Author Inspired By Culture In Tarpon Springs

Originally from Arizona, author and Patch blogger Harvey A. Smith made his way to Tarpon Springs where the culture and lifestyle inspired him to write his second book, Danger Beyond the Reef.

During his time as a Tarponite, Harvey served on the city's Code Enforcement Board. 

He said that without the help of some Tarpon Springs veterans, the book would not have been possible.

Former mayor Beverly Billiris and husband, George helped Harvey smooth the rough edges of his work. Harvey added that Father Michael Eaccarino of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral had a hand in the fictional creation as well as the Tarpon Springs Historical Society.

With the group's combined knowledge of the area and its history plus Harvey's creativity, the book was released in 2009. 

Now, Harvey has drafted a one-act play called A Question of Marriage from a specific chapter in the book. He told Patch he would like for a group in the area to perform it at some point in the future. 

He hopes to link up with community members interested in expanding on the novel and scripting a larger production.

Harvey added that he would like to see locals "performing Danger Beyond the Reef as part of the Epiphany celebration in January."

The book, which is set in the late 70s, chronicles a young sponge diver whose pleasant life in Tarpon Springs is disrupted when an arranged marriage proposal thrusts him into a dangerously uncomfortable place. 

For an excerpt from Harvey's novel, click here.

Danger Beyond the Reef is available for purchase on Amazon and can also be bought for Kindle devices.

Have you read Danger Beyond the Reef? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below.