To celebrate the release of her second book, St. James City author, Mary Kaye Stevens will visit the Monroe Canal Marina on Saturday, Feb. 13, for an island-style book bash. Stevens’ second book, “Lee County Islands” has been well received by area readers.
“This is an opportunity for me to meet my readers and thank all of those who contributed stories and family photos to the book,” Stevens said. “At last year’s book bash for the release of Pine island, we had people coming in from out of state specifically for this event.”
Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy an afternoon of chatting with some of the area “island legends” from 2 to 4 p.m.
“Bill and Joan McNagny of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were two of the ‘legends’ who told spell-binding stories of old Pine island on a one-on-one basis in the 2009 event,” said Stevens. “People just don’t get tired of hearing about Bokeelia’s road-kill and buzzards story, as told by the McNagny’s.”
Those arriving at the marina for this event will be from many of the other islands of Southwest Florida who have been featured in Lee County Islands and will provide an even broader variety of quirky stories, according to Stevens.
Those attending also are encouraged to bring copies of Lee County Islands for autographs by the “island legends” as well as from Stevens.
“Since the completion of Pine Island, we have lost several of the islanders featured in the book. Among those who have died since I began researching for the books are Elaine Jordon, Corell Piner Sthal, Dot Goodwin and Kay DellaBitta,” she said. “It is the loss of these island legends that inspired me to preserve the stories and photos of our earlier days.”
In addition to story telling and meeting some of the area’s long-time residents, Craig and Staci Stevens, owners of Monroe Canal Marina, will serve samples of island fare including hog, smoked mullet, fish dip and mango chutney.
“We have invited people to bring a chair, come and try some good island food and talk with some of the old timers in the book,” Stevens said. “It’s just good island fun.”
Stevens also will have copies of both “Pine Island” and “Lee County Islands” available for purchase and signing on the day of the event.
The Monroe Canal Marina is located on Stringfellow Road in St. James City and for more information, call 282-8600.