The Wandering Disciple

Punta Gorda, Florida: On the edge of Punta Gorda lies this ten acre park on the shores of Charlotte Harbor. Ponce De Leon Park is also thought to be the site where Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce De Leon came ashore on the west cost of Florida. Ponce De Leon initially came ashore in this area in 1513 while exploring the west coast of Florida. After skirmishes with the native Indian tribes, Ponce De Leon set sail to continue his explorations. In 1521, Ponce De Leon set sail again for Florida, this time in an attempt to establish a colony. The expedition consisted over 200 men, animals and farming tools. The ships reached Charlotte Harbor and work began to colonize the region. However, they were once again attacked by Calusa Indians and Ponce De Leon was struck by a poisoned arrow. The colonist left the area enroute to Cuba was De Leon later died. Today the site of the landings is a city park. There are several statues and monuments commemorating De Leon. There is also a 1/4 m...

Port Charlotte, Florida: The Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates played eleven innings at Charlotte Sports Park before declaring Sunday’s spring training a tie 7-7. The Rays scored first in the bottom of the third inning. Shawn Riggans, Adam Kennedy and Justin Ruggiano all singled to load the bases. Carl Crawford drove home the first run of the inning with a ground ball to first. Gabe Kapler then drove home Kennedy with an RBI single to left, giving Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead. Pittsburgh cut the lead in half in the sixth inning. Andrew McCutchen tripled to center lead of the inning. McCutchen then scored on a sacrifice fly by Jose Tabata to pull the Pirates within a run of the lead. The Pirates took the lead in the seventh inning. Andy LaRoche tied the game with a solo home run to left field. Brian Bixler followed with a triple to center. Bixler later scored on a ground ball by Jason Jaramillo to give Pittsburgh a 3-2 lead. Tampa Bay tied the game in the bottom of the seventh i...

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Pirates are a major league baseball team from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League. The Pirates are five time world series champions. Although the region has sported a professional baseball teams since 1876, it wasn’t until 1882 for an organized a sanctioned team. The Allegheny, was formed and played games in the American Association. In 1887, the team transferred into the National League and changed their name to the Pittsburgh Alleghenys. The team saw a major abandonment in 1890 as the majority of the players left the team for the American Association. This led the team to the worst season n franchise history, 23-113. The team reorganized under new ownership and they worked to resign the players that left earlier. They also picked up Lou Bierbauer from the Philadelphia Athletics of the American Association. Bierbauer was left off the reserve list of the Athletics and Pittsburgh signed hi...

Sarasota, Florida: The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cincinnati Reds 3-1 in spring training action at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday. The Rays took the lead in the first inning. Jason Bartlett was hit by a pitch to lead off the game. Carl Crawford then singled to right moving Bartlett to second. But Bartlett was lost from the bases after he was doubled off second on a line drive by Evan Longoria. Crawford then moved into scoring position after stealing second. Carlos Pena drove home Crawford with an RBI double to right. Pena later scored on a double by Pat Burrell, giving the Rays a 2-0 lead. Cincinnati reached the scoreboard in the second inning. Craig Tatum got things going with a single to left. Paul Janish later drove him home with an RBI triple to right, cutting the lead in half 2-1. Tampa Bay added an insurance run in the fourth inning. Willy Aybar went deep with a solo home run to give the Rays the 3-1 margin of victory. Scott Kazmir earned his first win of the spring and...

Port Charlotte, Florida: Kidstar Park is a children’s amusement attraction located at the Sun Flea Market in Port Charlotte. The park has several children’s rides, go-kart tracks and an indoor amusement area. The park has several indoor and outdoor attraction. Inside guests can ride a 3-D Motion Simulator, play black light mini golf or play laser tag. Outside there are several rides and attractions including; • Sun Slide; large slide. • Airplane; rotary airplane ride. • Jumping Star; leap frog style ride. • Carousel • Rock Climbing Wall • Balloons; rotary balloon ride. • Dragon Wagon; family roller coaster. • Ferris Wheel • Space Sled; rotary ride. • Trampoline • Mine; pan for gold. Kidstar also has two go-kart tracks, one for children and one for adults. There is also a full service restaurant and video game arcade on site.