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End of the Day

This is at the very tip end of Anna Maria Island locally known as Bean Point. My wife and I came here last night to catch the sunset and take a few photos. We lingered until dark, relishing every last bit of the pastel hues and warm water until we knew we must go. On our way out we stopped at the local ice cream shop and to our surprise there was a line out the door. I thought to myself, what an iconic little village, and what better way to enjoy a Sunday evening than watch the sunset and stop for ice cream on the way home.

This is at the very tip end of Anna Maria Island locally known as Bean Point. My wife and I came here last night to catch the sunset and take a few photos. We lingered until dark, relishing every last bit of the pastel hues and warm water until we knew we must go. On our way out we stopped at the local ice cream shop and to our surprise there was a line out the door. I thought to myself, what an iconic little village, and what better way to enjoy a Sunday evening than watch the sunset and stop for ice cream on the way home.

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Urban Sunset

Because I live in Florida there's water everywhere. Inlets, bays, waterways, rivers, ...the list goes on. So this is an urban sunset, meaning that I just happen to be driving by the water and pulled over to take a picture. Every day the sun sets on urban areas, but somehow the fact that there's a body of water makes it just a little bit special. Don't you think so?

Because I live in Florida there’s water everywhere. Inlets, bays, waterways, rivers, …the list goes on. So this is an urban sunset, meaning that I just happen to be driving by the water and pulled over to take a picture. Every day the sun sets on urban areas, but somehow the fact that there’s a body of water makes it just a little bit special. Don’t you think so?

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Coquina Beach Walkway

A portion of the walkway at Coquina Beach. This row of change stations and containers caught my eye the other day. On the weekend everyone comes here because it is simply one of the most beautiful beaches. And since this is Florida, it pretty much stays that way all year round.

A portion of the walkway at Coquina Beach. This row of change stations and containers caught my eye the other day. On the weekend everyone comes here because it is simply one of the most beautiful beaches. And since this is Florida, it pretty much stays that way all year round.

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Coquina Beach Sunset

Earlier today I read that this beach was rated number five in the

Earlier today I read that this beach was rated number five in the “Top Ten Island Beaches for Perfect Sand” by Conde Nast Traveler. I thought to myself, hey, that’s MY beach. Fortunately we had nice clouds so I headed down this evening for a shoot. I’ve taken a lot of pictures of this beach, it’s by far my favorite. No matter how many times I come here the results are always the same, I go home relaxed and feeling much better.

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Dakin Dairy Shed

This was taken at Dakin Dairy farm here in Manatee County. I imagine this big shed is so the cows can find shade during the long hot Florida summer. As a rule I don't drink a lot of milk, however they have a milk bar where you can get fresh bottled milk. It was the freshest milk I've had in a long while. If I had to guess I'd say they were happy cows. And living out here in the country, why not?

This was taken at Dakin Dairy farm here in Manatee County. I imagine this big shed is so the cows can find shade during the long hot Florida summer. As a rule I don’t drink a lot of milk, however they have a milk bar where you can get fresh bottled milk. It was the freshest milk I’ve had in a long while. If I had to guess I’d say they were happy cows. And living out here in the country, why not?

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Sailboat Sunrise

The waterways around here are typically sheltered from the ocean by keys. Most people think Florida's keys are at the southern tip, such as Key West, but we have them up and down the west coast along the Gulf of Mexico. All manner of sail and power boats travel up and down, stopping in little towns along the way, there are restaurants and shops catering to these unique sailors. And because the water is calm you will always find boats docked here which can make for some nice pictures if you manage get up around sunrise.

The waterways around here are typically sheltered from the ocean by keys. Most people think Florida’s keys are at the southern tip, such as Key West, but we have them up and down the west coast along the Gulf of Mexico. All manner of sail and power boats travel up and down, stopping in little towns along the way, there are restaurants and shops catering to these unique sailors. And because the water is calm you will always find boats docked here which can make for some nice pictures if you manage get up around sunrise.

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Old Rod and Reel

The Rod and Reel is a favorite spot of the locals on Anna Maria Island in central Florida. I took this before they renovated due to fire. No worries, it's just as laid back as it ever, the atmosphere hasn't changed a bit which is a very good thing. This is where you come when you just want to get away from it all and pretend you're on a tropical island somewhere.

The Rod and Reel is a favorite spot of the locals on Anna Maria Island in central Florida. I took this before they renovated due to fire. No worries, it’s just as laid back as it ever, the atmosphere hasn’t changed a bit which is a very good thing. This is where you come when you just want to get away from it all and pretend you’re on a tropical island somewhere.

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Before Rush Hour

This is one of the many bridges in Manatee County here in central Florida. The river is about a half mile wide at this point so the bridge is good size. But growth in our area has this and a nearby bridge filled to capacity during rush hour. So now they are looking at building yet another, or possibly making this one bigger. I took this as early one morning when the only rush was of the water under the bridge.

This is one of the many bridges in Manatee County here in central Florida. The river is about a half mile wide at this point so the bridge is good size. But growth in our area has this and a nearby bridge filled to capacity during rush hour. So now they are looking at building yet another, or possibly making this one bigger. I took this as early one morning when the only rush was of the water under the bridge.

Click on photo to enlarge

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Robinson Preserve Walkway

This iconic setting is at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton Florida. It's by far my favorite preserve near home and I come here as often as I can. Pelicans, Eagles and everything in between thrive here and you'll see them just about every time you come. Once in a while I'll rent a kayak and paddle through the miles of mangroves, inlets and saltwater marshes that create a natural habitat. This spot is a favorite as you can walk across and observe the mangroves, sea life and all manner of wildlife from just a few feet away.

This iconic setting is at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton Florida. It’s by far my favorite preserve near home and I come here as often as I can. Pelicans, Eagles and everything in between thrive here and you’ll see them just about every time you come. Once in a while I’ll rent a kayak and paddle through the miles of mangroves, inlets and saltwater marshes that create a natural habitat. This spot is a favorite as you can walk across and observe the mangroves, sea life and all manner of wildlife from just a few feet away.

Click on photo to enlarge

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Holmes Beach Lifeguard Stand

This is Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island here in Florida. Something about coming to the beach helps ease the other things that are less pleasant. I guess that's perspective, and every now and then I like coming here to get a little of that. Perfect way to begin the weekend dontcha think?

This is Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island here in Florida. Something about coming to the beach helps ease the other things that are less pleasant. I guess that’s perspective, and every now and then I like coming here to get a little of that. Perfect way to begin the weekend dontcha think?

Click on photo to enlarge