The Wandering Disciple

Like the end credits in a movie, the daily sunset over the Gulf provides closure to another great day at the beach.  (Photo: January 25, 2009)

Like a painting in the sky, the sun sets over Tampa Bay leaving behind splashes of bright colors to paint the horizon.  (Photo: January 24, 2009)

A white ibis looks for food along the banks of the Hillsborough River at Hillsborough River State Park.  (Photo: January 24, 2009)

An osprey takes flight from the light pole during a night game at Englewood Sports Complex.  Several ospreys have nests on the top of the poles throughout the park.  (Photo: May 222, 2013)

As we enjoy our Memorial Day holiday weekend, we must remember to pay tribute to those who lost their lives defending our nation and our freedoms.  One must not lose sight of the fact that freedom is not free and Memorial Day is a chance to remember those who paid the ultimate price so we can be free.  (Photo:  November 13, 2011)

A Great Blue Heron sits along the banks of the Myakka River at Myakka River State Park. The heron is among several species that can be found within the park on a regular basis. (Photo: January 11, 2009)

Civil War troops march through the trails over the Crowley Nature Center in eastern Sarasota. The demonstration was part of the annual Pioneer Days celebration, a celebration of early history in the region. (Photo: January 10, 2009)

The iconic Buccaneer logo of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers adorns the end zone entrance to Raymond James Stadium. Raymond James Stadium is home to both the Bucs and the University of South Florida Bulls football team. (Photo: September 6, 2008)

A trainer rides Shamu out of the water during the Believe show at Sea World Orlando. Believe is the aquatic show that stars the park’s icon Shamu. (Photo: July 5, 2008)

An African Crane is just one of several hundred animals on display at Busch Gardens Tampa. The park is home to many species of African wildlife as well as a bunch wild rides. (Photo: April 13, 2008)

Port Charlotte: Florida: The Miracle curse is finally over as the Stone Crabs beat the Fort Myers Miracle 2-0 on Sunday evening at Charlotte Sports Park. Over a 1,200 fans and even some four legged fans were on hand to witness the Stone Crabs get their first win of the season against Fort Myers after eight straight losses to them. For the first time in the series, the Stone Crabs scored first in the first inning. Ryan Brett led off the inning with a single to third. Brett then stole second and later scored on an RBI single by Richie Shaffer to give the Stone Crabs a 1-0 lead. The Stone Crabs added an insurance run in the sixth inning. Willie Argo singled to get things going. Argo then moved into scoring position after stealing second base. Argo would later steal third and score on an RBI single by Hector Guevara to give the Stone Crabs a 2-0 lead. The Stone Crabs pitching staff did their part to ensure the 2-0 lead would be enough to win. Felipe Rivero earned the win and Lenny...

Today we celebrate the men and women of our Armed Forces during National Armed Forces. Thank-you to the men and women of all branches of our armed forces for everything they do to ensure our freedoms. To commemorate this day, today's photo of the day is a US Navy F-18 Hornet from the "Gladiators" Strike Fighter Squadron 106 at Naval Air Station Ocean as it performs during the 2012 Florida International Air Show. (Photo: March 25, 2012)

Click on the photo above to view the photo gallery from Saturday's rookie division game between the Lemon Bay Rotary and Englewood Healthcare.

The April showers have given way to May flowers as the flowers in the gardens are blooming nicely.  This rose is one of many flowers in full bloom at our home garden.  (Photo: May 15, 2013)

The warm crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico are a wonderful sight along the coast of Boca Grande. Much of the quaint island’s beaches are within the Gasparilla Island State Park which has several beach access along the miles of coastline within the park. (Photo: April 6, 2008)

An eel hides in the coral at the Florida Aquarium. Located in the Channelside district of Tampa, the Florida Aquarium allows you to view the water cycle from the underground springs to the ocean and observe all the wildlife along the way. (Photo: March 15, 2008)

Click on the photo above to view a gallery of photos from Wednesday night's rookie league action between the Lemon Bay Rotary and Englewood Glass & Mirror.

Hang on to your seat as you race through the outback aboard Rhino Rally.  Rhino Rally takes its riders on an off-road racing adventure past wildlife along the edge of the Serengeti Plain.  (Photo: March 15, 2008)

Mickey and Minnie Mouse greet visitors to Disney's Animal Kingdom park during the park's opening ceremony.  Each morning the cast of characters help welcome guests to the park.  (Photo: January 6, 2013)

Step inside Grizzly Hall for a Magic Kingdom classic.  Join the lovable bears for a good time at the Country Bear Jamboree.  The Country Bears have been entertaining park goers since the park opened in 1971.  (Photo: January 5, 2008)

The spirit of Mardi Gras comes alive at the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. The Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is the main restaurant at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort and uses larger then life icons of Mardi Gras to decorate the seating area. (Photo: January 4, 2008)

Click on the photo above to view photos from Saturday's Englewood Area Youth Baseball Rookie Division game between the Lemon Bay Rotary and Hamsher Realty.

The elegant walk-way leads the way to the Magnolia Terrace buildings at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Magnolia Terrace is one of several antebellum mansions that comprise the resort. Port Orleans Riverside mixes the wealth of the mansions with the rustic bayou cabins for a look that resembles the true Louisiana spirit. (Photo: January 4, 2008)

A ladder truck from the Southern Manatee-Fire Rescue performs a training drill at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.  The SMFR is one of several fire departments that serve Manatee County and is responsible for the southern edge of the county.  (Photo: May 3, 2013)

A sanderling searches the shoreline for food at Manasota Beach in Englewood.  Sanderlings and many other shorebirds call the beach home and can be seen along its shores.  (Photo: May 5, 2013)

The Gulf of Mexico is churned up thanks to a spring cold front that passed through the area.  The waters of Manasota Beach are typically calm this time of year however the 20 mph winds from the cold from were producing 3-5 foot waves.  (Photo: May 5, 2013)

A bright green monk parakeet blends into the lush green grass in northern Sarasota.  Found primarily in South America, the monk parakeet can also be found in colonies throughout North America including Florida.  (Photo: May 1, 2013)

A Cessna Skyhawk modified into a seaplane departs Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.  The Cessna  Skyhawk is a versatile single piston aircraft.   (Photo: April 24, 2013)

A sunflower enjoy the bright Florida sunshine.  (Photo: April 28, 2013)

Click on the photo for photos from the Rookie Division game between the Lemon Bay Rotary and Izzo & Associates.

A look from the newly added boardwalk at historic McKechnie Field. Over the offseason, the City of Bradenton renovated the stadium by adding an outfield boardwalk, tiki bar, left field seating and expanded concessions. The renovations give the classic ballpark a modern feel. (Photo: April 30, 2013)

The view from the baseball boardwalk at Charlotte Sports Park.  The boardwalk provides panoramic views of the stadium from beyond the outfield fence.  Charlotte Sports Park is the spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays and the home of the Charlotte Stone Crabs.  (Photo: April 28, 2013)

Brevard County Manatees infielder Greg Hopkins throws to first during Tuesday night's game between the Manatees and the Bradenton Marauders at McKechnie Field.  (Photo: April 30, 2013)