St. Pete Standard

St. Petersburg, FL - In celebration of National Poetry Month, the City of St. Petersburg is gearing up to host the second annual "City of Writers Poetry Festival" in April. The festival, which will be a collaborative effort between the City, City Poet Laureate Gloria Muñoz, and various community partners, aims to celebrate the art of poetry and literature.

St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch expressed his excitement about the upcoming festival, stating, "St. Petersburg is long known as a city dedicated to the craft of writing. Not only does our city provide the perfect setting to enjoy the literary prowess of local and national writers, but Florida offers the perfect combination of history, colorful characters, wildlife, and scenery for a compelling storyline." He added, "I’m thrilled for the City to partner with those who elevate the talents of writers from near and far."

Gloria Muñoz, the Poet Laureate for the City of St. Petersburg, shared her enthusiasm for the event, saying, "I'm thrilled to kick off the second annual City of Writers Poetry Festival. We are fortunate to feature such a wide range of local and visiting voices this year." She also expressed the hope to encourage both new and seasoned writers to participate in the festival, which celebrates poetry across the vibrant city of St. Petersburg.

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of events, including conversations with national poetry voices, writing workshops, and poetry readings. Collaborations with local writers and various organizations such as Eckerd College, the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, and the Dali Museum, among others, will enrich the festival experience.

Events featuring local and national poets and authors have been scheduled throughout April, including readings by acclaimed poets such as Adam Day, Martha Bireda, Amy Alvarez, Urayoán Noel, and Jericho Brown. The full event lineup and details can be found on the City of St. Petersburg's website.

All events at the City of Writers Poetry Festival are free and open to the public unless otherwise stated, with some requiring advance registration. The festival aims to inspire and engage the community in the art of poetry and storytelling, making it a must-attend event for literature enthusiasts and aspiring writers alike.