Jeff Klinkenberg engaged a professional symphony orchestra tuba player to determine whether bull gators would respond with thunderous bellows to a low B-flat note during mating season; thus the name of his book Alligator in B Flat.
The award-winning journalist will present two programs beginning at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, in the admission-free “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center on Sanibel Island.
Subtitled “Improbable Tales from the Files of Real Florida,” Klinkenberg’s collection of essays covering all facets of life in Florida were culled from nearly 40 years as a chronicler of Florida culture for the Tampa Bay Times, formerly the St. Petersburg Times. In 2018, his latest book, Son of Real Florida: Stories from My Life published.
“Nobody writes about the real Florida with as much insight and affection as Jeff Klinkenberg,’’ says award-winning Florida columnist and novelist Carl Hiaasen. “His essays – spanning the length and breadth of this intoxicating, infuriating state – are pure gems.”
Following his presentations, Klinkenberg will sign copies of his books, which are available for purchase in the Refuge Nature Store, all profits from which benefit refuge conservation and education programs.
Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. DDWS will be filming Klinkenberg’s lectures and broadcasting them on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/dingdarling.
As usual, Wildlife Drive closes on Friday, but visitors are welcome to enjoy the Visitor & Education Center, Indigo Trail, Bailey Tract, and recreational opportunities at Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s official recreation concession located at its Tarpon Bay Recreation Area.
