The Wandering Disciple

  For decades, the Florida State Fire College, located in Ocala, has stood as a cornerstone institution dedicated to training and molding the next generation of firefighters prepared to serve the unique challenges and diverse communities of the Sunshine State. The college's legacy is built on a foundation of excellence in emergency response and fire safety education. The student body is diverse, ranging from fresh recruits taking their first steps into the fire service profession to seasoned veterans who return to the campus seeking specialized certifications, advanced leadership training, and continuous professional development to further their careers. This blend of experience levels enriches the learning environment for all participants. At the heart of the college's enduring success are its instructors. These dedicated professionals, who often bring years of on-the-ground experience from various fire departments across the state and nation, are committed to making a profoun...

If you ditch the hustle and bustle of the highways and interstates of coastal Florida, life slows down a bit. As you cruise the country roads that span the middle of the peninsula, you get a glimpse into old Florida before the development boom.  This is section of road passes through the Ocala National Forest. The forest is the second largest preserved forest in the country and preserves sand pine scrubs, several springs and much more. The park encompasses 430,000 acres in the northern portion of the peninsula outside of Ocala.  Taken: November 11, 2011 at Ocala National Forest (Ocala, FL)

The Cross Florida Barge Canal as it passes through the Ocala National Forest near US-19. The barge was originally designed to allow shipping traffic to cross from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico. But the project was never completed due to environmental concerns. (Photo: November 11, 2011)

Ocala, Florida: At 607 square miles, the Ocala National Forest is the second largest national forest in Florida. Millions of visitors visit the forest each year to enjoy the great outdoors within the forest. The forest was established in 1908 making it one of the first National Forests east of the Mississippi River. Stretched out amongst four counties, the forest encompasses 383,000 acres containing over 600 bodies of water. It is home to plenty of wildlife including black bears, alligators, deer foxes and many other animals. The park is a popular place for hiking, camping, off-roading or just traveling the scenic roads and taking in the beauty of the wilderness. There is a collection of visitor’s center, recreation areas and trails to help visitors enjoy the forest. A few of the popular ones include: Alexander Springs: first magnitude spring. Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway: 60 miles of scenic roads. Juniper Run: top 25 canoe trail. Juniper Springs: one of the oldest recreation areas...