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Inaugural Florida Studies Book Festival Celebrates Literature

Participants enjoying discussions and book signings at the Florida Studies Book Festival.

News Summary

The Florida Studies Book Festival, held at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, showcased Florida’s literary landscape with notable speakers and discussions. The event, initiated by the University of South Florida’s Florida Studies Program, included engaging topics such as conservation and culture. Organizers aim to make the festival an annual event, emphasizing the humanities’ role in society.

St. Petersburg, Florida – The inaugural Florida Studies Book Festival took place on April 5 at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library on the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. This event celebrated Florida’s unique literary contributions and attracted a diverse crowd, including literature enthusiasts, local authors, USF faculty, and students.

The festival commenced with bestselling author Craig Pittman, who humorously noted that the term “WTF” stands for “Welcome to Florida.” This light-hearted comment set the tone for an event that aimed to explore various aspects of Florida literature. Organized by USF’s interdisciplinary Florida Studies Program, the festival featured 11 speakers, including authors, geographers, and policy experts.

The inspiration for the festival stemmed from a suggestion made a couple of years ago by former graduate student Debbie Carson. Chris Meindl, director of the Florida Studies Program, expressed enthusiasm about promoting the program and turning the festival from an idea into a reality. The Florida Studies Program has its roots dating back to its foundation in 2002 by professors Ray Arsenault and Gary Mormino, officially launching in fall 2003 to create a space for cultivating Florida studies.

Crystalizing the importance of the festival, Mormino pointed out the proximity of USF St. Petersburg to local cultural and academic institutions, which enhances the study of Florida. At the festival, speakers consistently emphasized the program’s definition of Florida as a “living laboratory.” Pittman illustrated how the state’s quirky news reflects broader influences on life across the United States, hinting that Florida’s cultural and social dynamics extend well beyond its reputation.

The event included a range of subject matter, with participants discussing topics such as orchid smuggling, the conservation of the Florida Panther, and various essays and narratives that encapsulate the rich tapestry of Florida life. English professor Julie Armstrong referred to Florida as a literary mecca, fostering discussions about the state’s unique prominence in American literature.

Armstrong, along with her husband Thomas Hallock, showcased their two-volume anthology, which analyzes 500 years of Florida literature. Hallock’s volume covers works from the 16th century to the mid-19th century, while Armstrong’s anthology covers literature from the time of Florida’s statehood to the present day. The festival highlighted themes of cultural and social translation, which were central to the works included in their anthology.

Despite challenges facing the humanities, with national budget cuts and operational adjustments at the National Endowment for the Humanities, the festival aimed to emphasize the significance of humanities in promoting critical thought. Meindl articulated the need for broad thinkers across all industries, not just those focused on technical skills, underlining the vital role humanities play in understanding American history and culture.

With hopes of establishing the book festival as an annual event, organizers are looking for additional grant funding to support its continuation. The festival included notable speakers such as Cynthia Barnett, Gary Mormino, Debbie Carson, Andy Huse, and Kimball Love, fostering lively discussions about the Florida experience. Attendees not only participated in engaging discussions but also had opportunities for book sales and signings.

The event featured food trucks for attendees, with no admission cost, enhancing accessibility for all interested in the literary exploration of Florida. Organizers noted ongoing conversations about promoting diversity in future events, aiming to broaden the scope of voices and perspectives represented in subsequent festivals.