By Walt Belcher Arguably, nothing symbolizes Florida more than the alligator. This legendary descendent from the age of dinosaurs can be found in lakes, rivers and swamps throughout the state. And, of course, Albert E. Gator and Alberta Gator are the mascots and symbols of the University of Florida. Go Gators! It’s fitting that “Old […]

From Sue O’Halloran: Over the years, our storytelling community has shown extraordinary generosity whenever one of our own has faced a health crisis, financial hardship, or personal loss. Time and again, storytellers have organized fundraisers and offered support with remarkable compassion. At the same time, we’ve all recognized that caring for one another in times

The annual Florida Storytelling Festival will begin an exciting new chapter in 2027 when the major concerts will be held in the historic Mount Dora Music Hall in the Community Building. The historic Lakeside Inn will also continue to be a part of the festival with numerous events such as workshops, porch telling, ghost stories,

By Walt Belcher It was the spring of 2018 when I discovered this thing called “storytelling” and soon I joined the Florida Storytelling Association. While cleaning up my computer recently, I found this Facebook post that I made years ago: Just got back from an amazing weekend in Mount Dora at the Florida Storytelling Festival.

By Walt Belcher and Jim Kissane Water. We all have stories about water. As Florida residents we are surrounded by it. We enjoy it, from the multitude of springs to a coastline that wraps most of the state. When there are prolonged droughts, we worry. When sea levels start rising, we worry. And many of

Melinda Ann Munger, a past president of the Florida Storytelling Guild and long-time member of the Florida Storytelling Association, has passed away, She served as president of the Florida Storytelling Guild (1990-91) before it became the Florida Storytelling Association, She was the Story Camp Director, and in 2007, she received the FSA Lifetime Achievement Award.

By Katie Green FSA Member Storytelling is a major part of my life. It always has been. Now, in my 80’s, I am amazed and thankful that stories and storytelling continue to enrich my life. There was a time when the storyteller traveled from town to town, carrying tales, entertaining people. Years ago, people sat

One of the co-founders of the Bean Soup & Stories event in Jacksonville, Mary Webster, has passed away at age 93. Mary was a beloved storyteller and FSA member who along with friends Elaine Kitchings and Yvette Thomas started the Jacksonville Northside Storytelling League in the late 1980s. The League started Bean Soup & Stories

Cathy Fyock, who is on the FSA board, offers writing advice that also applies to storytelling. Cathy Fyock, The Business Book Strategist Sometimes I feel like a petulant child when I sit down to write. “I don’t want to write,” the child complains. “I want to play games and have fun.” I’ve tried to discipline

By Walt Belcher It’s that time again. As we draw closer to our 2026  Florida Storytelling Festival (Jan. 22-25), we will be picking three tellers to participate in our annual Fringe performances. Held during the festival, these are showcases for tellers to each present a 45-minute program. This year the Fringe shows will begin at