The Wandering Disciple

The military air superiority of the US Navy has never been seen in a more dominating fashion than during a performance of the Blue Angels. The flight demonstration team of the US Navy, the Blue Angels perform before millions to demonstrate the strength and precision of US Navy fighter pilots. While their routine may feel like a show, it is actual a demonstration of the capability and maneuvers used by Navy pilots engaged in hostile missions. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Flying in formation is not quite as easy as it looks. Planes flying close together with tons of variables can take a smooth formation and make it dangerous in a split second. But the Phillips 66 Aerostars are just one of the many civilian demonstration teams that make it look so easy. Hours and hours of practice are needed to perform at peak level for air show enthusiasts across the globe. (photo: April 6, 2019)

Aerobatic superstar Kyle Franklin pushes his custom designed Demon One aircraft to the limits during Sun ‘n Fun. Part theatrical performance, part fancy flying, full excitement. Franklin’s high-flying performance is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat and waiting for the next breathtaking maneuver. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Punta Gorda, Florida: This week while scrolling through Groupon looking for hidden gems to visit, I came across a deal for the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary. Located just a short drive from the house, the sanctuary has been taking care of wild animals for over thirty years. Located in the eastern corner of Charlotte County, Octagon opened its doors over thirty years ago to provide a home for exotic animals that were no longer wanted or unable to be cared for by their owners anymore. They became kinda like a nursing home for exotic pets. Today they provide home and care for several species of animals including lions, tigers and bears. As you arrive at the sanctuary, a tranquil walkway filled with tropical plants leads you to the animals. Along the way are signs that thank donors for their support of the sanctuary’s mission. It’s the continues support from these local donors that help support the mission. Caring for these abandon animals is not cheap. In fact it costs in exce...

Julie Clark dazzles the crowd for the final time during her farewell tour in 2019. For over thirty years, Clark has pushed her T-34 to the extremes to entertain air show spectators throughout the country. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

A honeybee is one of the hardest working insects in the animal world. Flying from one plant to another, these little pollinators are responsible for the beautiful flowers and tasty fruits that we enjoy. While some view them as pests, look past that sting and see that without bees we would not have some of our favorite things. (Photo: April 21, 2019)

The immortal Red Baron tears up the skies over Lakeland during Sun ‘n Fun. The most famous aviator of all time, the legend of the Red Baron shoots up the sky in a World War I style dog fight through the skies of Lakeland. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

A hitter for the Sky Academy Storm delivers a base hit during a middle school baseball contest against Imagine School North Port. This was the second meeting between these two programs and just like the first one, this was tightly contested game which was a lot of fun to watch. (Photo: April 23, 2010)

Demonstrating how they would evade an enemy attack by creating chaos and confusions, the Geico Skytypers perform during Sun ‘n Fun. Maneuvering the World War II era aircraft through the sky, the pilots of the Geico Skytypers show how they deploy messages across the sky, a useful tool to spread propaganda during the war. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Wanted…John Herbert Dillinger. Long before television, local law enforcement and the FBI needed a way to alert the public of wanted fugitives. This was done by posting wanted posters like this in local post offices. The post office was the town hub where residents would go to get mail and was usually home to the town’s telegraph which could be used to message the authorities if a fugitive was found. This wanted posted is on display at the HC Smith Store located at the Pinellas County Heritage Village. (Photo: April 21, 2019)

US Navy aviators are known for its ability to take the fight to the enemy without needing a runway. That is because the Navy has improvised its attack to use aircraft carriers and specially modified aircraft to accommodate the mission. Launching off a shorter runway, the planes are sent airborne thanks to a catapult system that helps the planes achieve flight. Then when it comes time to return to the carrier, the plane deploys a tailhook that catches a catch wire and safely retrieves the aircraft. The Navy showcases this technology as part of their Navy Legacy Flight like the one performed here at Sun ‘n Fun featuring the T-2 Buckeye and the T-45 Goshawk. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Forget two men and a truck, how about two birds and a wire as a pair of birds sit together as guards for their flock, scanning the park for threats. The Venice Audubon Rookery is a hidden birding gem nestled between two major highways and provides a night time safe haven for resting and nesting birds. (Photo: April 20, 2019)

The sun rises over Tampa Bay and the city of St Petersburg. Nestled along the bay, the city is known for its sunshine hence its nickname as the Sunshine City. (Photo: April 18, 2019)

The coach visits the mound to talk to his defense and help them refocus during a middle school baseball game. A trip to the mound is sometimes necessary to help your team refocus and help get their heads back in the game. (Photo: April 17, 2019)

Showcasing the history and power of the Class of 45, Jim Tobul and Scooter Yoak fly these amazing warbirds before airshow crowds across the country. The P-51 Mustang flown by Yoak is an iconic World War II fighter that was used to dogfight the Luwftwaffe over the European skies. And if this was a family, while the P-51 was dominating the skies of Europe, the little brother F4U Corsair was watching closely and saw its dominance in the jungles of Korea. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Mike Goulian hit the 2019 air show circuit sporting a new paint scheme on his Extra 330. Goulian spends his time tearing up the skies on the air show circuit and demonstrating his speed in the Red Bull Air Races. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Charlotte Stone Crabs outfielder Moises Gomez tracks a fly ball under a sunny Floridian sky.  The Stone Crabs are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and play in the Florida State League.  Advanced-A is roughly the midway point in the path to the majors which begins at rookie ball and leads all the way through Triple-A and then the pros.  (Photo: April 14, 2019)

The Yard Dawgs go to the bullpen to close out their game against the Wesley Chapel Storm during a recent 13U travel ball tournament. Pitching and defense is key to winning baseball and that requires a strong core of pitching to cover the entire game. From starters to relievers, they are all an important role on a successful ball club. (Photo: April 13, 2019)

A Skyraider buzzes the enemy positions to provide cover while the rest of the forces help to retrieve an injured soldier. In an effort to showcase the work that goes into rescuing a missing or injured soldier, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum demonstrated a Vietnam era search and rescue for the crowds at Sun 'n Fun. Using a little fleet of air resources including a C-7 Caribou, O-2 Skymaster, UH-1 Iroqouis and two Skyraider variants, the showed the tasks at hand to ensure that everyone goes home. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

A trio of Storm infielders keep a close eye on their friendly rival from Venice. Sky Academy has a campus in Venice and Englewood and it only makes sense that those campuses would engage in some friendly rivalries like the one that took place on Thursday night between both school's baseball teams. This was the second time they met and the series is split 1-1 on the year. (Photo: April 11, 2019)

Watch the colors transform before your very eyes as Bill Stein goes across the sky from left to right. Bill's Edge 540 is just as exciting as his aerial performance. The special paint scheme on the aircraft changes colors depending on the angle you are viewing the plane, making it feel like it is transforming right before your very eyes. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Gene McNeely may have retired from the Aeroshell Aerobatic team at the conclusion of the 2017 air show circuit, but that doesn't keep him from tearing up the skies on an air show weekend. A talented pilot like Gene just can't stay away from the action. While he no longer flies slot for the team, he can be seen performing solo acts in his T-6 Texan like the one he flew during Sun 'n Fun 2019. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

The SOCOM Para-Commandos deliver Old Glory to kick off the aerial demonstrations during Sun 'n Fun at Lakeland-Linder International Airport. The premier aerial parachute demonstration team of the US Special Forces, the team is comprised of members from throughout the joint forces including the Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Air Force Combat Controllers and Marine Raider. The team performs across at events across the globe, bringing awareness to the range of the US Special Forces. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Charlotte Stone Crabs Carl Chester slides safely into third. Chester went from first to third on a pick-off attempt that sailed into the outfield, providing some excitement during a tie ball game. While he would be stranded just 90 feet from home, the Stone Crabs still managed to win the game in extra innings. (Photo: April 7, 2019)

The big blue C-130 of the Blue Angels more famously known as Fat Albert sits on the ramp at Lakeland-Linder International Airport.  If the blues are in town, this flying shop isn't too far away.  Operated by the US Marine Corp, Fat Albert provides support to the Blue Angels during their demonstration schedule and even sometimes participates in the performance.  (Photo: April 6, 2019)

A Petty Driving Experience racer comes hard out of turn 3 at the Walt Disney World Speedway. Built to host the IndyCar series in 1995, the Walt Disney World Speedway was later home to the Richard Petty Driving Experience until Disney decided to close the track in 2015. (Photo: September 29, 2012)

Based off the Beechcraft Bonanza, the D-45 was a variant to the T-34 Mentor used in pilot training by the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. This D-45 seen at Venice Airport was restored to resemble a Navy training aircraft. (Photo: May 19, 2012)

There are no prettier sunsets than a Gulf Coast sunset in the Sunshine State. Like this colorful sunset from Fort Desoto Park. With miles of west coast coastline, the Sunshine State boasts some of the best sunsets in the country. And with only a 2-3 hour drive separating the east and west coast, you can easily catch the sun rise on the Atlantic and set on the Gulf with time for fun in between. (Photo: April 7, 2012)

The calm, crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Boca Grande is a welcomed sight to residents and visitors alike. This barrier island mixes a quaint seaside town with quiet beaches for a one of kind stay fit for a president. In fact both President’s George HW Bush and George W Bush have been known to vacation here regularly. (Photo: March 18, 2012)

The Sky Academy baseball team rallied late in the final inning and strung together three straight triples in the five run frame but it wasn’t enough as the Storm suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Inspiration Academy. (Photo: April 1, 2019)

Take a step behind the camera lens and see what it takes to bring an action scene to life at the Hollywood Backlot Tour. This former ride at Walt Disney World took you behind the scenes at what it takes to make a Hollywood film, from special effects to costumes. (Photo: January 28, 2012)