Florida Storytelling Association

James Peter Glaser, a past recipient of the Florida Storytelling Association’s “Ambassador” award, passed away on June 14 at HCA Florida Capitol Hospital.  He was 75. Each year, the Ambassador of Storytelling Award is presented by the Florida Storytelling Association to an individual who promotes and shares enthusiasm for storytelling, encouraging both tellers and listeners.  …

In Memory of 2018 Florida Storytelling Ambassador James Glaser Read More »

Carolyn Gray Abdalla (Rusty) will be remembered by her welcoming smile, genuine interest in people and beautiful spirit.  She was a longtime member of the Florida Storytelling Association and was frequently found on the Front Porch at the annual Festival.  She also made several appearances on the main stage as part of the Member Showcase.  …

Remembering Carolyn ‘Rusty’ Abdalla Read More »

Kip Barkley liked to hear and tell stories. He was especially fond of humorous stories and once posted that he sees the world as if he just stepped off a flying saucer that landed in the nearest parking lot. Kip, who passed away on July 11 at age 78, will be remembered for his kindness, …

Remembering Kip Barkley Read More »

-by Katie Green – www.katiegreenstories.com I have loved fairy tales ever since I can remember. These stories talked about things that were important. Maybe that’s what I’m a storyteller today. I spent most of my childhood summers with my grandparents in Meadowview, Virginia. The women snapped peas and broke beans on the front porch, and …

Bringing The Original Fairy Tales To Life Read More »

Janel Behm, of the Tamiami Tale Tellers Guild, and Walt Belcher, with The Storytellers of Old Tampa Bay, traveled to Woodruff, S.C., in April to participate in the state’s Stone Soup Festival. Janel was one of the featured tellers. Walt was one of the “new voices,” and he also competed in a Liar’s Contest. Janel, …

Two Florida Storytellers In South Carolina’s Stone Soup Festival Read More »

After a two-year hiatus, storytelling returns to the Windsor Rose Tea Room in Mt. Dora beginning Tuesday, June 14. Florida Storytelling Association member Cheryl Floyd, of Deland, will share her stories at 1 p.m. that day. Cheryl taps into her Louisiana roots to share personal tales, folktales and stories of transformation with audiences of all …

Storytelling Returns to Mt. Dora’s Windsor Tea Room Read More »

Storytelling has long been a part of folk festivals in Florida and one of the longest running events in the state is held twice yearly at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement near Deland, Fl. Storytellers have been spinning their tales at the Barberville Jamboree for more than 25 years, says Florida storyteller Mary Lee Sweet, who along with …

Help Keep Storytelling at Barberville Festivals Read More »

Jerry Smith Jerry Smith will be remembered for his warmth, his humor, and his stories. A longtime member of the Florida Storytelling Association and the Storytellers of Central Florida, Jerry passed away on April 8 in due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis and a recent bout Covid. He had recently served on the board of …

Remembering Jerry Smith Read More »

By Josie Fliger Josie, who attended the 2022 Florida Storytelling Festival, is president/CEO of Elder Care Services, Inc., Leon County’s lead aging services non-profit. To live a great story is to be open to new experiences, places, and friendships. I was lucky enough to find all three of those things at my first visit to …

Through The Eyes of a First-Time Attendee Read More »

Jalea told a story about when she was seven years old and she was allowed to pump gas for the very first time. Oh, she was excited, feeling like a grown-up at the service station gas pump.  She said she was nervous; Her hands were sweating when she got distracted.  Gasoline went everywhere. On the …

College Students Learn the Art & Value of Oral Storytelling at Florida University Read More »