Module 3: "Florida: A Paradise of Scandals," Excerpts 1 & 2

Much of that anger is reserved for the forces of development, which have transformed Florida from a quaint tropical postcard where Hiaasen grew up, to urban sprawl, strip malls and skyscrapers.

Much of that anger is reserved for the forces of development, which have transformed Florida from a quaint tropical postcard where Hiaasen grew up, to urban sprawl, strip malls and skyscrapers.

Much of that anger is reserved for the forces of development, which have transformed Florida from a quaint tropical postcard where Hiaasen grew up, to urban sprawl, strip malls and skyscrapers.

Much of that anger is reserved for the forces of development, which have transformed Florida from a quaint tropical postcard where Hiaasen grew up, to urban sprawl, strip malls and skyscrapers.

Hiaasen sees it as a daily collision between nature and the unnatural, the appealing and the appalling, as manatees fight for space with manatee mailboxes, and developers pave over 450 acres of green space a day.

Hiaasen sees it as a daily collision between nature and the unnatural, the appealing and the appalling, as manatees fight for space with manatee mailboxes, and developers pave over 450 acres of green space a day.

Hiaasen sees it as a daily collision between nature and the unnatural, the appealing and the appalling, as manatees fight for space with manatee mailboxes, and developers pave over 450 acres of green space a day.

"This is an economy that’s based on growth—growth for the sake of growth. We don’t manufacture anything. We don’t produce anything except, you know, oranges and handguns. This is all about growth, tourism and growth.”

"This is an economy that’s based on growth—growth for the sake of growth. We don’t manufacture anything. We don’t produce anything except, you know, oranges and handguns. This is all about growth, tourism and growth.”

Why did he decide to start writing novels?
“Therapy,” says Hiaasen laughing.

Most days when he’s finished writing, he’s out in Florida Bay, usually alone, poling his skiff and looking for bonefish on the edge of the Everglades.

“All these little fish and all the sting rays and little sharks and everything. You’re right in the middle of it, which makes it so much fun. Even if you’re not catching any fish, it’s a blast to be out here. It’s certainly therapeutic.”

His agent says that Hiaasen is a fisherman who happens to write.

“I need to do it to stay sane, so I think that, you know, the official version is it’s number three on my list behind the writing and behind my family.”