Sunday Speaker Series 2026
All events Sundays at 2 p.m.
Free admission, refreshments, onsite parking.
Sunday, April 19, 2 p.m.
Tampa's Ghost Forests and Tree Futures
Dr. Rebecca Zarger
Sunday, May 17, 2 p.m.
Dr. Rebecca Zarger (Anthropology, USF) shares insights from five years of research on the dynamic ways Tampa’s tree canopy is changing and how city residents experience our urban forest. She will share stories about the significance of trees to everyday life, what the loss of trees from recent hurricanes has meant for neighbors, as well as the challenges trees bring, such as maintenance costs and risks to infrastructure. The research, in collaboration with City of Tampa, suggests that the future of Tampa’s urban forest depends on addressing the concerns and priorities of residents through community-engaged tree planting and caring for existing trees.
The State You're In: Florida Men, Florida Women, and Other Wildlife
Craig Pittman
Over the past thirty years, Craig Pittman has written thousands of stories and columns about “The Most Interesting State”. In this presentation based on 51 of these stories published in The State You’re In, he shows off the glorious weirdness of his native state. Stories of mermaids, con men, fugitives, gator wrasslers, death row inmates, iguanas, tattooed ladies, python hunters, and more are covered in this illustrated and lively presentation about Florida men, Florida women, and other wildlife.
May and June talks funded though a Florida Talks grant from:
Sunday, June 21, 2 p.m.
Dr. Andrea Oliver
Faith and Fraternity: A Story of Agency and Hope for Black Floridians
In the face of terror and oppression, Black Floridians exhibited resilience and resolve, finding inspiration and leadership opportunities in their churches; while in a complementary constellation of civic and Masonic orders, they pooled their resources to provide financial assistance to those in need. This program by Dr. Andrea Oliver (Tallahassee State College) explores how Black Floridians found strength in the faith and fraternal institutions they established in their local communities, reflecting broader national trends.