The Sunshine State Mafia is the Topic for Key West Art & Historical Society’s next Distinguished Speaker Series

November 12, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Tuesday, November 26, join award-winning screenwriter and Pushcart-nominated author L.L. Kirchner as she examines Florida’s homegrown mafia during her talk entitled, “Florida Hustlers, Blue Bloods, and Dreamers: The Rise of the Sunshine State Mafia.”  During her discussion, based on her recent best-selling book, “Florida Girls,” Kirchner will explore facets of the state’s unique criminal landscape.  The talk takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street, and tickets are required.

While Meyer Lansky, Lucky Luciano, and Al Capone are often associated with organized crime in Florida, the state’s homegrown mafia played an equally significant role in shaping its underworld.  Florida’s unique criminal landscape even served as the starting point for Joseph Pistone’s (aka Donnie Brasco) famous undercover investigation into the Bonanno crime family.  This talk will explore the distinctive historical forces and personalities that defined Florida’s criminal underbelly.  Kirchner will shed light on how these elements intertwined to create a uniquely Floridian brand of organized crime, distinct from yet connected to the more widely known syndicates.

“Journalist and author L.L. Kirchner spent years delving into the lives of Florida’s larger-than-life figures to write her “Queenpin Chronicles” trilogy,” says Cori Convertito, curator for the Society.  “Her research reveals a complex and fascinating tapestry of characters who molded the Sunshine State’s identity, from savvy promotional gurus who built the tourism industry to ruthless gangsters who capitalized on Prohibition and seized control of bolita gambling.  Whether you’re intrigued by true crime, passionate about Florida history, or simply curious about the state’s shadowy past, this presentation promises to offer new insights.”

Kirchner is an award-winning screenwriter and author whose life and work as an expat in Asia became the basis of two memoirs. Drawing on her eclectic background as a religion editor, dating columnist, and bridal editor, her writing combines humor with her discerning eye, or, as an NPR interviewer said, her work was “like Eat, Pray, Love, but funny.”  Her work has also appeared in “The Washington Post,” “Salon,” and “The Rumpus” among numerous other outlets.

To reserve tickets for the lecture; visit kwahs.org/dss-mafia – $13 for KWAHS members, $17 for non-members.  Support for the lecture series is provided by Aloys & Carol Metty and the John & Marilyn Rintamaki Family Charitable Fund.  For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected].