Taking Over in Tampa   

Frank M. Denton leaves longtime Wiscons State Journal job to become editor of the Tampa Tribune.

Leaving the Wisconsin State Journal, says Frank M. Denton, will be "heartbreaking." After more than 17 years as editor, Denton will assume the post of editor and vice president of the Tampa Tribune in February.

"This is a wonderful place to do journalism," says Denton, 58, of the Tribune. "It's very ambitious and a company [Media General] that values quality and innovation."

Before leading the Wisconsin State Journal, Denton held a number of editing positions at the Detroit Free Press. He serves on the boards of the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the Mid-American Press Institute.

Gil Thelen, the former Tampa Tribune editor who was named publisher and president of the paper last year, says his replacement has the "organizational savvy" to spearhead coverage of issues dear to Tampa--population growth and quality of education.

Denton "won't be an echo," Thelen says. "He'll be a fresh eye."