The Wandering Disciple

Colorful flowers in full bloom surround the winter residences of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. (Photo: June 26, 2011)

The wild and scenic Myakka River empties into the Upper Myakka Lake within Myakka River State Park. The lake provides visitors with plenty of activities ranging from fishing and canoeing to going on an airboat ride. The lake is also a great place to look for wildlife. (Photo: May 29, 2011)

Rob Holland performs high above Homestead Air Reserve Base during Wings over Homestead last weekend. Holland uses his MX-2 to dazzle the crowd with high flying aerial acrobatics. (Photo: November 3, 2012)

Sarasota-Bradenton welcomes a new tenant to the airport as United Airlines begins scheduled service this week. United Flight 1190 with provide a daily round trip flight from Sarasota to Chicago-O'Hare International Airport. (Photo: November 5, 2012)

A paratrooper from the US Army Golden Knights delivers the American flag to open Saturday's Wings over Homestead air show. The Golden Knights are a select team of advanced paratroopers who travel the country providing demonstrations at major events and competing in competitions. There are two teams of Golden Knights consisting of 12 members each. (Photo: November 3, 2012)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon of the 482nd Fighter Wing stands guard outside the gates to the Homestead Air Reserve Base. The 482nd Fighter Wing, also referred to as the Fighting Makos, have been patrolling the skies over South Florida since 1942 using the F-4 Phantom II and now the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (Photo: November 3, 2012)

Homestead, Florida: The skies overhead roared to life with the sounds of jet engines as the Homestead Air Reserve Base hosted Wings over Homestead. The base hosted several hundred thousand visitors who came to see aerial acts highlighted by the US Air Force Thunderbirds. The free show kicked off Saturday with amaing aerial acts on both days. Some of the performers that dazzled the crowd included the host Fighting Makos, aeriel acrobaics of Rob Holland, the Black Diamond Jet team and of course the highlighted act, the Thunderbirds. There were over five hours of aerial demonstrations between the variety of performers ranging from World War II era through modern day. In addition to the aerial acts, there were plenty of static displays on the ground. From the big jets of Air Mobiliy Command such as the C-17 Globemaster to the sleek fighters of Air Combat Command like the F-22 Raptor, they were all on display for visitors to get a close up look. The 2012 Wings over Homestead...