The Wandering Disciple

As you stroll the banks of the Hillsborough River, the iconic towers of downtown Tampa rise above the river. From the unique cylinder-shaped Rivergate Tower to the elegant 100 North Tampa, the city skyline features some interesting designs.  This walk along the river is from the walking path on the campus of the University of Tampa. The greenspaces offer a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery of downtown Tampa just across the river.  Taken: July 27, 2013 (Tampa, FL)

There is no better way to explore the waters of Tampa Bay than by hopping on a kayak and spending a day on the water. As you paddle you way around the abundant waterways you with experience the wildlife and splendor of the Sunshine State.  This kayak trip was from Emerson Point Preserve. The kayak trail departs though a mangrove tunnel which leads to the bay with stunning views of the Sunshine Skyway bridge in the distance.  Taken: July 10, 2013 at Emerson Point Preserve (Palmetto, FL)

As pioneers settlers embarked on they journey to Florida, they had some tough decisions to make when they packed their wagon. With no stores or markets, they had to pack everything they needed on the wagon, transporting as much vital foods and supplies without exceeding the 1,050 pound capacity of the wagon.  The story of the pioneer settlers of Florida is just one of the historic journeys you will learn about at the Orange County Regional History Center. Housed in the historic courthouse, the history center tells the story of Orange County from prehistoric inhabitants to the exciting theme parks of Disney and Universal.  Taken: July 9, 2013 at Orange County Regional History Center (Orlando, FL)

The fiber optic peacock welcomes you into the adventures that await you at the Orlando Science Center. The interactive museum lets you see and feel how science and technology effects our everyday life.  The Orlando Science Center features over four floors of exhibit space and a fully function observatory. Exhibits range from the natural and prehistoric finds to science and technology innovations.  Taken: July 9, 2013 at Orlando Science Center (Orlando, FL)

The Florida Everblades sport their holiday themed jerseys during the annual Teddy Bear toss game on Saturday night at Hertz Arena. The jersey designed by Jayden Torres features artwork from patients at the Golisano Children's Hospital.  During the second intermission of the game, thousands of teddy bears rained down to ice benefiting children at the hospital. The home team Blades lost the game to South Carolina 2-1 in overtime.  Taken: December 9, 2023 at Hertz Arena (Estero, FL)

The Flying Wallendas makes their ways across the tightrope in the grand finale of A Brave New Wonderland. Hosted by Sarasota's own daredevil Nik Wallenda, the holiday themed circus tells the story of the holidays through music and acrobatic performances.  A Brave New Wonderland runs until December 31 under the big top at the Mall at University Town Center.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

Johnny Rocket leaves the audience laughing as he rides in on a wrecking ball. The hilariously antics of Johnny kept the crowd entertained throughout the night during the holiday themed circus extravaganza.  You can still catch the comedy of Johnny Rocket during A Brave New Wonderland. The circus continues until December 31.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

A poodle delivers a bouquet of flowers to its squeeze during a performance at A Brave New Wonderland. Veranica Tchalabaeva and her band of playful pups brings and exciting act of skills and laughs to the holiday themed circus.  A Brave New Wonderland runs until December 31 under the big top at the Mall at University Town Center.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

As darkness falls over the circus ring, the amazing juggling act of Junior Neves lights up the ring. The art of juggling can be traced back as far as the Egyptian people with wall painting showing jugglers found dating back to 1994 to 1781 B.C.  This performance by Junior is just one of the acts performing during A Brave New Wonderland, the holiday themed circus being hosted at the University Town Center Mall. You can catch the show until December 31.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

For eight generations, the Ashton family has been a prominent name in the circus. The Ring of Fame family has been preforming before thousands since immigrating to the US on the Queen Mary in the 1950's. Today the family name is carried on by Lianna Ashton.  Lianna performed her hoops act during A Brave New Wonderland. The holiday themed circus takes place through December 31 at the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

Emma Clarke soars above her hometown during a performance under the big top. A resident of Sarasota, Emma joined fellow Sarasota native Nik Wallenda for A Brave New Wonderland, a holiday themed circus.  A Brave New Wonderland is located under the big top at the Mall at University Town Center. It will occur on select nights through December 31.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

Ermiyas Muluken shows off his incredible balance by climbing a ladder free-floating right before your very eyes. Originally from Ethiopia, Ermiyas travels the world showcasing his skills on the ladder and the rolla rolla.  Ermiyas Muluken is just one of the many acts performing during A Brave New Wonderland. The holiday circus is performing in Sarasota until December 31.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

In a feat of body-defying acrobatics, The Bone Breakers open up A Brave New Wonderland. The trio from West Africa showed the world their display of contortionism during the 2020 season of America's Got Talent. Today they travel the world performing their flexible act under the big top.  A Brave New Wonderland is a holiday themed circus put together by Nik Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory. The show takes place now through December 31 in Sarasota.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

Sarasota, Florida:  Bring your families and nestle in under the big top for a magical night of holiday cheer as Nik Wallenda and and the Circus Arts Conservatory bring you "A Brave New Wonderland".  Join Johnny Rocket and Ty McFarland on a journey through the holidays and learn the meaning of the holiday season. Using dazzling acts of strength and acrobatics, circus entertainers help tell the story of Kwanza, Hannukah and Christmas.    Developed by Sarasota's own circus legend Nik Wallenda, the show features a star packed lineup including a finale by Nik and his family.  The circus uses music, acrobats and a little circus magic to bring the meaning of the holiday season to life for the entire family. A Brave New Wonderland is being held under the Circus Sarasota big top on the grounds of the Mall at University Town Center on select nights through December 31.  Tickets range from $30-75.  There is no charge for parking. We attended the 2:30 show on Satu...

Lynx Flight 655 touches down at Southwest Florida International Airport on the inaugural flight from Toronto. The Canadian carrier will provide four flights a week from Southwest Florida to Canada using the Boeing 737 Max aircraft.  Lynx Airlines is a ultra low-cost carrier based in Calgary. Founded in 2022, Lynx provides services to 18 destinations in Canada and the United States.  Taken: December 1, 2023 at Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers, FL)

In the 1800's, the railroad was king of the country. These mechanical marvels connected the country and made travel easy. This boasted the country's tourism and the railroad companies reflected this by building elegant train stations in big cities across the map. This is Church Street Station in Orlando.  Built by the South Florida Railroad in 1889, it would provide a depot for Central Florida travelers. The Atlantic Coast Line would take over the station and construct the historic station that stands today. Trains still stop here as part of Sunrail commuter system, but the main function of Church Street Station today is to serve as an entertainment hotspot in downtown Orlando.  Taken: July 9, 2013 (Orlando, FL)