The Wandering Disciple

Since 1926 the bright lights of the Edwards Theater, now Sarasota Opera House, have shown over talented artists in Sarasota. From its early days as a theater hosting famous artists like Will Rogers and Elvis to its modern day home to the Sarasota Opera, the historic venue has been in the forefront of Sarasota's performance art scene. (Photo: October 12, 2013)

Once the crown jewel of Henry Plant's rail empire, the moorish revival style Tampa Bay Hotel was the premier travel destination on the west coast of Florida. In a day when the rail was king, both rail magnates Plant and Henry Flagler wanted to build luxury hotels along their rail lines in Florida. The Tampa Bay Hotel featured the first elevator in Florida and its 511 guest rooms were some of the first to have electric and phone lines. The hotel remained in operation from 1891-1930. Today it serves as the administration building for the University of Tampa as well as home to the Henry Plant Museum. (Photo: July 27, 2013)

No matter where you go along coastal Florida, views of tropical paradise surround you at every vista. Like this one from Sapphire Shores Park in North Sarasota. A quiet afternoon spent on a park bench at this neighborhood park can provide you with views of dolphins playing in the bayou or just a much needed rest and relaxation by the water. (Photo: December 10, 2013)

As the Hillsborough River meanders through Tampa, it heads towards downtown and creates the iconic Tampa Riverfront which symbolizes the city. From the iconic round Rivergate Tower which is the sixth largest building in the city and the largest limestone building in the world to 100 North Tampa or the Regions Bank Building which is the tallest building in the city and was home to mafia boss Howard Saint in the 2004 film The Punisher. (Photo: July 27, 2013)

Despite having one of the newest teams in baseball, the Tampa Bay area has a deep history of baseball dating back to 1913 when the Cubs moved their spring training operations to Tampa. Over the years, the region has hosted almost twenty teams and have welcomed ton of hall of famers to play ball in the Sunshine State. In addition to professional baseball, the year-round good weather of Tampa makes the region a great spot to host amateur baseball tournaments throughout the year. (Photo: July 11, 2013)

There is no better way to hit the water than by going kayaking. One part exercise, one part leisure and all adventure, kayaking is a great way to explore the coast and shallows. A great place to go is Emerson Point Reserve. Start your journey through a mangrove tunnel which leads you into the bay were you can kayak along with schools of fish, a few dolphins and maybe even take a swim. (Photo of the Day: July 10, 2013)

During World War II when the nation was out helping stop the Nazis from taking over Europe, Orlando was busy training the brave soldiers who would defend our country. Orlando was home to the Orlando Army Air Base and Pinecastle Army Air Field. As the armed services evolved over the years and the Air Force was created, they would merge and become McCoy Air Force Base located at the home of present day Orlando International Airport. McCoy would remain in service until 1976. After closure, the runways were transferred over to Orlando International Airport. But the McCoy roots are still visible with the airports code MCO. The military history of Orange County is on display at the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando. (Photo: July 9, 2013)