The Wandering Disciple

A tiger takes a break from the afternoon heat at Busch Gardens Tampa. The tigers are one of several hundred animals that call the 335 acre theme park home. (Photo: July 24, 2005)

The colorful flowers and beautiful sculptures were the heart of the Cypress Gardens theme park. Cypress Gardens was Florida’s first theme park, long before the mouse moved in up the road. Although Cypress Gardens was closed forever in 2009, elements of the park like the gardens and the famous water ski show have been incorporated into Legoland which now occupies the land. (Photo: July 4, 2005)

At 122 feet tall. the Sorcerer Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a landmark that only Disney imagineers could dream of. That hat is so large, Mickey would have to be 350 feet tall to wear the hat. It was added to the park in 2001 as part of the 100 Years of Magic Celebration and was based on Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat from Fantasia. Today the hat remains as the park’s symbolic icon as well as home to Sorcerer Hat Shop underneath the hat. (Photo: April 9, 2005)

Sun, waves and aircraft highlight Brohard Beach in Venice. While the beach is widely known for its shark’s teeth, it is also a great place to watch airplanes. The beach sits right on the edge of Venice Municipal Airport, allowing for an up close look at approaching aircraft while enjoying the beach. (Photo: January 27, 2013)

The Collings Foundation's B-17 Flying Fortress takes off from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport of Friday as it heads to it's second stop on the Suncoast at Venice Municipal Airport. The B-17 joined the B-24 Liberator and P-51 Mustang on the Wings of Freedom tour's annual stop on the Suncoast. (Photo: January 25, 2013)

The screams coming from the mouth of the Sea Serpent are nothing to be scared of. Those screams are screams of excitement as rides take the plunge on the Sea Serpent water slide at the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. The slide is the highlight of the resort’s main pool activity area. (Photo: April 9, 2005)

A tern takes flight at Manasota Beach. The tern was one of several hundred shorebirds enjoying the beach in January. (Photo: January 24, 2013)