Investigative journalist and senior writer for NBC News Tony Dokoupil will speak at Eckerd College Thursday, Oct. 16, 7 to 8 p.m., about his new memoir, The Last Pirate: A Father, His Son, and the Golden Age of Marijuana. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Dokoupil's father was a major marijuana smuggler in the 1970s and 1980s. In his 20s, Dokoupil set out to discover the real story of his father's business and to reconnect with him as his son. The Last Pirate is his account of both of these discoveries. As Florida voters prepare to consider legalizing medical marijuana, he will discuss his book and his recent reporting on the emerging business of weed and the entrepreneurs who are growing and distributing legal marijuana. He will give a general audience presentation in Miller Auditorium, as well as a casual conversation meet and greet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Tampa’s Inkwood Books hosts its Adult Book Group Thursday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m. This month’s selection is Turn of the Screw by Henry James.
Café Hey’s weekly open mic takes place Thursday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m. This mixed-genre open mic welcomes, comedians, storytellers, spoken word artists and more.
Dean Wick’s Gallery of Mortality opens Thursday, Oct. 16, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Gulfport’s City of Imagination. This visual exploration of Edgar Allen Poe’s fascination with the macabre is a collection of three-dimensional illustrations based on his stories. Wick also includes commentary on Poe’s timeless, bone-chilling tales, and readers will share several of his most memorable stories and poems. Cost is $9 per person.
The Saint Petersburg Writers Daylight Hours Meetup Group will meet at the Hollander Hotel, Friday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m. The group’s goal is to generate creative energy, provide mutual support and dole positive feedback in a positive setting. All writers, both published and beginners, are welcome.
The Seminole Heights Library will host its second annual Homegrown in Hillsborough Festival Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 3 p.m. In addition to music, interactive demos, exhibits, lectures and panel discussions, a number of local authors and poets will be on hand. Writers include George Armenia, Jenice Armstead, Betty Arnold, Sandy Chase, Denna Day, Scott Eder, Angel Ferguson, Kristin Hare, Linda Hope, Venus Jones, Karl Klicker, Leah Lopez, Sasenarine Persaud, Barbara Post-Askin, Alice Saunders, Rasheedah Sharif and Thome Ward. The Friends of the Seminole Heights Library will also host a book sale during the event.
Young adult paranormal writer E.W. Skinner will sell and sign copies of her latest book, St. Blair: Children of the Night, at the Largo Public Library, 1 to 4 p.m.
Wordsmitten hosts its monthly Advanced Writing Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2-5 p.m., at the group’s St. Pete digs, 3530 First Ave. N. This workshop is open to intermediate and advanced writers who are working on fiction or non-fiction. This workshop is led by Kate Sullivan, executive editor of Wordsmitten Media. Cost is $15 per person.
Certified Jungian Depth-psychotherapist Velva Lee Heraty will sign copies of her new book The Dream Belongs to the Dreamer Saturday, Oct. 18, 5-7 p.m., at Grand Kitchen + Bath in St. Petersburg. The book offers readers a step-by-step guide to understanding one’s dreams and is written for a mainstream audience. Refreshments will be provided.
Celebrate the life and work of Jack Kerouac. St. Pete’s Flamingo Bar – the bar where Kerouac played pool, hung out and had his last drink in 1969 – hosts a night of folk music and beat poetry in honor of the literary icon. The 10th annual Jack Kerouac Night, set for Saturday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. to midnight, will feature Ronny Elliott, Florida Boy, Crash Mitchell, Rebekah Pulley, Fiddlin' Laura McGhee, Tom Skid Row Scudiero, Boxcar Motel, Gypsy Wind, Bill & Eli, Dylan Cowles & Crowknees and jazz guitarist Kelly Green backing up the Brad Morewood St. Pete Beat Poets (Diana Browning, Ed Derkevics, Bradley Morewood and Cole Bellamy.) The evening’s special guest will be national folk artist and legend Eric Andersen.
This article appears in Oct 16-22, 2014.