Poet Lennie Hay comes to Jack Kerouac's St. Pete house this weekend

A portrait of an older woman with short white hair leaning against a textured stone wall. She wears a light grey scarf over a black top and looks off to the side with a calm, contemplative expression. The background is softly blurred, showing vibrant yellow and orange autumn foliage. Poet Lennie Hay comes to “Coffee & Poetry at Jack’s” on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Credit: Courtesy of Lennie Hay

Tampa Bay is keeping poet and novelist Jack Kerouac’s legacy alive—opening his St. Petersburg home to budding and mature poets alike for one Sunday each month.

Since his death in 1969, Kerouac’s house has served as the headquarters of the private, non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving his house and highlighting local artists.

This month’s installation of Coffee and Poetry at Jack’s house is emcee’d by local writer, comedian and actor Victoria Dym, who will read some of her own work and lead an open mic.

The special guest is Lennie Hay, whose book, “Lost in America,” was published by Broadstone Books in 2024. Broadstone will also publish her upcoming book, “Feeding the Dead,” in 2026. Hay draws inspiration from her upbringing in the Midwest, being raised by Chinese immigrants and German-Ukrainian farmers.

Tickets are $10 for Coffee and Poetry at Jack’s house, happening Sunday, Nov. 23 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. in St. Petersburg.

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