Gator Nation: Lighten Up and Let the Funny Miami Guy Write – Free Speech 101 at UF

It seems the University of Florida isn't exactly rolling out the welcome mat for our very own Matt Meltzer. That's a shame—Matt's thrilled to be heading up there for grad school, and he's the kind of talent any journalism program should be begging to have.

For those who don't know, our star Local Correspondent, Matt Meltzer, recently moved to Gainesville to pursue graduate studies at UF's College of Journalism and Communications. Matt's a hilarious guy and a razor-sharp writer, but apparently some humorless busybody stumbled upon his blog, White Dade, and decided to tattle to the university. As reported by Kori Frederick in alligator.org:

“A College of Journalism and Communications graduate student who has railed against Miami’s Hispanic culture in his blog, often using racial slurs in his posts, is teaching at UF.”

Ridiculous! A journalism school, of all places, should be championing creativity, bold voices, and yes—even a little truthiness that pushes buttons. Instead, they're clutching pearls over satirical takes on Miami life? Come on, Gators.

Here's Matt's spot-on response to the kerfuffle:

“Some people were a little miffed that I had been admitted to the Journalism School at UF. Miffed enough, I guess, to contact the school and let them know about White Dade. I’m not sure why this is, as we boast an athletic department full of people with extensive criminal records who seemed to get in just fine. But apparently a guy who might be a little frustrated by the inherent language barriers in Dade County should be denied admittance.”

Matt's got a point—and a great sense of humor about the whole thing. But let's set the record straight: Judging him solely by White Dade is like reviewing a restaurant based on one appetizer. Matt's a versatile, insightful writer who's tackled everything from serious issues to lighthearted fun.

The Help and Humor Matt Meltzer Brings to the Table

Over the years, Matt's writing has been a lifeline for countless readers—especially newcomers trying to navigate Miami's wild side. His pieces aren't just funny; they're packed with practical advice, sharp observations, and that rare ability to make you laugh while learning something real. Think of him as your witty tour guide through the city's chaos.

For starters, Matt's delivered spot-on tips for anyone moving to Miami: how to make friends in a town that's equal parts welcoming and weird, what to expect from the local scene, and even how to survive hosting events like the Miss Miami Pageant. His humor shines through, turning potential pitfalls into relatable, chuckle-worthy stories that make the transition smoother for so many.

But he's not all laughs—Matt dives into heavier topics too. He's covered true crime with gripping detail, broken down UM football like a pro analyst (Go Canes!), sounded the alarm on global warming with smart insights, and pulled back the curtain on the highs and lows of working in hospitality. His blog posts and articles have helped readers understand Miami's complexities, from environmental threats to the grind of service jobs—all while sprinkling in that signature wit to keep things engaging.

Through it all, Matt's humor has brought joy and relief to thousands. In a city as intense as Miami, his ability to poke fun at the absurd—like language barriers or cultural clashes—helps people bond over shared experiences. He's not mean-spirited; he's honest and hilarious, turning everyday frustrations into communal laughs. How many writers can say they've made readers smile through traffic rants or cultural mishaps? Matt's one of them—and he's done it for years, building a loyal following who appreciate his blend of help and heart.

The Hypocrisy of a Journalism School Playing Speech Police

Here's where it gets ironic—and a bit hypocritical. A top-tier journalism program like UF's should be the last place to freak out over edgy writing. Journalism 101 is all about freedom of speech and freedom of the press—protecting voices that challenge, provoke, and yes, even offend. Matt's blog, White Dade, and his work for Miami Beach 411 are the press: independent, unfiltered platforms sharing real perspectives on Miami life.

Trying to “cancel” him over satirical posts? That's not just missing the joke—it's undermining the very principles a journalism school teaches. If UF's goal is to train reporters who speak truth to power, why silence a writer who's doing exactly that, in his own humorous way? It's like a cooking school banning spicy food because someone got heartburn. Matt's not promoting hate; he's highlighting cultural quirks with a wink. Stifling that creativity sends the wrong message to aspiring journalists: Play it safe, or else.

Lighten up, Gator Nation. You've got a talented writer in your midst—one who's already proven he can tackle tough topics with smarts and style. Learn to take a joke, embrace the controversy, and maybe even laugh along. After all, in the end, we'll all need a sense of humor when folks realize newspaper journalism is evolving faster than a Florida storm.

Plus, Matt's excitement about UF is genuine. Give him a chance—he might just bring some Miami flair to Gainesville.

‍Editor’s Note: Originally published September 12, 2007. Updated in 2026 with new photography; Matt Meltzer’s original writing remains unchanged.