When James Cubby arrived in South Beach from his home state of Virginia in 1995, he initially planned to be here only as long as he needed to finish a book. But he never left, and now, nearly three decades later, the prolific writer and author has not only chronicled the emergence and subsequent history of the world-famous destination, but is also an enthusiastic supporter and preservationist. Sporting his trademark fedora, Cubby is a familiar sight as he conducts his daily tours of the city’s Art Deco district. He is also the author of two books about the area, one a tour book, and the other a young adult novel that takes the reader on an adventure throughout the famed architectural neighborhood.