Frightening Florida: Florida Lore

From the Ashley Gang to the Devil’s Millhopper and the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge, Florida folk culture is brimming with fascinating characters and situations almost too amazing to be true. But are they true? This presentation is a dynamic performance from a master storyteller and professor who brings these legends to life and discusses their importance and whether it may not matter if they are fact or fiction. A must for history buffs and Americana fans, this presentation is based on Dr. Neile’s book Florida Lore: The Barefoot Mailman, Cowboy Bone Mizell, the Tallahassee Witch, and Other Tales. Caren S. Neile, Ph.D., M.F.A., has taught storytelling studies at Florida Atlantic University for 20 years. A performing storyteller, she has worked in ten states and six countries, including as a Fulbright Senior Specialist in Vienna and Jerusalem. Dr. Neile’s Publications include the books Florida Lore and Only in Florida and a chapter in the Oxford Encyclopedia of American Folk and Folklife Studies. She co-hosts the Public Storyteller segment on Miami public radio WLRN. No registration or admission fee is required to attend.

Dr. Neile is signing copies of her book Florida Lore before the program at 7:30 pm. This event is part of The Ghosts of St. Augustine’s Past, a three-day festival celebrating five centuries of historic fashion and folklore happening October 28 through 30. This Florida Talks program is a partnership between the Florida Humanities and Art and Life 3D, Inc.. Funding for this program was provided by Florida Humanities and sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.