Paranormal team records activity in Jack Kerouac's St. Petersburg home

A paranormal investigation group recorded a physical phenomenon in the St. Petersburg home of author Jack Kerouac on the night of July 18, 2026. The SPIRITS of St. Petersburg spent the night in the Disston Heights house, which remained untouched for decades before opening to the public. The group used specialized equipment to document events in the residence.

The team conducted a table-tipping session on the porch and in the dining room. This method involves placing fingertips on a surface to detect movement attributed to spirits. One team member with training in the technique guided the process. The table moved toward a bookshelf in the dining room, an area where Kerouac's wife, Stella, reportedly entertained guests after his death. The group interpreted the movement as a response to their presence.

Sensors recorded activity in an empty bedroom while three members slept in other rooms. A REM pod, a device that detects electromagnetic and temperature changes, activated without human interaction. The room contained only a video recorder and the sensor. No cell phones or other signal sources were nearby to cause a false reading. The video footage shows the room unoccupied when the device triggered.

The group also captured a rod image on video during a dust test in Jack's bedroom. A rod is an elongated, translucent shape that moves with purpose, distinct from drifting dust or flying insects. The object moved against the airflow from air conditioning vents. The team filmed the event and had to slow the footage to 0.002 times normal speed to analyze the shape. No team members reported insect bites or observed bugs during the testing period.

Audio recorders picked up a male whisper in the living room and Jack's bedroom. The sound was faint and interwove with the team's conversation. The group noted that the whispering seemed to respond to their actions. Additionally, loose-capped flashlights in the dining area turned on in response to questions directed at Stella. At least one light activated during the night while the team slept.

The house holds the original furniture, dishes, and books of Jack and Stella Kerouac. The group ordered pizza from Cappy's and ate it on the family's dishes. They set out a margarita and a glass of wine for the couple. Sensitives on the team reported feeling a female presence, which they identified as Stella. One member reported a mental image of the widow kneeling to pray beside her bed. The group plans to return for a fundraiser in 2027 to share their findings with the public.