Shelton Wilkes spent the first ten years of his working career as a television journalist and local anchor in Pensacola and Panama City, Florida. His passion for the beautiful beaches along Florida's Northern Gulf Coast took him into the tourism industry, where he has spent the last twenty-five years promoting what he calls "Florida's last frontier." Panama City Beach is the setting for two of his novels, with more, (he hopes) to come.

Wilkes has owned a travel company and an advertising agency since 1983 and serves as the general manager of one of Florida's most successful theme attractions, Shipwreck Island Waterpark.

He has been recognized as a leader in the attractions industry, serving on committees and boards for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions as well as the World Waterpark Association.

He and his wife, Nancy, live along Magnolia Bayou, a secluded stretch of waterfront on St. Andrews Bay, in Panama City Beach. Together they have four children and three grandchildren, with two more on the way. When he's not writing, working, or traveling, he enjoys nature photography, much of which he does in his own backyard.