News Summary
On May 13, 2025, St. Petersburg will celebrate the literary achievements of local writers during the Roy Peter Clark Award Ceremony at the Palladium Theater. The event highlights honorees who have made significant contributions to writing and reading in the community, including notable figures involved in education. It aims to inspire the next generation of literary talent while fostering appreciation for the written word. Attendees can enjoy a networking event featuring food, music, and the opportunity to support local literacy efforts.
Exciting News for St. Petersburg: The 2025 Roy Peter Clark Award Ceremony is Coming Soon!
Attention all lovers of literature and community spirit! St. Petersburg is gearing up to host an event that promises to be both inspiring and entertaining. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. because that’s when the 2025 Roy Peter Clark Award ceremony will take place. The spotlight will shine brightly at the chic Palladium Theater Side Door Cabaret, nestled right in the heart of our beautiful city.
A Celebration of Writing and Reading
This award ceremony is not just any gathering; it’s a chance to recognize individuals who have made a tremendous impact on the writing and reading culture in St. Petersburg. Named after the iconic Roy Peter Clark, a renowned writing coach from the Poynter Institute, this award highlights the crucial role that community involvement plays in nurturing a love for the written word.
Who are the Honorees?
Gather round as we reveal the talented honorees for this year’s prestigious award! The lineup includes:
- Gord Hume – A Canadian novelist who has embraced the Sunshine City as his home for many years.
- Lillian Dunlap – Co-founder of the “Your Real Stories” initiative, which celebrates authentic narratives.
- Mark Parker – A dedicated news reporter, shining a light on important local stories through the St. Pete Catalyst.
- Giovanni Cerro – Known for his evocative streetcorner poetry that captures the essence of everyday life.
- Andi Pignato – The driving force behind events at Book + Bottle, where books and beverages unite.
- Colleen Wright – A skilled news reporter from the Tampa Bay Times, adept at sharing impactful stories.
- Britt Moseley – An influential director of secondary Language Arts education at Pinellas County schools.
These fine individuals have each contributed uniquely to the literary landscape of St. Petersburg, making them worthy of this distinguished recognition.
Looking Back: Previous Award Winners
St. Petersburg has a rich history with this award. Notable past recipients include:
- Colette Bancroft, known for her editorship at the Tampa Bay Times book section in 2022.
- Denzel Johnson-Green, a renowned poet celebrated for his words in 2023.
- Kelsey Jagneaux, an esteemed events planner at Tombolo Books in 2024.
These awardees have paved the way for a vibrant literary community that continues to flourish.
Join the Festivities: “State of the Word” Event
The excitement doesn’t end with the award ceremony! There will be a delightful featured event called “State of the Word”, which will include lively music, light food, and a cash bar to keep the spirits high. It’s the perfect setting for networking, celebrating, and simply enjoying the beauty of literary culture in St. Petersburg.
The best part? Tickets are free! However, there is a suggested donation that will benefit literacy efforts in the Tampa Bay area, making your attendance even more meaningful. It is highly recommended to secure a reservation to ensure your spot for this fabulous occasion.
For those looking for a little extra pizzazz, there are limited VIP packages available for $100, which include perks like signed books and priority seating. What a fantastic way to enhance your experience while supporting our community!
The Local Literary Scene Continues to Shine
Did you know that since its establishment in 2019, the St. Petersburg Press has published over 45 books crafted by local authors? They have successfully covered a variety of genres, appealing to readers’ diverse tastes. Some popular titles include “Cigar City” and “Florida Hustle” by the talented Paul Wilborn, along with many other fabulous works by local authors.
As the day draws near, excitement continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, inspiration, and a deep appreciation for the literary arts in St. Petersburg!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Clark Award Announcement
- The Gabber: City of Writers Poetry Festival
- 83 Degrees Media: Poet Laureate Gloria Munoz
- WNA News: Poynter Journalism Prizes
- St. Pete Catalyst: Evening with Mark Mustian
- Wikipedia: Literature
- Google Search: St. Petersburg literary events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literature
- Google News: St. Petersburg news
