The Wandering Disciple

A World War II era aircraft sits on the apron of the AirTrek hangar at Punta Gorda Airport kicking off air show time in Southwest Florida. While the show is still a few weeks away, last night sponsors and the media got a sneak peak at what's in store for this year's show. From World War II to today's modern fighters to a collection of civilian acrobats, the 40th anniversary of the Florida International Air Show has something for everyone in the family. The show takes place October 16 and 17 at the Punta Gorda Airport. (Photo: September 29, 2021)

In just a few short weeks, the sound of aircraft will fill the air over Southwest Florida as the Florida International Air Show returns to the Punta Gorda Airport.  To help kick off the FIAS season, the board of directors hosted a celebration for sponsors and media to give a look at what this year's show has to offer.   Celebrating it's 40th anniversary, the 2021 Florida International Air Show will feature a star studded lineup featuring headliners from the US Air Force as well as top civilian acts.   The main event of the show will be the F-16 Viper Demo team.  Based out of Shaw Air Force Base and piloted by Major Garret "Toro" Schmitz, the demo features the F-16 Fighting Falcon showcasing the speed and maneuverability of the Air Force's fighter.  Reaching speeds of Mach 2, the F-16 has been a major contributor to the air superiority since its introduction in 1979.  In addition to being part of the single ship demo team, the F-16 is also the airc...

Baby Gronk plays with a boulder at ZooTampa. For those of you who watched the Secrets of the Zoo, you got to follow the pregnancy journey of Jamie and Johnny, the zoo's pair of endangered Indian Rhinos. Baby Gronk named after Tampa Bay Bucs tight end Rob Gronkowski was born in September 2020. If you enjoy the Nat Geo show, you can now go behind the scenes of the zoo and see the Secrets of the Zoo first hand through a private tour and witness firsthand the inner workings of the zoo. (Photo: December 28, 2020)

An anhinga sits along the lake with its wings spread in the Florida sun, drying out so it can take flight. Unlike most water fowl, the anhinga lack oil glands to keep their wings dry. So after its dive, it needs to perch on land, fluff its feathers and stretch out to dry in the sun. (Photo: December 26, 2020)

The colorful seeds of the Cardboard Cycad provide a splash of color on the forest floor. The seeds are buried deep in the heart of the plant and are rather difficult to germinate. As a result, the plants are illegally harvested causing the plant to become endangered. While the seeds may look inviting to eat, the plant is highly poisonous to animals and humans. (Photo: December 25, 2020)

A red shouldered hawk sits atop a snag at Myakka River State Park in eastern Sarasota. The park is home to many birds of prey like this hawk and much more. The red shouldered hawk sits high above on a perch in a tree or utlity pole scanning the ground below for small mammals. They soar in and catch they prey undetected. Red shouldered hawks are plentiful in the Southeastern US and range up the east coast and along the west coast. (Photo: December 25, 2020)

The US Air Force Heritage Flight is a flying tribute to generations of American air power. Formed on December 6, 2010, the heritage flight travels the country as a living tribute to those who have served and continue to serve. Each performance mixes modern day fighters with fighters from World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. On this particular heritage flight at the 2020 Holiday Flying Festival in Lakeland, the heritage flight featured the P-51 Mustang, F-16 Fighting Falcon and the newest fighter the F-35 Lightning II. (Photo: December 5, 2020)