Carl Hiaasen

Known for his biting commentary on scandalous business practices and corrupt politicians, Carl Hiaasen’s candor and humor have been a staple of The Miami Herald for nearly three decades.

After beginning his journalism career at Cocoa Today (now Florida Today), Hiaasen joined the Herald in 1976, working as a general assignment reporter and magazine writer before joining the investigative team. In 1986, Hiaasen began writing a column for the Herald’s metropolitan section, eventually moving to the Opinion-Editorial page. Two collections of his columns have been published as books: “Kick Ass” and “Paradise Screwed.”

Hiassen is the author of many best-selling novels, including “Tourist Season,” “Double Whammy,” “Skin Tight,” “Native Tongue,” “Strip Tease,” “Stormy Weather,” “Lucky You,” “Sick Puppy,” “Skinny Dip,” “Nature Girl” and “Star Island.” “Strip Tease” was released as a feature film in 1997, starring Demi Moore and Burt Reynolds.

He’s also written several popular novels for young readers, including “Flush” and “Hoot,” which won a Newbery Honor, “Chomp” and “Skink — No Surrender.” In 2006, “Hoot” was made into a movie starring Luke Wilson. Hiaasen also co-wrote three songs with the late Warren Zevon, including “Seminole Bingo” and “Rottweiler Blues.”

Hiaasen won the Green Eyeshade Award for investigative reporting in 1980 and humorous commentary in 1986, 1987 and 1997, as well as the first and second place Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Awards in 1989 and 1997. He received the Damon Runyon Award from the Denver Press Club for 2003-2004.