Tyler Gillespie, USF St. Petersburg alumnus, merged poetry and journalism in his latest book “Florida Man: Poems.” He will present his work at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 in the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. Courtesy of Red Flag Poetry. Courtesy of Tyler Gillespie
By Delaney Brown
Patrons of prose and Florida fanatics alike will want to clear their schedules Sept. 5 to hear Tyler Gillespie speak about his new book “Florida Man: Poems” at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library.
His talk will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Poynter Corner of the library.
Gillespie, a USF St. Petersburg alumnus, is acclaimed for his lyrical blend of journalism and poetry.
His collection, published in May, explores Florida’s unique culture in a critical yet tender manner.
Alligators, drug addiction, drag queens and Sunshine Law all come under the microscope as Gillespie mixes journalism and personal anecdote to create a complex portrait of a state usually portrayed in caricature.
Currently an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College, Gillespie holds a master’s degree in Journalism & Media Studies from USF St. Petersburg and a master’s of fine arts from the University of New Orleans.
