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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Florida's Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The Florida Sunshine Skyway Bridge underwent a transformation after 1980 when a barge veered into the old bridge and took out the pillons-- Friday May 9th, 1980.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtaBhDlFl60 The disaster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY2dMoK7G5Y The demolition

Today, the new bridge carries millions of cars each year and has been renamed the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It is a gorgeous suspension bridge of great elegance. The remains of the old bridge are still to be seen on both sides of the new bridge. They have been transformed into fishing bridges much like what happened to "Old Seven" - the old 7 mile bridge in the Florida Keys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64n97hX3Npw Today March 2013

Monday, March 11, 2013

Crystal River, Florida

The northwest coast of Florida along the Crystal River and Homosassa Springs is referred to as the "Nature Coast." While it certainly is less developed than the rest of the state, it is for good reason--- a nuke plant sitting at the mouth of the Crystal River along the gulf tidal salt flats. Miles and miles of transmission lines send energy to the central part of Florida which is choked with traffic and tract homes. There is nature to be found here but always under the shadow of the nuclear facility. I found a beautifal little beach nearby that harbors some very unusual shorebirds- rare ones. More than meets the eye here.

Ft. Island Gulf Beach - a man-made island of sand among the salt marshes.

Black Skimmers (shearwaters) grouped by species at the beach
A banded Royal Tern
Royal Terns
Black Headed Laughing Gulls
Laughing Gull Portrait
Sanderling
Ruddy Turnstone
Crystal River Nuclear Facility
Gulf Coast Salt Marsh
Road Sign in Crystal River
 
I'm working on it....... I really am.
March 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Boyd Hill State Preserve St. Pete, Florida

 
February 28th, 2013. Driving north from the Florida Keys I met a friend at Boyd Hill State Preserve in St. Pete, Florida. Strolling the preserve, we ran into a few things.

 
Roseate Spoonbill and Anhinga

Roseate Spoonbill
 
Roseate Spoonbill wing expanse
Bench Plate Marking Dedicated Bench for Lisa Salt's Father
Dedicated Bench for Annette Sanchez Baesel's Mother
Annette
View from Lisa Salt's Dedicated Bench to her father- Boyd Hill State Preserve
 Bench Plate