Skink is one of Carl Hiaasen’s most iconic creations: a former governor of Florida who gave up power and respectability to live in the wilderness and fight against those who destroy the state’s environment. He eats roadkill, lives off the grid, and has a glass eye and a long braid. His methods are extreme, but his moral clarity about the importance of preserving Florida’s natural world is absolute.
Skink appears across multiple Hiaasen novels, sometimes as a central figure and sometimes as a supporting character who shows up to tip the balance against the villains. His first appearance is in Double Whammy (1987), and he has remained a fan favorite throughout Hiaasen’s career.
Reading Order#
See the complete Skink reading order for all books in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skink's real name?
Skink’s real name is Clinton Tyree. He was once the governor of Florida but abandoned politics and conventional society to live in the state’s swamps and wild areas, where he fights against environmental destruction in his own unorthodox way.
Who created the character Skink?
Skink was created by novelist Carl Hiaasen and first appeared in Double Whammy, published in 1987. He has since appeared in ten of Hiaasen’s novels, including the young adult book Skink–No Surrender.
What does Skink eat?
Skink is known for eating roadkill, which he collects from Florida’s highways. This habit reflects both his rejection of conventional society and his practical approach to survival in the wild. It has become one of his most recognizable traits.