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