The Wandering Disciple

The calming tidal flow of Oyster Creek as it flows to Lemon Bay. On of the tributaries of Lemon Bay, Oyster Creek flows through both the Ann Dever Memorial Park and Cedar Point Environmental Park with plenty of great hiking and wildlife opportunities along the path. (Photo: January 1, 2013)

Why did the turtle cross the road? To get to the wonderful oasis that is Cedar Point Environmental Park. This small park packs a big punch for wildlife viewing. Located on the edge of Lemon Bay, it has a vast variety of animals including gopher tortoises like the one pictured here and a pair of nesting bald eagles. (Photo: January 1, 2013)

When Thomas Edison spent the winters in his winter retreat in Fort Myers, he needed a way to escape the Florida heat so he built a swimming pool.  One of the first residential pools built, was just one of the many engineering marvels created by Edison here in Fort Myers. (Photo: May 26, 2019)

Port Charlotte, Florida: The Charlotte Stone Crabs opened the week with a three game set against the Clearwater Threshers. The Stone Crabs fueled by a strong pitching effort and a powerful offensive attack blanked the visiting little Phillies 7-0 on Tuesday night at Charlotte Sports Complex. The Stone Crabs broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning. Taylor Walls singled followed by walk issued to Rays rehabbing catcher Mike Zunino. A double by Thomas Milone scored Walls for the first run of the game. Then a two run single by Moises Gomez scored Zunino and Milone to give the Stone Crabs a 3-0 lead. The Stone Crabs added to their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Zunino and Ronaldo Hernandez singled followed by Jim Haley reaching after being hit by a pitch to load the bases. Carl Chester then drove home a run the hard way, getting struck by a pitch to score Zunino to increase the lead to 4-0.  Charlotte added a pair more in the sixth. Walls doubl...

Who says pitchers can't get air. Stone Crabs reliever Simon Rosenblum-Larson leaps for a ball during warm-ups between innings. (Photo: May 26, 2019)

St Petersburg, Florida: Since 1888, the sunshine city of St Petersburg has been making history. From what is believed to be the first commercial scheduled service flight, the birth of spring training in Florida with the invitation of the St. Louis Browns to Coffee Pot Park, introduction of the US Coast Guard and US Army Air Force bases, foundation of world class art museums and the creation of a city accepting of all people regardless of race, sexual preference or beliefs. St Pete has been on the forefront of history and this is displayed on the bayfront at the St Petersburg Museum of History. Founded in 1921, the museum highlights the history of St Pete. The oldest museum in Pinellas County, it was founded with the mission to collect, preserve and communicate the history and heritage of St Petersburg. It features a large archive collection of photos to help preserve the history of the city. For the public, the museum features three main galleries. There is a fourth gallery...

It isn't just the official start of summer filled with beaches, beer and BBQ's, it is a day to remember those who gave their lives so we can enjoy holiday's with our families. These brave men and woman laid down their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as an American. So while you enjoy your holiday festivities, do not loose sight of the real meaning of Memorial Day. Thank you to those who paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedoms, we are forever grateful for your service.

Nicholas the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin gives a smile as he swims in his new home at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Nicholas and his mother were rescued in 2012 after becoming stranded near Gibsonton, Florida. Both dolphins suffered severe burns and Nicholas's mother died from her injuries. The staff at the aquarium provided round the clock care for Nicholas and he recovered and is now a permanent resident of the aquarium. He can be seen enjoying his home on the dolphin terrace overlooking Clearwater Bay. (Photo: May 18, 2019)

Port Charlotte, Florida: The Charlotte Stone Crabs watched their late lead dissolve in the top of the ninth as they fell to the Palm Beach Cardinals 7-4 on Sunday afternoon at Charlotte Sports Park. The Stone Crabs jumped out to an early lead by scoring in the first inning. Moises Gomez doubled to center, scoring Ronaldo Hernandez and giving the Stone Crabs a 1-0 lead. The Cardinals tied the game an inning on a solo home run by Luken Baker, his fourth of the season. Palm Beach grabbed he lead an inning later on a bases loaded free pass to Julio Rodriguez to score Justin Toerner and give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.  The Stone Crabs tied the game in the fifth. Thomas Milone delivered a soft single to left, scoring Jake Palomaki to tie the game. They then took the lead back in the seventh by pushing across a pair of runs in the frame. First came on an RBI single by Jim Haley and then a sac fly by Milone put the Stone Crabs out in front 4-2. But the Cardinals bounced bac...

A great blue heron takes flight from the boat docks at Indian Mound Park. The largest of the North American herons, the Great Blue Heron can be found along the edge of the water looking for food. Despite their large size, these birds are capable of flight but prefer wading along the waters edge. (Photo: December 30, 2012)

A horseshoe crab washes ashore long Lemon Bay.  A walk along the shoreline will reveal a glimpse of the marine life that can be found nearby.  Horseshoe crabs, sand dollars, sea horses, fiddler crabs, shells and sharks teeth are just a few of the things that can be found while combing the shoreline.  (Photo: December 30, 2012)

An American Airlines MD-83 sits on the tarmac at Tampa International Airport.  This workhorse of the American Airlines fleet is on the verge of extinction as both the aircraft and the paint scheme are in the process of being replaced in the fleet.  The MD-83 was produced by McDonnell Douglas from 1983 through 1999.  There were 108 of these in the American fleet with only 27 remaining in service.  (Photo: May 11, 2019)

A double crested cormorant keeps its feet dry by standing on a mangrove along the marsh trail at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Trail. The cormorant is a common sight along the waterways in Florida. It dives and swims while searching for food and then needs to dry its wings out before it can take flight again. The cormorant is one of over 180 different species of birds that can be found in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Preserve in South Florida. (Photo: December 9, 2012)

Mail moves the country, zip code moves the mail. In 1962 the US Postal Service revealed Mr Zip, a colorful cartoon character to help spread the word about zip codes. Used to help educated the public about zip codes to help ease routing of mail and simplify the mailing process, Mr Zip reminded customers to not tie up the mail service and use zip code. This public service announcement swept the nation and resulted in clever newspaper and magazine ads and even color mail bags like this one on display the the Lake Wales History Museum. Within four years of the start of the Mr Zip promos, 80% of Americans knew Mr Zip and what he stands for. The Mr Zip promo was eventually retired in the early 80's. (Photo: May 11, 2019)

Pull up to the line and put your car in neutral and watch it defy gravity as it proceeds to slowly climb the hill. For centuries the battle between the gator and the Indian Chief taunts visitors to Spook Hill. Legend has it that an Indian Village on the banks of Lake Wailes was plagued with gator attacks until one day the Chief of the tribe had a battle for the land on this very hill. In the battle, both the Chief and the gator were killed. But the legend lives on and as horses once labored to climb this haunted hill, today it is cars that can defy gravity and roll up the hill. (Photo: May 11, 2019)

The sun sets over the swamp of Fakahatchee Strand State Park. Located on the edge of the Florida Everglades, the park provides a protected habitat for several threatened and endangered species like the Florida Panther, black bear, fox squirrel and Everglades mink. The park is also home to the rare ghost orchid. (Photo: December 8, 2012)

A noble eagle looks over the boat basin at Collier Seminole Park. The symbol of our nation, the bald eagle was once on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle species has made a recovery being upgraded from endangered to threatened and eventually off the protected species list altogether in 2007. The bald eagle can be found throughout North America near bodies of water with abundant sources of food for the raptor. (Photo: December 8, 2012)

Looking up at the business end of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, also known as the Viper, sitting on display at Freedom Lakes Park. The F-16 was originally powered by a Pratt & Whitney turbofan engine to give the fighter its thrust and power. Over the years it has received upgrades to the Pratt & Whitney and some receiving GE engines to upgrade the powerplant of the aircraft. This aircraft is on display to pay tribute to the fighting wing at MacDill Air Force Base in nearby Tampa. (Photo: November 23, 2012)

All lined up and ready to go. The premier demonstration team of the US Air Force, the Thunderbirds sit on the ramp at Homestead Air Reserve Base prior to their performance during the 2012 Wings Over Homestead.  The Thunderbirds perform in front of millions around the world.  (Photo: November 3, 2012)

An osprey flies high over the lakes near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Ospreys can be seen in coastal areas flying over lakes looking for their next meal earning the nickname fish hawk. Ospreys can be found on all continents of the world with the exception of Antarctica. (Photo: April 11, 2012)

Vice President Joe Biden waves from the armored limo during a visit to the Suncoast in 2012. The Vice President made two trips to Sarasota during his time in office, this overnight trip in 2012 and then again in 2016. The Suncoast is always a hot spot for political visits leading up to elections. (Photo: October 30, 2012)

The crossroads of the world, Times Square is one of the most popular spots in New York City.  But it is also a popular attraction at the miniland exhibits at Legoland Florida.  Here not a detail is spared as Lego creators made a miniature version of the nation's busiest intersection.  Mini Times Square joins Washington DC, San Francisco, Las Vegas and more popular cities that have been recreated Lego style.  (Photo: October 27, 2012)

Sitting high atop Iron Mountain, the famous singing tower of Bok Tower Gardens serenades the countryside several times a day.  The tower features a 60-bell carillon which rings hourly and twice a day there is a concert played on the clavier located within the tower. The tower is built at the summit of Iron Mountain, a peak that rises 225 feet above sea level, one of the tallest points in Florida. (Photo: May 11, 2019)

Watch it fly and say good-bye.  Garret Whitley touches them all after crushing a home run in Tuesday's game against Fort Myers.  Whitley is a Top-30 prospect for the Tampa Bay Rays and First Round Draft Pick from 2015.  (Photo: May 7, 2019)

Tampa, Florida:  While exploring the Tampa Bay area, decided to stop by Tampa International Airport for a little bit of plane watching.  It was the late afternoon rush and the activity was steady.  In about 35 minutes of watching, I was able to photograph almost forty aircraft.  Runway 19 was the active runway so I took a spot on the north side of the short term parking garage and here is a look at what I saw: McDonnell Douglas MD-83 - N983TW Boeing 767-300 - N1373A Boeing 737-800 -  N8303R Boeing 757-200 - N435UP Boeing 757-200 - N412UP Boeing 737-700 - N216WR Boeing 737-800 - N8685B Airbus A320 - N351FR Boeing 737-700 - N701GS Airbus A320 - N651JB Boeing 767-300 N353AZ Airbus A320 - N606JB Airbus A321  - N708FR Boeing 737-800 - N891NN Airbus 320 - N118US McDonnell Douglas MD-83 - N805WA Boeing 737-800 - N5147A Airbus A321 - N997JL Bo...