The Wandering Disciple

A Malayan Tiger on patrol along the water of its habitat at ZooTampa.  The Malayan Tiger is a critically endangered tiger from the Malay peninsula.  Habitat loss and poaching has reduced the adult population in the wild to between 250-350 tigers.  As a result, zoos like ZooTampa have been trying to conserve the species through the conservation efforts.  (October 27, 2018) 

Greg Koontz demonstrates his flying skills as he lands on the smallest runway, an elevated platform on top of a pick-up truck, during his Alabama Boys comedy routine performed during the 2017 Florida International Air Show.  The routine features Koontz as Clem Cleaver, an Alabama boy, tries to redeem a flight instruction.  When the instructor refuses the lesson, Clem steals the airplane and takes it on a wild ride through the skies.  At one point Grandpa Cleaver tries to force Clem down with a shot gun, only to blow out the tire and force him to land on the back of a moving pick-up truck.  The Alabama Boys routine is just one of two routines that Koontz performs for airshows across the country.  (Photo: October 14, 2017)

  An Allegiant Air flight departs Punta Gorda Airport into another colorful Southwest Florida sunset.  Allegiant began servicing Punta Gorda Airport in 2008 and today is the sole air carrier of the airport.  Their service connects passengers to over 50 destinations throughout the country.  (Photo: October 13, 2007)

The command vehicle of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Fire-Rescue sits on display during the 2017 SCFD Open House.  This SUV becomes a mobile command center any time the fire department face a major incident and allows the incident commander a platform to be able to control the incident and manage his resources.  SRQ Fire-Rescue is responsible for the fire & emergency services for the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport ranging from aircraft emergencies on the airfield to medical emergencies in the terminal and even providing mutual aid to surrounding departments.  (Photo: October 7, 2017)

Lifeguards at Manasota Beach fly the red flag over their lifeguard stand due to dangerous water conditions at the beach.  The lifeguards use a flag system to report beach conditions at protected beaches.  Next time you are out at a beach with lifeguards, check the stand for the beach conditions before hitting the water. Green means normal, yellow means use caution, red means dangerous water conditions, double red flags mean the beach is closed to swimming and a purple flag mean dangerous marine life present.  But keep in mind, the flag is only displayed when the lifeguard stand is staffed.  (Photo: August 26, 2017)

A tiger wakes up from a cat nap at Big Cat Habitat in eastern Sarasota County. Much like a house cat, tigers spend much of their day resting or sleeping. In fact, a tiger can sleep 16-20 hours a day. This is mainly because they are conserving energy between hunts. You can get up close and learn about these beautiful big cats at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to lions and tigers and bears. The staff there will tell you about the animals, how they live in the wild and how their programs rescues these animals. (Photo: August 5, 2017)

Tampa Bay Rays minor league pitcher Chris Carden looks in for the signs during a 2017 Gulf Coast League game.  The communication between catcher and pitcher is one of the most critical links in the game.  From behind the plate, the catcher gives signs to the pitcher of what pitch to throw and moves the infielders into position to hopefully set-up the play and record an out.  (Photo: July 21, 2017)