Local author Robert N. Macomber will speak at the next meeting of the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. PROVIDED

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife will present author and historian Robert N. Macomber on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral.

Macomber’s topic will be “The President and the Devilfish.” In his presentation Macomber will share the story of how the most famous conservationist of the nation’s presidency, Theodore Roosevelt, visited the islands of Southwest Florida in 1917 on an expedition to obtain a large devilfish (Giant Coastal Manta Ray) for the Smithsonian Institution. Learn of what else was going on in Roosevelt’s life right then, of his motley crew, his instant love for the islands, the actual hunt and what happened afterward. This was the last great outdoor adventure of Roosevelt’s life, and his legacy lives on along these islands in some beautiful ways.

Macomber is a multi-award-winning author, internationally acclaimed lecturer, former Department of Defense consultant, commentator for TV and film, adventurous expedition leader and an accomplished seaman. He was named “2020 Florida Writer of the Year” by the Florida Writers Association.

The evening begins at 6:30 with a social gathering, followed by Macomber’s presentation at 7 p.m. The author will hold a book signing at 7:45 p.m.

You can learn more about Macomber at RobertMacomber.com.