‘Tampa Bay: The Story of an Estuary and Its People’ by Evan P. Bennett Florida Atlantic University history professor Evan P. Bennett explores the environmental history of our Bay area, home to the largest open water estuary in the state. Starting with the human part of the 2,000-year-old bay’s ecology, the author charts Tampa Bay’s evolution as a vital natural resource for flora, fauna and humans. Bennett also highlights the people and groups fighting to protect our precious coast. For fans of: Environmental histories with tips for how to better protect marine ecosystems; $26.95, University Press of Florida Credit: Photo by Dawn Yep

To get an understanding of Tampa Bay’s estuaries, you need to do more than wade in the water. Evan P. Bennett does that, and dives in, for a new book, “Tampa Bay: The Story of an Estuary and Its People.”

The associate professor of history at Florida Atlantic University dedicates the historical examination of the region “To everyone who has worked to save Tampa Bay,” and doesn’t gloss over the people and ideas that have hurt the waters we call home.

He also celebrates those working to ensure the estuary’s viability for future generations, and is set to discuss the work this week in a conversation moderated by one of history’s most enlightened Floridians, Gary Mormino.

There’s no cover to see Evan P. Bennett talk about “Tampa Bay: The Story of an Estuary and Its People” on Tuesday, May 21 at Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg.

Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

This article appears in May 9-15, 2024.