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New Rod and Reel

This is the new Rod and Reel pier. The old one had a small fire and so the insides where refurbished and is now reopened. Actually is been several months since the reopening and its now back on our regular stops when we come to Anna Maria Island. This is one a must on any list if you're visiting the area. It's a favorite of locals and for good reason, down home good food and atmosphere that’s pretty darn good. I never even look at the menu when we show up here; blackened grouper sandwich and a Corona please!

This is the new Rod and Reel pier. The old one had a small fire and so the insides where refurbished and now reopened. Actually that was several months ago and its now back on our regular stops when on Anna Maria Island. This is a must on any list if you’re visiting the area. It’s a local favorite for good reason, great food and atmosphere that’s hard to beat. As I’m a local I never even look at the menu when I show up here; blackened grouper sandwich and a Corona. About as close as you can get to Margaritaville.

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Sunrise Over the Manatee River

I took this from the banks of the Manatee River as it flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the tides the river flows in both directions so it's not a typical river in that sense. We do see dolphins and manatees swimming by so it's always fun to look out over the water. That was the idea I had in mind when I took this, just get down low and look out across as the sun rises over the opposite bank.

I took this from the banks of the Manatee River as it flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the tides the river flows in both directions so it’s not a typical river in that sense. We do see dolphins and manatees swimming by so it’s always fun to look out over the water. That was the idea I had in mind when I took this, just get down low and look out across as the sun rises over the opposite bank.

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Path to the Beach

Here's a lifeguard stand on Anna Maria Island in the town of Bradenton Beach. It was only a few months ago that I took this and my how time flies, it's now the holiday season. I think when I took this I didn't give it much thought, ho hum, another beach shot. As I write this I'm up north in the cold and now it looks really good, as in I can't wait to get home. That inside joke about white sand up here, I get it. Time to trade my boots for a pair of sandals and reacquaint my feet with the real thing.

Here’s a lifeguard stand on Anna Maria Island in the town of Bradenton Beach. It was only a few months ago that I took this and my how time flies, it’s now the holiday season. I think when I took this I didn’t give it much thought, ho hum, another beach shot. As I write this I’m up north in the cold and now it looks really good, as in I can’t wait to get home. That inside joke about white sand up here, I get it. Time to trade my boots for a pair of sandals and reacquaint my feet with the real thing.

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Sunrise in Palmetto by the Water

I managed to get out early this morning to capture these crazy clouds we've had for the last few days. This is only three minutes from my home so I've been here many times and whenever I show up in the morning I see this same Heron. I think this is his little stretch of shoreline where he fishes and lives out his days under the Florida sun and stars. I've seen him so often that pretty soon we'll be on a first name basis, and then just maybe he'll ignore me while I take his picture.

I managed to get out early this morning to capture these crazy clouds we’ve had for the last few days. This is only three minutes from my home so I’ve been here many times and whenever I show up in the morning I see this same Heron. I think this is his little stretch of shoreline where he fishes and lives out his days under the Florida sun and stars. I’ve seen him so often that pretty soon we’ll be on a first name basis, and then just maybe he’ll ignore me while I take his picture.

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Lakewood Ranch

This is the road that straddles the county line along a planned community of Lakewood Ranch which has Polo fields, stables, lakes, trails and of course homes. As I was driving by one afternoon I stopped by a herd of cows grazing near the road. The cow pictures didn't come out too well but I like this one of the clouds as I turned the other way. I think that planned communities offer photographic opportunities if they have open spaces or are not completely developed. It kind of reminds me a little of Bendemeer in New Zealand, only without the rolling hills and mountains surrounding it.

This is the road that straddles the county line along a planned community of Lakewood Ranch which has Polo fields, stables, lakes, trails and of course homes. As I was driving by one afternoon I stopped by a herd of cows grazing near the road. The cow pictures didn’t come out too well but I like this one of the clouds as I turned the other way. I think that planned communities offer photographic opportunities if they have open spaces or are not completely developed. It kind of reminds me a little of Bendemeer in New Zealand, only without the rolling hills and mountains surrounding it.

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Coquina Sunset

This is one of those locations I just keep coming back to time and time again. It's an iconic location known as Coquina Beach at the south end of the town of Bradenton Beach. I have a lot more from this location in backlog, but at the rate that I collect them it might be a while before I get them all out. In any case here's one that seemed to convey a sense of serenity. I think I need a little of that to get me through the rest of the week.

This is one of those locations I just keep coming back to time and time again. It’s an iconic location known as Coquina Beach at the south end of the town of Bradenton Beach. I have a lot more from this location in backlog, but at the rate that I collect them it might be a while before I get them all out. In any case here’s one that seemed to convey a sense of serenity. I think I need a little of that to get me through the rest of the week.

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Time for a Break

Riverwalk in Bradenton Florida. It's the end of the week and I'm clean out of brain cells. As I lean against an allegorical lamp post and take a little break I think it's time to slow down, change gears and regroup before another crazy week. I hope you are getting a little break as well; we all work so hard. Nice to just chill once in a while. Dontcha think?

Riverwalk in Bradenton Florida. It’s the end of the week and I’m clean out of brain cells. As I lean against an allegorical lamp post and take a little break I think it’s time to slow down, change gears and regroup before another crazy week. I hope you are getting a little break as well; we all work so hard. Nice to just chill once in a while. Dontcha think?

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Different Priorities

I'm up north, away from home, and the only white sand is for snow cones. I pulled this shot out of the archives to remind me that, ...well, I forgot already. Lets just say that back home in Florida the priorities are a little different and that's exactly why all these people up here in Connecticut are so productive, there's really nothing else to do. I'm not advocating one way or the other, just a simple reminder that if you were in Florida you would be sitting on a beach chair doing absolutely nothing. Aren't you glad you're not? BTW: This is model Alecia Lou Dorics on a shoot I did on Anna Maria Island a couple months ago for a local tourism magazine.

I’m up north, away from home, and the only white sand is for snow cones. I pulled this shot out of the archives to remind me that, …well, I forgot already. Lets just say that back home in Florida the priorities are a little different and that’s exactly why all these people up here in Connecticut are so productive, there’s really nothing else to do. I’m not advocating one way or the other, just a simple reminder that if you were in Florida you would be sitting on a beach chair doing absolutely nothing. Aren’t you glad you’re not? BTW: This is model Alecia Lou Dorics on a shoot I did on Anna Maria Island a couple months ago for a local tourism magazine.

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Bridge Street Sunrise

When I forgo a little sleep I get lucky, ...sometimes. On this morning it was so. Showing up is half the battle. Fleeting seconds of the sun starting it's ascent opposite the clock tower at the end of Bridge Street in the little town of Bradenton Beach. And now to catch up on a little sleep.

When I forgo a little sleep I get lucky, …sometimes. On this morning it was so. Showing up is half the battle. Fleeting seconds of the sun starting it’s ascent opposite the clock tower at the end of Bridge Street in the little town of Bradenton Beach. And now to catch up on a little sleep.

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Clouds Over the Water

I captured this earlier this evening close to my home in Palmetto Florida. We have some cool air and wind which created these long crazy clouds as the light of dusk painted the water. Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving holiday here in the states and among other things, I'm thankful for amazing displays like this every now and then.

I captured this earlier this evening close to my home in Palmetto Florida. We have some cool air and wind which created these long crazy clouds as the light of dusk painted the water. Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving holiday here in the states and among other things, I’m thankful for amazing displays like this every now and then.

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