News Summary
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg will host its first Florida Studies Book Festival, celebrating local authors and their literary contributions. This free event will feature discussions, book signings, and opportunities for book purchases. Notable participants include best-selling authors and historian figures. Organized by the USF Florida Studies program in collaboration with Florida Humanities, the festival aims to highlight Florida’s unique cultural and literary identity, offering a day of engagement for book lovers and community members alike.
ST. PETERSBURG – The University of South Florida St. Petersburg is set to host its inaugural Florida Studies Book Festival on April 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. The event, which is free to the public, will showcase a diverse array of Florida authors, most of whom have local ties.
The festival replaces the long-standing Festival of Reading, which was not held this year. The Florida Studies Book Festival aims to highlight the literary contributions and cultural narratives of Florida through discussions, book signings, and other activities. Aimed at both book lovers and those interested in Florida’s unique identity, the event promises an engaging experience for attendees.
Among the notable authors participating in the festival are Craig Pittman, an acclaimed best-selling author, known for his engaging takes on Florida’s quirks; Cynthia Barnett, an environmental journalist with multiple published works; and Gary Mormino, a respected historian and author. Other contributors include Debbie Carson and Andy Huse, who concentrate on Florida history and cuisine, as well as USF’s English professors Julie Armstrong and Thomas Hallock, who will present on creative writing processes. Additionally, Taylor Hagood will focus on Florida crime fiction, and Kimball Love will discuss crucial issues related to education and natural resource protection.
The festival will consist of five sessions, culminating in a wrap-up featuring all the festival speakers at 4 p.m. This structure not only provides a platform for authors to connect with their audience but also delves deeper into the narratives and issues that define the state of Florida.
In addition to author discussions, attendees will have ample opportunities to purchase books throughout the festival. Food trucks will also be located in the parking area, offering a variety of options to satisfy hunger during the day-long event.
The festival is organized by Chris Meindl, who serves as the director of the USF Florida Studies program. This academic program is dedicated to exploring the human experience and the rich cultural narratives that characterize Florida. By hosting the festival, USF St. Petersburg seeks to foster a greater appreciation for local literature and the authors who contribute to it.
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg co-hosts the festival in collaboration with Florida Humanities, an organization that aims to enhance the cultural life of Florida and its residents through the support of projects that explore the state’s heritage.
For visitors planning to attend, free parking is available at the USF Parking Garage located at 250 Fifth Ave. S. Although admission is free, reservations are encouraged to ensure a smooth experience during the festival. Interested parties can make reservations through the USF St. Petersburg website.
The Florida Studies Book Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Florida’s literary talent, providing a platform for authors and a gathering space for the community. With an engaging lineup and a focus on local narratives, this festival is poised to become a significant event in Florida’s literary calendar.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Florida Studies Book Festival
- Wikipedia: Florida
- TBN Weekly: St. Petersburg News
- Google Search: Florida studies
- St. Pete Catalyst: Arts Alive Podcast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida literature
- ABC News: Hurricane Milton’s Impact
- Google News: Florida culture
