Blog Archives

@Pensacola - Old Town, Lighthouse, and the Naval Air Station

4/18/2021

Pensacola is one of the oldest and most historic cities in America, with a settlement that predated even St. Augustine's (but only lasted a short time). Pensacola became part of the U.S. in 1821, and it was officially incorporated in 1825. Its history far predates this time, and it was ruled by five different flags in its history. It is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle.

Pensacola is the site of the first Spanish settlement within the borders of the continental United States in 1559, predating the establishment of St. Augustine by 6 years, although the settlement was abandoned due to a hurricane and not re-established until 1698. Pensacola is a seaport on Pensacola Bay, which is protected by the barrier island of Santa Rosa and connects to the Gulf of Mexico. A large United States Naval Air Station, the first in the United States, is located southwest of Pensacola near Warrington; it is the base of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team and the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Suggestions for Photo Opportunities:
* Naval Air Museum
* Pensacola Lighthouse
* The Historic District
* Fort Pickens
* Pensacola Pass
* Pensacola Beach Pier

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@White Springs - Florida's first tourist attraction

4/15/2021

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"White Springs is on the Suwannee River in Northeast Florida, about 25 miles south of the Georgia state line. It is home to Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. The time we first found the attraction, it was a beautiful day, sun shining and we were able to walk the top viewing area. We had a terrible storm that hit the area in 2021 (?) and the entire area was flooded and access to the structure was unavailable to anyone. My only option was to capture this condition via drone. Sad. Florida Back Roads Travel says ... "White Springs became noticed by tourists in the 1830s when it was believed bathing in the local sulfur spring was good for your health."

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"Come on, if you found out that the Florida's first tourist attraction was in the Panhandle and not too far off the beaten path to our travel route to Biloxi - one has to stop and explore. So on our trip we decided photograph this historical setting that years ago had claims of the sulfur waters having healing waters. The location in White Springs easier to find, and the arena of the sulfur baths housing was sound, maintained and attractive. We walked down from the parking area to the entrance steps walked and then up to the balcony walk around the top side of the attraction. I took several photographs and add to my 'Unique and Historical' website theme.

Then some time later, we decided to stop by again on our way to see the general store in town and to what the shape of the attraction was. Totally flooded and 70% underwater!

Suggested Photo Opportunities
* White Sulfur Springs Attraction
* Local Historic Homes
* 1885 Adams Country Store

Resources:
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Springs,_Florida
White Sulfur Springs ... https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/white-sulfur-springs-ruins

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@Dunedin - Causeway

4/14/2021

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The Dunedin Causeway is a two and a half mile stretch of that connects Bayshore Boulevard to the entrance of Honeymoon Island State Park! Both sides of the causeway are bordered by St Joseph Sound. There’s plenty of free parking available along the causeway on the parallel access areas and there’s amenities too, so all you have to do is bring your towel and your sunscreen! Or, if you prefer, your fishing gear or your gear for your favorite watercraft activity! There is plenty to do out there and it’s just a gorgeous place to take in one of our famous Florida sunsets!

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The Causeway is a favorite location for locals - daily and weekends. Each side of the Causeway offers both beach access and parking for vehicles. You can rent Kayaks, just chill on the beach, sunbath or share good times with friends. There is a nice extended walk along Causeway Blvd.

Photo Ops:

Sunrise
Kayak Rental shop at Golden Hour, and day & night Twilight
Racked kayaks - ready for next day rental

Resources:
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunedin_Causeway
Causeway Beach ... sandbardunedin.com/dunedin-causeway-beach/

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@Palm Harbor - Ozona & Crystal Beach

4/14/2021

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Palm Harbor has a rich history of cattlemen, farmers, and citrus growers, among other professions. Palm Harbor is also noted for being a pioneer town and later a resort and college town! Settlers came from the northern areas such as Chicago, Illinois and Tennessee to enjoy the weather but mainly to work hard and establish industries, merchant stores and a viable means of support.

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What we know of Palm Harbor is limited. We have not really explored the town, even though parts of it are known - Ozona (where most of the photos are posted below). It is a neighbor of Safety Harbor and very similar in culture, shopping and dining opportunities. We need to take some time and explore further.

Photo Opportunities: