Our Policy on Naming the Gulf of Mexico
At Suncoast Searchlight, we are committed to accuracy, clarity, and historical context in our reporting. In light of recent federal actions regarding geographic naming, we want to explain how we will refer to the body of water long known as the Gulf of Mexico.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14172 directing the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” for federal government use. On February 7, 2025, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names formalized this change in federal databases, including the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). As a result, the name “Gulf of America” is now used in federal publications and maps.
However, these federal naming decisions are not binding on private organizations, international entities, or the general public. The United Nations recognizes that different names may be used for shared or contested geographic features, and many U.S. and global news organizations have opted to continue using historically recognized terms.
Our newsroom will continue to refer to this body of water as the Gulf of Mexico, the name recognized for centuries both in the United States and globally. On first reference, we will use the following phrasing to provide context:
“the Gulf of Mexico, recognized federally as Gulf of America by Trump’s executive order.”
On subsequent references within a story, we may refer to it simply as “the gulf” or “the Gulf of Mexico.”
We believe this approach provides our readers with clarity and transparency, while maintaining consistency with widely accepted historical and international usage. We will continue to monitor developments and update our policy if necessary.
