People across the country have dreams of retiring and moving to the sunny beaches of Florida.

For one award-winning author and columnist, however, the Sunshine State is just plain funny.

Carl Hiaasen will deliver the speech “Funny, Real stories from the Sunshine State” at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 28, at the University of North Florida Arena.

Photo by Elena Seibert Best-selling author Carl Hiaasen entertains audiences with stories about the Sunshine State.

The lecture is part of the Presidential Lecture Series and supported by the UNF Foundation.

Hiaasen’s presentation will apply his satirical wit to his experiences of growing up in Florida.

A native of South Florida, Hiaasen joined The Miami Herald in 1976, first as a general reporter, then as part of a prize-winning investigative team. Hiaasen went on to write a regular column in the mid-1980s.

He published his first solo novel, Tourist Season, in 1986. Since then, he has published numerous other books including, Double Whammy, Strip Tease, Basket Case and Skinny Dip.

Hiaasen's children’s book, Hoot, was recognized with the Newbery Honor.

Hiaasen’s next children’s book, Flush, will be released in September.

The talk will be free and open to the public, but tickets are required for admission.

Tickets can be reserved online at www.unf.edu or by calling the University Box Office at 620-2878.

Contact Donald Postway at spinnakerfeatures@yahoo.com.