In a collaboration involving faculty and students, the School of Communication is writing and compiling content for a new local news Web site for the Coral Gables community.

Gables Home Page (www.GablesHomePage.com), a nonprofit online news and information exchange, launched on October 23. It is funded by the Coral Gables Community Foundation with support from a John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Knight Community Information Challenge grant.

In addition to the School of Communication, Gables Home Page staff members also produce content for the site.

“The free flow of information, especially in this rapidly unfolding digital age, is essential to maintaining and enhancing our quality of life,” said Jerry Santeiro, chair of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. “Gables Home Page is community property for all of us who live or work in Coral Gables to share, enjoy, and have our voices be heard.”

Residents both young and old, as well as those who work or go to school in Coral Gables, are invited to be a part of the dialogue. Bloggers, guest contributors, and citizen journalists are welcome to contribute. Content includes everything from local news to arts and entertainment, business, sports, education, and dining/restaurants.

Unique features of the Web site include a “virtual town square,” inspired by open town squares in which communities historically gathered to discuss issues of the day and set an agenda. In this online setting, users will be asked to comment on local issues of importance and, through a respectful dialogue, identify solutions to these issues. A code of conduct and civility policy for all users is posted on the site.

Gables Home Page has created an editorial advisory board consisting of community leaders and seasoned journalists who have developed policies and procedures for users to follow as well. All users must register to be able to comment; anonymous postings will not be accepted.

The site will sustain itself over the long term by selling online advertising and sponsorships. Gables Home Page is free of charge to members.