The Wandering Disciple

It may look calm from across the lake, but Marvel Super Hero Islands packs a serious punch.  Home to thrill rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Amazing Adventures of Superman and many more thrill rides, this island is fun for the whole family.  (Photo: January 9, 2010)

Scooby Doo pops out the top of the Mystery Machine as it cruises through Universal Studios Florida.  Scooby, Shaggy and the rest of the gang can be seen daily on the streets of the Orlando theme park.  (Photo: January 9, 2010)

Dale Earnhardt Jr's #88 National Guard NASCAR race car sits on display outside the NASCAR Grill at Universal's City Walk.  (Photo: January 9, 2010)

A trio of Allegiant Air Airbus 320's parked outside the Bailey Terminal at the Punta Gorda Airport.  The low cost airline provides passengers with service to over 30 destinations from the Charlotte Harbor region of Southwest Florida.  (Photo: October 23, 2016)

A pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons buzz over the crowd at the Florida International Air Show.  Built by General Dynamics, the F-16 is a multi-role fighter used by the US Air Force, the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.   The F-16 is also the primary aircraft the USAF prestigious air demonstration team the Thunderbirds.  This pair of F-16's are from the Oklahoma Air National Guard.  (Photo: October 23, 2016)

While the United State Air Force is known for stealthy aircraft, they stepped up their game and designed a stealth special ops car.  The Dodge Vapor is a decked out Challenger featuring all the stuff you'd expect from the stealth experts.  This one-of-a-kind car features radar absorbing paint, night vision optics, heads up display, 360 degree video and much more.  The interior feels more like the cockpit of a fighter jet than a sports car.  (Photo: October 23, 2016)

The Lockheed Electra Junior on display the Florida International Air show gives guests a glimpse into the luxurious travel arrangements of the rich and famous in the 30's and 40's.  This particular aircraft was restored by its owner after being found sitting at a Texas air field.  Live many of the passengers on the Electra Junior, this aircraft has seen time on the silver screen, appearing in a movie about the life of Amelia Earhart.  (Photo: October 23, 2016)

Part jeep, part truck, all American muscle.  The US Army half-track was a popular ground support vehicle for the Allied Forces during World War II.  Today many of these vehicles have been restored and their preservation help bring the history of World War II to life for generations to come.  (Photo: October 23, 2016)

Kyle Franklin buzzes the flightline in his custom built Demon-1 aircraft named Dracula.  Franklin performs hair raising aerial acrobatics in this sporty aircraft during the 2016 Florida International Air Show at the Punta Gorda Airport.  (Photo: October 21, 2016)

A fireworks display by Garden State Fireworks caps off the Friday night show of the Florida International Air Show.  The performers will be back in the sky for two days of thrilling action on Saturday and Sunday.  (Photo: October 21, 2016)

The US Army Golden Knights jump in Old Glory to kick off the Wings over Homestead Show.  The Golden Knights will be performing at the 2016 Florida International Air Show which begins tonight and runs through Sunday.  (Photo: November 3, 2012)

Flagship Detroit sits on the tarmac given fans a glimpse into the Golden Age of Flight.  During its service, air travel was a luxury experience, not just a way to get around.  The Florida International Air Show begins tomorrow where show guests can see aircraft ranging from vintage aircraft, war birds and fighter jets that have spanned the decades.  (Photo: March 30, 2014)

Soaring through the sky like a bird, Dan Buchanan glides over the flight line.  Dan will once again bring his glider to Punta Gorda as he performs in the 2016 Florida International Air Show which kicks off on October 21 at the Punta Gorda Airport.  (Photo: March 30, 2014)

Jive Kirby soars through the sky in Wild Blue during the 2014 Florida International Airport.  Jive returns to Punta Gorda in just two days to put on another amazing performance in his custom made RV-8 called Wild Blue.  (Photo: March 30, 2014)

Get ready to take a trip back in time in just three days as the Class of 1945 takes to the skies of Punta Gorda during the Florida International Air Show.  The World War II era display features the P-51 Mustang "QuickSilver" piloted by Scott "Scooter" Yoak and the F4U-4 Corsair "Korean War Hero" with Jim Tobul at the stick.  These warbirds will join a great field of aerial superstars during the show which kicks off on October 21 at Punta Gorda Airport.  (Photo: March 30, 2014)

Gary Ward heats up the skies in the MX-2.  Entertaining crowd since 1998, Gary pushes his MX-2 to the bring, reaching speeds of up to 250 mph during his action packed routine.  Gary will be once again dazzling the crowd at the Florida International Air Show which kicks off in just four days.  (Photo: March 25, 2016)

Take a break of the hustle and bustle of Universal Orlando beside the quiet and tranquil fountain at the Royal Pacific Resort. Located in the heart of the resort but feeling like its miles away from civilization, this fountain is a great place to unwind during your theme park vacation. (Photo: January 10, 2010)

A Green Water Snake lies along a hiking path at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The Florida Green Water Snake is a common sight in the wetlands of the Floridian peninsula. Commonly mistaken for the Cottonmouth, the Green Water Snake is non-venomous and does not pose a threat to humans. (Photo: November 28, 2009)

A great horned owl sits on a perch in a display the Charlotte Harbor Conservation Festival on the grounds of the Charlotte Sports Park.  The Great Horned Owl is the largest owl found in Florida.  It can not move its eyes so they turn their entire head in order to change their line of sight.  (Photo: November 21, 2009)

The skies of Southwest Florida will soon roar to life as the Florida International Air Show takes to the skies in just nine days. After brief hiatus last season, the aerial performers look to dazzle the crowds with acrobatics that test the limits of their aircraft. Making a return appearance to the show is the Twin Tiger Aerobatic Team pictured here during their 2013 stop in Punta Gorda. This year's show runs October 21-23 at the Punta Gorda Airport. Be sure to check back after the show for photos from this year's event. (Photo: March 24, 2013)

In a wildlife park dedicated to native Floridian wildlife, one strange visitor pops up from the water.  While hippos are not native to Florida, Lu the Hippo is one exception.  Lu has lived at what is now Homosassa Springs State Park for so long, former Governor Lawton Chiles granted him citizenship.  Today Lu and all the other native Floridians can be seen from the boardwalk at the park.  (Photo: November 11, 2009)

The Florida Railroad Museum train prepares to depart from the Parrish Station, taking riders on a trip through the Florida countryside.  The six miles round-trip excursions travels down to the former Seaboard Air Rail Line to the ghost town of Willow.  (Photo: October 18, 2009)

A lioness lies on a structure above the pride at Lion Country Safari in rural Palm Beach Cardinal.  Lion Country Safari is one of the only places where you can drive your own vehicle right through a pride of Lions. (Photo: May 11, 2014)

The colorful coat of the Nicobar Pigeon shines in the sunlight as it forages for food at the Lowry Park Zoo.  The Nicobar Pigeon can be found in the Nicobar Islands of India.  It is the closest living relative to the extinct dodo bird.  (Photo: April 13, 2014)

It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a modern aircraft, but the flight deck of an AC-47 is still just as impressive.  The AC-47 is a Vietnam War era gunship that was operated by the US Air Force.  Douglas Aircraft Company manufactured 54 AC-47's and some are still operation with the Colombian Air Force and the Air Force of El Salvador.  In addition, many are restored and making the rounds in the air show circuit.  (Photo: March 30, 2014)

A C-17 Globemaster III cargo jet sits on the tarmac at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport during a vice presidential visit to the Suncoast.  While so much focus is on the VIP, it takes an army of personnel behind the scenes to make the visit a safe one.  Much of that added support comes in this very cargo jet containing the motorcade vehicles, communications supplies and many more logistic necessities.  (Photo: October 3, 2016)

With the vice president safely at his speaking engagement, Air Force Two quietly sits on the tarmac at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport awaiting its next assignment. (Photo: October 3, 2016)

Sarasota, Florida: With the 2016 general election just a few weeks away and both candidates closely grouped in the polls, the spotlight turned to the Suncoast. With three visits by the Trump campaign to Sarasota, it was time for the Clinton camp to visit the Suncoast and they called out the big guns, sending Vice President Joe Biden. For me, duty calls and I was assigned to the command post at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. While I will not go into details of the detail, just know like always, I have my camera in my bag everywhere I go. With Secret Service approval, I had permission to take some photos of the activities through the windows of the command post. Once Air Force Two arrived at the airport safely, I along with everyone else on the detail minus the veteran Secret Service commander pressed our cameras and phones against the glass and began taking photos. As soon as the motorcade began to roll, it was back to business and the focus shifted to our duti...

Vice President Joe Biden steps off Air Force Two during a visit to Sarasota. He was in town campaigning for democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. (Photo: October 3, 2016)

An elephant stands along the path of the Safari Tram at Lowry Park Zoo.  The tram take riders closer to some of the zoo's residents of the African safari.  (Photo: August 30, 2009)

On October 1, 1971, one man's dream gave way to the Most Magical Place on Earth.  On this day forty five years ago, the ribbon was cut to the Magic Kingdom giving life to Walt Disney World.  Although Walt Disney did not live long enough to see his dream become a reality, his legacy lives on for the millions of visitors the park has welcomed over its history.  This timeline of this vision can be experienced in the One Man's Dream exhibit at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  (Photo: November 19, 2007)