The Wandering Disciple

A little show of military force at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport during a VIP visit in 2012. With Vice President Biden arriving in town in the evening, the afternoon skies over the airport were busy with military action. A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III carrying the motorcade sat quietly on the ramp while a US Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk and a C-130 Hercules practiced touch and go landings on the runway just before a arrival of a C-40 Clipper operated by the US Navy and ultimately Air Force Two a little later in the day. (Photo: October 30, 2012)

As kids we all can remember spending countless hours making creations with Legos. But the designers at Legoland Florida took that childhood passion further, creating masterpieces to enjoy like this New York City scene. From a cast-iron building to a FDNY ladder truck, these designers brought the streets of New York to life using thousands of lego blocks. (Photo: October 27, 2017)

While most people are out enjoying the holiday weekend, let's not forget the reason why we celebrate Memorial Day.  Today is when we take a moment to reflect on the brave men and woman who have lost their lives defending out freedoms.  If it wasn't for their ultimate sacrifices, we as a nation would not enjoy the liberties we do today.  (Photo: August 25, 2014)

The highrises of downtown Tampa rise above the skyline as seen from the parking garage at Tampa International Airport.  The airport located just a short drive from downtown is the gateway to the Tampa Bay region, connecting the bay with over 80 destinations worldwide.  (Photo: February 18, 2012)

The radial engines of a Boeing PT-17 was a familiar sound throughout the country as they were the primary training aircraft for the US Navy and US Army Air Forces during the 1930's and 40's.  Over ten thousand of these bi-wing aircraft were produced with many remaining in operation today.  (Photo: October 13, 2012)

The stars and stripes proudly flies from Truck 1 during the Sarasota County Fire Departments annual open house event in 2012. Truck 1 is the primary ladder truck tasked with responding to emergencies in downtown Sarasota. (Photo: October 6, 2012)

Port Charlotte, Florida: After being closed for a few days due to a damaged backstop net, Charlotte Sports Park returned to action on Tuesday nights as the Charlotte Stone Crabs welcomed the Daytona Tortugas to town. The game started out with both team throwing a pair of runs on the scoreboard, but afterwards the Tortugas took control, handing the home team a 7-2 loss. Despite Charlotte having Rays reliever Tommy Hunter on the mound, Daytona struck first in the opening frame. They led off the inning with back to back singles by Alfredo Rodriguez and Shed Long. Rodriguez scored on a ground out by Nick Senzel. Long later scored on a wild pitch to give Daytona a 2-0 lead. The Stone Crabs bounced back to tie the game in the second inning. Brett Sullivan led off the inning with a double to center. Sullivan then scored following a throwing error on a Ryan Boldt bunt single. Boldt later scored on an RBI single by Jake Fraley to tie the game. Daytona regained the lead in the thi...

The B-52 Stratofortress nicknamed the Buff, is the oldest aircraft still in operation by the United States Air Force.  Entered into service in the 1950's, Boeing built 744 of these massive bombers for operation by the USAF.  Today, the Air Force continues to operate the B-52 due to the low cost of operation and continues to provide payload delivery in combat missions across the globe.  Thanks to upgrades to the aircraft, it is expected to remain in operation until 2040 or beyond. The B-52 pictured here has been retired to the B-52 Memorial Park at Orlando International Airport.  (Photo: September 29, 2012)

A pair of horses get a drink at a trough at Fort Wilderness Resort at Walt Disney World.  The Fort Wilderness Resort has a working stable called Tri-Circle-D Ranch.  This stable provides the horses used within the resort for the horse drawn carriages as well as horseback riding on the property. (Photo: September 29, 2012)

A race car fans dream can come true at the Richard Petty Driving Experience, where the average fan can become a driver.  Whether you want to drive along with a professional driver or learn to race yourself, they have it all.  While the one here at Walt Disney World Speedway has been closed for a few years, there are other locations throughout the country where you can strap in and put the pedal to the metal.  (Photo: September 29, 2012)

Ding, ding, ding.  Time to hop aboard the splash express at Casey Jr Splash N Soak Station in the Magic Kingdom.  Added to the park during the Fantasyland expansion in 2012, the splash park provides the little ones a way to cool off from the Florida heat.  The park is based on the animated film Dumbo and features a train with elephants and giraffes that spray water over the kids.  (Photo: September 29, 2012)

Today is Peace Officer Memorial Day, a day when we pay tribute to the brave men and woman who have lost their lives protecting our communities.  Signed into law by President Kennedy in 1962, the observation takes place during National Police Week and includes other events such as the Blue Mass, Wreath Laying Ceremony and others.  Pictured here is the City of Tampa Police Department's Fallen Officer Memorial outside police headquarters.  (Photo: July 27, 2013)

There is no stronger bond then between a momma and her baby.  Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and thank you for all that you do for your children.  (Photo: January 14, 2017)

A stray shower off the coast provides a stunning backdrop for the nightly sunset at Manasota Beach.  Some of the most spectacular sunsets are when there are clouds present when the sun begins to dip below the horizon.  The clouds help paint the sky in bright colorful hues that dazzle the crowds that gather to watch the sun set.  (Photo: July 12, 2012)

Tropical Storm Debbie churns up the Gulf of Mexico during the 2012 hurricane season.  With hurricane season fast approaching, now is the time to finalize storm season preps.  Consult with you local emergency management for guidance and be ready.  The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1.  (Photo: June 25, 2012)

JetBlue Airways is knows for its playful aircraft names and some spectacular special paint schemes on a few of their aircraft.  Recently they revealed their newest aircraft paint scheme, Blueprint.  Blueprint is designed to look like the blueprints of an aircraft.  This is the first Embraer 190 that the airline has painted with a special livery.  Here is a photo of it arriving at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport yesterday.  (Photo: May 7, 2017)

A visitor from our neighbors to the north carefully cross a street in Sarasota.  A family of Canadian Geese took a stroll down the streets on a sunny Saturday afternoon.  Just like their human neighbors, the geese also like to migrate from Canada to Florida to enjoy the warm sun during the colder month.  (Photo: May 6, 2017)

St Petersburg, Florida:  The Tampa Bay Rays played host to division rivals as they hosted the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night at Tropicana Field in the first game of a three game series.  The Rays jumped out to an early lead only to watch the bullpen falter in the late innings resulting in an 8-4 loss for the home team. Both starting pitchers, Chris Archer for Tampa Bay and Francisco Liriano for Toronto were dialed in to start the night.  They posted zeroes to the scoreboard for the first three innings of the game. The Rays broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the forth.  Daniel Robertson and Derek Norris delivered back to back homer to put the Rays in front.  Later in the inning, they loaded the bases and Steven Souza Jr drew a bases loaded walk to score Tim Beckham and give the Rays a 3-0 lead. Toronto scored their first run of the evening in the fifth inning.  Justin Smoak hit an RBI single to center, scoring Kendrys Morales to make it 3-1. ...

Munchie tries to feed his hunger by gobbling up a fan at Charlotte Sports Park during the 2012 Florida State League All-Star Game.  As a member of the Inflatamaniacs, Munchie joins three other comedians as they travel the country performing at sport events throughout the year.  (Photo: June 16, 2012)

Avisail Garcia goes yard during the 2012 Florida State League All-Star Home Run Derby.  A member of the Lakeland Flying Tigers at the time, Garcia won the 2012 home run derby.  Today Garcia is making headlines in the majors as a member of the Chicago White Sox.  (Photo: June 16, 2012)

The marine patrol of the Venice Police Department responds to an emergency in the Gulf of Mexico off Venice Beach. The Venice Police Department patrols the 16 square mile city using vehicle patrol, K-9 units, a bike team and the marine patrol unit. The department is accredited through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. (Photo: June 12, 2012)

Old Betsy sits on display at an event on the Island of Venice.  This vintage 1926 American LaFrance fire truck has a storied history.  It was revived from death after being flooded in Moore Haven during the Great Miami Hurricane.  But she was revived by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and relocated to Venice.  As well at protecting the railway and the newly formed City of Venice, Old Betsy also protected the Kentucky Military Institute and the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros Circus.  As technolgy improved, Old Betsy was retired from active duty in 1960. The truck was fully restored in honor of its 85th anniversary. (Photo: May 19, 2012)