The Wandering Disciple

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)

Southern Blue Flag blooms on the floor of the swamp, providing some splashes of color along the greens and browns of the swamp. A member of the Iris family, Southern Blue Flag is found in swampy areas. While it can be poisonous to animals it is thought to bring financial wealth to those who have it. In fact, some businesses place it in their cash registers to help stimulate business. (Photo: March 2, 2019)

When it comes to protecting the City on the Gulf, residents rely on the Venice Fire Department to keep them safe.  The department has evolved over the years to meet the needs of the community including beginning EMS service last year.  To further demonstrate their commitment to the community, the department was one of the first in the nation to offer in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to residents that can not make it to a vaccination site.  (Photo: March 2, 2019)

  Rising temps on the thermometer, flowers and bloom and return of seasonal wildlife are all signs that warmer weather are upon us.  While there may not be a definitive change of seasons in Florida, there are seasons and the swallow tail kites know when summer is.  Swallow tail kites can be found soaring over the Sunshine State skies in Spring and Summer.  (Photo: June 15, 2019)

 The Tampa Bay Rays look to make another run at the postseason and keep the Champa Bay spirit alive as they defend their American League championship and look to add a World Series trophy to the trophy case this season.  The team is in camp in Port Charlotte prepping for the 2021 season which kicks off April 1st on the road in Miami.  (Photo: February 19, 2019)

  An American Alligator patrols the banks of Gator Lake at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers.  Alligators are plentiful in bodies of freshwater throughout the sunshine state and can be found laying on the bank or swimming in the water looking for a bite to eat.  In addition to feeding, alligators use the water to help manage their body temperatures.  (Photo: February 15, 2019)

Spring is in the air as MLB spring training camps are in full swing throughout Florida and Arizona. While camp takes on a different look this season due to COVID-19 protocols, the goal of preparing for the upcoming season and run for the World Series is still the same. Workouts continue this week and game start next week. Once games begin, limited fans will be permitted within the stadium. Spring Training concludes at the end of March. (Photo: February 20, 2019)

A colorful parrot hangs out by a feeder at the Celery Fields in eastern Sarasota. The Nanday Parakeet also known as the Black-hooded Parrot is one of the two parrot species found in colonies throughout Florida. These birds are not native to Florida but are able to sustain here in the sunshine state due to the warm tropical climates. Native to South America, the parrots have began self-sustaining colonies in Florida, Texas and southern California as a result of pet birds being released into the wild. (Photo: February 15, 2019)

A double crested cormorant hangs out by the lake at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers, Florida.  Gator Lake, the largest  of the lakes in the preserve, is home to a wide variety of species from birds to its namesake the American alligator.  The preserve features an elevated boardwalk that takes you through the swamp and Gator Lake is the first lake you pass on your journey.  (Photo: February 10, 2019)

A seagull hangs out on the beach with the rest of the snowbirds, feathered and human. When much of the world is covered in snow and cold weather, snowbirds flock to the beaches of Florida to enjoy a little warmth and sunshine. Beaches like Brohard Beach here in Venice because filled with birds and people enjoying the sunshine state weather. (Photo: February 10, 2019)

  Living in a sparsely developed part of town can have its benefits, especially when it comes to wildlife.  Last night while putting seed in the bird feeders, we got company from a bobcat at it was out on its evening stroll.  We have heard from neighbors for a while there is a family of them living in the brush behind us but last night it finally made an appearance while we were outside.  (Photo: February 17, 2021)

The slash pine is one of the predominant plants found in Florida's scrub habitat.  In days gone by, the slash pine was an important part of the economy as its sap was used to make turpentine.  But preservation efforts have now protected this critical part of the ecosystem and today it is home to diverse species of wildlife. The slash pines also benefit greatly from prescribed burns, a process in which a controlled fire helps maintain the forest by reducing underbrush providing a healthier environment for the plants and wildlife of this ecosystem.  (February 9, 2019)

A sloth hangs from a tree inside the main aviary at ZooTampa. Sloths spend much of their day hanging in trees of Central and South America. Sloths have very slow metabolism resulting in them resting in the treetops most of the day to conserve energy. ZooTampa is home to a pair of sloths and they have access to the entire aviary exhibit. So next time you are there, look up in the treetops and see if you can spot one. (Photo: January 20, 2019)

Crews from the Plant City Fire Department check out their apparatus following shift change.  Like a rite of passage, following shift change the on-coming crews comb through their trucks cabinet by cabinet making sure that all tools and gear are accounted for and that everything is in working condition.  While this task may seem like a mundane assignment, it is critical to ensure it's working in an emergency and you can not run the risk of a device failing when they are called into action and someone's life is on the line.  (Photo: February 3, 2019)

What a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than spreading a little LUV at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.  Today marked the debut of Southwest Airlines service at SRQ. The LUV airlines will connect Sarasota with four cities initially and expanding to eight in the coming weeks.  Pictured here is the inaugural arrival, Southwest Flight 5353 arriving from Baltimore.  (Photo: February 14, 2021)

A youth ballplayer watches his hit take flight during a tournament game in Florida.  Travel baseball is big business in the Sunshine State.  Warm weather all year round makes baseball a 365 day sport in Florida with youth players convening at ballparks across the state each weekend.  (Photo: January 26, 2019)

Fort Myers, Florida:   It was good week at Southwest Florida International Airport.  This week marked the return of the Boeing Max to RSW and an increase in flight traffic with lots of hidden gems scattered throughout.  Then Friday saw a bunch of military action to close out the week.  Here is a look at what I saw this week at RSW: 60-0320 - KC-135 Stratotanker (US Air Force) 168440 - P-8 Poseidon (US Navy) 168859 - P-8 Poseidon (US Navy) 169330 - P-8 Poseidon (US Navy) C-GJWN - Airbus A321 (Air Canada) N137GW - Eurocopter EC-130 N138CH - Bombardier Challenger N159MJ - Raytheon Hawker 850 N172US - Airbus A321 (American Airlines) N268AK - Boeing 737-900 (Alaska Airlines) N364NW - Airbus A320 (Delta Air Lines) N425UP - Boeing 757-200 (UPS) N461UP - Boeing 757-200 (UPS) N568TT - Beechcraft Super King Air 200 N569DF Bell 505 Jet Ranger X N588SG - Learjet 45 N590JB - Airbus A320 (JetBlue Airways) N622UX - Embraer 175 (SkyWest Airlines/United Express) N719XJ - Cessna Citat...

A Boeing 737 Max 9 flown by United Airlines lands at Southwest Florida International Airport marking the return of the Max to Southwest Florida.  The fourth generation airliner developed by Boeing features more efficient engines, enhanced aerodynamic design and updated avionics.  But the aircraft suffered a technical defect which resulted in two fatal crashes and the entire fleet being grounded for over a year and a half.  The Boeing engineers corrected the problem and the fleet received its approval to fly again on November 18, 2020. This flight here was the first flight of the Max into RSW since the aircraft was recertified by the FAA.  (Photo: February 11, 2021)

The scrub habitats of Florida are a critical part of Florida's ecosystems.  Much like the grasslands of Africa, the scrubs of Florida are  home to many species of animals some of which are threatened.  From the bald eagle nests and scrub jays in the trees to the gopher tortoises and burrowing owls in the ground, this distinct ecosystem plays an important role.  But unfortunately the rapid development of Florida has put these ecosystems in danger and efforts are under way to help preserve some of them through nature preserves like Circle B Bar Reserve pictured here.  (Photo: January 26, 2009)

A Nile Hippopotamus catches a nap in the Florida sunshine at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The hippo is the third largest land mammal of Africa behind the elephant and rhino. But don't worry, you don't have to travel to Africa to get a close up view of these massive animals, they are one of the many species found on the Serengeti Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom. From your safari vehicle you cross right through a hippo pool and have a chance to get a great view of the park's resident hippos. (Photo: January 13, 2019)