CHRONICLING THE SUNSHINE STATE: A CONVERSATION

JACKI LEVINE is a longtime Florida journalist. From 2017 to 2021 she was editor of Forum, the magazine of Florida Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Prior to that she was managing editor of the Gainesville Sun for 14 years and founding editor of Gainesville magazine. She grew up in Miami Beach.

KIRSTEN HINES is a Florida-based author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist. She has a master's degree in biology and a background as an environmental educator. She has written numerous articles and five books, including Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens, Birds of Fairchild, and Key Biscayne – all Florida Authors and Publishers Book Award winners – Biscayne National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park (Arcadia Publishing). Hines has given presentations on gardening for birds and other wildlife in South Florida's unique environment at nearly 50 different venues across the region. She also regularly provides wildlife photography presentations and workshops. Her images have been featured in various publications, photography showcases, public art programs, and nearly 100 exhibitions regionally, nationally, and internationally.