The Ybor City Museum Society is presenting a special exhibit on Spanish immigration that will be on display through November 2023. The exhibit is based on a semi-fictitious book by Tampa native, Tony Carreño, entitled Following Fernando's Footsteps: The Tale of Tampa's "Invisible Immigrants, which chronicles the life of a young immigrant from Asturias, Spain to Tampa via Havana, Cuba. Exhibit topics include the six phases of immigration beginning with

More than just a melting pot of cultures, Florida is a melting pot of music. From conga to country, rap to rock, pop songs to disco beats, the state's diversity is reflected in the songs and sounds of some of America's most notable performers. Florida's discography of artists spans nearly every genre of music, from balladeers like Pat Boone to country artists like Slim Whitman, and rockers and pop stars

The Center for Jose Marti Studies Affiliate debuts dramatic readings of three key articles taken from the Cuban émigré press of the late 19th century, as recorded by three scholars, followed by a panel discussion regarding the historical importance of each article in the larger context of the struggle for Cuban independence and the formation of Cuban immigrant communities in the U.S. The articles have been recorded in their original

USF Contemporary Art Museum is hosting an online conversation in connection with the exhibit Native America: In Translation on view from August 25 through December 1, 2023. This exhibit assembles the wide-ranging work of nine Indigenous artists who pose challenging questions about identity, heritage, land rights, and histories of colonialism. In this conversation, curator Wendy Red Star and artists Marianne Nicolson and Koyoltzintli discuss concepts and approaches to Indigenous visual

The Ten Foods of Florida is an ever-evolving list, involving arguments as to whether strawberry shortcake or pecan pie should topple Key Lime pie as the Sunshine State’s most iconic dessert, or whether the Cuban is more significant than a fried grouper sandwich. This illustrated talk also discusses Cortez mullet, Vernon gophers, LaBelle swamp cabbage, Ybor City Cuban bread, stone-ground grits, Immokalee tomatoes, and Hastings potatoes and the lamentation of

Join Florida Humanities Executive Director Nashid Madyun for a discussion on Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings's book,  The Yearling. The novel won the 1939 Pulitzer Prize and went on to win multiple Academy Awards for its film adaptation in 1946. Set in Northern Florida, The Yearling is a coming-of-age story following Jody, a young boy and his struggles between his relationship with his family and the deer he is raising. Marjorie Kinnan

Merfolk Media Alliance, in collaboration with The Center for Health Equity, presents a screening and panel discussion of Underground History. Underground History is a documentary film project designed to explore connections between St. Petersburg's diverse cultural history and emerging community efforts to acknowledge the past in charting the future. The film considers the links between the history and remaining archaeological sites of the region's Indigenous Ancestors, the displaced contemporary African

Oaktree Community Outreach Inc. is hosting the "Back to Angola" Festival. This free cultural and historical three-day festival commemorates the Angola Maroon Community that once made their home at the Manatee Mineral Spring (c. 1812-1821). The event features panel discussions by historians, archaeologists, descendants, and community leaders; workshops in basket weaving, wood carving, and Junkanoo; and, food and music of the Bahamas. Funding for this festival is provided in part

Since Tarpon Springs's Greek sponge diving industry was founded in the early 1900s, traditional Greek music, dance, and poetry have been at the center of the community. Much of this music is directly connected to the distinct culture that grew up around sponging on Greek islands over the centuries and ranges from joyful dances to laments mourning divers lost under the waves. This presentation explores the rich cultural history of

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources and the Library Foundation for Sarasota County hosts the Off the Page Literary Celebration. Off the Page includes two weeks of programming from November 1 through 18 featuring best-selling authors Neil Gaiman, Sam Kean, Sarah McLean, Sarah Penner, and Raina Telgemeier.. This event includes local authors, writing workshops, book signings, panels, and more across all 10 county library branches. Participating authors and presenters include:

Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library hosts this all-ages program as part of the Off the Page Literary celebration. This program features a discussion of the 32 species of carnivorous plants in Florida with author and expert Kenny Coogan. Plant sale to follow. Kenny Coogan holds a master's degree in Global Sustainability and is passionate about Florida's wildlife and plants. He has published over 400 articles on pets, livestock, and gardening

USF Contemporary Art Museum is hosting an in-person forum in connection with the exhibit Native America: In Translation on view at the museum from August 25 through December 1, 2023. This exhibit assembles the wide-ranging work of nine Indigenous artists who pose challenging questions about identity and heritage, land rights, and histories of colonialism. This forum gathers the voices of an Indigenous artist, tribal cultural preservationist, and Native American civil

Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library hosts poet Laura Shoemaker as part of "Off the Page Literary Celebration" for a workshop using poetry as a form of activism. Laura has worked in higher education, educational publishing and editing, and nonprofit administration. As of Fall 2022, Laura joined USF as a visiting professor. She previously taught undergraduate writing courses at Ringling College of Art and Design, the State College of Florida,

Gulf Gate Library hosts two Florida writers, Tamara Lush and Craig Pittman, for a discussion on how Florida and its history of kooky crimes have affected crime-writing and the state's reputation. Tamara Lush is a Florida-based author and journalist. She is an RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow and the winner of the George C. Polk award for environmental journalism. For more than a dozen years, she was a

Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library hosts a teen writing workshop as part of "Off the Page Literary Event." In this workshop, students and instructors from Ringling College of Art and Design show teen participants how to unlock the secrets of creating captivating realms filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests. Together, they will dive into the art of crafting unique cultures, designing fantastical landscapes, and shaping powerful magic

The History Center at Osprey Library at Historic Spanish Point presents a conversation with authors Ron Prouty and Peggy Donho as part of "Off the Page Literary Celebration." Local authors Ron Prouty and Peggy Donho discuss the research behind their book Miguel's Bay: The Pioneer Tale of Miguel and Frederica Guerro. Miguel Guerro, a Menorcan sailor born in 1817 established a fishing rancho on Terra Ceia Island off the west

Fruitville Library presents the So You Want to Write Kid Lit? author panel as part of the "Off the Page Literary Celebration." Award-winning children's authors and writing teachers Dianne Ochiltree, Ryan Van Cleave, and Sylvia Whitman tell participants everything they need to know about writing for children—whether it is picture books, middle grade fiction, nonfiction, or young adult novels. Join them for an overview of the field, including how to

Selby Library hosts a panel discussion all about mysteries with Oceanview Publishing as part of the "Off the Page Literary Celebration." Oceanview is an independent book publisher specializing in the best in mystery, thrillers, and suspense. Founding partners Bob and Pat Gussin are joined by authors Don Bruns, Susan Klaus, and Ward Larsen to discuss the exciting twists and turns of mystery. Bob Gussin never let his Ph.D. and position

The Center for Jose Marti Studies Affiliate at the University of Tampa is hosting the second public program in the Preserving Voices series, bringing alive the tradition and showmanship of the "lector de tabaqueria," of the cigar factory reader. This panel looks at the significant articles from the Cuban emigre press of Key West and New York City during the 1880s as these communities conspired to gain independence from their

Selby Library hosts "Writing with A.I." with writing instructor Rick Dakan as part of "Off the Page Literary Celebration." Rick Dakan discusses the collide between artificial intelligence and creative writing. Rick Dakan lives, writes, and teaches in Sarasota, Florida. He is a professor of Creative Writing at the Ringling College of Art and Design, where he teaches classes on writing for video games, writing for tabletop games, writing comics, the