The Wandering Disciple

Luxury condominiums line Bayfront Drive in downtown Sarasota. Residents of these condos enjoy a spectacular view of Marina Jacks, Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico of in the distance. (Photo: February 18, 2009)

Tropical Storm Debby continues to bring havoc to the sunshine state. The slow moving tropical storm has dumped heavy rain for almost a week over the state of Florida causing heavy flooding throughout the state. It made landfall yesterday in the panhandle near Steinhatchee. This photo was taken at Manasota Beach in Englewood, Florida. (Photo: June 25, 2012)

An Airbus A319 operated by Air Canada prepares for a flight at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and provides seasonal service between SRQ and Toronto Pearson International Airport. (Photo: April 5, 2012)

A pelican glides in for a landing on the calms waters of the Gulf of Mexico at Caspersen Beach in Venice. (Photo: February 1, 2009)

As you walk the platform of the Venice Train Depot, it is easy to imagine the sights and sounds of when rails were a main form of transportation in Southwest Florida. Built in 1927, the train station serviced passenger traffic through 1971. Once passenger traffic ceased, the station fell into disrepair until a major refurbishment in 1999. The Venice Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo: February 1, 2009)

Lakeland, Florida: Sky King is a charter airline service that provides service throughout North America. They offer charter service to Cuba, Atlantic City as well as private charters for businesses and sports teams. Sky King was founded in 1990 by Gregg Lukenbill, the owner of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. The airline primary customer through the first fifteen years was professional hockey teams. But following the NHL lockout, they were forced to branch out into other markets. During its reorganization in 2005, Sky King began provided charter flights for other airlines. They provided service for Scanderbeg Air, Direct Air and Fly Guam under the new business model. They also began flying Atlantic City charters for Gold Transportation Services and Cuban charters. As the charter service becomes more and more successful, they are taking steps to enter into the scheduled service market. Sky King operates a fleet of 10 Boeing 737 aircraft. Seven of the aircraft are alloca...

Shells by the thousands cover the beach at the southern tip of Boca Grande. Boca Grande is widely known as a premier shelling spot in Florida. It is here where you can find several species of shells, including rare ones like the Lions Paw. The best time to go is during low tide when the more of the beach and the sand bars are accessible or following a storm when the waves push larger shells ashore. This photo here was taken at the lighthouse beach at Gasparilla Island State Park. (Photo: January 25, 2009)