The Wandering Disciple

The boat splashes down at the bottom of the hill at Journey to Atlantis at Sea World Orlando.  The Journey to Atlantis whisks riders away on a magical voyage until the curse of Atlantis sends the ride on a wild adventure though steep drops and high speed curves.  (Photo: August 28, 2004)

A hooded merganser plays in the water in a pond in Sarasota.  The hooded merganser can be found in marsh ponds and stream in the summer and expand into coastal marshes in the winter.  (Photo: December 1, 2014)

An alligator lies on the bank of the lake at Pinelands Reserve.  The Pinelands Reserve provides a natural buffer around the Central County Landfill and his home to hundreds of animals including a large collection of alligators.  (Photo: December 1, 2014)

Lurking in the walls of an Egyptian temple is Montu.  The inverted roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Tampa take riders on a 60 mile per hour thrill ride featuring seven inversions.  Opened in 1996, Montu has been ranked in the top 25 steel coasters, reaching as high as number two on the list.  (Photo: June 27, 2004)

The Holiday Season has come to life as Gaylord Palms has transformed into a winter wonderland.  With over a million twinkling lights, a massive Christmas tree, great holiday shows and the Ice! exhibit, it is the place to go to feel the holiday spirit in central Florida.  The highlight of the festivities is the Ice! exhibit featuring the Nutcracker. (Photo: December 26, 2013)

Tow Mater makes his way along the parade route during the 2014 Venice Holiday Parade.  Tow Mater inspired by the Disney-Pixar Cars franchise was one of several Hollywood cars in the parade by Ideal Classic Cars.  (Photo: November 29, 2014)

Santa Claus closes out the Venice Holiday Parade, kicking off the holiday season.  The two hour parade through the island of Venice is the official kick-off of the area's holiday festivities.  (Photo: November 29, 2014)