ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jay Humphreys
A graduate of West Virginia University’s Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism, Jay Humphreys has more than 30 years of writing and media relations experience. A Washington, D.C. speechwriter and briefings officer during the Carter and Reagan Years, he also worked for the Congressional Information Service and conducted media relations projects for several federal agencies. A former communications director at the University of Florida (1988-1998), he also served as the editor of FATHOM—the journal of the state university system’s marine research program. His first book, “Seasons of the Sea” became a hardcover bestseller for its publisher. The parents of two sons, he and his wife enjoy exploring the beach behind their home on Anastasia Island.

Frances and Hugh Keiser
Frances Keiser, naturalist, wildlife rescue volunteer, and friend to animals and children, has worked for the public school system with preschoolers and conducted children's craft workshops. Raised on fairy tales, Frances continues to develop her love of children's books by being a collector and avid reader to children. Many of her favorite stories are in rhyme, which influenced her to write her own books in verse. Living on the beach near St. Augustine, Florida, the Keiser's home is aptly named "Pelican Perch." Hugh Keiser, a graduate of Cooper Union, has been painting and drawing for over 40 years. Included in numerous public and private collections, his work is the recipient of many awards. Hugh began to explore the computer as an art medium about the same time he and Frances moved to Florida and fell in love with the brown pelican: the clown prince of birds. Illustrations for a series of books featuring Pelican Pete are the result.

Randy Cribbs
A retired U.S. Army officer and a Vietnam veteran, Randy Cribbs has degrees from the University of Florida, Jacksonville State University, and Pacific Lutheran University. In addition, he graduated from the FBI’s National Academy. His first book, “Were You There?” was acclaimed for it haunting reflections on the Vietnam War. A resident of St. Augustine, Randy is at last pursuing his passion for writing and teaching.

Karen Harvey
A graduate of the University of North Carolina and American University, Karen Harvey is more than an author – she works tirelessly for the preservation of St. Augustine. Her books not only document and entertain, they inspire others to get involved in safeguarding the historical treasures of the nation’s oldest city. In addition to writing, Harvey conducts educational, specialty and evening ghost tours for Tour Saint Augustine. She is a founding member of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum and an elder for Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church.