The New York Times bestselling author Randy Wayne White is visiting all four Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille locations in June to sign copies of his newest book in the beloved Doc Ford series. The book signings include two dates prior to the official June 4 release of “One Deadly Eye,” the 27th mystery-thriller following the escapades of marine biologist – and possible super-secret covert government agent – Doc Ford and friends on Sanibel Island.

White, who co-founded the restaurants with HM Restaurant Group, will also talk about his writing process at each stop. He kicks off his Doc Ford’s book tour Saturday, June 2 in St. Petersburg at the Jungle Terrace location, 8790 Bay Pines Blvd., from noon to 3 p.m., followed by the downtown St. Petersburg Pier location, 610 Second Ave. NE, Sunday, June 3, from noon to 3 p.m.

White will stop by the Doc Ford’s at 708 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, Saturday, June 8, from noon to 3 p.m., and the Sanibel location at 2500 Island Inn Road Sunday, June 16, from noon to 3 p.m. Copies of “One Deadly Eye” will be available for purchase at each location.

“It’s always an honor to host Randy’s book signings,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company. “Fans love the ambiance of Doc Ford’s and feel a real connection with the book and the author whenever Randy visits. It’s like stepping into one of his novels.”

White, a resident of Southwest Florida, bestowed the Doc Ford name to the popular restaurants with the founding of the original Sanibel restaurant in 2003. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, Doc Ford’s offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Menu items pay homage to White’s book titles and characters.

Set on Sanibel during a deadly hurricane, “One Deadly Eye” blends the reality of Hurricane Ian in 2022 with fiction as the beloved protagonist tries to thwart a criminal brotherhood, capture a serial killer and locate a missing Russian diplomat during the 12 hours of chaos following the passing of the storm’s eye. “The greatest threat of all, though, is a force that cannot be escaped – a Category Five hurricane that, minute by minute, melds sins of the past with Florida’s precarious future.”

HM Restaurant Group owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurants are renowned for delivering a legendary guest experience.

Known for its sauces, spices, passion and signature Yucatan shrimp served daily, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The St. Petersburg Pier restaurant was named the No. 1 Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023

Philanthropy and community outreach are engrained in HM Restaurant Group’s company philosophy. Proceeds from specialty cocktails at Doc Ford’s raise money for children’s hospitals and water quality issues. HM Restaurant Group also supports local nonprofits dedicated to conservation, community and the environment. The “Ding” Darling Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has raised nearly $1.2 million for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge since 2012.