The Wandering Disciple

Alligator viewing at Myakka River State Park offers one of the most authentic glimpses into wild Florida, where the slow-moving river and sprawling wetlands create the perfect habitat for the iconic American alligator. Often seen basking along the banks or gliding silently through the dark water, these ancient reptiles are a powerful reminder of the state’s untamed ecosystems. As one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks, Myakka preserves a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, giving visitors the rare chance to observe alligators thriving in their natural environment, just as they have since long before Florida’s modern development.  You can see more photos from Myakka River State Park here . Taken: January 11, 2009 at Myakka River State Park (Sarasota, FL)

A hardy symbol of Florida’s ranching roots, this Florida Cracker cattle at Crowley Museum and Nature Center represents one of the oldest cattle breeds in the United States. Descended from Spanish stock brought to the Southeast in the 1500s, these cattle adapted to Florida’s heat, insects, and rough terrain long before modern ranching practices took hold. Known for their smaller size, long horns, and remarkable resilience, Cracker cattle were managed by the original Florida cowboys, nicknamed “crackers” for the sound of their whips. Nearly lost to crossbreeding in the 20th century, the breed has since been carefully preserved, offering a living link to the state’s pioneer heritage and the enduring spirit of Old Florida.  You can see more photos from Crowley Museum here . Taken: January 10, 2009 at Crowley Museum and Nature Center (Sarasota, FL)

 The Gulf of Mexico is a vibrant and essential ecosystem, teeming with a breathtaking diversity of animal life. This vast marine habitat supports a busy and complex world beneath its waves, home to creatures of every size and niche.  At the lower end of the food chain, the Gulf's floor and coastal waters are populated by countless tiny invertebrates. Among these are the echinoderms, such as the familiar and radially symmetrical starfish (sea stars), which play an important role in the marine environment. They share this space with a multitude of crustaceans, mollusks, and worms that form the basis of the Gulf's trophic structure.   Moving up the complexity and size scale, the Gulf is a critical nursery and feeding ground for numerous species of fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals. Schools of baitfish provide sustenance for larger pelagic hunters, including various species of tuna and mackerel. The apex predators of this environment are truly formidable. The waters ...

People come from far away to eastern Sarasota County to birdwatch at the Celery Fields. The birding hotspot is a testament to the power of restoration and is now home to a diverse collection of native and migrating species that attract visitors from around the globe.  The land was once farmland and used to grow celery, hence the name. It remained an active farm until the 90's when it was purchased by the county. It has been converted to serve as a storm water collection site and as part of this process, the land was restored and trails were added to invite the public to visit and enjoy the diverse wildlife attracted to the wetlands. Over 240 species of birds have been observed here and the site is listed as a hotspot on the Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.  Taken: November 24, 2014 at Celery Fields (Sarasota, FL)

A Great Egret flies high above the Myakka River at Myakka River State Park. A large member of the egret family, the Great Egret flies with its long neck tucked in and its long legs outstretched.  The Great Egret is just one of the many species of wildlife you will encounter on a visit to Myakka River State Park. The 37,000 acre state park is home to a wide variety of animals including over 100 species of birds.  Taken: November 11, 2014 at Myakka River State Park (Sarasota, FL)

When it comes to aerial skills of feat, there is no family more famous than the Wallendas. For generations, the Wallenda family has pushed the limits of tight rope walking over some of the world's most notable icons from Niagara Falls to the the Grand Canyon.  This is Sarasota's own Nik Wallenda practicing at Nathan Benderson Park in his hometown in 2014. He was preparing to walk between two skyscrapers in Chicago. Unlike most walks where the wire is level, this walk required the wire to be at a 15 degree angle so Nik replicated this at the park and practiced in front of his hometown audience.  Taken: October 9, 2014 at Nathan Benderson Park (Sarasota, FL)

 A White Tail Deer lays low in the underbrush at Myakka River State Park. Deer are a prey species in the wild and use their fur coloring to try to blend in with the underbrush and avoid the eyes of their predators.  Deer are just on of the many species of wildlife you will find while visiting Myakka River State Park. The popular state park in eastern Sarasota County features a long drive through the park and plenty of hiking trails that allow you to observe the animals in one of the best preserved habitats in the region.  Taken: November 29, 2013 at Myakka River State Park (Sarasota, FL)

The cat and owl look out over the bayfront, protecting the Ca' d'Zan from evil energy. This spectacular view is from the Belvedere Tower, a luxury accommodation available to some of the elite guests of circus magnate John Ringling.   The Ca' d'Zan was the winter resident of the Ringlings. Built in the 1920's the elegant bayfront mansion was the center of entertainment as the Ringlings welcomed some the world's elite to party along the bayfront.  Taken: August 2, 2013 at Ringling Museum (Sarasota, 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...

In a town known for its circus history, its only fitting to find a tropical bird that can roller skate. This roller skating bird is just one of the entertaining acts that can be found in the daily show at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.   One of the original tourist attractions in Sarasota, Jungle Gardens is a 10 acre tropical garden located along Sarasota Bay. It features tropical gardens and tropical birds and animals that make for an enjoyable day for the whole family.   Taken: July 8, 2013 at Sarasota Jungle Gardens (Sarasota, FL)

Sarasota, Florida: When I was first introduced to planespotting, I began spotting from my local airport. I spend several years spotting from the perimeter of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Life has since taken me further south and I do not get back here much, but today I managed to get airside at SRQ for a little spotting during a trip up to Sarasota.  During my time here, Runway 32 was active and we spotted from the pull-off on the north side of the airport. Here is a look at the aircraft we saw during our visit.  N96TE - Cessna Citation Excel   N278NV - Airbus A320 (Allegiant Air)   N284NV - Airbus A320 (Allegiant Air)   N291NV - Airbus A320 (Allegiant Air)   N297WN - Boeing 737-700 (Southwest Airlines)   N314DU - Airbus A220 (Delta Air Lines)   N351FX - Embraer Phenom 300 (Flexjet)   N536EU - Beechcraft Bonanza   N779VF - Beechcraft King Air 90   N780QS - Bombardier Challenger 350 (Netjets)   N853AC - Cessna ...

One doesn't have to be a bird to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Sarasota bayfront. Each on of the high-rise condominiums provide a stunning aerial view of the bay and beyond.  This view comes from One Watergate. located on the northern end of the bayfront, the view here features John Ringling Parkway, Bayfront Drive, Marina Jack's and Bayfront Park.  Taken: February 1, 2012 (Sarasota, FL)