Email: aiyana.baida@patch.com

Phone: 727-421-8697

Hometown: Miami

Birthday: May 14

Bio: Aiyana Baida is a multimedia journalist whose work has been featured in Highlands Today, The Sun Sentinel, United Press International, The Miami Herald and The Miami New Times among other publications. Before moving to Largo to launch Largo Patch, Aiyana was a city reporter for Highlands Today, a branch of the Tampa Tribune, in Sebring Florida.

Aiyana earned her master's degree in journalism from the University of Miami in 2009 while freelancing for several media websites. As an all-around storyteller, Aiyana uses multiple platforms including print, video, photography and audio, in her reporting. She has a great deal of passion for community journalism and reporting stories that make a difference to people's lives.

Aiyana has written about politics, city government, social and environmental issues, business development, health and local happenings. As a graduate student she was awarded the UMiami Newsroom award for her work for the university's news service.  

Aiyana is a first generation American of Cuban–Ecuadorian parents, who was born in New York City. She grew up in Miami and speaks both English and Spanish. 

When Aiyana is not busy reporting she loves reading fiction novels, watching Spanish films, practicing yoga and spending time in the great outdoors.

As Local Editor of Largo Patch, Aiyana aims to bring the most comprehensive community news and information to Largo's residents. She encourages readers to contact her about issues impacting their lives. 

Your 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 because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

Politics

How would you describe your political beliefs?

I am a conservative democrat. I believe in social services to improve the quality of life for all Americans, however, it should be done responsibly. I am curious about new political beliefs even if they are against my personal views. I vote for the candidate not the party.

Are you registered with a certain party?

Independent

Religion

How religious would you consider yourself?

I am open-minded when it comes to religion. I have a strong Catholic upbringing, but I consider myself more spiritual than religious. I love going to Buddhist and Hindu temples, Baptist churches and Catholic masses. My curiosity has even led me to Scientology.

Local Hot-Button Issues

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

I have only been a Largo resident for about a month, and I am still getting a feel for what the city's issues are. I would like to hear from residents about the issues most important to them. E-mail me at aiyana.baida@patch.com