Storytelling

“Experience the Real Stories Behind West Florida’s Crimes, Characters, and Legends.”

Live storytelling events featuring true crime, murder history, and old police stories from a veteran detective and historian.

Book Michael
A veteran detective and historian discusses true crime topics during a live storytelling event, gesturing as he engages with the audience.

Topics grouped into three pillars:

ABOUT THE STORYTELLER

Meet Michael Earl Simmons: Detective. Historian. Storyteller.

  • 34 years in law enforcement
  • Retired Sergeant & Detective
  • Director of Criminal Justice Training Center
  • Author of 12+ books on murder, police history, and true crime
  • Founder of Pensacola Police Historic Society
  • International storyteller and speaker
  • Second-generation police officer

Your firsthand connection to the murders, mysteries, and lawmen of West Florida. True Crime & Investigations

  • Inside a Homicide Investigation
  • The Anatomy of a Murder Case
  • Lessons from Real Detectives
  • True Crime History of West Florida
  • Children’s Mystery Stories

What Michael Offers

Storytelling Performances

A dimly lit street at night, featuring a parked car and an empty storefront, with a solitary figure in the background.

True Crime Nights

Live accounts of West Florida’s most compelling murders and investigations

Length: 60-90 minutes

Audience Type: Adult

A group of children exploring a cemetery, with a dog, looking at gravestones among the trees.

“The Crabtree Gang,” Children’s Mystery Stories

Join The Crabtree Gang—a team of clever young adventurers as they solve kid-friendly mysteries across West Florida.

Length: 30-60 minutes

Audience Type: Children and Families

A historical photograph of a man dressed in period clothing, standing next to a pedestal draped with a striped cloth, with a backdrop featuring ornate decorations.

Custom Story Sets

Tailored themes for specific audiences or events.

Length: 60-90 minutes

Audience Type: All

A historical black and white photograph of a young police officer wearing a uniform and a tall hat, posed upright with a serious expression.

Historical Crime Lectures

Perfect for libraries, colleges, civic groups, and museums

Length: 60 minutes

Audience Type: 12 and up

Cover of the book 'Bodies of Evidence' featuring a woman with a concerned expression, surrounded by photographs and the subtitle about Judias Buenoano.

Murder History Shows

Detailed narratives with historical depth and dramatic pacing

Length: 60-90 minutes

Audience Type: Adult

Old Police Stories

Real-life stories of some of the most amazing – and colorful – law officers of the past

Length: 60 minutes

Audience Type: All

Book Michael

Featured Stories

Here are some of the best stories told by Michael:

I’m a Dead Man

The link between the JFK Assassination and an unsolved murder in Pensacola

The Black Widow

West Florida’s infamous serial murderess

Bundy’s Last Day of Freedom

The story of the capture of serial killer Ted Bundy

The Darkest Day of the Pensacola Police Department

The story of two killings that shocked every police officer in the department

The Cassady Legacy

The epitome of toughness

K-9 Wolf

The dog who sacrificed it all

Why My Storytelling is Different

  • Told by a real detective who lived these experiences
  • Historically accurate — backed by original research
  • Dramatic but respectful to victims and families
  • Packed with local West Florida history
  • Clean, professional delivery suitable for all audiences
  • Immersive narratives that “bring the audience into the investigation”

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