died.

His niece reached out to share the news, and the interaction has stayed with me. As journalists, we write so many stories and move quickly on to the next one. It meant a great deal to learn that, years later, this one was still remembered by his family.

Harold lived an extraordinary 103 years. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to listen to him reflect on his life and to preserve a small part of his story.

Rest in peace, Mr. Chilton.

Harold Chilton, a World War II veteran who lives in Arkansas, celebrated his 100th birthday on Nov. 12 and recalled his time in the U.S. Marine Band, as well as the secrets of a long, happy life.

09/07/2026

A little continuing education for the journalist.

I recently completed two NBCU Academy certificate courses: Fundamentals of Journalism and Bilingual Journalism: Covering Latino Communities.

The latter felt especially meaningful as someone with Puerto Rican and Guyanese roots and a personal appreciation for the many cultures, races, languages and lived experiences that shape Latin America and its diaspora.

No matter how long you’ve been doing the work, there’s always more to learn and another perspective worth considering.

09/01/2026

A new Florida law is forcing restaurants to get real about hidden fees – and it's sparking a bigger debate about how South Florida eateries price your meal.

Restaurants must now clearly disclose service charges and mandatory fees on menus and bills. But here's the catch: some operators say building costs into menu prices creates sticker shock, while separating them out makes diners feel like they're being nickel-and-dimed. One chef calls it a "lose-lose."

The real question? Whether your $25 entree or a $22 dish plus fees makes you more likely to walk through the door.

Read the full report ⬇️
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2026/08/27/florida-restaurant-fee-law-pricing-strategies.html

09/01/2026

Apparently, lightning does strike twice.

I’m incredibly grateful to have received two first-place honors at this year’s SPJ Florida Sunshine State Awards — in the same two categories I won last year:

🥇 Business & Consumer Affairs — First Place

🥇 Lifestyle, Culture & Trends — First Place

I was also recognized as a finalist in Food & Travel — a tough category to crack for sure — along with a team honor in the Special Publication or Section category for our annual Marine Industry Special Section.

It never gets old seeing your work recognized by fellow journalists, and getting to celebrate these wins alongside so many talented people made the night even more special.

I’m thankful for my colleagues at the South Florida Business Journal, the sources who trust me with their stories and everyone who takes the time to read my work.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists.

https://spjflorida.com/2026-sunshine-state-award-winners/?fbclid=PAdGRleAUB10JwZG9mAmZkaWQWUNh6ThpNvYLPl_Jt6HjsAzrDREI39mV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp_P1dbrlB6k0ZbYMtC70O105YSugN-vCTYxNUD4xij3PMAisoTNZgVbjz_oa_aem_oG8wAOcSKDTeLDm3AADBqg

08/17/2026

Former Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler discusses the story behind BIGFACE Coffee, what he has learned as an entrepreneur and his plans for the brand’s future in an exclusive interview with South Florida Business Journal reporter Cortney Danielle Moore.

Recorded in December 2024 following the opening of BIGFACE Coffee’s first permanent brick-and-mortar shop in the Miami Design District, the interview explores how Butler’s interest in coffee became a business, the story behind the BIGFACE name, lessons he carried from basketball into entrepreneurship and his long-term vision for the brand.

This exclusive celebrity interview received a 2025 Communicator Award of Distinction in the Food & Beverage category.

Watch and read the original South Florida Business Journal coverage:
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2024/12/06/jimmy-butler-opens-bigface-coffee-miami.html

07/30/2026

What advice would South Florida's rising business leaders give their younger selves?

At the South Florida Business Journal's 2026 40 Under 40 Awards, we asked honorees to share the lessons that shaped their careers. Hear from Talkin' Tacos CEO Omar Al-Massalkhi, Plaza Equity Partners Senior Vice President Shawn Wilt and Prologis Vice President Alex Vargas Vila as they discuss resilience, teamwork, leadership and what success really means.

Congratulations to the entire Class of 2026!

Read the full profiles ⬇️
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/c/sfbj-2026-40-under-40-honorees.html

07/30/2026

Congratulations to all!

07/21/2026

Spirit Airlines' collapse raises a critical question: Can budget carriers survive when travelers care about more than just price? 💺

Even as Americans prioritize affordability, industry experts say passengers are increasingly weighing reliability and overall value – not just the cheapest fare. Meanwhile, budget airlines face mounting costs while competing with major carriers that now offer their own stripped-down options.

The irony? Budget airlines may matter most to travelers who never fly them, as they help keep fares lower across the board. Without that competition, experts warn ticket prices could rise industry-wide.

What matters most when you book a flight – price, reliability, or something else?

Read the full report ⬇️
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2026/07/09/can-budget-airlines-survive-spirit-collapse.html

07/21/2026

Palm Beach International Airport officially became President Donald J. Trump International Airport on July 9 — making it the first U.S. airport named after a sitting president.

The $5.5 million transition includes new signage, branding and tech updates, with half funded by the state and the rest through airport revenues. No local property tax dollars are being used. The airport's booking code will remain PBI until Aug. 18, when it switches to DJT.

What do you think about renaming airports after political figures?

https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2026/07/10/palm-beach-airport-renamed-president-donald-trump.html