Sometimes the best way to preserve a good story is to let someone new tell the next chapter.
That’s what’s happening at Turtle Cove Press, the Tallahassee independent publishing company founded by M.R. Street in 2008. After 18 years of championing authors and bringing award-winning books to readers, Street is passing the company to her longtime friend and neighbor, Mandi Broadfoot, who will serve as its new editor and publisher.
And this isn’t simply a turning of the page. It’s the beginning of a new chapter.
Turtle Cove Press was founded by M.R. Street, right, in 2008. After 18 years of championing authors Street is passing the company to her longtime friend and neighbor, Mandi Broadfoot, left, who will serve as its new editor and publisher.
Street launched Turtle Cove with her novel Blue Rock Rescue, initially turning to print-on-demand after growing frustrated with the traditional publishing process. The company soon evolved into an independent press, beginning with the memoir of Lt. Gen. Lawrence F. Snowden, USMC, and growing into a catalog of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction for young readers.
For Street, the greatest reward has always been bringing stories to life.
“There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing your first book in print,” she said, recalling the experience of watching first-time authors hold their books for the first time.
“Nobody Kills Uncle Buster and Gets Away With It,” by Susan Koehler (Turtle Cove Press, 2021).
Among Turtle Cove’s authors are Susan Koehler, Zelle Andrews, Abby Hugill, Taylor C. Phillips and Dale Lisa Flint, with titles earning honors from the Royal Palm Literary Awards, Florida Authors and Publishers Association, Mom’s Choice Awards and Kirkus Reviews.
Street says Broadfoot is the right person to carry that legacy forward. The two have been neighbors and friends for about 15 years, and Street has watched Broadfoot, build a career around storytelling, literacy and nurturing young writers.
Zelle Andrews’ novel, “The Adventures of Surf Dude, the Dog of Ochlockonee Bay “(Turtle Cove Press, 2021) tells a story based on an actual stray dog that is now so beloved, he has his own Facebook page.
“She’s got imagination, creativity, and the energy it takes to run an indie press,” Street said, “not just run it, but grow it.”
Broadfoot’s background makes the transition feel almost inevitable. A University of South Florida graduate with a master’s degree in English Literature, she has worked as a journalist, editor, screenwriter, playwright and teacher. She co-founded Making Light Productions and currently serves as Associate Director of Southern Shakespeare Company’s youth ensemble, The Bards.
Wondering How to Publish a Book? A Guide to Traditional, Independent, and Self-Publishing Options” (Turtle Cove Press, 2023), won a Silver Medal in the 2023 “Royal Palm Literary Awards.
“To be honest, I feel like all my varied paths have led right here,” Broadfoot said.
She plans to preserve Turtle Cove’s commitment to quality literature for young readers while expanding its possibilities.
The company will become Turtle Cove Media, exploring audiobooks, immersive audio dramas and adaptations of books for stage and screen — while continuing to put the written word at the center.
There will be a book launch for “Finding Juliet,” by Dale Lisa Flint at My Favorite Books from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025.
“Turtle Cove Press is still the heart of Turtle Cove Media!” Broadfoot said. “That will never change.”
For Tallahassee, that may be the most exciting part of the news. Turtle Cove has spent nearly two decades creating opportunities for local writers and connecting authors, booksellers, libraries and readers. Now, that literary ecosystem has a chance to grow.
As Street puts it, Turtle Cove has always been a bridge between authors, booksellers and the broader literary community.
Mandi Broadfoot intends to keep building that bridge — and perhaps add a few new roads along the way.
For more information, visit TurtleCoveMedia.com or contact the team at info@turtlecovemedia.com.
James Alexander Bond is the Artistic Director of Southern Shakespeare Company.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: A new chapter unfolds for Tallahassee’s independent Turtle Cove Press