Dr. Leslie Poole shares research spanning the colonial period to the 20th century, focusing on explorers and travelers who documented their experiences in Florida. Her work reveals how the state’s landscapes have changed over time, contrasting historical Florida with the Florida of today. Dr. Poole’s narrative provides insights into Florida’s natural history and evolving human perspectives, inspiring audiences to embark on their own journeys of discovery.

Florida Conversations is free and accessible in person and streamed live on Zoom. We thank our sponsors: USF Libraries, WUSF Public Media, and AARP Tampa Bay.  Additional sponsor support is graciously provided by Shelley Blood and the Lorenzo Molay Family. 

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This is the third program in the Florida Humanities Center for the Book 2024-2025 Book Series. Participants are invited to explore our local environment through literature at programs organized in the counties of Broward, Hillsborough, Monroe, Pinellas, and Volusia. Travelers, authors, and adventures have been inspired by the flora and fauna of Florida since the earliest writings. Each program in this series offers an opportunity to engage in deeper discussion on how we have been inspired and lived with the everchanging natural world.

The Center for the Book Program series is organized by Florida Humanities with funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed at this conference do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.