“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.
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
True Crime Nights
Live accounts of West Florida’s most compelling murders and investigations
Length: 60-90 minutes
Audience Type: Adult
“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
Custom Story Sets
Tailored themes for specific audiences or events.
Length: 60-90 minutes
Audience Type: All
Historical Crime Lectures
Perfect for libraries, colleges, civic groups, and museums
Length: 60 minutes
Audience Type: 12 and up
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
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”
