Light it up!

With the click of a slow-speed camera shutter and the turn of the zoom lens, a colorful explosion of Christmas lights illuminate from the darkness during the recent Holiday Boat Parade at the Bradenton Yacht Club. 

From the glowing Menorah candles of Hanukkah, Judaism’s Festival of Lights, to the various colored Christmas bulbs illuminating trees, houses, golf carts, or a boat in this case, it is a season of light. 

A season of celebration, family, giving and rededication, all lights in their own right that overcome the darkness. 

Have a blessed holiday and new year.

-Grant Jefferies

Kids Shop for Christmas with Cops

Bradenton's annual Honoring the Badge Christmas-time gift event pairs Bradenton Police Department officers with families in the community as they shop together for toys at the local Toys R Us.  Funded in cooperation with Kingdom Life Christian Church, this will be the event's fifth year.  It was great to see uniformed officers and clean-cut detectives helping bring smiles to the faces of needy children Tuesday as they teamed up to find gifts.  Each child had a $25 gift card to spend and the officers, many with families themselves, helped them keep track of the tally as they perused the aisles.  Here, Officer C. Ward lends a little extra hand to a family as she holds their baby, 5 month-old Roshyia, while checking out a gift with Roshyia's brother , 7 year-old Robert.  It's multitasking at its best, and apart from the obvious good will effort, I'm willing to bet there's a good chance that this brief but positive encounter between officers and children will make a lasting impression on many young minds and hearts.  Best wishes to the BPD and look forward to seeing you next year!
-pvidela@bradenton.com

Remembering Christmases Past

There's only one shopping week left until Christmas!  If you're feeling a little burned out from navigating the endless aisles of big-box stores while holiday shopping for everyone on your gift list, it might be time to take a little breather!
At the Manatee County Agricultural Museum in Palmetto's Historical Park, there's a whole host of vintage Christmas toys and decorations arranged into thoughtful displays that are sure to bring back even the most sleepy childhood memories of years past.    But be prepared! Any children in tow will be sure to fire off lots of questions, most of which will relate to how you ever survived childhood with such, "boring," toys.
Ah, here's to those simpler times, when whiz-bang didn't have a screen, run on batteries, or require a credit card and email address.  And if you dropped it, it probably wouldn't break, because it was made of wood and metal, and in the grand old U.S. of A.
- pvidela@bradenton.com

Framed at sea

A sailboat is framed in the leaves of sea grape plants as it glides upon tranquil waters of the Manatee River.

Crisp blue skies, steady winds and cooler temperatures turn the stifling dog days of summer into a distant memory.

Humidity, thunderstorms, and sweat give way to increased traffic on the roads and longer lines, as visitors from the north migrate to the area to escape the probability of brutal snowy winter.

But who can blame them, this is one of the best times of the year, now is a good time to get out and enjoy it!

-Grant Jefferies

Catch of the Day

A Snowy Egret turns its head to the side as it arranges a scaled sardine for a nice little side meal at Coquina Bayside Park.

The “tiny dancer with yellow slippers” according to the Ultimate Guide to Birds of Lakewood Ranch, once was hunted and killed in the 1800’s for its plumage that was used to decorate ladies’ hats.

The shorebird is currently protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 which has led to its’ population growth. As for the fish, a “razor belly” some may call it, its scales never adorn ladies’ hats and fish-odor perfume may not be in vogue, but it did make a good meal for this hungry bird.

-Grant Jefferies

Let your ears flap in the wind!

While driving along Manatee Avenue with my window open enjoying the brisk breeze, I was passed by a car where the passenger was also taking in the fresh air.

The passenger’s long hairy ears were airborne as it poked its head out of the car’s sunroof. This was one happy dog.

With the wind in its face and the open road ahead, this dog was sitting in doggie heaven. No doubt a notch or two above hanging out the side window like I was doing.

A quick shot with the camera was about all I could do as the car and wind-blown K-9 disappeared in a long line of traffic heading west on the busy street.

Dogs are man’s best friend, so let your best friend’s ears and tongue flap in the wind. If you do not have a sunroof in your car, get one, your dog will thank you.

-Grant Jefferies

Osprey detente

I had a bad experience-traumatic-but now I can look into the steely eyes of the fish-hunting raptor without diving for cover.

It began innocently enough; a balmy evening, the swing of the bat at G.T. Bray, the setting sun.

Then, it hit me.

On the side of the head.

I reached up to explore what it was-and smooshed it into my hair.

Osprey poop.

Or more precisely: the droppings of ‘Pandion haliaetus.’

The baseball players I was photographing laughed and pointed; my feelings about the situation were less amused.

But that’s all in the past now. I’m on good terms with the fishermen of the sky.

As long as I have my hat on.

--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Never Forget

Fred Fisher carries a flag as he walks down the Green Bridge onto Eighth Avenue to the Tribute to Heroes Memorial Service on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 at Palmetto's Sutton Park.

Fisher lost a good friend, Jerry Olcott, on Sept. 11, 2001, when a plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center.

Eleven years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, many of us remember where we were that day when we heard the terrible news. I was with members of the Secret Service at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport watching it unfold on a small television in a security room, then rushed onto the tarmac where Air Force One was waiting to take off with President George W. Bush.

In reality, this is trivial compared to those, like Fisher who lost loved ones in the attack. Their memory is not so much where they were, but who they lost. Yes, may we never forget their loss and remember the strengths of our great nation to carry on.

-Grant Jefferies

Shhhh....

 

While making a rather noisy trip down the stairs while shooting photographs of the first day of school at Palm View Elementary, I rounded the corner and was greeted by a wall of kindergartners. 

The young students, with a finger over their lips, put the fear of the principal’s office in me. Behaving in line was never my best subject. It was a good thing the principal was my escort and she showed mercy on the first day of class. 

The start of a new school year and the end of the summer vacation is an unofficial season that should be marked on calendars right there with spring, summer, fall and winter. 

And the best thing is, there are only 179 days of school left.

-Grant Jefferies

Fueling Up for Football

As the summer winds down and a new school year looms on the horizon, armies of warriors prepare for a new season of battle on the gridiron, as high school football gets set for its opening kickoff.

Practicing during the day with heat indexes often soaring over 100 degrees, staying hydrated is just as important as hiking, punting and passing.

Here, thirsty players at Bradenton Christian School gather around a watering station, half drinking and half showering in the cool water to temporarily escape from the heat.

But not to fear, by the final weeks of the football frenzy, we will all be wondering where our jackets are and trying to stay warm.

-Grant Jefferies

Peaceful and Powerful

A lone helicopter flies over west Manatee County, dwarfed by a background of clouds rising thousands of feet into the air.

In heat of summer, the immense canvas of blue sky is painted with flowing mountains of white and gray.

Observed from the distance the array of soaring moisture appears peaceful and delicate. But as the distant battle on the horizon moves closer, the crack of lightning and the roar of thunder quickly remind us of the awe-inspiring forces of nature.

-Grant Jefferies

Something to flap about

At a recent assignment Way Out East...(anything east of I75 for those who live in West Bradenton) I was surprised by the frantic display of this sandhill crane who was dancing around and acting funky.

The bird was leaping and flapping and generally behaving in an un-birdlike manner, which can make for an interesting image if you actually get your camera up and firing instead of standing and gawking with incomprehension.

After finally getting a look at what all the fuss was about, it seems to be a piece of hay or grass.

Not something that I would flap about, but if you're a sandhill crane, maybe.


--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Teaching the next generation

Childhood and politics.

Not really sure they go together, but teaching our children the political process and making them aware of how America selects the folks who ultimately shape the country's future is probably a good idea.

When I was a child, I remember asking my mother a lot of questions "why."

Why is there war, crime, poverty, sadness...things that, to a child, seem to have easy answers:
Be kind; don't take things that don't belong to you; respect others; share if you have extra.

Too bad solving all the world's ills isn't that easy.

Or is it?

While covering a recent Presidential campaign stop in Tampa, I came across Breanna Duhart, 8, reading "Barack Obama, Our President" as she waited in line with her family to see President Obama at the Hillsborough Community College in Tampa.

Maybe when Breanna grows up, she'll have some ideas.

--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Manatee Antics at the South Florida Museum

As the old saying goes: It takes two to tango, but three to make a party. And over at the Parker Manatee Aquarium, right now it is a party!

The lead-in to this Saturday's birthday celebration for Snooty the Manatee, who is turning 64, has been full of activity as television, print and web journalists have been training their lenses and notepads on all the underwater antics going on at the South Florida Museum.

And while Snooty has spent decades getting used to all the attention, his tankmates are still new to the experience. So when heís busy working the spotlight, his tankmates Charlie and Epac (that's Charlie on the left), will sometimes manuever in to steal the scene as if to say, "Hey you, check it! I can do tricks too! Rub my belly!"

But 'ol Snooty, who's gracefully slipped into the background of this photo at right, doesn't seem to mind when he's upstaged by the "kids."


-Paul Videla

Favorite spots

It's a favorite spot of mine.
I don't fish or hang out there, but every time I cycle down Riverview I try to stop atop the little bridge, breathe in deep, and enjoy. There are a few places like these around town; places I enjoy...Green Bridge, the shady trees at G.T. Bray, Loop Road early in the morning.
It's good to see others enjoying them, too.
Fishermen, cyclists, gawkers, and dog walkers.
Dog-riding cyclists.
Enjoying the day.

-Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/07/09/4107944/gallery.html#storylink=cpy

After the storm

Under a clear sky painted orange by a setting sun, Clayton Robertson holds the hand of his 3-year-old granddaughter, Logan Robertson, as they walk along Bradenton’s Memorial Pier.

Just days before, a slow moving tropical storm named Debby pounded the area with strong winds and heavy rains, leaving her mark on area beaches and a strewn mess to clean up.

But when Debby moved, she took the storm clouds with her, leaving us with pristine skies and spectacular sunsets - appreciated even more after the storm.

The glowing canopy of orange is like our own colorful rainbow, Florida style.

-Grant Jefferies

To help a struggling cowboy

Wearing a brimmed hat and sporting a shiny belt buckle, Rodney Crosby slid out of his pickup truck and walked with a slight limp over to his horse Cash.  Cash’s ears perked up as the former state and national rodeo champion talked to the well-groomed horse.

This is the same horse Crosby was riding when he was injured in a steer-roping competition, separating his pelvis.  The challenge of roping a steer or busting a bucking bronco is in the past; now Crosby is fighting medical bills and unemployment.

Fortunately Crosby has the support of his friends and family, and some folks he has never met, to help. Supporters are holding the Rodney Crosby Benefit Rodeo on Saturday, June 23, at 11 a.m. at Winding Trails Ranch located at 3105 405th Court East in Myakka City.

For a $5 donation, you can watch rodeo teams display their skills and help a struggling cowboy. 

-Grant Jefferies

No lion-coach was a hit

What could make the last day of school even better?

Teachers dressed up in silly costumes and singing and dancing--that could do it.

As the excited students of Blackburn Elementary School gathered in their cafeteria for a special program, teachers were giggling backstage, putting on costumes and setting up props as they prepared to perform their hearts out for the kids.

The kids loved every second of it.

One of the most amusing moments was when the school’s athletic coach, Austin Cleveland, pranced onto the stage with whiskers and a tail.

He stayed in character as the children shrieked with laughter, and managed to strut off stage before cracking a smile.

It was a great way to end the school year, and a great way to start summer; with smiles.


--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Palmetto's Divine Destiny Dance Team Inspires

As congregation members at Mt. Raymond Full Baptist Church in Palmetto prepare for this weekend's 2nd annual Gospel in the Park celebration, the young dancers of the church's Divine Destiny Dance Team rehearses to the tune of, "My Testimony," Thursday.  Pictured is Jasmine Williams, who was accompanied by her little sister Kayla during rehearsals.

~ Paul Videla

Help along the way

Senior class sponsor, 5-foot tall Ann Fleury, uses a chair to help 6-foot 3-inch tall Shane Blair with his graduation cap as he prepares for the 2012 Lakewood Ranch High School commencement ceremony at the Manatee Convention Center in Palmetto.

It is estimated that it takes 20 support personnel to put one soldier into battle. For a graduate it takes an army. The cafeteria lady, teachers, bus drivers, janitors, coaches, school nurse, facility and family are just a few of the people it takes to get a graduate on the stage, shake hands and moved the tassel.

Congratulations to that army and to the graduates as they begin the next chapter of in their life.

-Grant Jefferies

The Little Marauders Fan

I get distracted, easily at times, from my main purpose at assignments.

But that can be a good thing.

Like when I spotted this young Marauders fan noodling around on the handrails at McKechnie Field.

His mother and father were adept at multi-tasking; holding food, carrying on a brief conversation, and keeping their two children from getting in the path of passing fans.

Happily I didn't miss any important plays as I got this shot before he latched onto his father's hand for a trip to the young mens' room.

Yeah, I'm a sucker for Cute.

Who isn't?

--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Flash of color

Photographers usually don't have high hopes for the opportunity to make a creative image at a luncheon assignment; but occasionally we can be surprised.

As I was scanning the area for something different, I spotted a woman dressed in a very unusual outfit with a brightly colored shawl. She was peeking at the crowd from behind a wall, waiting for her musical cue to make a dramatic entrance.

Suddenly, she was dashing into the courtyard and I barely had time to raise my camera and fire a couple of frames before she was in the sunlight, dancing for the crowd.

I had a nice image of her dancing for the paper, but I like this one much better.


--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Getting a grip on golf

Michael Visacki of Sarasota loses his grip on his club after teeing off on the second hole during a U.S. Open local qualifier at the Waterlefe Golf and River Club.

Golf, the popular game of smacking a small ball into a little hole while walking numerous miles with heavy metal clubs strapped to your back, is I believe, one of the most difficult sports to photograph.

Just finding the assigned players to photograph can be a challenge. After begging, borrowing or stealing a golf cart, you head out on a vast frontier of greens, tees and holes. The golfers are already playing and now you’ve got to find, shoot and identify them. To add to the challenge, by U.S. Open rules, you are not allowed to talk to the players, whoops; here I plead the Fifth Amendment.

After locating your subject, you hope for something interesting to photograph. Sand flying, clubs wrapped around trees, players crying, are all good, but it always happens on other holes.

To all the golf photographers out there, your hard work, great photos and patience do not go unappreciated.

By the way, when they yell “Fore” what does that mean anyway?

-Grant Jefferies

Party planning: Journos prepare for the Tampa Republican National Convention

Speeches, speeches, and more speeches. 

The only thing that may outnumber the speeches could be the number of journalists covering the Republican National Convention in Tampa. 

15,000 of them, according to the GOP convention web site.

So, a little party planning took place yesterday to inform the working press of the technicalities of doing the job. 

Lighting, work space, security, vendors, lodging, telecommunications, transportation, parking; just to list a few of the subjects touched upon.

Just a walk through. 

But come August, it'll be the real thing.

We'll be ready.

--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

The Frog Shower

There's nothing like a soothing bath to lift your spirits. But as I discovered this past Friday -- beware the bathroom interloper!

Out of the corner of my eye I spied a curious and apparently agile four-legged shadow creeping up the other side of the smooth fabric of the shower curtain. Enter the Cuban tree frog!

Not one to turn away interesting visitors, I decided to let him enjoy his surroundings, figuring the extra moisture was a welcome relief for this amiable invader compared to the bone-dry terra firma outside.

The would-be bather even struck a nice pose for the camera - perching at the top of the curtain and resting the pads of his hands on the curtain rod as if to say, "Ahhhh..."

-- Paul Videla

Lady Mustangs in Final Four

A hair bow rests on a bucket of softballs and not far away, between the sounds of bats cracking and softballs thumping into gloves, there was chatter among the players.

The ball buzz was not of Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle, but of makeup, hair color, necklaces, outfits and sunburns from a recent trip to the beach. One player hoped Nike would come out with a dress, with the replay, “That would be so awesome!”

The Lakewood Ranch Mustangs softball team is on their way to the Class 6A Final Four softball semifinals where they will play Pembroke Pines Charter High School on Wednesday at the National Training Center Softball Complex in Clermont.

Play well and do not forget your hair bow.

-Grant Jefferies

What's that in the water?

So, there were some reports of a sludge-like goo in the water at the beach. Oil? Pollution? No, it turns out that it's just a naturally-occurring algae.

When I went out to the beach to check it out, all I could find were folks taking in the amazing natural beauty that we are blessed with every day.

So what did I do?

I took my shoes and socks off and walked into the water.

Purely to better do my job, of course.

It was worth every single grain of sand I (or my adoring husband) will later need to vacuum from my car.

Aaahhhh.

Honk for Peace

Young Atticus Pratt, 6, holds up two fingers to form the legendary peace sign. His other hand grasps a faded poster-board sign that reads, “Honk for Peace.”

Older demonstrators surrounded the young protestor during an Occupy Bradenton rally at the corner of First Street and Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton.

Atticus’ skills are that of a veteran protestor from attending protests for several years, quickly responding to passing cars with some honking in approval.

It is good to know that the First Amendment has no age limits.

-Grant Jefferies

"Me" time

"Me" time. Everybody needs it.

Ally Ridenour, 18 months, came to that understanding during her sister's softball game at the Lakewood Ranch sports fields recently.

While big sis was hopefully rounding the bases a few yards away, Ally was taking a moment.

Not for anything specific, really. It was just time to sit on the ground with her baby doll.

Cheers and whoops from the field rang out as she sat in the gravel, parents watching close by.

Ally's mom smiled, no doubt hoping for her own 'me' time in the near future.

But for now, it was Ally time.

--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/04/30/4019113/gallery.html#storylink=cpy

The Interloper

   Hot on the trail of this weekend's re-enactment of Hernando DeSoto's historic landing on "La Florida" at the DeSoto National Monument, captured by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie, I decided to pay a visit to the venerable park in northwestern Bradenton.
 
   Dog in tow (this is a popular pooch-friendly park), I took advantage of some of the life-size photographic cut-outs depicting would-be natives and conquistadors that pepper the meandering trails in the park.

   Some of which are accompanied by little historical anecdotes, and some offer no explanation at all. Without a comprehensive understanding of the precise meaning behind the sometimes bizarrely placed characters, I suppose it's up to the visitor to decide what to make of it all.

   Anyway, not one to exclude my trusty pooch, I couldn't resist this particular opportunity, captured by the ever-present cellphone:

 

--- Paul Videla  

  To see some photos of the actual re-enactment, which has been a source of controversy as far back as anyone can remember, here's a link: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/04/21/4008175/reenactment-of-historical-desoto.html#storylink=cpy

Scratching the ol' bird brain

Coming up with captions for a photograph can be at times a challenge. This photo had several options and if you have other ideas please let me know.

A sandhill crane can reach a height of four feet, with most of that length in its legs alone, so why not use them for something other that walking? Like doing a bird’s imitation of the famous Auguste Rodin statue, the Thinker. Or Tebowing? The former Denver quarterback was traded to the Jets and they fly too. A little aviary yoga is good for the bird-brain no doubt. Or maybe the bird is just scratching where it itches. Naa…it’s just thinking that it should've had a V-8.


-Grant Jefferies

Pre-race jitters; post-race victors

Race anxiety.

It plagues the pro’s, the amateurs, the age-groupers. I guess it can get to kids, too.

As a large group of kids were warming up before a series of children’s races prior to the Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K, I spotted these two young racers in the crowd.

They were surveying their competition with as much bravery as they could muster and shoring up their confidence with the strength that can only be provided by the presence of a good buddy holding your hand.

They soon learned what most of us figure out sooner or later.

When your legs start moving and the thrill of the race is on, worries and doubts are left in the dust.

Soon they were bedecked in medals and proudly posing for photographs.

Worries? Nope.

Until next time.

---Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

After the race was a different story...victory!

Heads Up!

With a sharp crack of the bat a ball is propelled into the grandstands and baseball fans find themselves in the game, literally!

The Pittsburgh Pirates were taking on the Tampa Bay Rays during a recent Grapefruit League spring training game at McKechnie Field when this hard ball went wayward.

Many foul balls have graced the fans in the stands. Some alert fans resort to cover, defending themselves with arms wrapped around their heads. Some watch with stoic bravery daring the ball to come their way. And then there are the armchair outfielders, prepared with glove in hand, as they think nothing about diving over three or four unwilling participants to make a spectacular catch.

But regardless who ultimately ends up with the prized ball, there is a resounding cheer from the crowd as the lucky backseat outfielder waves the ball in the air in triumph, all without spilling a drop of beer or a Cracker Jack.

After all spring training is good practice for both player and fan.

-Grant Jefferies

Dancing in the Square

It is not often you see people dancing in downtown Bradenton.

But last Wednesday, in the shadow the Professional Building, Bob and Barbara Hammond kicked up their heels dance to the Dixieland music of the Sea Notes Jazz Band during the Bradenton Courthouse Square Concert series at the Manatee County Historic Courthouse.

The couple revived a moment from the past, opening a brief time capsule of sorts -- the Professional Building dates back to 1926, an era when the sounds of Dixieland and jazz filled the air from old phonograph records and radios.

The old building is still standing and the music is still enjoyed by many some 86 years later.

The concerts are sponsored by Realize Bradenton, and will take place every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 25 at Bradenton’s historic Courthouse Square.

-Grant Jefferies

Fiddling around

Sometimes, while shooting an assignment like this one at the Manatee Players for their production of "Ring of Fire," I'll see something that intrigues me.
A detail, or several details, that may go together in an interesting way.
That's what happened when I saw the fiddle, cowgirl boots and lacy dress worn by Patricia Rogers.
"Hey, do you guys mind if I shoot something before we go on?" I asked of director Preston Boyd.
It just took a moment for Patricia to sit on the step and position her fiddle before we were moving on.
Hmm. I like it.

Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Do the Ducky!

It's been said that with the arrival of Spring comes a time of manifold possibility. Like these plastic baby ducks floating down a miniature river - a sideshow within a sideshow at the recent Cortez Fishing Festival -- the wide world is full of color and opportunity. Whether its pastel peeps wrapped in plastic at the grocery store or a pair of sandhill crane chicks stumbling behind their doting parents at a pond near you, here's a hearty welcome to Springtime and all that it brings! In the meantime, as the long hot summer dials in its approach course and the jumbled traffic of snowbird season starts to (thankfully) dwindle, may we all find our number in the jumble and win our own little slice of happiness - even if its just a few gobbled up peeps that don't survive the long trip home from the store! -- Paul Gonzalez Videla

The Birds and the Beaks

For several years now, around the start of spring, I have ventured out into the “wilderness” near Creekwood in East Manatee County to photograph sandhill chicks.

Each year the little fuzz-ball chicks have provided cute opportunities. Last year I photographed the chicks peeking out from their mother’s wing. It was a nice moment. Now, how do you top that with something different this year?

This year the chicks surprised even me. While laying on the ground holding a 300mm 2.8 lens, I was watching the little innocent chicks waddle through a patch of flowers, a nice touch I thought, a moment of sibling rivalry erupted and a sword fight ensued. Little beaks were clicking. One chick got a shot to the eye and the other retaliated with a poke in the face.

In my mind, this is cool…work through the itchy grass, focus, exposure, there is something crawling on me… Quickly the hostilities ceased and off they went, another bug meal from mom.

Grant Jefferies

Darling Duo

While cruisin' in my pollen-encrusted Toyota to meet with a peanut-butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, I came upon a girl driving a way-cooler ride, and she had a cute sidekick, too.

Ashlyn McClellan, 6, and, Ally, a terrier mix, were rolling sedately home after picking up a newspaper (ours, of course!) with her father, Brinton.

Ashlyn, on her spring break, told me she was enjoying her great-grandparents' visit. "They've been here a month," said Ashlyn, and then went on to describe all the various visitors they were expecting in the future.

Though the future house guests sound like they won't fit in Ashlyn's cool ride, they'll probably have fun just watching this darling duo.

--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Every bird needs a break, and so does the photographer.

After a stress-filled morning of sinking putts at great distances, skillfully driving a speeding golf cart over a vast tundra of fairways and instructing fellow golfers on the proper etiquette of play, the Pirate Parrot settled in a massage chair to have his feathers ruffled by licensed massage therapist Jan Thorsen of Elements Therapeutic Massage.

The photograph of the relaxed parrot was taken at the Pirates Charities’ Spring Training Golf Classic at Bradenton Country Club. I only shot a few frames and was distracted by someone and got sidetracked.

I forgot about the photo until I needed a gallery feature for last Monday. After tracking down the ID’s and writing the text, the picture lives again.

Well, at least my mom liked it.

--Grant Jefferies

Thank You

At spot news events we walk a fine line between where we want to be and where we are told to go.

Conversations with firefighters and law enforcement personnel are usually short; after all, they are busy doing their jobs.

So when I asked a tired, hot, dirty, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue firefighter for his name, I did not expect a “thank you.”

Jason Weissman had just moved a heavy supply hose after working a structure fire.

“Thank you for coming out and seeing what we do,” said Weissman, much to my surprise.

Thank you, Jason, and the rest of the firefighters along your side, for all you do to keep us safe.