tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627681729403268432024-03-13T12:23:18.548-07:00My Fort Myers Beach, My FloridaBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-31116609414285934202020-03-12T10:05:00.001-07:002020-03-12T14:38:44.183-07:00The 83rd Annual Sanibel Shell FestivalThe Sanibel Shell Show is part of the Sanibel Shell Festival that is held on the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday of March. This, the 83rd Annual Sanibel Shell Festival, is the largest and longest running shell show in the United States. The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club sponsors the show and distributes 100% of the profits from the show as gifts, grants & scholarships to marine educational programs.<br />
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Sign board of the Sanibel Community House, location of the Annual Shell Show</div>
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Front yard of the Community House, facing Periwinkle Way</div>
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The outdoor shell festival itself is free. It features shells, shell art, crafts, and books for sale. Admission to the shell show indoor exhibit in the Sanibel Community House is a $5 per-person donation. With this you also receive a bag of shells and a half-price ticket to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. </div>
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A vendor’s tent at the Shell Festival</div>
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Portico of the Community House and entrance to the shell show</div>
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Sandwich board advertisement for the show</div>
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Inside the shell show, competitive categories consist of the Scientific Division and the Artistic Division. Shell collectors and artists from around the world take part in the competition, and awards are made in a variety of categories. The 2019 festival brought in nearly 4,000 people to the exhibit hall at the Sanibel Community House. Chances are the festival this year will be bigger than ever.</div>
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Overview of the exhibit space</div>
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The Grand Hall exhibit area of the Scientific Division is in the foreground. In the background is the adjoining Community Room, where the Artistic Division is on display. The Scientific Division focuses on single shells and shell collections from Florida and around the world. The Artistic Division features works of art created primarily with shells and other sea life.</div>
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Bob, a visitor from Boston, looking over the exhibit<br />
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Pink Conch Shell<br />
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Shells of the Florida Keys<br />
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Hawk Wing Conch, Sanibel Island<br />
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Florida Fighting Conch from Blind Pass, Sanibel Island<br />
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True Tulip, Sanibel Island<br />
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Giant Atlantic Pyram, West Eleuthera, Bahamas<br />
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Gold Banded Cone, Kice Island (near Marco Island), Intertidal<br />
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Endive Murex, Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines<br />
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Turbinella laffertyi, Sofala Beira, Mozambique<br />
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Epitonium<br />
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This shell received the award of “Shell of the Show.” It was dredged at 100 fathoms, near Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands<br />
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Epitonium<br />
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Concave Scallop from San Carlos Bay, Sonora, Mexico</div>
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Bleached coral on display<br />
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Spiraling shells</div>
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Speckled Swimming Crab, Kice Island, Florida</div>
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Horseshoe Crab</div>
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Ammonite, Somerset, England</div>
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Photo Op with half-body mannequins embellished with shell swimsuits</div>
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Meet <i><b>Sandy the Sunbather</b></i> and <i><b>Hank the Hunk</b></i></div>
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Overview of the Community Room, where the Artistic Division was on display</div>
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Floral Shell creations</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2pUCzvKXnU/Xmpvs5QdZyI/AAAAAAAAR2w/3roGwKc0Wzg3R3C92IZXkyKVmaNh7GvWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/28%2BStar%2Bshells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2pUCzvKXnU/Xmpvs5QdZyI/AAAAAAAAR2w/3roGwKc0Wzg3R3C92IZXkyKVmaNh7GvWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/28%2BStar%2Bshells.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Star Shell<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14yUuDImA1M/XmpxRLxUF0I/AAAAAAAAR3Y/crZs8PFBIn89jHcatRTUicb--5ozBRtogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/29%2BShell%2Bcreations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14yUuDImA1M/XmpxRLxUF0I/AAAAAAAAR3Y/crZs8PFBIn89jHcatRTUicb--5ozBRtogCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/29%2BShell%2Bcreations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Floral shell creations</div>
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Shell Chrysanthemums</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgaaNrUgDu4/XmpxROmEcqI/AAAAAAAAR3Q/asJFHuHmIckLwmCG-tmdpJoMdkKrlMbgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/31%2Bwreaths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="1309" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgaaNrUgDu4/XmpxROmEcqI/AAAAAAAAR3Q/asJFHuHmIckLwmCG-tmdpJoMdkKrlMbgACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/31%2Bwreaths.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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Shell wreaths</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emqci09ykTU/XmpxRv-NmWI/AAAAAAAAR3U/Uj0q2BIRWSEzG1KBHmhCvt4JhhX2ZLZKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/32%2BShell%2Bframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1192" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emqci09ykTU/XmpxRv-NmWI/AAAAAAAAR3U/Uj0q2BIRWSEzG1KBHmhCvt4JhhX2ZLZKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/32%2BShell%2Bframe.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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Shell-framed mirror</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWvqXB7Hxdc/XmpxSBO7oWI/AAAAAAAAR3c/GOsTI3ztp5UJ_-vMxL8VaTH1lyWy1SNwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/33%2BShell%2Bpeones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="1382" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWvqXB7Hxdc/XmpxSBO7oWI/AAAAAAAAR3c/GOsTI3ztp5UJ_-vMxL8VaTH1lyWy1SNwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/33%2BShell%2Bpeones.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
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Shell peonies</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCorEwVzgNA/XmpxSL3b8MI/AAAAAAAAR3g/3Ep9DqQVBEIOJy8QWv6RUZxRhEPsiWvRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/34%2BShell%2Brose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCorEwVzgNA/XmpxSL3b8MI/AAAAAAAAR3g/3Ep9DqQVBEIOJy8QWv6RUZxRhEPsiWvRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/34%2BShell%2Brose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shell rose</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6toeOB-UDzo/XmpxSUgcGQI/AAAAAAAAR3k/VWakchw-0nQEOMAERv1obKnKuNpxUE9hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/35%2BShell%2Blamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6toeOB-UDzo/XmpxSUgcGQI/AAAAAAAAR3k/VWakchw-0nQEOMAERv1obKnKuNpxUE9hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/35%2BShell%2Blamps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shell lamps</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eNR5jpf0Ik/XmpxSldhsCI/AAAAAAAAR3o/VmGLwOKStYIk-JxMusSA0Aob5OBPMPGSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/36%2BStar%2Blamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="1506" height="604" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eNR5jpf0Ik/XmpxSldhsCI/AAAAAAAAR3o/VmGLwOKStYIk-JxMusSA0Aob5OBPMPGSACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/36%2BStar%2Blamp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shell star lamp<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpYgqjaGmag/Xmp7kW59XcI/AAAAAAAAR38/pW6xK46PLt4MLYnXHbbSikj7AO4qrIbdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/37%2BSip%2Bn%2BShell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="1600" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpYgqjaGmag/Xmp7kW59XcI/AAAAAAAAR38/pW6xK46PLt4MLYnXHbbSikj7AO4qrIbdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/37%2BSip%2Bn%2BShell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sip N Shell shop<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lzyt6JgmzDc/Xmp7kWWP4-I/AAAAAAAAR4E/7sAM3bOH60syyrx4DQc7D1a6UCb7niXeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/38%2BMashamboy%2Binitiation%2Bmask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lzyt6JgmzDc/Xmp7kWWP4-I/AAAAAAAAR4E/7sAM3bOH60syyrx4DQc7D1a6UCb7niXeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/38%2BMashamboy%2Binitiation%2Bmask.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Mashamboy Initiation Mask, Kuba Tribe, Democratic Republic of Congo, West Africa<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_h9jPpUSB0M/Xmp7kf0lmaI/AAAAAAAAR4A/Z7iljSz3cnU9-6Ogv-G1erEBOcERvUaigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/39%2BShell%2Bpumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1600" height="323" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_h9jPpUSB0M/Xmp7kf0lmaI/AAAAAAAAR4A/Z7iljSz3cnU9-6Ogv-G1erEBOcERvUaigCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/39%2BShell%2Bpumpkin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shell pumpkin<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsWON8PRdoE/Xmp7k0jghkI/AAAAAAAAR4I/a2O42nKUy4AfhaQlYRkjaySSIQ5cTfexACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/40%2BShell%2BXmas%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1053" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsWON8PRdoE/Xmp7k0jghkI/AAAAAAAAR4I/a2O42nKUy4AfhaQlYRkjaySSIQ5cTfexACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/40%2BShell%2BXmas%2Btree.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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Shell Christmas tree<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUn6Yzk8iIQ/Xmp7lL9HabI/AAAAAAAAR4M/4oAEcGfRN-8WPwD2AJnfiHy3yh0IgyiTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/41%2BJacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUn6Yzk8iIQ/Xmp7lL9HabI/AAAAAAAAR4M/4oAEcGfRN-8WPwD2AJnfiHy3yh0IgyiTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/41%2BJacket.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shell-decorated jacket<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmIMMQ0Xgs4/Xmp7lf6YGNI/AAAAAAAAR4Q/niUBE8_gPXM3D475-BL721Gin83pkPtxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/42%2BBeach%2Bscene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="1498" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmIMMQ0Xgs4/Xmp7lf6YGNI/AAAAAAAAR4Q/niUBE8_gPXM3D475-BL721Gin83pkPtxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/42%2BBeach%2Bscene.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beach scene<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKHI1629KE4/Xmp7lkCWI3I/AAAAAAAAR4U/qoOBTxTf0y85IfUQx3vgJlEFgQVc5EK9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/43%2BEasel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="1437" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKHI1629KE4/Xmp7lkCWI3I/AAAAAAAAR4U/qoOBTxTf0y85IfUQx3vgJlEFgQVc5EK9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/43%2BEasel.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
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Butterfly (?) sea life creation<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JN5m3djYjww/Xmp7mM4r_GI/AAAAAAAAR4Y/5iTd1aKdNQo_aJXNmVj20hIBrnQBr3b6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/44%2BTurtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JN5m3djYjww/Xmp7mM4r_GI/AAAAAAAAR4Y/5iTd1aKdNQo_aJXNmVj20hIBrnQBr3b6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/44%2BTurtle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hand-carved turtle and seascape<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tevK8s2WDq8/Xmp9MFSjBWI/AAAAAAAAR44/C-Hl2ebNbZMruajZiuV7nqcjrUq5ZpPpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/45%2BOrange%2Bbouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tevK8s2WDq8/Xmp9MFSjBWI/AAAAAAAAR44/C-Hl2ebNbZMruajZiuV7nqcjrUq5ZpPpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/45%2BOrange%2Bbouquet.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Orange-tinged seashell design<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYs8f0m7TMY/Xmp9L0fXJ-I/AAAAAAAAR40/aFmxj-W9iwkXInLlij9iZqHLISkGNeNOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/46%2BShip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="1600" height="326" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYs8f0m7TMY/Xmp9L0fXJ-I/AAAAAAAAR40/aFmxj-W9iwkXInLlij9iZqHLISkGNeNOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/46%2BShip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sailing ship<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrDfL_LhaVY/Xmp9MErArwI/AAAAAAAAR48/qwQ-FfDi9_Y2ts0a5o6szeNUkaXTu_L1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/47%2BCafe%2Bterrace%2Bat%2Bnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrDfL_LhaVY/Xmp9MErArwI/AAAAAAAAR48/qwQ-FfDi9_Y2ts0a5o6szeNUkaXTu_L1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/47%2BCafe%2Bterrace%2Bat%2Bnight.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Van Gogh’s <i><b>Café Terrace at Night</b></i> rendered in shells<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uir7NpV_xJE/Xmp9MYqHFyI/AAAAAAAAR5A/ZXBrxQGc2ocS6LzQMSXd63w4NvtQ39PLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/48%2BTiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uir7NpV_xJE/Xmp9MYqHFyI/AAAAAAAAR5A/ZXBrxQGc2ocS6LzQMSXd63w4NvtQ39PLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/48%2BTiara.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b>The Mermaid Crown</b></i> by Todd Alan made from gold and platinum and diamonds and other precious stones.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKH4a63edW8/Xmp9MQD5ViI/AAAAAAAAR5E/6xrFIvzXMzsY1-w5fAdYa8NStczE7pyyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/49%2BJewelry%2Bbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="1481" height="391" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKH4a63edW8/Xmp9MQD5ViI/AAAAAAAAR5E/6xrFIvzXMzsY1-w5fAdYa8NStczE7pyyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/49%2BJewelry%2Bbox.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Adorned jewelry box</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-gcVGjSCeI/Xmp9MiV5OQI/AAAAAAAAR5I/fqVk7hTjeoUckjPokc1OlG5U4q6yNlctwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/50%2B%2BPink%2Boctagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1600" height="353" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-gcVGjSCeI/Xmp9MiV5OQI/AAAAAAAAR5I/fqVk7hTjeoUckjPokc1OlG5U4q6yNlctwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/50%2B%2BPink%2Boctagon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pink Sailor’s Valentine</div>
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Sailor’s Valentines are a form of seashell art, popular in the 1800s, when sailors brought them home to their wives, girl friends, mothers or sisters. This is the traditional octagonal shape.</div>
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Sailor’s Valentines</div>
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Most Sailor’s Valentines were made in the West Indies on the island of Barbados between 1830 & 1880. People thought that sailors made them aboard ships, but in reality, almost all were made in Barbados for sale to British & American sailors.</div>
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Oval tray</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4d4f5685CNc/Xmp9M1DayqI/AAAAAAAAR5U/5i0PX9lZ0oc_zJl4aAwx_woVJo2LPWU0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/53%2BWhite%2BCornflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="973" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4d4f5685CNc/Xmp9M1DayqI/AAAAAAAAR5U/5i0PX9lZ0oc_zJl4aAwx_woVJo2LPWU0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/53%2BWhite%2BCornflower.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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White Cornflower</div>
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US flag</div>
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Seahorse shell creation</div>
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After viewing the show, we were supposed to vote for our favorite in both categories, scientific and artistic. This was an impossible task--there were just too many beautiful displays, but the seahorse in the artistic display and the endive murex in the scientific category were standouts for me. What did you think?</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-27376106050709931792019-02-11T07:31:00.003-08:002019-02-11T09:08:06.820-08:002019 Commodore's Ball - Elegant Masquerade February 7, 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Founded in 1953, the Fort Myers Beach Yacht Club has over 80 members and recently celebrated the 65th anniversary of its first club meeting. The club maintains an active year-round schedule both on and off the water. This year’s Commodore’s Ball, “Elegant Masquerade,” and Change of Watch were held at Diamondhead Beach Resort in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Participants enjoyed cocktails, fine dining, dancing to live music and spectacular sunset views. </div>
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Reception desk for Commodore's Ball</div>
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Masquerade motif</div>
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Masks for all</div>
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Tables in the ballroom</div>
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Place Settings</div>
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Agenda for the evening</div>
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Mike & Nancy</div>
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Chris & Janet</div>
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Ann & Nancy</div>
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Jack & Sally<br />
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Pete & Bob<br />
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Ladies in red<br />
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Arthur & Margaret<br />
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Wayne & Rosemary<br />
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Dick & Mary<br />
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Karen & Tom<br />
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Dressed in red to impress<br />
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Dick & Mary<br />
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Steve, Carol, Pete & Donna<br />
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Mark & Kim<br />
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Joe & Susan</div>
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Patty<br />
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Steve & Carol</div>
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Bonnie & Fern</div>
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Pete & Donna</div>
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Kim & Doris</div>
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Jim & Carol</div>
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Chris & Janet</div>
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CJ & Dori, who provided our entertainment for the evening</div>
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Margaret & Carol<br />
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Sophisticated ladies<br />
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Jan & Joe<br />
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Tim, Bonnie, Fern & Bill</div>
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Jack & Sally</div>
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Mark & Kim</div>
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Jan & Susan</div>
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Rosemary & Wayne</div>
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Doris & Bob</div>
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Table #5</div>
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Table # 4</div>
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Table #3<br />
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Table #2<br />
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Table #1<br />
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Past Commodores<br />
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During the evening, outgoing officers are honored, and incoming Board Members are sworn in.</div>
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The outgoing Commodore, Jim Kolar, officially recognizes Joan Morris as the 2019 Commodore.</div>
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Jim & Joan</div>
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Everyone puts on their dancing shoes.</div>
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Ann & Greg on the dance floor</div>
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MC for the evening, Tim, and Commodore Joan</div>
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Tim & Joan</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-70674753384533719122018-02-08T12:04:00.000-08:002018-02-11T08:26:17.021-08:00 2018 Commodore's Ball - A Cruise to Paris!<h3>
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February 8, 2018 at Gulf Harbour Golf & Country Club</div>
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Fort Myers, Florida </div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The Eiffel Tower from the Seine River</i></span><br />
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The Fort Myers Beach Yacht Club was formed in 1953 for the purpose of promoting safe, enjoyable boating and great fellowship. This community-oriented club, with more than 130 members and 70 boats, maintains a very active schedule of year-round activities both on the water and on land. The Commodore’s Ball is an annual gala that is one of the most anticipated of the season. Participants and their guests enjoy cocktails, fine dining, dancing to live music and spectacular views. During the evening, recognition is given to outgoing officers of the club, and the installation of new officers takes place. <br />
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(Click on any pic to enlarge)</div>
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Through the portal to Paris </div>
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The theme of this evening’s gala is <i>Cruise to Paris.</i></div>
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Everything is ready for the evening ahead. </div>
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French-themed table settings for the dinner</div>
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Bien sûr, the Eiffel Tower is in full view.<br />
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Through the window behind the Eiffel Tower is the country club’s marina.</div>
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Paul & Jan by the cruise ship, Masquerade</div>
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Patsy & Rex</div>
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Joan, overlooking the terrace</div>
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Mary & Dick, arriving through the portal<br />
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Greg, Ann, Karen & Tom</div>
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Marty & Linda<br />
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Gary & Jean in the Boulangerie (Bakery)<br />
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Pete & Donna<br />
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Rob & Linda<br />
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Talia & Patty</div>
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Two Carols</div>
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Jack & Sally</div>
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Mike & Pam</div>
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Ann, Mary, Wayne & Rosemary</div>
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Susan & Joe by the good ship, <i>Masquerade</i></div>
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Joe & Jan</div>
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Bob & Doris</div>
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Linda & Bob</div>
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Jan, Rex & Ann</div>
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Nancy & Mike</div>
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Talia, Rex & Patty</div>
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Ann & Carol<br />
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Tim & Bonnie<br />
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Bob & Sherma<br />
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Talia, Bob & Patty</div>
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Arthur & Margaret</div>
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Pete, Patty & Tom, all past Commodores</div>
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Rosemary, outgoing Commodore<br />
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Board members of the FMB Yacht Club</div>
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Installation of Board Members</div>
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Wayne, Rosemary, Sally & Jack</div>
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Stu, Rosemary, Wayne & Gail</div>
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Carol, Rex & Sally<br />
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Joe & Gary</div>
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Entertainment, <i>Hot Topic</i><br />
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Dancing the night away</div>
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Carol & Jim, incoming Commodore</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-70094663136870139722018-01-22T08:44:00.001-08:002018-01-22T10:10:17.569-08:00Putt & Pub Crawl on Fort Myers Beach<div style="text-align: justify;">
On January 20, the Friends of Bay Oaks Recreation Center presented the 8th annual Putt & Pub Crawl in the Times Square area of Fort Myers Beach. Over 200 people, divided into teams of 4 each, competed in a game of mini-golf at nine holes designed and built by each host location. Along the way, there were drink specials, prize giveaways and raffle tickets. Everyone had a good time. Nothing was more entertaining than the teams themselves--they made their own fun. </div>
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At the end of the competition was an Award Ceremony Dinner, when prizes were given for 1st and 2nd place, for the best-dressed team and for the best golf hole. Proceeds benefit community programs for school-age children, all the way up through seniors, at Bay Oaks Recreation Center.</div>
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Golf Hole: Matanzas on the Bay</h3>
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Golfer up</div>
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Golfer up</div>
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Members of Team Lagoon Creatures waiting their turn</div>
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Volunteers Elizabeth & Jo with raffle basket</div>
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Golf Hole: The Fish House</h3>
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Fish House Golf hole<br />
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Team: Par then Bar</div>
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Volunteers Bobbi and Tracey</div>
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A member of The Zanies tees up</div>
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<div>
High 5 after Hole-in-One</div>
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Team: The Zanies<br />
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Denise, President of Friends of Bay Oaks, & husband, Art</div>
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<h3>
Golf Hole: Yucatan Bar & Grill</h3>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YRcJKXMcVg/WmYRgSryIsI/AAAAAAAAPKA/gmJkRuF6tOUCF890vzyYScB9cd7vCycawCEwYBhgL/s1600/12%2BYucatan%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YRcJKXMcVg/WmYRgSryIsI/AAAAAAAAPKA/gmJkRuF6tOUCF890vzyYScB9cd7vCycawCEwYBhgL/s400/12%2BYucatan%2B.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Golfer up</div>
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<div>
Yucatan Golf Hole</div>
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Volunteers Kelly & Jane with raffle tickets</div>
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Team: The Too Fars (Lehigh is too far from FMB)</div>
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<h3>
Golf Hole: Pete’s Time Out</h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cIkkPJ7HKo/WmYRhvBL35I/AAAAAAAAPKk/7l_BlQ2GP_EK5c2cUKY1HbSgQP_LGH4jwCEwYBhgL/s1600/16%2BPete%2527s%2BTime%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cIkkPJ7HKo/WmYRhvBL35I/AAAAAAAAPKk/7l_BlQ2GP_EK5c2cUKY1HbSgQP_LGH4jwCEwYBhgL/s400/16%2BPete%2527s%2BTime%2B.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Pete’s Time out Golf Hole </div>
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Volunteers Joann & Friend<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3wrY5hG3L0/WmYWkllyTnI/AAAAAAAAPK4/Qdnd1pVNmlEEebSec0daQBvLWxWtGw7YACLcBGAs/s1600/18%2BPete%2527s%2BTime%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3wrY5hG3L0/WmYWkllyTnI/AAAAAAAAPK4/Qdnd1pVNmlEEebSec0daQBvLWxWtGw7YACLcBGAs/s320/18%2BPete%2527s%2BTime%2B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Golfer up<br />
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Volunteers Dan & Paul<br />
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<h3>
Golf Hole: Pierside</h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qH1HKmvJa9M/WmYWkb9KKZI/AAAAAAAAPK0/vnS7ECl8BDwwPQjUPLrhWdLlVyGWP6aFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20%2BPierside%2BRosemary%2BBeach%2BBums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1234" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qH1HKmvJa9M/WmYWkb9KKZI/AAAAAAAAPK0/vnS7ECl8BDwwPQjUPLrhWdLlVyGWP6aFwCEwYBhgL/s400/20%2BPierside%2BRosemary%2BBeach%2BBums.jpg" width="307" /></a><br />
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Rosemary of Team “Beach Bums” tees off<br />
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Rosemary is about to sink one<br />
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<div>
Team: Guys & Dolls</div>
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Team: Myerside Bagelers/Sharks<br />
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<h3>
Golf Hole: La Ola Surfside Restaurant</h3>
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Golfer up (and he made a hole-in-one and won a jello shot)<br />
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La Ola volunteer<br />
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Volunteer & “Doll”<br />
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Team: Party of Four<br />
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<h3>
Golf Hole: The Salty Crab Bar & Grill</h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SploBU2OsB0/WmYafeNh-8I/AAAAAAAAPL0/TVftOctIq7srHYBnavkyEl2PrsJY9NTNACLcBGAs/s1600/28%2BSalty%2BCrab%2B4%2Bnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SploBU2OsB0/WmYafeNh-8I/AAAAAAAAPL0/TVftOctIq7srHYBnavkyEl2PrsJY9NTNACLcBGAs/s400/28%2BSalty%2BCrab%2B4%2Bnuts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 18.72px;"><br /></span>
Team: Four Worthless Nuts (from Ohio)<br />
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<div>
Volunteers Sandy & Keri</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAPyl3wzcJs/WmYae-yK_LI/AAAAAAAAPMI/J4UD7bD9b2k9G9YDHJpeWBBr_Gs5rs_kQCEwYBhgL/s1600/30%2BSalty%2BCrab%2BHole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1122" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAPyl3wzcJs/WmYae-yK_LI/AAAAAAAAPMI/J4UD7bD9b2k9G9YDHJpeWBBr_Gs5rs_kQCEwYBhgL/s400/30%2BSalty%2BCrab%2BHole.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<div>
Salty Crab Golf Hole</div>
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Golfer up<br />
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<h3>
Golf Hole: Mermaid Lounge & Liquor Store</h3>
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Mermaid Lounge<br />
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<div>
Tipsy Turtle member tees up</div>
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Team: Tipsy Turtles</div>
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Bustin’ Balls member tees up </div>
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Bustin' Balls teammate putts to the hole</div>
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Team: Bustin’ Balls</div>
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<h3>
Golf Hole: Gulfshore Grill</h3>
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Team: Four Crowns from Fort Myers</div>
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Team: Creatures of the Lagoon</div>
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Volunteers Sharon, Alisa & Ginger</div>
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Golfer up (she ended up taking the 8-stroke maximum)\</div>
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Golfer up</div>
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Golfer putts to the hole</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-2332963191624571172016-03-05T12:31:00.003-08:002016-03-07T04:52:03.486-08:00Edgardo Carmona's Iron Sculptures in Downtown Fort Myers <div style="text-align: justify;">
In his sculptures, Colombian artist Edgardo Carmona showcases “likable characters that make Cartagena, Colombia, what it is.” The sculptures, all carved from rustic iron, depict characters and scenes from Mr. Carmona’s hometown, where he was born in 1950. The figures represent people who might otherwise not be featured in sculptures: A simple-minded boy fishing in a bucket, a woman caught on a windy day, two drunks on a park bench, men playing chess, a fruit seller, a knife sharpener and more. They represent “the commonality of real people,” Carmona said. The artist is pleased at the way his work looks in downtown Fort Myers. In his own words, “This place reminds me of my hometown of Cartagena, Colombia. It has a colonial feel that goes well with my pieces.”</div>
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Shipped overseas from Paris, the iron sculptures range from 200 to 1,000 pounds and up to 10 feet tall. They are currently installed throughout the River District until March 31. Since 2003, Mr. Carmons’s artwork has been exhibited in South America, Germany, and most recently in an 18-city tour of Europe, including Paris. Many of his works are on permanent display around the world, but this is Mr. Carmona’s first North American exhibit. </div>
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This exhibit is world class. Carmona’s sculptures come to Fort Myers compliments of fellow Colombians Eduardo Caballero (Carmona’s childhood friend in Cartagena, Colombia) and Abel Ramirez of the Miami-based JAXI Builders, Inc. The exhibit serves as both a public art gift and a kick-off to the sales of Allure, a 292-unit luxury condominium community to be built by JAXI Builders along the Caloosahatchee River, starting in 2017.</div>
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The sculptures are loosely grouped in clusters, and at each sculpture, there is an information brochure that gives the map and the name and description of the sculpture. The sculptures are all at a reasonable distance from each other, but they don’t necessarily stand out from their background--many of them are, by design, street scenes, so it is important to consult the map in order not to miss any. These sculptures are amazing. Not only is the artist working with metal--not the easiest kind of material to mold into human shapes and have it look like anything--but his most fascinating creations are immediately recognizable and capture a moment in time that conveys meaning to the observer.</div>
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<b>SCULPTURES NEAR THE DOWNTOWN RIVER BASIN</b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JphNe0f25g/Vts-jTvNyLI/AAAAAAAANrY/8ZB1KF4MZlA/s1600/P%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JphNe0f25g/Vts-jTvNyLI/AAAAAAAANrY/8ZB1KF4MZlA/s400/P%2B01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>10.0 </b> </div>
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A rhythmic gymnast manipulates a ribbon that spirals in the wind. She exhibits strength, flexibility, balance and grace-- a perfect "10."</div>
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<b>10.0</b></div>
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<b>Anguila (</b><i>Eel</i><b>)</b></div>
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This sculpture captures in the air the subtle and graceful movements of an eel. </div>
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<b>Anguila</b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Deshove (</span><i>Spawning</i><b>)</b></div>
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The sculpture recreates the moment of fertilization of fish eggs. The females lay the eggs and the males fertilize them by releasing their seed over the eggs.</div>
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<b>Deshove</b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Nostalgia de cuerdas (</span><i>Nostalgia of the Strings)</i></div>
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Remembrance of the one who pulled the strings/made things happen. </div>
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Carmona recreates the figurative with silence and space.</div>
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<b>Nostalgia de cuerdas</b></div>
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<b>Utopia (</b>foreground) and <b>Sintonia</b><br />
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<b>Utopia </b><br />
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The sculpture depicts Simon El Bobito, (Simple Simon) a character from a fable by Rafael Pombo, a Colombian poet. In the original story, the little boy fishes from a bucket, but catches nothing. Carmona helps Simon out by putting a fish in his bucket for him to catch.<br />
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<b>Utopia</b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BypUdyQ_iHE/VttDJ8LhqJI/AAAAAAAANsE/77aHt38_0q0/s1600/P%2B12%2BSintonia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BypUdyQ_iHE/VttDJ8LhqJI/AAAAAAAANsE/77aHt38_0q0/s400/P%2B12%2BSintonia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Sintonia</b> (<i>Harmony</i>)<br />
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The subject sits on his rocking chair and listens to the radio while reading a favorite book. This work of art depicts the nostalgia of passing time.<br />
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<b>Sintonia</b><br />
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<b>Brisas</b> </div>
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Wind is the main character in this piece. The wind ruffles the woman’s skirt and almost snatches the umbrella from her hand. Surprisingly but fittingly, the sculpture gives an impression of movement. 'Brisas' stands outside the City Pier building on Hendry Street, now the home to the Allure sales gallery. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DkwZaVjGGw/VttDMWSQiZI/AAAAAAAANss/vBqFoAfnAEI/s1600/P%2B15%2BBrisas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DkwZaVjGGw/VttDMWSQiZI/AAAAAAAANss/vBqFoAfnAEI/s400/P%2B15%2BBrisas.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>Brisas</b><br />
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<b>SCULPTURES ON FIRST STREET</b><br />
(Toward Broadway) <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rj9H1aXc5M/VttDNaLs5uI/AAAAAAAANss/DlhZsiPvrBY/s1600/P%2B16%2BDominos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rj9H1aXc5M/VttDNaLs5uI/AAAAAAAANss/DlhZsiPvrBY/s400/P%2B16%2BDominos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Juego de Domino</b> (<i>Domino Game</i>) </div>
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Domino players are an important part of outdoor living in the Caribbean and Antilles. The players sit around a domino game and carefully strategize each move.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1YOj_-WjEU/VttDOlXycsI/AAAAAAAANss/pDMEHccf3rg/s1600/P%2B17%2BJuego%2Bde%2BDomino%2BDomino%2BGame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1YOj_-WjEU/VttDOlXycsI/AAAAAAAANss/pDMEHccf3rg/s400/P%2B17%2BJuego%2Bde%2BDomino%2BDomino%2BGame.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Juego de Domino</b><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtYE_8gl0Fs/VttDOeuPFuI/AAAAAAAANss/jX7_imqD840/s1600/P%2B18%2BEl%2Bvendedor%2Bde%2Braspao%2B%2528snow%2Bcone%2Bvendor%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtYE_8gl0Fs/VttDOeuPFuI/AAAAAAAANss/jX7_imqD840/s400/P%2B18%2BEl%2Bvendedor%2Bde%2Braspao%2B%2528snow%2Bcone%2Bvendor%2529.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
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<b>El Vendedor de raspao (</b><i>Snow cone street vendor</i><b>) </b><br />
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<b></b>
The street vendor selling “raspaos” (snow cones), transforms giant blocks of ice into tiny pieces of shaved ice, and gives them the sweet flavors of lime, tamarind (a light, fruity flavor), and Kola<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNIJuLUv83w/VttDPG2dsOI/AAAAAAAANss/0D-wqxGTkOQ/s1600/P%2B19%2B%2BEl%2Bvendedor%2Bde%2Braspao%2B03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNIJuLUv83w/VttDPG2dsOI/AAAAAAAANss/0D-wqxGTkOQ/s400/P%2B19%2B%2BEl%2Bvendedor%2Bde%2Braspao%2B03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>El Vendedor de raspao</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwvEJuxuOjo/VttwspufRAI/AAAAAAAANtI/t9yBix2s9Y8/s1600/P%2B20%2BVendedora%2Bde%2Bfrutas%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwvEJuxuOjo/VttwspufRAI/AAAAAAAANtI/t9yBix2s9Y8/s400/P%2B20%2BVendedora%2Bde%2Bfrutas%2B02.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<b>Vendedora de frutas </b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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The palenquera (female fruit seller) is depicted with her grand fruit basket sitting at her feet. She often carries the basket above her head, as if she carried with her the weight of the world.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_DNReI46kA/VttwtbjH_II/AAAAAAAANtQ/S9hai_fzEkw/s1600/P%2B21%2BFruit%2Bseller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_DNReI46kA/VttwtbjH_II/AAAAAAAANtQ/S9hai_fzEkw/s400/P%2B21%2BFruit%2Bseller.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Vendedora de frutas</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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<b>SCULPTURES ON FIRST STREET </b></div>
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(Toward Jackson Street)</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2h6lDcIGj3s/VttwtExidQI/AAAAAAAANtM/m9xdsC_9ooA/s1600/P%2B22%2BFaena%2Ben%2Bla%2BPlaza%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2h6lDcIGj3s/VttwtExidQI/AAAAAAAANtM/m9xdsC_9ooA/s400/P%2B22%2BFaena%2Ben%2Bla%2BPlaza%2B11.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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<b>Faena En La Plaza</b> (<i>Performance on the plaza)</i></div>
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A juggler is sitting atop his unicycle with his rings in action. The rings ascend and descend as he balances on his unicycle. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmbHexMSpxs/Vttwt4DZiPI/AAAAAAAANtU/nwgdnM6a41I/s1600/P%2B23%2BFaena%2Ben%2BLa%2BPlaza%2B03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmbHexMSpxs/Vttwt4DZiPI/AAAAAAAANtU/nwgdnM6a41I/s400/P%2B23%2BFaena%2Ben%2BLa%2BPlaza%2B03.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>Faena En La Plaza</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LTnbCs72YM/VttyQK2K_RI/AAAAAAAANtk/-Iu91jRaZsI/s1600/P%2B24%2BMelomano%2BMusic%2Blover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LTnbCs72YM/VttyQK2K_RI/AAAAAAAANtk/-Iu91jRaZsI/s400/P%2B24%2BMelomano%2BMusic%2Blover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Melomano</b> (<i>Music lover</i>)<br />
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A music lover sits in his rocking chair listening to music. He leans in to the speaker so that he doesn’t miss a note of the music.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGG-v9xmOiw/VttyPrZESJI/AAAAAAAANtg/UOtlKXQWdi0/s1600/P%2B25%2BMelomano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGG-v9xmOiw/VttyPrZESJI/AAAAAAAANtg/UOtlKXQWdi0/s400/P%2B25%2BMelomano.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<b>Melomano</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H27nECk9KDU/VttyQSrgeSI/AAAAAAAANto/Zvfv4heKzV0/s1600/P%2B26%2BJuego%2Bde%2BAjedrez%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H27nECk9KDU/VttyQSrgeSI/AAAAAAAANto/Zvfv4heKzV0/s400/P%2B26%2BJuego%2Bde%2BAjedrez%2B02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Juego de Ajedrez</b> (<i>Chess Game)</i></div>
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<i>T</i>he opponents sit face to face across the board. Each move could lead to winning or losing the game. There is a difference between the strategy of a chess player and domino player, so each game has its devotees.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8dnzTSUxdE/VttyRG3dsiI/AAAAAAAANts/-1eTAnjwG7w/s1600/P%2B27%2BChess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8dnzTSUxdE/VttyRG3dsiI/AAAAAAAANts/-1eTAnjwG7w/s400/P%2B27%2BChess.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Juego de Ajedrez</b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_nm75JNxDM/VttySEqMQdI/AAAAAAAANtw/zh_CX4GatRw/s1600/P%2B28%2BNegocion%2Ba%2BBaco%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_nm75JNxDM/VttySEqMQdI/AAAAAAAANtw/zh_CX4GatRw/s400/P%2B28%2BNegocion%2Ba%2BBaco%2B02.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
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<b>Negacion a Baco</b> (<i>Refusal to Bacchus, god of wine</i>)</div>
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After the work day in the late evening hours, those who have had too much to drink are sitting around on park benches. In this sculpture, a whole story unfolds as one man refuses to take one more drink from his friend. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GukiNYqqRU8/VttySmN0F1I/AAAAAAAANt0/Eere9R7s2V0/s1600/P%2B29%2BDrunks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GukiNYqqRU8/VttySmN0F1I/AAAAAAAANt0/Eere9R7s2V0/s400/P%2B29%2BDrunks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Negacion a Baco</b></div>
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<b>SCULPTURES OFF FIRST STREET IN CORNOG PLAZA</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7YFc5EWvr0/VttyS1we6YI/AAAAAAAANt4/uFQ_TGa2bQI/s1600/P%2B30%2BAl%2BGalope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7YFc5EWvr0/VttyS1we6YI/AAAAAAAANt4/uFQ_TGa2bQI/s400/P%2B30%2BAl%2BGalope.jpg" width="298" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Al Galope </b></div>
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The horse, although standing still, is both alert and eager to gallop away. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw9HN0LY8X8/VttyUvmxNwI/AAAAAAAANt8/aZrr4rudP3M/s1600/P%2B31%2BHorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw9HN0LY8X8/VttyUvmxNwI/AAAAAAAANt8/aZrr4rudP3M/s400/P%2B31%2BHorse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Al Galope</b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EejaKOiDMvU/VttyUlc0QEI/AAAAAAAANuA/mM5FcKP9qqQ/s1600/P%2B32%2BAl%2BFilo%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EejaKOiDMvU/VttyUlc0QEI/AAAAAAAANuA/mM5FcKP9qqQ/s400/P%2B32%2BAl%2BFilo%2B02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Al Filo </b></div>
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The knife sharpener waits for neighbors to visit his shop with old cooking knives in dire need of sharpening. Through this piece, Carmona brings to life the memory of the old knife sharpener’s job.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5Vc8JbhbjQ/VttyV6YtT0I/AAAAAAAANuE/8wtZnNridnA/s1600/P%2B33%2BKnife%2Bgrinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5Vc8JbhbjQ/VttyV6YtT0I/AAAAAAAANuE/8wtZnNridnA/s400/P%2B33%2BKnife%2Bgrinder.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>Al Filo</b></div>
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<b>SCULPTURES ON HENDRY AND SECOND STREET </b></div>
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(Toward City Hall)</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSI1_hfRmig/Vtt1OnrjoPI/AAAAAAAANuQ/1IC0IfXkT5s/s1600/P%2B34%2BTerritorio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSI1_hfRmig/Vtt1OnrjoPI/AAAAAAAANuQ/1IC0IfXkT5s/s400/P%2B34%2BTerritorio.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<b>Territorio </b></div>
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The dog is “marking his territory” while outdoors in the same way that the man does while leaning against the light pole. Some people in Fort Myers considered this sculpture in poor taste, but it's too clever not to enjoy.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga0W6a9_nmo/Vtt1Og-HKJI/AAAAAAAANuM/wN-JJ1nIBb8/s1600/P%2B35%2BTerritory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga0W6a9_nmo/Vtt1Og-HKJI/AAAAAAAANuM/wN-JJ1nIBb8/s400/P%2B35%2BTerritory.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<b>Territorio</b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VnUxCWsqqw4/Vtt1PeGsmDI/AAAAAAAANuU/sjXW7OUG1VA/s1600/P%2B36%2BTrialogo%2B03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VnUxCWsqqw4/Vtt1PeGsmDI/AAAAAAAANuU/sjXW7OUG1VA/s400/P%2B36%2BTrialogo%2B03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Trialogo</b> (<i>Trilogy</i>)</div>
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The bicycle, cyclist and dog create a scene with movement in this sculptural display. The dog runs towards the pedaling cyclist attempting to bite at his heels.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4r8j59l_3aI/Vtt1Qwdm6WI/AAAAAAAANuY/_ERgK2kNax8/s1600/P%2B37%2BTrio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4r8j59l_3aI/Vtt1Qwdm6WI/AAAAAAAANuY/_ERgK2kNax8/s400/P%2B37%2BTrio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Trialogo</b><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9LSd0YxXKo/Vtt1RduLxzI/AAAAAAAANuc/vxLy3eDbSIE/s1600/P%2B38%2BCadencia%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9LSd0YxXKo/Vtt1RduLxzI/AAAAAAAANuc/vxLy3eDbSIE/s400/P%2B38%2BCadencia%2B02.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>Cadencia (</b><i>Cadence</i><b>)</b><br />
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<b></b>
The drum integrates itself to the body and hands of the artist, as if they were one. From the position of his hands, you anticipate the next beat coming from the drum.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXUnTSQFmAU/Vtt1Rptwb8I/AAAAAAAANus/rSJcgjMT2Kg/s1600/P%2B39%2BCadence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXUnTSQFmAU/Vtt1Rptwb8I/AAAAAAAANus/rSJcgjMT2Kg/s400/P%2B39%2BCadence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Cadencia</b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfFQgIc6xAI/Vtt1SgRrwBI/AAAAAAAANuk/ZZTGBd9-mPA/s1600/P%2B40%2BMambeo%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfFQgIc6xAI/Vtt1SgRrwBI/AAAAAAAANuk/ZZTGBd9-mPA/s400/P%2B40%2BMambeo%2B02.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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<b>Mambeo</b> (<i>Coca</i>)<br />
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This sculpture is an homage to the indigenous Kogui community in Santa Marta’s Sierra Nevada. “El Mamo,” recognized as the tribe’s leader, is brought to life in this sculpture depicting a common practice of chewing on coca leaves.<br />
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<b>Mambeo</b><br />
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The exhibit of Carmona’s larger-than-life, artfully rusted sculptures — a promotion for the planned luxury condo towers Allure — was organized through the city’s Public Art Committee and Allure’s staff, including developer Eduardo Caballero. Fort Myers was very fortunate to have hosted an exhibit of this caliber, and I greatly enjoyed visiting it. </div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-35417008602260718422015-07-09T16:05:00.001-07:002015-07-27T08:18:44.336-07:00Fourth of July Parade on Fort Myers Beach, July 4, 2015<div style="text-align: justify;">
July Fourth on Fort Myers Beach began with a parade down Estero Boulevard and ended with evening fireworks set off from the pier at Times Square. The Town of Fort Myers Beach sponsored the daylong activities, and the staff of the Bay Oaks Recreation Center, with Director Randy Norton in charge, managed the events. </div>
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At 10:00 AM, parade goers were lined up along Estero Boulevard, and parade members assembled on Bay Street, next to the Fort Myers Beach Library. It was a warm, sunny day, as the floats, cars, carts, vans and trucks got ready to begin the parade. Well-represented in the parade were Mustangs, Corvettes and classic cars, whose owners are members of their respective local clubs. The Vietnam Vets made an imposing convoy on their motorcycles. The floats were awash in red, white and blue, and you couldn’t miss the krewe groups because they were the most animated and loudest. Awards were given in the categories of Best Decorated, Best Musical Display, Best Patriotic Theme (colors and enthusiasm) and Best of Parade. The judges were Janna Holmes and Becky Bodnar, members of the Bay Oaks Advisory Committee, and Bob Raymond, former Town Council member. </div>
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The true purpose of July Fourth, Independence Day, is to celebrate our country’s declaration of independence from the British Empire. It has become a celebration of everything Americans hold dear, like our history, government and traditions. It has become a special day for communities to come together and to celebrate our commonality and show our devotion to our great country. </div>
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Parade watchers line up on Estero Boulevard in front of the Fort Myers Beach Library.</div>
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The start of the parade is on Bay Street, beside the library.</div>
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Sarah Mayher, Bay Oaks Recreation Coordinator, is in charge of parade participants.</div>
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Director Randy Norton is ready to get the parade started.</div>
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Parade marchers are assembled.</div>
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Floats and cars are lined up.</div>
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The Honor Guard comes to attention.</div>
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The Honor Guard begins the parade.</div>
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The Fire Department is next in line.</div>
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Fort Myers Beach fire engine <br />
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Florida CERT ready to march<br />
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Ceil Spuhler<br />
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Decked out CERT golf cart</div>
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Veterans of Foreign Wars</div>
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VFW cart</div>
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VFW Ladies Auxiliary - “Best Decorated Float”</div>
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Betty Simpson, Grand Marshal of the parade, with her son driving the BMW convertible and her grandson beside her--a family affair</div>
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Town Hall float</div>
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Vietnam Brotherhood cart</div>
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Vietnam Brotherhood motorcycle riders<br />
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Ed Bellefeuille and passenger<br />
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Miss Florida US International</div>
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Miss Teen America and child pageant winner<br />
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Pageant winners</div>
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Pageant winners<br />
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Mustangs line up for parade</div>
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Ponies in Paradise Mustang Club</div>
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“Uncle Sam”</div>
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The Ryan Family</div>
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The Lions Club float<br />
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Lions Club - “Best Overall Float"<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9NzQnN-FRE/VZ8E3uFKyjI/AAAAAAAAMpc/pq_36G1xMNo/s1600/32%2BLions%2BClub%2BQueen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9NzQnN-FRE/VZ8E3uFKyjI/AAAAAAAAMpc/pq_36G1xMNo/s400/32%2BLions%2BClub%2BQueen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lions Club Pageant Queen<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7_BEiWG1V4/VZ8E3hAlcUI/AAAAAAAAMpY/pS0-mem3sng/s1600/33%2BPaddy%2BWagon%2BShrinrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7_BEiWG1V4/VZ8E3hAlcUI/AAAAAAAAMpY/pS0-mem3sng/s400/33%2BPaddy%2BWagon%2BShrinrs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Paddy Wagon, the Shriners of Fort Myers </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efNrB6tuXTY/VZ8E5xUsEDI/AAAAAAAAMpg/Kn-7a5c6wBo/s1600/34%2BSWF%2BCorvette%2BClub%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efNrB6tuXTY/VZ8E5xUsEDI/AAAAAAAAMpg/Kn-7a5c6wBo/s400/34%2BSWF%2BCorvette%2BClub%2B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Southwest Florida Corvette Club</div>
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The Indy 500 Corvette Pace car of May 27, 2007</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zepDliQ6yA/VZ8E6ibk4MI/AAAAAAAAMpk/P95DAYQ5Mzk/s1600/36%2BCoast%2BGuard%2BAux%2BPatrol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zepDliQ6yA/VZ8E6ibk4MI/AAAAAAAAMpk/P95DAYQ5Mzk/s400/36%2BCoast%2BGuard%2BAux%2BPatrol.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dkvUbfoqLE/VZ8E8YjddrI/AAAAAAAAMpo/_CD6Xnyaaxs/s1600/37%2BFMB%2BMasonic%2BLodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dkvUbfoqLE/VZ8E8YjddrI/AAAAAAAAMpo/_CD6Xnyaaxs/s640/37%2BFMB%2BMasonic%2BLodge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge - “Best Patriotic Float”</div>
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Salty Sam’s Waterfront Adventures</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MO8RD80O2aw/VZ8E9kbF28I/AAAAAAAAMp0/GAuj-u-f-Kw/s1600/40%2BMermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MO8RD80O2aw/VZ8E9kbF28I/AAAAAAAAMp0/GAuj-u-f-Kw/s400/40%2BMermaid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Little Mermaid<br />
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Classic cars ready to go<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YT0PVLkcst0/VZ8G_UeuVhI/AAAAAAAAMqo/Ejs6quJWcJs/s1600/42%2BClassic%2Bpink%2B%2526%2Bblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YT0PVLkcst0/VZ8G_UeuVhI/AAAAAAAAMqo/Ejs6quJWcJs/s400/42%2BClassic%2Bpink%2B%2526%2Bblack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Classic car in non-classic colors<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OK-gMl5l_KE/VZ8G_eIdx1I/AAAAAAAAMqg/nTLlPZfd37Q/s1600/43%2BClassic%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OK-gMl5l_KE/VZ8G_eIdx1I/AAAAAAAAMqg/nTLlPZfd37Q/s400/43%2BClassic%2B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Classic convertible<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBojimPoQvo/VZ8HADFYPHI/AAAAAAAAMqw/MMTS1O06Pi4/s1600/44%2BSand%2BPaper%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBojimPoQvo/VZ8HADFYPHI/AAAAAAAAMqw/MMTS1O06Pi4/s400/44%2BSand%2BPaper%2B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Sand Paper</i>, Beach newspaper float</div>
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Gulf Shore Mustang Club</div>
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Apple green Mustang</div>
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Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information trailer, "Roxie"</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmd5sbrl8C8/VZ8HBj8eD2I/AAAAAAAAMrk/Rv-ucU2xcJc/s1600/48%2BEcological%2BFoundatn%2Blines%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmd5sbrl8C8/VZ8HBj8eD2I/AAAAAAAAMrk/Rv-ucU2xcJc/s400/48%2BEcological%2BFoundatn%2Blines%2Bup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ecological Foundation</div>
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Ecology group</div>
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Royal Scoop Ice Cream van<br />
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Beach Bowl van<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGZVVNonWCM/VZ8K7tOtq2I/AAAAAAAAMr4/Lk9exyA2IgI/s1600/52%2BParadise%2BBeach%2BLimo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGZVVNonWCM/VZ8K7tOtq2I/AAAAAAAAMr4/Lk9exyA2IgI/s400/52%2BParadise%2BBeach%2BLimo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Paradise Beach Limo<br />
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Local Motion Taxi</div>
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Black Sheep Krewe</div>
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Krewe of Sloth float - “Best Patriotic Spirit”</div>
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Krewe of Sloth float - “Best Musical Display”</div>
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Illustrious Judges, Janna, Bob and Becky</div>
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Judges, Bay Oaks staff and end of parade</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-10791406869418203272014-12-11T16:55:00.000-08:002014-12-11T17:10:48.800-08:00Meet Highwayman Artist Al Black On October 4, 2014, Al Black, an original Highwayman artist, gave a live painting demonstration, talked about his life, and offered a Q & A session at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida.<br />
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The Highwaymen are 26 black artists, a small group of self-taught African-American artists from the area around Fort Pierce, Florida, who got their start selling vivid landscapes — speed-paintings — from their own cars because, in times of segregation in the 50s and 60s, galleries didn't allow them in. Al Black was a salesman extraordinaire, and he offered his services as a salesman on their behalf. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Highwaymen painted tens of thousands of oil paintings sold up and down Florida's East Coast. Black was a bit of a wheeler-dealer and would make more money than the artists would make by hiking the price of the painting and pocketing the difference. Just as things were really taking off, the group's 29-year-old leader, Alfred Hair, was murdered in 1970. Many of the Highwaymen stopped painting altogether, and Black was left without anything to sell. However, he had learned the tricks of the trade from repairing paintings he'd thrown in his trunk and began painting originals himself. </div>
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In the 1980s the demand for landscape paintings had dried up and crack cocaine moved across the country, leaving devastation in its path. In Black’s own words, “You can have foot trouble, back trouble, neck trouble, all kind of trouble. You ain't had no trouble until you have crack cocaine trouble.” He eventually worked himself into a habit that cost him $1,000 a day. Al began owing money and paintings to people everywhere. In 1997, Al Black was found guilty of fraud, in connection with a wealthy patroness who befriended Black, and possession of drugs. When asked about his white, elderly patroness, Al says “she loved art and a black man.” He spent ten years in correctional facilities, but when it was discovered that he was a Highwayman, the warden of his prison gave Black permission to paint murals throughout the facilities. He painted hundreds of murals throughout the state penitentiary system, in prison hallways, offices, waiting rooms, dining halls, dorm rooms, and chapels, as other wardens requested his services. By 2007 he was out of jail. Being locked up had been a blessing and Al credits it with saving his life.</div>
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On stage at the Alliance for the Arts, Al Black shows the audience one of the giclée prints that he sells. The giclées are signed and numbered on canvas. They are limited editions and cost $100-125. Framed, their value becomes $200.<br />
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The giclée print is on canvas that can be rolled up for portability.</div>
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Al Black’s pitch to potential buyers: “ ‘Good morning. Sir, my name is Al Black. I have some oil paintings. I want to know if you all would be interested if it wouldn't take up too much of you all's time.’ And most of the time, they would say yes, I'll look, and once they look, I would sell them something.”</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spIm1k3H8Qw/VIo5bEg9DEI/AAAAAAAAKkI/FvxJjZrgFSM/s1600/04%2BDemo%2Bbeginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spIm1k3H8Qw/VIo5bEg9DEI/AAAAAAAAKkI/FvxJjZrgFSM/s1600/04%2BDemo%2Bbeginning.jpg" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
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His painting demo begins. </div>
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The demo continues. "I can be down and out," he says, "feeling bad that morning. But if I can make it out to where I paint, everything picks up ... and makes me feel real good."</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgvU31N_FGg/VIo5b3xarCI/AAAAAAAAKkU/ZAJLLnXKxY4/s1600/06%2BDemo%2Bmixing%2Bpaints%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgvU31N_FGg/VIo5b3xarCI/AAAAAAAAKkU/ZAJLLnXKxY4/s1600/06%2BDemo%2Bmixing%2Bpaints%2Bedited.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">“Carrying them around, paintings would get scarred and I had to fix them. By me being the salesmen, I'm walking around watching the colors that they mix, and I can mix that color, and I would fix them. And so after I learned how to fix some of the stuff, I started to paint myself.” (He learned to paint partly from repairing damaged works that had been loaded into his car while still wet.)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F89GsuLscLo/VIo5chvZGEI/AAAAAAAAKko/ItehRw7lC0c/s1600/07%2BDemo%2B03%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F89GsuLscLo/VIo5chvZGEI/AAAAAAAAKko/ItehRw7lC0c/s1600/07%2BDemo%2B03%2Bedited.jpg" height="400" width="352" /></a></div>
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Question: do you paint real scenes or from memory? </div>
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Answer: “I been there, I don’t have to go there no more.”</div>
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Question: Do you always have water in your paintings? </div>
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Answer: “Water sells</div>
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Question: How do you know when a painting is finished? </div>
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Answer: “When it looks pretty good, I know when to stop.”</div>
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Black considers the work finished because it’s been sold to a member of the audience.<br />
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Black’s demo painting<br />
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The three birds he places in his landscape signifies the Trinity. It is a sure way to identify Al Black’s paintings. On occasion, he will paint a fourth white bird lagging behind. That bird, he said, is him.<br />
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The demo painting close-up</div>
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Black is a salesman<br />
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“Al Black is still a salesman who could snatch you breath away and sell it back to you.” Highway woman artist Mary Ann Carroll describes him this way. “He would sell a mosquito a jacket in the summertime. The only paintings he didn't sell was the ones you didn't give him.”<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mrTBYH_fmpo/VIo9sf5_ovI/AAAAAAAAKl4/fW0OunMvjVY/s1600/14%2BSalesman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mrTBYH_fmpo/VIo9sf5_ovI/AAAAAAAAKl4/fW0OunMvjVY/s1600/14%2BSalesman.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
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Black now makes use of modern technology when selling his artwork.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMgVfSh65JQ/VIo9s1JCbrI/AAAAAAAAKlg/3hkLd8a7L6w/s1600/15%2BAfterward%2Bw%2Bpic%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMgVfSh65JQ/VIo9s1JCbrI/AAAAAAAAKlg/3hkLd8a7L6w/s1600/15%2BAfterward%2Bw%2Bpic%2Bedited.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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Black’s assistant helps with the sales of his artwork.<br />
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Now the paintings are sought after, some fetching prices of between $3,000 and $4,800 each from an online art dealer who sells Florida Highwaymen works.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qV2X23Xqaro/VIo9te3E_fI/AAAAAAAAKlk/O_TqVM1pILA/s1600/16%2BAfterward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qV2X23Xqaro/VIo9te3E_fI/AAAAAAAAKlk/O_TqVM1pILA/s1600/16%2BAfterward.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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After the demo, interested audience members gather around Al Black.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSSPfPRWWRs/VIo9uGZ1U2I/AAAAAAAAKls/ydW7LajVNZg/s1600/17%2BWorks%2Bdisplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSSPfPRWWRs/VIo9uGZ1U2I/AAAAAAAAKls/ydW7LajVNZg/s1600/17%2BWorks%2Bdisplay.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The Highwaymen works of art on display </div>
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The works are classified as “Outsider Art,” or "Folk Art. They honed techniques to rapidly produce their paintings and developed strategies to sell and market their artwork outside of the formal world of art galleries and exhibitions . </div>
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The Highwaymen were rediscovered in the mid-1990s and today are recognized as an important part of Florida culture and history. Al Black, and the other 25 artists known as The Highwaymen (18 of whom are still alive), were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004. Black is back in Fort Pierce, painting in the old Highwaymen style: outdoors, several canvasses at a time. He paints traditional Highwaymen subject matter: rivers, beaches, waves, sunsets, and varying kinds of foliage. And how does he know when a painting is finished? In his own words, “A painting isn’t finished until it’s sold.“ Now people come to him to buy artworks and he sells with the same smooth talking finesse and enthusiasm that he has always used. Al is proud to report that he has been drug free since his early days in prison. </div>
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It has been said about Al Black: “His ability to charm a prospective customer or journalist, even while you know you may be hearing exaggerations (or maybe lies), is what marks his personality.” In his presentation at the Alliance, Al told his life story truthfully, without glossing over the demeaning parts, but he’s a storyteller and there’s something about his manner of speaking that draws in his audience completely, and we in the audience at the Alliance that morning were no exception.</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-80341204269489736672014-01-02T10:36:00.003-08:002014-01-02T10:49:30.401-08:00V. Fort Myers Beach in Photos: Manmade and Natural Beauty<span lang="EN"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><strong>MANMADE BEAUTY: MURALS</strong></span></div>
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Wherever there is a wall expanse on Fort Myers Beach, there is an opportunity to add a little more beauty to our lives. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9m6LgInM0Vw/UsWrVup8mzI/AAAAAAAAJHE/smQLFr69zLg/s1600/01+Grecian+mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9m6LgInM0Vw/UsWrVup8mzI/AAAAAAAAJHE/smQLFr69zLg/s400/01+Grecian+mural.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Grecian mural on the side of a store in downtown Fort Myers Beach</div>
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Unfortunately, murals can come and go, and this one is no longer there, but it surely was a treat while it was. It has been replaced by a solid blue painted wall.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGEX4um5knw/UsWrVxbKPmI/AAAAAAAAJHY/zPWGnEk5w18/s1600/02+Grecian+mural+half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGEX4um5knw/UsWrVxbKPmI/AAAAAAAAJHY/zPWGnEk5w18/s400/02+Grecian+mural+half.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Grecian mural close-up</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q490A9pffDI/UsWrV07Iv-I/AAAAAAAAJHU/MNyvkfLvDHQ/s1600/03+Apartment+mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q490A9pffDI/UsWrV07Iv-I/AAAAAAAAJHU/MNyvkfLvDHQ/s400/03+Apartment+mural.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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A condo wall</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gihjn-nJm_s/UsWrY2g7NjI/AAAAAAAAJHs/iIyCeTJ6qmM/s1600/04+Garage+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gihjn-nJm_s/UsWrY2g7NjI/AAAAAAAAJHs/iIyCeTJ6qmM/s400/04+Garage+Door.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
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Even a garage door can get a mural</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCIx15oeihs/UsWrW2CAgZI/AAAAAAAAJHo/sJGawRO751s/s1600/05+Lani+Kai+Annex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCIx15oeihs/UsWrW2CAgZI/AAAAAAAAJHo/sJGawRO751s/s400/05+Lani+Kai+Annex.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Lani Kai annex</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7DzLkYboio/UsWrZ5FTJDI/AAAAAAAAJIM/8w4KqpguDtQ/s1600/06+Lani+Kai+Annex+reflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7DzLkYboio/UsWrZ5FTJDI/AAAAAAAAJIM/8w4KqpguDtQ/s400/06+Lani+Kai+Annex+reflection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Lani Kai annex after a heavy rain storm</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCLi3l6U9YU/UsWrZcQx81I/AAAAAAAAJHw/HMtZ20-4oTE/s1600/07+Side+wall+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCLi3l6U9YU/UsWrZcQx81I/AAAAAAAAJHw/HMtZ20-4oTE/s400/07+Side+wall+shop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The side wall of a coffee shop </div>
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I think Tinker Bell is on the upper right hand part of the mural, and I especially like the way the artwork is carried through on the utility boxes.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwM1QHAGbcU/UsWrZ5WLNFI/AAAAAAAAJII/BfxlgFVrjfg/s1600/08+Turtle+Mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwM1QHAGbcU/UsWrZ5WLNFI/AAAAAAAAJII/BfxlgFVrjfg/s400/08+Turtle+Mural.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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A mural with a message </div>
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Strong house/restaurant/bar lights on the beach disorient newly-hatched turtles so that they go toward those lights rather than toward the water and the moonlight.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jDbvVrZzyBA/UsWratyPMzI/AAAAAAAAJIA/vbMSrQTq1XY/s1600/09+Mural+Side+Store+Misc+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jDbvVrZzyBA/UsWratyPMzI/AAAAAAAAJIA/vbMSrQTq1XY/s400/09+Mural+Side+Store+Misc+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A store wall mural</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fx8SV9Bj7oY/UsWrbheRYNI/AAAAAAAAJIY/zwSXT50bxt8/s1600/10+Surf+Club+crnr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fx8SV9Bj7oY/UsWrbheRYNI/AAAAAAAAJIY/zwSXT50bxt8/s400/10+Surf+Club+crnr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Surf Club mural encompassing the whole building</div>
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This mural is no longer there, either, because the Surf Club is now located across the street.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdhDsW3YVL8/UsWrcOMB9JI/AAAAAAAAJIs/_wtu89JbMQ0/s1600/11+Love+mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdhDsW3YVL8/UsWrcOMB9JI/AAAAAAAAJIs/_wtu89JbMQ0/s400/11+Love+mural.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The "Love" mural, one of the few murals with an abstract design</div>
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Another whole building condo mural</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KjZfCgbgX80/UsWrc5nIG9I/AAAAAAAAJIk/9S3Oc1bOE1Y/s1600/13+Fish+Mongr+close+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KjZfCgbgX80/UsWrc5nIG9I/AAAAAAAAJIk/9S3Oc1bOE1Y/s400/13+Fish+Mongr+close+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Fish Monger Restaurant</div>
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Check out the fish-themed benches and mail box.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQK1nBw8gpI/UsWrdQvRE8I/AAAAAAAAJI4/tVG9kxQ9wqE/s1600/14+Fish+Mong+length.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQK1nBw8gpI/UsWrdQvRE8I/AAAAAAAAJI4/tVG9kxQ9wqE/s400/14+Fish+Mong+length.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The parking lot side of The Fish Monger Restaurant</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KH1BRGj2qvo/UsWreJZLuEI/AAAAAAAAJJI/UHCf8MsksXo/s1600/15+Mural+FMB+Public+Works+Bldg+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KH1BRGj2qvo/UsWreJZLuEI/AAAAAAAAJJI/UHCf8MsksXo/s400/15+Mural+FMB+Public+Works+Bldg+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A Fort Myers Beach Public Works Building on Lenell Street across from Santini Plaza </div>
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This whole-building mural shows it all: sun, sea, birds and mangroves.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAMguw3QSEk/UsWreNp47PI/AAAAAAAAJJA/BPE7yOh2q1M/s1600/16+Mural+Publc+Wrks+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAMguw3QSEk/UsWreNp47PI/AAAAAAAAJJA/BPE7yOh2q1M/s400/16+Mural+Publc+Wrks+side.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
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The Public Works Building </div>
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I was told it houses a sewage tank.</div>
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A detail of the mural</div>
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<strong>NATURAL BEAUTY: SUNSETS ON FORT MYERS BEACH</strong></div>
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People assemble in the evenings to watch the sun set </div>
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over the Gulf of Mexico from Fort Myers Beach </div>
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<strong>THE END</strong></div>
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My husband Robert and I took all of these photos over a period of years, from 1998 to 2013.</div>
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</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-478463505094537192014-01-01T10:57:00.003-08:002014-01-01T11:08:03.902-08:00IV. Fort Myers Beach in Photos: Hurricane Charley<span lang="EN"></span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">Hurricane Charley was the second major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. Charley hit Fort Myers Beach on August 13, and at its strongest, it reached 150 mph winds, making it a strong Category 4 hurricane. Fortunately for Fort Myers Beach, Charley was a relatively small storm; it was confined to the center and extended no more than a couple of miles around the center of that storm. A real true Category 4 storm is much, much bigger, but it was the strongest hurricane to hit southwestern Florida since Hurricane Andrew twelve years before, in 1992, and before that, Hurricane Donna in 1960. </span></div>
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Meteorologist Robert Van Winkle compared Charley to the devastating Hurricane Katrina. "If Charley would have been one of those kinds of storms, the storm surge would have been 17 feet. We would have had serious problems, and I think we still probably could have been picking up the pieces today had that happened," he said. </div>
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Charley rapidly intensified from Category 2 to Category 4 in the few hours prior to its Florida landfall. My husband and I might have left the island before the hurricane hit if we had known it would go to a Cat 4. As it was, we stayed with our cat, Shadow, who panicked when the wind picked up. She jumped up to the highest shelf in our storage closet and wouldn’t come down. The water in the closet went to two feet deep, and the shelf was six feet high, so the cat was never in any danger, but she didn’t know that. She meowed pathetically from her perch until I was able to grab her and keep her safely with us on stairs to the second floor. From there, we watched the hurricane winds and storm surge hit Fort Myers Beach.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGYCCDu7dUQ/UsRbBq_vhdI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/8NNtpEjZs1g/s1600/01+TSQ+deserted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGYCCDu7dUQ/UsRbBq_vhdI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/8NNtpEjZs1g/s400/01+TSQ+deserted.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Times Square was deserted in the calm before the storm.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WX3GYS3R8c/UsRbBS0igII/AAAAAAAAJDk/djEb9F9Y24c/s1600/02+Boarded+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WX3GYS3R8c/UsRbBS0igII/AAAAAAAAJDk/djEb9F9Y24c/s400/02+Boarded+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Businesses were boarded up in preparation for Hurricane Charley.</div>
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Red Coconut RV park was also deserted.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcD74vr6Oo4/UsRbCh6EXSI/AAAAAAAAJDo/fBR6rVZPlGc/s1600/04+Charley+wind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcD74vr6Oo4/UsRbCh6EXSI/AAAAAAAAJDo/fBR6rVZPlGc/s400/04+Charley+wind.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Charley’s winds got up to 150 mph.</div>
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Hurricane winds blew the water towards shore, creating the surge that covered the island in some places.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwQZYprWjsY/UsRbC1sFO2I/AAAAAAAAJEE/pMOn0GGkXGs/s1600/06+Andre+Mar+under+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwQZYprWjsY/UsRbC1sFO2I/AAAAAAAAJEE/pMOn0GGkXGs/s400/06+Andre+Mar+under+water.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My street, Andre-Mar Drive</div>
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<span lang="EN">On one end of our street, the water from the Gulf of Mexico rose over Estero Boulevard, and from the other end of our street, water from Estero Bay rose to meet the Gulf water. The water just kept rising relentlessly--not violently, just steadily, and the wind blowing in from the Gulf was just as unrelenting. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-9N5vt-txw/UsRbDOV3CUI/AAAAAAAAJD4/CRb289Jot-o/s1600/07+From+our+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-9N5vt-txw/UsRbDOV3CUI/AAAAAAAAJD4/CRb289Jot-o/s400/07+From+our+house.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Andre-Mar Drive from our house </div>
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The waters from the Gulf and the Bay met on our street.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKEplU-DK_0/UsRbIQEvwWI/AAAAAAAAJFI/g6xNDsL_Ixg/s1600/7.5+Fence+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKEplU-DK_0/UsRbIQEvwWI/AAAAAAAAJFI/g6xNDsL_Ixg/s400/7.5+Fence+after.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">My plant arbor and parts of the fence were both blown away by the wind and washed away by the surge. Surprisingly, plants in pots turned out to be OK because the salt water could be washed out with fresh water. We had running water, but that's about all we had in the way of utilities.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLE5LEUtLP4/UsRbEg7oo1I/AAAAAAAAJEM/19ovB7LRUVY/s1600/08+Mango+st+Mrkt+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLE5LEUtLP4/UsRbEg7oo1I/AAAAAAAAJEM/19ovB7LRUVY/s400/08+Mango+st+Mrkt+after.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mango Street Market</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BysJGTER_T4/UsRbEsT1dMI/AAAAAAAAJEg/fxFrx_2pSKo/s1600/09+Newton+Hse+%2526+cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BysJGTER_T4/UsRbEsT1dMI/AAAAAAAAJEg/fxFrx_2pSKo/s400/09+Newton+Hse+%2526+cottage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Newton House on the beach side </div>
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The vegetation was destroyed and screens were blown in.</div>
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The Newton House facing Estero Boulevard</div>
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The Newton House didn’t weather Charley very well.</div>
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Matanzas Pass Preserve</div>
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Robert on the beach after the water receded</div>
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The wind of a hurricane causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea level and causes flooding problems. Storm surge on Fort Myers Beach was six to seven feet and, together with sustained winds, caused all kinds of damage. The salt water corroded electrical wiring in cars, homes and appliances, ruined upholstered furniture, and caused mold to start climbing up drywall in a matter of hours. The wind caused damage to roofs, lanais, fences and less substantial structures. </div>
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Ruined bedding from Howard Johnson’s</div>
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Andre-Mar Drive was lined with ruined household goods ready for garbage pickup. </div>
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Everything touched by salt water had to be discarded. Drywall and insulation had to be torn out and thrown away and walls treated with an anti-bacterial spray. Then everything in our house had to be dried out with huge hot-air fans running for 24 hours straight. <br />
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Vegetation was put in black plastic garbage bags for pickup.</div>
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Times Square in the aftermath of Charley</div>
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Old San Carlos Boulevard practically empty</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYNumy8mz78/UsRhjtKAT9I/AAAAAAAAJFk/UuL-9-H03NQ/s1600/19+Theater+cook-out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYNumy8mz78/UsRhjtKAT9I/AAAAAAAAJFk/UuL-9-H03NQ/s320/19+Theater+cook-out.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kind folks at the Beach Theater had a cookout for the stranded islanders.<br />
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The folks in line stayed on the island; they didn’t want to leave because they couldn’t get back on. The authorities closed down the island so that no one could get on or off. They kept it closed down for a week, ostensibly “for our own good.” After a week’s time, people came back to a bigger mess than we had because we got started on cleanup right away. We managed without electricity, but we always had running water, or we probably couldn’t have stayed on the island. </div>
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The Southern Baptist Convention from Kentucky set up shop at the Fort Myers Beach Baptist Church. The Red Cross assigned this group to come to Fort Myers Beach. The church members go wherever they are told to provide relief services.</div>
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The Red Cross supplied food and water. The volunteers on-site did the rest. </div>
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Red Cross trucks rode up and down the streets of the island passing out meals.</div>
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Free meals were offered to anyone who wanted them in this makeshift cafeteria under the Baptist Church. This was a godsend to us because we had no electricity, no food and no appliances to cook food in anyway. Members of the Convention are in the yellow T-shirts. They are not youngsters--mostly they are retired folks who travel far and wide to help their neighbors, as Christ instructed them to do in the Bible. (I know this because I asked a number of them why they did it.)</div>
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<span lang="EN">Meals were handed out-- no questions asked, no donations solicited, no proselytizing done-- and they were quite good meals, as I remember</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzXUQB2QgOI/UsRhlt0a3cI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/h0lkGr-3wIk/s1600/25+Reef+BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzXUQB2QgOI/UsRhlt0a3cI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/h0lkGr-3wIk/s320/25+Reef+BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Reef Restaurant before Hurricane Charley </div>
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The Reef was a small, unimposing restaurant, but it regularly offered three All-You-Can-Eat specials consisting of steamed snow crab legs, deep-fried frog legs or crunchy grouper. And you could alternate any of these entrees--if you had a big enough appetite, that is. That was one special restaurant.</div>
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The Reef Restaurant after Hurricane Charley </div>
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The “X” on the window means it was deemed uninhabitable.</div>
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The Reef Restaurant after Hurricane Charley</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAdADykt0lU/UsRhnBCFlxI/AAAAAAAAJGo/drMwJwRi3o0/s1600/28+Bldg+demolished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAdADykt0lU/UsRhnBCFlxI/AAAAAAAAJGo/drMwJwRi3o0/s320/28+Bldg+demolished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Reef Restaurant was demolished.<br />
RIP</div>
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</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-54056568825363664022013-12-30T15:54:00.003-08:002013-12-31T17:46:33.130-08:00III. Fort Myers Beach in Photos: Points of Interest<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><strong>BAY OAKS RECREATIONAL COMPLEX</strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">Bay Oaks Recreation Center opened it doors to the residents of Lee County on October 23, 1986. Bay Oaks is adjacent to Beach Elementary School and the town-owned Fort Myers Beach pool. The six-and-a-half acre park includes an 18,000 sq. ft. recreation center with 2 full-size basketball/volleyball courts, a weight room, 4 full size outdoor tennis courts, an 18 hole disc golf course and activity/meeting rooms. A public pool offers a children's pool along with a large slide and is available for lap swimmers as well. There are active teen and senior clubs (BOSS = Bay Oaks Social Seniors), as well as an after-school program.,</span></span></span></div>
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In 1998 Lee County entered into an inter-local agreement with the newly formed Town of Fort Myers Beach. Lee County Parks & Recreation continued to run and operate Bay Oaks Recreational Complex while the Town of Fort Myers Beach supplied half of the funding for its operational costs. An advisory board was formed to give community input and to make staff and program recommendations. Lee County government gave the Town of Fort Myers Beach ownership of the Bay Oaks Recreation Center on October 1, 2009--along with the more than $600,000 annual operating tab. Since then, it has been a learning process for the Town to administer, fund and promote Bay Oaks on its own, without Lee County. With each succeeding year, the Town becomes more proficient in managing Bay Oaks, and residents become more involved in and enthusiastic about Bay Oaks as an athletic and community center.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbczZ2Hl8Ac/UsIE--gjWuI/AAAAAAAAI74/oooGjOzJbEI/s1600/01+Bay+Oaks+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbczZ2Hl8Ac/UsIE--gjWuI/AAAAAAAAI74/oooGjOzJbEI/s400/01+Bay+Oaks+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Entrance sign to the Bay Oaks Recreational Complex</div>
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Little League ball field, one of two ball fields at Bay Oaks</div>
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Fort Myers Beach Little League score board</div>
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Entrance to the Bay Oaks gym</div>
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The Bay Oaks gym</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5qhKxWcxbM/UsIFAXyFGGI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/v1kkZaGv_V0/s1600/06+Bay+Oaks+Grdn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5qhKxWcxbM/UsIFAXyFGGI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/v1kkZaGv_V0/s400/06+Bay+Oaks+Grdn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Bay Oaks garden, planted and maintained by the Estero Island Garden Club
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Picnic area on the Bay Oaks grounds </div>
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The interior of the Bay Oaks gym</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQAJUyq6vjM/UsIFB0pa0HI/AAAAAAAAI8o/qckHU7KBH1M/s1600/08.5+Exercise+rm+machines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQAJUyq6vjM/UsIFB0pa0HI/AAAAAAAAI8o/qckHU7KBH1M/s400/08.5+Exercise+rm+machines.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bay Oaks exercise room</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00vE8x7HM9A/UsIFCe9p5rI/AAAAAAAAI9E/E_voEG37naU/s1600/09+BO+Meetng+Rm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00vE8x7HM9A/UsIFCe9p5rI/AAAAAAAAI9E/E_voEG37naU/s400/09+BO+Meetng+Rm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A meeting room with a Times Square mural in the Bay Oaks gym</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnX_lBV2FWM/UsIFCtNb0oI/AAAAAAAAI80/ZSyBI2NRDgQ/s1600/10+Bay+Oaks+Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnX_lBV2FWM/UsIFCtNb0oI/AAAAAAAAI80/ZSyBI2NRDgQ/s400/10+Bay+Oaks+Pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The swimming pool</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCkVqX6g5J8/UsIFCwp0cNI/AAAAAAAAI9A/koj0h5g2tkA/s1600/11+BO+Pool+Life+Guard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCkVqX6g5J8/UsIFCwp0cNI/AAAAAAAAI9A/koj0h5g2tkA/s400/11+BO+Pool+Life+Guard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Bay Oaks pool</div>
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The fun slide of the Bay Oaks pool</div>
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<span lang="EN"><strong>THE FORT MYERS BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL</strong> <br />
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</span></span><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">Fort Myers Beach Elementary School is a public elementary school in Fort Myers Beach and serves students whose parents either reside or work on Ft. Myers Beach. There are approximately 130 students from kindergarten to fifth grade, and the overall student-to-teacher ratio is 12:1. The entire Beach community actively supports the school by tutoring, doing volunteer work, and fund raising. </span></span></div>
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The first Beach school opened in 1937 with 27 first, second and third grade children, with one teacher who was paid $80 monthly by the school board. The second Beach School was a two-room schoolhouse that opened in 1938 with two teachers for grades 1-6. During WWII the beach population increased rapidly. The third school built on the island opened in 1949 for grades 1-6 with 5 teachers and a principal. Today it serves K-5 with 10 teachers, a principal and support staff.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIagabEYrzw/UsIK_CIovFI/AAAAAAAAI9o/KtXvnPD9YOo/s1600/13+School+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIagabEYrzw/UsIK_CIovFI/AAAAAAAAI9o/KtXvnPD9YOo/s400/13+School+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Entrance sign for Fort Myers Beach Elementary School</div>
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Gated entrance to FMB Elementary</div>
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True to our times, entrance to the school is closely monitored, and once inside, visitors’ IDs are closely checked.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1-QHJyj2us/UsIK_EtVDkI/AAAAAAAAI9s/SdLUlz5Ksfk/s1600/15+School+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1-QHJyj2us/UsIK_EtVDkI/AAAAAAAAI9s/SdLUlz5Ksfk/s400/15+School+front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Front of the FMB Elementary School<br />
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Mural depicting a fife and drum corps on the façade of FMB Elementary School</div>
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<strong>THE FORT MYERS BEACH ART ASSOCIATION</strong></div>
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The Fort Myers Beach Art Association is over 60 years old and offers classes, workshops and opportunities for artists to meet and paint at the working gallery. The association holds art exhibitions and programs which are open to the public and encourages art instruction of children through summer classes, and junior artists through scholarships to high school graduates. Sales of original fine art continue during regular gallery hours and during special events, such as “Paint the Beach,” a plein air painting festival where typically more than 50 artists choose and paint a scene on Fort Myers Beach.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VATtNmBW4bs/UsIMK1I-pJI/AAAAAAAAI-I/4NRSB3lbb60/s1600/17+Art+assn+w+flag+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VATtNmBW4bs/UsIMK1I-pJI/AAAAAAAAI-I/4NRSB3lbb60/s400/17+Art+assn+w+flag+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Fort Myers Beach Art Association building on Donora Street</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ2Zg3uA1PY/UsIMLd7iL_I/AAAAAAAAI-M/NyQDDs7gdeY/s1600/18+Art+Assn++edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ2Zg3uA1PY/UsIMLd7iL_I/AAAAAAAAI-M/NyQDDs7gdeY/s400/18+Art+Assn++edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Art Association building</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGMaXQC69dQ/UsIMKuFc7qI/AAAAAAAAI-U/mOx-UJSnMtg/s1600/19+Art+Assoc+Interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGMaXQC69dQ/UsIMKuFc7qI/AAAAAAAAI-U/mOx-UJSnMtg/s400/19+Art+Assoc+Interior.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Artists at work inside the light and bright interior of the Art Association building</div>
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<strong>THE FORT MYERS BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT</strong><br />
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</span><span lang="EN">The mission of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Department is:<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">“</span></span>To combat hostile fires and treat and transport the sick and injured as well as provide multiple levels of rescue. We are a proud organization genuinely committed to providing our services, honoring our traditions and rising to any occasion where emergency services are needed.”</i> </div>
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The Fort Myers Beach firefighters are always ready to assist the community in periods of unexpected emergencies, be it a house fire, a heart attack, or broken water main--all are within the range of routine business for this organization. The firefighters typically respond a half dozen times a day to a summons for help. The rescue squad and ambulance arrive within 3 to 6 life-saving minutes anywhere on Fort Myers Beach and environs. Each of the firefighters is a trained and certified EMT or Paramedic, and last year they answered about 2100 calls for assistance. </div>
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I have never personally needed their firefighting services, but I have needed or witnessed their emergency medical services on several occasions. When called on, the firefighters arrive very fast and take immediate charge of the situation. You feel reassured that the person having a health emergency is getting the best possible care and swift transport to the hospital. And you feel incredibly grateful that we have such a dedicated and professional group of people here on Fort Myers Beach.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yup7Q9hahc/UsIPIuzOZBI/AAAAAAAAI-o/cJQrGO5Hk8g/s1600/20+Fire+Station+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yup7Q9hahc/UsIPIuzOZBI/AAAAAAAAI-o/cJQrGO5Hk8g/s400/20+Fire+Station+Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Fort Myers Beach Fire Station facing Estero Boulevard</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GvvasQ-iO4/UsIPIjyYY5I/AAAAAAAAI-k/CRXcbjFafsA/s1600/21+Fire+house+open+bays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GvvasQ-iO4/UsIPIjyYY5I/AAAAAAAAI-k/CRXcbjFafsA/s400/21+Fire+house+open+bays.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Fire Station with open bays and motto above the bays</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQJn3FS0FhM/UsIPIv3k0DI/AAAAAAAAI-s/l8HzbEu04xM/s1600/22+Fire+Station+2+++chief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQJn3FS0FhM/UsIPIv3k0DI/AAAAAAAAI-s/l8HzbEu04xM/s400/22+Fire+Station+2+++chief.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Vehicles at the ready</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxODmDwMWRo/UsIPJbehB0I/AAAAAAAAI-w/8cVshyWUcMs/s1600/23+Fire+Station+Truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxODmDwMWRo/UsIPJbehB0I/AAAAAAAAI-w/8cVshyWUcMs/s400/23+Fire+Station+Truck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fire Station vehicles</div>
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The FMB Emergency Medical Services Ambulance</div>
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Nothing is as beautiful to see as this ambulance is when a loved one is having a health emergency.<br />
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<strong>THE FORT MYERS BEACH LIBRARY</strong></div>
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In 1954<b>, </b> the Fort Myers Beach Library began in a tiny cottage with 1,200 donated books. On July 28, 1961<b>,</b> the new 2,600 square foot building opened with enough space for 15,000 books; it had been made possible through pledges of money, labor and materials. In 1965, there was a movement to establish a county library system, but the Beach Library held a referendum to find out if there was enough support to establish a library tax district for Fort Myers Beach; ever-increasing circulation and demand for services could no longer be met by fund-raisers and county assistance. Of the 977 registered freeholders, the vote was 678 for and 32 against. Emily Spencer became the first full-time professional librarian over a collection of 10,500 books and periodicals. By 1970, the library had doubled in size. In 1993, construction began on a new library building and was completed on February 28, 1994. In 2000, Leroy Hommerding was hired as Director of the Library. In 2004, the Library’s total holdings numbered 77,000 items, including 58,000 books, 7,400 videos, 5,200 audios. Staff numbered 10 with volunteers welcomed. In 2010, plans were completed for expansion of the building. By 2010, the Library experienced 23% increase in number of users in the past decade. </div>
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In 2011, construction began with a groundbreaking on April 5th. After 10 years of planning, the grand opening ceremony of the Fort Myers Beach Library took place on March 27, 2013. Adding 18,895 square feet to the existing building gave the Library a total of 34,190 square feet to house a growing collection and to handle expanded services. Adding to the existing library building opened the door to offering a wider range of resources and activities, including public meeting space, gallery and performance space, specific areas for youth, and a computer lab. While technology plays a big role in contemporary libraries, the attractiveness of the traditional environment of quiet study and reflective learning remains an important element in its design.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXbb2D-UCYQ/UsIR4HWbe5I/AAAAAAAAI_Q/PVeDJ-89nkI/s1600/25+Library+View+2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXbb2D-UCYQ/UsIR4HWbe5I/AAAAAAAAI_Q/PVeDJ-89nkI/s400/25+Library+View+2008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A view of the library in 2008</div>
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My favorite window on what used to be the far right side of the library</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_21ng5JeI18/UsIR4TvCH4I/AAAAAAAAI_Y/qwabd8-BEs0/s1600/27+Library+Left+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_21ng5JeI18/UsIR4TvCH4I/AAAAAAAAI_Y/qwabd8-BEs0/s400/27+Library+Left+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The expanse of the new library as seen from the far left</div>
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The expanse of the library as seen from the far right</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImptbpyG-6Y/UsIR5Ovs49I/AAAAAAAAI_s/pNVQIm6F0qM/s1600/29+Library+Additn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImptbpyG-6Y/UsIR5Ovs49I/AAAAAAAAI_s/pNVQIm6F0qM/s400/29+Library+Additn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The new addition, which includes a high/low tide clock</div>
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<strong>CHURCHES ON FORT MYERS BEACH</strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SWdKehdja8/UsITivF7KDI/AAAAAAAAI_8/xFhjifKjYtk/s1600/30+Church+Chapel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SWdKehdja8/UsITivF7KDI/AAAAAAAAI_8/xFhjifKjYtk/s400/30+Church+Chapel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Chapel by the Sea </div>
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Chapel by the Sea was the first church on the island. It was started in 1932 as a mission of the Presbyterians and officially founded one year later. The first building was constructed in 1937 with a seating capacity of 47. Today's Sanctuary holds 700. Although it is Presbyterian, the Chapel is known on the island as the community church. The church hosts "God's Table," feeding the poor and needy of the beach during the week. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jklQFZ_7xO8/UsITitSqnLI/AAAAAAAAJAE/w4IKqrPgaoM/s1600/32+Chpl+Dolphin+wndow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jklQFZ_7xO8/UsITitSqnLI/AAAAAAAAJAE/w4IKqrPgaoM/s400/32+Chpl+Dolphin+wndow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The dolphin “rose window” of Chapel by the Sea </div>
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Saint Raphael's Episcopal Church<br />
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Saint Raphael's Church, located on Williams Drive, was the second church built on the island. It was founded on March 5, 1951 and the church was built in 1953. It was built as a mission style structure with handmade cinder blocks of beach sand, coquina and limestone. It features the unique awning-style stained glass windows and a chapel. The church is known for two of the oldest traditions of the island with the annual Blessing of the Fleet and the famous shrimp roll sales, dating to 1953.</div>
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Entrance to Saint Raphael’s</div>
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Church of the Ascension<br />
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The Roman Catholic Church of the Ascension was founded in 1962. The San Damiano Monastery of St. Clare, begun with three Poor Clare nuns in 1988, is also located on the church premises on Estero Boulevard. The sisters lead a simple life of prayer, contemplation, solitude and silence, following in the ways of Saints Francis and Clare.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mqsvS-djr4Y/UsITldsGWyI/AAAAAAAAJA0/1YE1V1Y9i2E/s1600/37+Ascension+grotto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mqsvS-djr4Y/UsITldsGWyI/AAAAAAAAJA0/1YE1V1Y9i2E/s400/37+Ascension+grotto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A grotto in memory of Nell Santini Walsh from her parents, Mr and Mrs Leonard Santini </div>
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The grotto is on the grounds of Ascension parish.</div>
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The Monastery of Saint Clare</div>
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Beach United Methodist Church</div>
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The Beach United Methodist Church is on Bay Street, just behind the Beach Library. Anointing/Healing and Prayers are part of every Sunday Service. </div>
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Filigreed windows on the side of the church</div>
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Saint Peter Lutheran Church<br />
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St. Peter Lutheran Church on Estero Boulevard has Sunday worship and a ladies’ Bible study twice a month. The church considers its ministry to those who vacation or winter on the island as one of its most important ministries. <br />
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The right wing of St. Peter's</div>
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<span lang="EN">The Beach Baptist Church with its distinctive blue roof</span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The Beach Baptist Church on Connecticut Street is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention, but operates as an autonomous entity as it pertains to convention decisions and resolutions. There is a retreat center on the premises which welcomes groups engaged in evangelism training.<br /></span><span lang="EN"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFfzWNCyiOk/UsIToMVGv8I/AAAAAAAAJB4/0IH5wkII30Y/s1600/46+Baptist+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFfzWNCyiOk/UsIToMVGv8I/AAAAAAAAJB4/0IH5wkII30Y/s400/46+Baptist+entry.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span lang="EN">The Baptist Church entrance<br />
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Retreat Center</div>
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The Beach Theater, meeting place for Saint Raphael’s by the Sea Church</div>
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Saint Raphael’s by the Sea, an orthodox Anglican parish which separated from Saint Raphael’s Episcopalian Church, was formed in 2010. Pastor Alice Marcrum is the Rector of the church, which meets on Sundays at Beach Theater on Estero Boulevard. The church hosts the Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet, a ceremony which blesses all the boats and their crews. </div>
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<strong>MANGO STREET MARKET</strong></div>
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The Mango Street Market was located right on Estero Boulevard. It was wonderfully convenient, and I thought it would be there forever. Unfortunately, it was torn down in 2008, and the Farmers Market under the Matanzas Pass Bridge is open only on Friday mornings during Season (November/December through April.) </div>
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Mango Street Market was the place to go for produce and seafood</div>
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And they shipped citrus.</div>
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Bins of melons, oranges and tomatoes</div>
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You could get wooden totems there, too.<br />
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</span><br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-20084480907883196642013-12-29T16:48:00.001-08:002013-12-30T12:49:29.772-08:00II. Fort Myers Beach in Photos: Beaches, Parks and Landmarks<span lang="EN"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><strong>BOWDITCH POINT REGIONAL PARK</strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t87XpDfh-Zs/UsDAHLeRQQI/AAAAAAAAI0M/4J2UXUoQSCU/s1600/01+Aerial+Bowditch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t87XpDfh-Zs/UsDAHLeRQQI/AAAAAAAAI0M/4J2UXUoQSCU/s400/01+Aerial+Bowditch.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">Aerial view of Estero Island and Bowditch Point Regional Park in the 70s</span></span></div>
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(Click on any pic to enlarge it.)</div>
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">Bowditch Point Regional Park encompasses the northern-most tip of Estero Island and is located between the Gulf of Mexico and Matanzas Pass. On the Estero Bay side, you can watch boats entering and exiting the bay via Matanzas Pass, and on the Gulf of Mexico beachfront side, you can see walkers, swimmers and sunbathers. There are also walking trails through the preserve, a picnic area with tables and grills, changing facilities and restrooms in the park.</span></span></span></div>
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The park was named after Nathaniel Bowditch, who is considered the father of modern maritime navigation. Lee County purchased the seventeen-acre property in 1987 in order to develop the site for recreational use. Although the park opened in 1994, it didn’t reach its full potential as a recreational area until 2002, when the grounds were replanted with native vegetation, the facilities were improved and a number of parking spaces were added. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-udl-BOsJApM/UsDAHaDAzSI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/wLL5LUEP2Hw/s1600/02+Twd+Bowditch+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-udl-BOsJApM/UsDAHaDAzSI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/wLL5LUEP2Hw/s400/02+Twd+Bowditch+Point.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bowditch Point on the Estero Bay side</div>
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The northern-most tip of Estero Island</div>
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Strollers approaching the tip of Bowditch Point on the Gulf of Mexico side</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4I0XcouVGm0/UsDAIBaCz5I/AAAAAAAAI0s/fQZeCGvlufo/s1600/05+Glimpse+refurbished+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4I0XcouVGm0/UsDAIBaCz5I/AAAAAAAAI0s/fQZeCGvlufo/s400/05+Glimpse+refurbished+Beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Refurbished beach on the Gulf side and dredging equipment</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9v2a40kpSE/UsDAIskDxLI/AAAAAAAAI0w/ZMseYSWPKoI/s1600/06+BOW+Brdwlk+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9v2a40kpSE/UsDAIskDxLI/AAAAAAAAI0w/ZMseYSWPKoI/s400/06+BOW+Brdwlk+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A boardwalk towards picnic pavilions in the park</div>
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Picnic pavilions and concession stand</div>
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Picnic pavilions</div>
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The boardwalk leads to the beach on the Gulf of Mexico side of Bowditch Point</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-dp2J79lxU/UsDAKED6WqI/AAAAAAAAI1I/O0xyaYwRlgw/s1600/10+Bowditch+Sunset+point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-dp2J79lxU/UsDAKED6WqI/AAAAAAAAI1I/O0xyaYwRlgw/s400/10+Bowditch+Sunset+point.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bowditch Point at sunset<br />
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<strong>CRESCENT BEACH FAMILY PARK</strong><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODkEwk9SfNc/UsDDyDBOl3I/AAAAAAAAI1k/YeMjcpVcSt8/s1600/11+Intersection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODkEwk9SfNc/UsDDyDBOl3I/AAAAAAAAI1k/YeMjcpVcSt8/s400/11+Intersection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The foot of the Matanzas Pass Bridge<br />
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<span lang="EN"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVjxHtVhWfU/UsDDybpRNKI/AAAAAAAAI18/yDZEHNyk3co/s1600/12+TS+Intersection+w+tringle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVjxHtVhWfU/UsDDybpRNKI/AAAAAAAAI18/yDZEHNyk3co/s400/12+TS+Intersection+w+tringle.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The intersection at the foot of the Matanzas Pass Bridge<br />
Go left and you are at Times Square; go right and you are on Estero Boulevard, the main (and only) artery of Fort Myers Beach.<br />
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Lee County officially acquired the Seafarer’s property and the three Gulf-front lots on Estero Boulevard for a total of $5.6 million in September, 2010. (The Seafarer’s property cost $980,000.) Demolition work at the Seafarer’s Mall site just across the street was carried out in June. The whole Seafarer's site across the street from the park has been viewed as a strategic development area, but to date, it has been left barren. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4ttuV8BDt4/UsDDyZRZniI/AAAAAAAAI1o/-RmUdXTkJ_A/s1600/13+Seafarers+Mall+2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4ttuV8BDt4/UsDDyZRZniI/AAAAAAAAI1o/-RmUdXTkJ_A/s400/13+Seafarers+Mall+2008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Seafarers property before demolition</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXq1gGYtqVA/UsDDzONV9tI/AAAAAAAAI2A/xQjRKAdojgk/s1600/14+TS+Intersection+vacant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXq1gGYtqVA/UsDDzONV9tI/AAAAAAAAI2A/xQjRKAdojgk/s400/14+TS+Intersection+vacant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After demolition of the Seafarers property</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AnbgLvgq4eQ/UsDDzlwjV5I/AAAAAAAAI2I/tLsOnAlhnIA/s1600/15+Intersection+fence+panels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AnbgLvgq4eQ/UsDDzlwjV5I/AAAAAAAAI2I/tLsOnAlhnIA/s400/15+Intersection+fence+panels.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kids from the the Children’s Mural Project painted ocean scenes to decorate the fence around the Seafarers vacant property. It was a great improvement.<br />
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<span lang="EN">The beachfront parcels were subsequently converted into a beachside park with sand volleyball courts and picnic shelters with tables. Commissioner Ray Judah favored calling the property, “Crescent Beach Park,” but the word “Family” was added to the name to reinforce the idea of a family-friendly destination. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fHTDxixsefM/UsDD0L5S-fI/AAAAAAAAI2E/dFV4HOFGoyY/s1600/16+Crescent+Beach+Aftr+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fHTDxixsefM/UsDD0L5S-fI/AAAAAAAAI2E/dFV4HOFGoyY/s400/16+Crescent+Beach+Aftr+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Crescent Beach Family Park sign facing Estero Boulevard<br />
This two-acre beachfront park sits at the foot of the Matanzas Pass Bridge on Estero Boulevard.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XXy-Ah19JxE/UsDD0s-W2SI/AAAAAAAAI2M/EKVSypWqmGk/s1600/17+Crescent+Beach+Befre+2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XXy-Ah19JxE/UsDD0s-W2SI/AAAAAAAAI2M/EKVSypWqmGk/s400/17+Crescent+Beach+Befre+2008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The three gulf-front lots were razed in preparation for the park.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5enh87Bt8DY/UsDD1PkKU7I/AAAAAAAAI20/cPgo1OfMUvA/s1600/18+CB+Prk+long+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5enh87Bt8DY/UsDD1PkKU7I/AAAAAAAAI20/cPgo1OfMUvA/s400/18+CB+Prk+long+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The same view of the property but with Tiki huts and volleyball courts</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tsq5rdguUVY/UsDD1cPPQAI/AAAAAAAAI2g/U5rWdWOcWzI/s1600/19+Crescent+Beach+Before+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tsq5rdguUVY/UsDD1cPPQAI/AAAAAAAAI2g/U5rWdWOcWzI/s400/19+Crescent+Beach+Before+08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A lone palm tree on the gulf-front lot with the pier in the background in this "before" shot<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP507PPWF3o/UsDD1rZgwLI/AAAAAAAAI2o/wd12afPF3ak/s1600/20+palm+%2526+pier+%2526+row+of+plms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP507PPWF3o/UsDD1rZgwLI/AAAAAAAAI2o/wd12afPF3ak/s400/20+palm+%2526+pier+%2526+row+of+plms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The same view of the lone palm and pier in the background but with newly added palm trees and vegetation in the foreground</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrj0ReSgy1M/UsDD2ffatMI/AAAAAAAAI2w/0k5EiedBmmw/s1600/21+Crescnt+Bch+twd+s+tcropt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrj0ReSgy1M/UsDD2ffatMI/AAAAAAAAI2w/0k5EiedBmmw/s400/21+Crescnt+Bch+twd+s+tcropt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A view of the park towards Estero Boulevard </div>
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The mural project is all along the fence in the background.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVOL7_-T91U/UsDD2jxZwmI/AAAAAAAAI2s/gZHP_-AfjO4/s1600/22+Crescnt+Bch+Tiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVOL7_-T91U/UsDD2jxZwmI/AAAAAAAAI2s/gZHP_-AfjO4/s400/22+Crescnt+Bch+Tiki.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A uniquely designed tiki hut and another look at the mural project</div>
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<strong>NEWTON PARK</strong></div>
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Newton Park is a beachfront property that belonged to James (1905-1999) and Eleanor (1899-2003) Newton, whose extensive friendships with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Charles Lindbergh, and others are recorded in Jim Newton’s book, “Uncommon Friends.” At Seven Seas, the Newtons’ home, Ellie Newton entertained such luminaries as Frits Phillips, former chairman of the Philips electronics company, King Michael of Romania and Queen Anne, among others. The house was built in 1953, and the Newtons’ personal associations and the gatherings that took place at Seven Seas represent a unique chapter in the history of Fort Myers Beach. The Town of Fort Myers beach acquired the estate in 2003 by virtue of a grant from the Florida Communities Trust program and Lee County. Additional funds from the Lee County Tourist Development Council and Town park impact fees have made possible the development of the property into a passive park. The Seven Seas beach cottage at Newton Park has been restored and can be rented for private events. The cottage isn’t really very big, but it sits on a gorgeous piece of property on the gulf, and the rooms look directly out over the water.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwF4sJjmqwA/UsHJFch5swI/AAAAAAAAI3I/33uObR1to6U/s1600/23+Newtn+Park+Tiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwF4sJjmqwA/UsHJFch5swI/AAAAAAAAI3I/33uObR1to6U/s400/23+Newtn+Park+Tiki.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Newton Park with tiki hut and picnic tables</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChmGLftjBJQ/UsHJFSBXWXI/AAAAAAAAI3M/yPB-T8Rs40g/s1600/24+Tiki+Hut+%2526+gulf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChmGLftjBJQ/UsHJFSBXWXI/AAAAAAAAI3M/yPB-T8Rs40g/s400/24+Tiki+Hut+%2526+gulf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The tiki hut with a glimpse of the Gulf in the background<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-F3a5B7C1s/UsHJFsE8z7I/AAAAAAAAI3Q/8R7q_NIxIzg/s1600/25+Nwtn+Hse+frm+Estero+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-F3a5B7C1s/UsHJFsE8z7I/AAAAAAAAI3Q/8R7q_NIxIzg/s400/25+Nwtn+Hse+frm+Estero+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">Seven Seas cottage<br />
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnuhL6OvJr8/UsHJHHlOPFI/AAAAAAAAI3s/ZrhQrlliRbY/s1600/26+Nwtn+House+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnuhL6OvJr8/UsHJHHlOPFI/AAAAAAAAI3s/ZrhQrlliRbY/s400/26+Nwtn+House+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The Seven Seas cottage with a small parking lot, landscaped paths and handicapped access<br />
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_b91ucAW1U/UsHJG-TccmI/AAAAAAAAI3o/HEoYtHJjesw/s1600/27+Nwtn+Hse+frm+gulf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_b91ucAW1U/UsHJG-TccmI/AAAAAAAAI3o/HEoYtHJjesw/s400/27+Nwtn+Hse+frm+gulf.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span lang="EN">The cottage on the side facing the gulf<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkgAOUuKB5Y/UsHJHN2OPzI/AAAAAAAAI3k/k4fGvIBNEEk/s1600/28+Nwtn+House+side+vu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkgAOUuKB5Y/UsHJHN2OPzI/AAAAAAAAI3k/k4fGvIBNEEk/s400/28+Nwtn+House+side+vu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A corner view of the cottage</div>
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<strong>THE MOUND HOUSE</strong></div>
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Estero Island was once at the very center of the Calusa Indian heartland. The Calusa Indians ruled a vast south Florida empire from their ceremonial center on nearby Mound Key, a 125-acre island in Estero Bay. The Calusa were a powerful people and controlled all of the Native groups in Southern Florida, including the Miami area. They thrived on the rich estuarine environment, eating fish and shellfish as well as hunting deer, bear, raccoon, and possum, and moving up and down waterways like the Caloosahatchee River on canoes. Large shell mounds can still be seen where Calusa villages once stood. When the Spanish tried to land, they were met with hostility which resulted in deaths, including that of Ponce de Leon on his second Florida exploration and attempted settlement when he was mortally wounded, returning to Havana where he died. </div>
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The Mound House, situated on Estero Bay, sits on an ancient Calusa Indian Mound and commands a sweeping vista of Estero Bay. It is Estero Island’s oldest standing structure and has undergone many changes since it was first built in 1906. The Mound House became the property of the newly incorporated Town of Fort Myers Beach in 1995 and became the town’s first preservation effort. One of the changes made in 1958 was the installation of a swimming pool. Cracked and deteriorated, the pool was removed and the space taken up by the pool was transformed into an underground room which shows the layers of the shell mound through 2,000 years of history. Above ground, the house itself is slowly being restored to an earlier period of time and the grounds are being restored to feature native plants and shell mound vegetation. The purchase of the property was made possible by a grant from Florida Communities Trust, and the shell mound exhibit was supported by a grant from the Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources. The entire site is a work in progress, but eventually, its mission as a cultural and educational center with exhibits of artifacts and photographic displays of times gone by at the Mound House will be realized. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7Lbd-37-34/UsHNggoKDfI/AAAAAAAAI30/AebGAEBm97o/s1600/29+Mound+Hse+Tourist+Tree+2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7Lbd-37-34/UsHNggoKDfI/AAAAAAAAI30/AebGAEBm97o/s400/29+Mound+Hse+Tourist+Tree+2001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">A Gumbo-limbo tree used to be in front of the Mound House. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">It is called the “Tourist Tree’ because its bark is red and peeling like the sunburned skin of a tourist. The screened-in swimming pool is to the left of the main house. This is a pre-restoration photo.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UXbVOjvvmQ/UsHNog6mFxI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/Te5O46-QERw/s1600/30+Mound+Hse+Front+2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UXbVOjvvmQ/UsHNog6mFxI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/Te5O46-QERw/s400/30+Mound+Hse+Front+2001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The huge trees had to be removed because they were a danger to the foundation of the Mound House.<br />
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<span lang="EN"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mTgDK_wKZo/UsHNoIsvo0I/AAAAAAAAI4I/I8FEQ83Z_ew/s1600/31+Mnd+Hse+Back+w+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mTgDK_wKZo/UsHNoIsvo0I/AAAAAAAAI4I/I8FEQ83Z_ew/s400/31+Mnd+Hse+Back+w+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The same view of the Mound House as of October, 2013</span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsAjsPhlieo/UsHNorwUDPI/AAAAAAAAI4U/mYkU1C_fS4Y/s1600/32+Mound+Hse+Back+View+2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsAjsPhlieo/UsHNorwUDPI/AAAAAAAAI4U/mYkU1C_fS4Y/s400/32+Mound+Hse+Back+View+2001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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The Mound House with a corner view as it was before the trees were removed</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWe20WLViTQ/UsHNoyrvy_I/AAAAAAAAI4Y/AmpYa1B7wUE/s1600/33+Corner+angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWe20WLViTQ/UsHNoyrvy_I/AAAAAAAAI4Y/AmpYa1B7wUE/s400/33+Corner+angle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The same corner view as of October, 2013</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blhfZzmlxmo/UsHNpzrlAHI/AAAAAAAAI4w/EIwNXkfBXsA/s1600/34+Mound+Hse+Tree+2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blhfZzmlxmo/UsHNpzrlAHI/AAAAAAAAI4w/EIwNXkfBXsA/s400/34+Mound+Hse+Tree+2004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A side view of the Mound House, pre-restoration</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPR4YUMnoC8/UsHNp-G_j1I/AAAAAAAAI4s/46A64mXYM4w/s1600/35+Mnd+Hse+side+w+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPR4YUMnoC8/UsHNp-G_j1I/AAAAAAAAI4s/46A64mXYM4w/s400/35+Mnd+Hse+side+w+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A current view of the Mound House with a glimpse of the bay in the background</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGUQ377ejrg/UsHNqeTU0EI/AAAAAAAAI4o/znIxqR-oSzU/s1600/36+Shell+Mnd+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGUQ377ejrg/UsHNqeTU0EI/AAAAAAAAI4o/znIxqR-oSzU/s400/36+Shell+Mnd+entry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The entrance to the shell mound exhibit </div>
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The exhibit is located where the swimming pool used to be.</div>
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A floor-to-ceiling mural depicts life in a Calusa village.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPTjqeuZmYE/UsHNsNEb-DI/AAAAAAAAI5E/4vFsGZwJng4/s1600/38+Jacqueline+%2526+Mehmet+frm+Berlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPTjqeuZmYE/UsHNsNEb-DI/AAAAAAAAI5E/4vFsGZwJng4/s400/38+Jacqueline+%2526+Mehmet+frm+Berlin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jacqueline and Mehmet from Germany were visitors to the Mound House. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzeQdvy_6KE/UsHNsZlkfwI/AAAAAAAAI5A/zQMYtsSl2yA/s1600/39+Shell+strata+LED+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzeQdvy_6KE/UsHNsZlkfwI/AAAAAAAAI5A/zQMYtsSl2yA/s400/39+Shell+strata+LED+lights.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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LED lights illustrate the seashell strata of mound-building according to time periods. <br />
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<span lang="EN"><strong>MATANZAS PASS PRESERVE</strong></span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">Matanzas Pass Preserve is nearly 60 acres of unspoiled sanctuary for native plants and animals, including raccoons, rabbits, hawks, owls, turtles, snakes, herons, fish, and songbirds. The main entrance to the Preserve is on Bay Road located behind Beach Elementary School and just beyond the Estero Island Historic Cottages. There are 1.25 miles of boardwalks and trails that wind through the canopies of mangroves and oak hammock. The Matanzas Pass Preserve offers many educational opportunities, including guided walks, tours led by an ethnobotanist, volunteer training, stress detox tours, and a new children's educational program. </span></span></div>
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Making the Preserve available and inviting to residents and visitors alike required a great deal of work. Clearing paths, hauling debris, building an elevated boardwalk with bridges, placing benches, and trimming vegetation began in 1977 with volunteers from various community groups. The Nature Conservancy officially opened the Preserve with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 20, 1979 with the title, Matanzas Pass Wilderness Preserve. </div>
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In 1994, the Matanzas Pass (Wilderness) Preserve property was donated to Lee County by The Nature Conservancy at which time the word “Wilderness” was removed from the name. The Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve has since been formed to help protect and preserve the natural habitat of this unique natural environment on Fort Myers Beach.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMLBPiw0Kqg/UsHWanxhwgI/AAAAAAAAI5c/TXBiZS52mNA/s1600/40+MP+Historic+cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMLBPiw0Kqg/UsHWanxhwgI/AAAAAAAAI5c/TXBiZS52mNA/s400/40+MP+Historic+cottage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</span><span lang="EN">The Estero Island Historic Society and Nature Center <br />
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Built in 1921, this beachfront cottage was relocated from Mango Street and dedicated in 1997 as the Estero Island Historic Society and Nature Center. It is now at the entrance to the 57-acre Matanzas Pass Preserve, at the end of Bay Road behind the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3PzWPUVCtk/UsHWatFl8QI/AAAAAAAAI5k/lmZ9WZ02T0Q/s1600/41+MP+Annex+%2526+Cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3PzWPUVCtk/UsHWatFl8QI/AAAAAAAAI5k/lmZ9WZ02T0Q/s400/41+MP+Annex+%2526+Cottage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The Historic Society Annex<br />
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This “Laughing Gull” cottage was built as a beachside rental and was relocated in 2002 to serve as the Library and Board Room to the Estero Island Historic Society. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXo38atGR90/UsHWbF8XVsI/AAAAAAAAI5o/d1J8hLpJDqI/s1600/42+MP+cottage+%2526+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXo38atGR90/UsHWbF8XVsI/AAAAAAAAI5o/d1J8hLpJDqI/s400/42+MP+cottage+%2526+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The Historic Society cottage near the entrance to the Preserve</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Entrance to the Preserve<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGYX71fPOKI/UsHWfFaykxI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/ITx9lGxhx_w/s1600/45+MP+angled+walkway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGYX71fPOKI/UsHWfFaykxI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/ITx9lGxhx_w/s400/45+MP+angled+walkway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Hiking trails through the Preserve alternate with boardwalks<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaIe-juCTOw/UsHWd6rIJtI/AAAAAAAAI58/0Ek1JMKhUYk/s1600/46+MP+arch+%2526+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaIe-juCTOw/UsHWd6rIJtI/AAAAAAAAI58/0Ek1JMKhUYk/s400/46+MP+arch+%2526+bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cU4AZt-jGOA/UsHWeWBRsEI/AAAAAAAAI6E/GtzSsAvNoSs/s1600/47+MP+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cU4AZt-jGOA/UsHWeWBRsEI/AAAAAAAAI6E/GtzSsAvNoSs/s400/47+MP+bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The bridge crosses a marine swamp, which in the Preserve is wetland dominated by trees.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sjqAcM9cEg/UsHWfZbMLZI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/rieiLCTPe2Q/s1600/48+MP+crooked+walkway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sjqAcM9cEg/UsHWfZbMLZI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/rieiLCTPe2Q/s400/48+MP+crooked+walkway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">A boardwalk winds through the Preserve.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yh0WI-5K9U/UsHWf9E_33I/AAAAAAAAI6c/hq6zLnr2__4/s1600/49+MP+loops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yh0WI-5K9U/UsHWf9E_33I/AAAAAAAAI6c/hq6zLnr2__4/s400/49+MP+loops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Choose your loop, Calusa or Mangrove.<br />
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<span lang="EN">The hiking trail beneath a canopy of trees<br />
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A Virginia Live Oak with resurrection ferns and Spanish moss on the lower branches </div>
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The Resurrection fern looks brown and dead until rain brings it back to life.</div>
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A close-up of a live oak tree</div>
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The boardwalk over the marine swamp loops through the Preserve.</div>
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The hiking trail continues.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1hgN-QxAJI/UsHWlB3bYPI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/G73E8HJETqc/s1600/56+MP+twd+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1hgN-QxAJI/UsHWlB3bYPI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/G73E8HJETqc/s400/56+MP+twd+bay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A view through the mangroves toward Estero Bay</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pp-bl373ttY/UsHWkxB4cnI/AAAAAAAAI7Q/95ePelx0Ing/s1600/57+Pavilion+%2526+boardwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pp-bl373ttY/UsHWkxB4cnI/AAAAAAAAI7Q/95ePelx0Ing/s400/57+Pavilion+%2526+boardwalk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</span><span lang="EN">The boardwalk deck leading to the Rotary Pavilion was constructed from recycled plastic containers. They were ground up, melted down and made into plastic “lumber” for the boardwalk<span style="font-size: x-small;">. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsEqaK8hYFQ/UsHWoMRHJZI/AAAAAAAAI7o/8IDMa5kguGY/s1600/58+MP+paviion+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsEqaK8hYFQ/UsHWoMRHJZI/AAAAAAAAI7o/8IDMa5kguGY/s400/58+MP+paviion+close.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Pavilion on Estero Bay</div>
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A view of Estero Bay from the pavilion</div>
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</span></span></span></span><br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-74417347528967060812013-12-28T10:02:00.005-08:002013-12-29T16:30:49.193-08:00I. Fort Myers Beach in Photos: Introduction<span lang="EN"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN">Fort Myers Beach is situated on the barrier island of Estero Island in Southwest Florida. The entire island is just 6.2 miles long and 3 miles across--at its very widest-- and offers a beautiful sunset overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Fort Myers Beach has a year-round warm climate that is close to the boundary between tropical and subtropical climates. The area has short, warm winters, and long, hot, humid summers. The temperature rarely goes above 100 °F or below the freezing mark. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J07QDFJ86Dc/Ur8OnAwcryI/AAAAAAAAIuM/z0e4QYFr2Dg/s1600/01+Post+Aerial+Pic+Intro+to+FMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J07QDFJ86Dc/Ur8OnAwcryI/AAAAAAAAIuM/z0e4QYFr2Dg/s400/01+Post+Aerial+Pic+Intro+to+FMB.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Aerial view of serpentine-shaped Fort Myers Beach, circa 1979</span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">(All aerial views are from old post cards of Fort Myers Beach, so the appearance is a little grainy. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">As with all of the photos, click on the picture to enlarge it.)</span></span></div>
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</span></span><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">Mid-19th century settlers to Estero Island began as a result of the Homestead Act of 1862. By 1914, all the island property was homesteaded with little industry beyond fishing, gardening, a sawmill operated by the Koreshan Unity and a hotel. (The Koreshans were a group of people living in a utopian commune near Estero, Florida--theirs is a fascinating story in and of itself.) Development on Estero Island, then named Crescent Beach, was slow until the 1920s when Florida gained national attention as a vacation destination. By 1921 a toll bridge was opened connecting the beach to the mainland, followed closely by new construction. The land boom was short-lived, as the hurricanes of 1921 and 1926 brought home the inherent danger in southwest Florida’s climate and slowed further development. However, small businesses, restaurants, and residential areas continued to crop up on Crescent Beach. The Great Depression pushed back further development of the island, but fishermen were living on the island and thriving in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. During the 1950s, there was a renewed interest in the island as a vacation getaway destination. Tourism and commercial fishing have both been major players in the history of the island. </span></span></span></div>
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The 1950s brought modernization and tourist development to Fort Myers Beach with new hotels and the electrification of the swing bridge to facilitate traffic. The discovery of “pink gold” off shore sparked not only the shrimping industry but the ancillary businesses to support it as the population of our island increased by fifty percent from 1940 to 1950. Numerous civic organizations, churches, local newspapers, weather and US Coast Guard stations, the Beach Library and the annual Shrimp Festival were all initiated or expanded during this second land boom.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHcspthOuXA/Ur8Oni7uSCI/AAAAAAAAIuc/1ATE4y_7GtU/s1600/02+Post+Aerial+Pic++Intro+frm+Fort+Myers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHcspthOuXA/Ur8Oni7uSCI/AAAAAAAAIuc/1ATE4y_7GtU/s400/02+Post+Aerial+Pic++Intro+frm+Fort+Myers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aerial view of Fort Myers Beach with the swing bridge open between San Carlos and Estero Islands</div>
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These days, it is a beach vacation paradise with family-friendly resorts, Gulf-side seafood restaurants and a plethora of beach-oriented shops. There are a lot of recreation possibilities, where back bays and mangrove forests make for great kayaking and wildlife watching. Further down the island, residential properties and condominiums afford visitors and residents a quieter beach experience. Along Estero Boulevard there are many beach access points, allowing the public to enjoy this coast's pristine white sands. Fort Myers Beach is a great vacation destination and also a mecca for snowbirds from up North and even from Canada. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_ZK5zmmEe0/Ur8OniJbUGI/AAAAAAAAIug/OXn2o5dV24g/s1600/03+Beach+twd+South+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_ZK5zmmEe0/Ur8OniJbUGI/AAAAAAAAIug/OXn2o5dV24g/s400/03+Beach+twd+South+end.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The beach looking toward condos on the south end</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YLORgTjEQf4/Ur8Oo0XmTQI/AAAAAAAAIvA/hSqUAfgdbhc/s1600/04+Beach+wide+view+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YLORgTjEQf4/Ur8Oo0XmTQI/AAAAAAAAIvA/hSqUAfgdbhc/s400/04+Beach+wide+view+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The beach with a view of Bonita Springs in the background</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o2NDD45zqE/Ur8OpNth7OI/AAAAAAAAIu4/rtfYkCWrJxo/s1600/05+Red+Coconut+RV+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o2NDD45zqE/Ur8OpNth7OI/AAAAAAAAIu4/rtfYkCWrJxo/s400/05+Red+Coconut+RV+park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The beach in front of Red Coconut RV park</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrcI457RXxA/Ur8Oo2etViI/AAAAAAAAIu0/__BmylHkzME/s1600/06+Fishing+on+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrcI457RXxA/Ur8Oo2etViI/AAAAAAAAIu0/__BmylHkzME/s400/06+Fishing+on+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fishing on the beach</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcI8L6IhBOk/Ur8OpSn0IMI/AAAAAAAAIvI/4OEtHjoqkVM/s1600/07+Beach+twd+Bonita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcI8L6IhBOk/Ur8OpSn0IMI/AAAAAAAAIvI/4OEtHjoqkVM/s400/07+Beach+twd+Bonita.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Walking on the beach at sunset</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7UB_-JA-LY/Ur8OpyV2SaI/AAAAAAAAIvc/c92lQoTkT_s/s1600/08+Beach+from+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7UB_-JA-LY/Ur8OpyV2SaI/AAAAAAAAIvc/c92lQoTkT_s/s400/08+Beach+from+water.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Looking toward homes all along the beach</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpuDspn-T7I/Ur8OpztHSnI/AAAAAAAAIvY/vX0f2of0O-A/s1600/09+Wind+Surfing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpuDspn-T7I/Ur8OpztHSnI/AAAAAAAAIvY/vX0f2of0O-A/s400/09+Wind+Surfing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wind surfing</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPLAR3VA_Cc/Ur8OqHpOIoI/AAAAAAAAIvU/zPhjULolf2Q/s1600/10+Beach+jogging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPLAR3VA_Cc/Ur8OqHpOIoI/AAAAAAAAIvU/zPhjULolf2Q/s400/10+Beach+jogging.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jogging on the beach with high surf</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HlGwQ2k6-Y/Ur8Oq1UKPII/AAAAAAAAIvg/9qpySjnYgZw/s1600/11+Beach+rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HlGwQ2k6-Y/Ur8Oq1UKPII/AAAAAAAAIvg/9qpySjnYgZw/s400/11+Beach+rainbow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A rainbow over the beach</div>
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<strong>GETTING TO FORT MYERS BEACH: THE MATANZAS PASS BRIDGE</strong></div>
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Before bridges connected Estero Island to the mainland, Fort Myers Beach was a 7-mile (or so) stretch of coastline known for its pristine white sands and shallow water. And not much more. That all changed as Florida became known as a vacation destination, and a bridge to connect the Florida mainland with Estero Island was built in 1921. The original Matanzas Pass Bridge was a small, single-lane, wooden drawbridge that cost 54 cents to cross; however, it was destroyed by a major hurricane in 1926.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sy2VC7b6Kts/Ur8djdkxvNI/AAAAAAAAIv0/ne3GKI3Lywk/s1600/12+Olden+Post+Arches+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sy2VC7b6Kts/Ur8djdkxvNI/AAAAAAAAIv0/ne3GKI3Lywk/s400/12+Olden+Post+Arches+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stone archway leading to Fort Myers Beach, Florida</div>
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Built in 1924, the limestone and coquina shell arches were located just before the Matanzas Pass Bridge and served as a gateway to welcome visitors to Fort Myers Beach. The arches allowed traffic to flow both on and off the island under a separate arch, with sidewalk arches on each side for pedestrians.</div>
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In 1927, a concrete swing bridge was installed to replace the original. The swing bridge had formerly been used on the east coast of Florida and was operated manually by a bridge tender. An electric motor was installed on the bridge in 1950 to accommodate the shrimp boats, whose coming and going caused the span to be opened frequently. The shrimping industry grew rapidly in the 50s with the discovery of “pink gold,” (sweet pink shrimp) in the Gulf waters. Although the bridge was motorized, it was still a recycled bridge, and residents worried about its reliability in the event of a hurricane evacuation. This concern led to the construction of the Bonita Beach Causeway at the southern end of the island in 1965. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsT1yWnIyrg/Ur8djS7zPTI/AAAAAAAAIwE/dqX_G7pS7II/s1600/13+Aerial+1961+Swing+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsT1yWnIyrg/Ur8djS7zPTI/AAAAAAAAIwE/dqX_G7pS7II/s400/13+Aerial+1961+Swing+Bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Matanzas Pass with swing bridge and shrimp boats passing through it, 1961</div>
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<span lang="EN">The swing bridge was replaced by the current bridge in 1979. It is a fixed, 65 foot- tall span that can accommodate the area’s large shrimping vessels without disrupting traffic.<br />
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Another casualty of the new Sky Bridge was the arches that had been in place for 55 years. They, too, had to be removed to make way for the new bridge</span><div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfIVChUR0NU/Ur8dja4BqiI/AAAAAAAAIwA/A4Ked9rE6jE/s1600/14+Bridge+twds+FMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfIVChUR0NU/Ur8dja4BqiI/AAAAAAAAIwA/A4Ked9rE6jE/s400/14+Bridge+twds+FMB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Matanzas Pass bridge connecting the mainland with Fort Myers Beach</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdnLqSQ7pb8/Ur8dkAjKsdI/AAAAAAAAIwM/5VEMGYm4ki0/s1600/15+Island+from+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdnLqSQ7pb8/Ur8dkAjKsdI/AAAAAAAAIwM/5VEMGYm4ki0/s400/15+Island+from+bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A view from the bridge toward a small island in Estero Bay</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oV53_BZJYtI/Ur8dkFQc7BI/AAAAAAAAIwU/m9XGkefI6pM/s1600/16+Matanzas+Pass+Bridge+from+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oV53_BZJYtI/Ur8dkFQc7BI/AAAAAAAAIwU/m9XGkefI6pM/s400/16+Matanzas+Pass+Bridge+from+bay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The bridge on the Fort Myers Beach end</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8LhO880Ano/Ur8dksVDmYI/AAAAAAAAIw8/LQ41I97MHjw/s1600/17+Coast+Guard+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8LhO880Ano/Ur8dksVDmYI/AAAAAAAAIw8/LQ41I97MHjw/s400/17+Coast+Guard+Boat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A Coast Guard cutter on the Fort Myers Beach side of the bridge</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vV6ob_Yoq3o/Ur8dkqRHfBI/AAAAAAAAIws/hom_Ax_Tzto/s1600/18+Coast+Guard+Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vV6ob_Yoq3o/Ur8dkqRHfBI/AAAAAAAAIws/hom_Ax_Tzto/s400/18+Coast+Guard+Station.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Coast Guard station</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QmW2vE8NTg/Ur8dk5M3_VI/AAAAAAAAIwk/Oh-388ufrc0/s1600/19+Mooring+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QmW2vE8NTg/Ur8dk5M3_VI/AAAAAAAAIwk/Oh-388ufrc0/s400/19+Mooring+field.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Mooring Field </div>
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The Town of Fort Myers Beach operates the Matanzas Harbor Municipal Mooring Field, located in Matanzas Pass. There are 70 spaces available for public rental year-round, and the field accommodates vessels up to 48 feet in length. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqxww_wqd_I/Ur8dl1AaFXI/AAAAAAAAIw4/aYQIYowo7r8/s1600/20+Bridge+twd+marina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqxww_wqd_I/Ur8dl1AaFXI/AAAAAAAAIw4/aYQIYowo7r8/s400/20+Bridge+twd+marina.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Matanzas Pass Bridge towards the marina on Fort Myers Beach</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1ZIWBaQFFU/Ur8dmJliQLI/AAAAAAAAIw0/L7OPVHkCB3Y/s1600/21+MP+Bridge+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1ZIWBaQFFU/Ur8dmJliQLI/AAAAAAAAIw0/L7OPVHkCB3Y/s400/21+MP+Bridge+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the view of Fort Myers Beach and the Gulf of Mexico as you come over the bridge</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqbH4MkJ-U0/Ur8dmUxB4dI/AAAAAAAAIxE/tkQW99M-TYc/s1600/22+Marina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqbH4MkJ-U0/Ur8dmUxB4dI/AAAAAAAAIxE/tkQW99M-TYc/s400/22+Marina.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The marina<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKePMBILXfs/Ur8dmvucJlI/AAAAAAAAIxk/iDNkVKArmJg/s1600/23+Dixie+FH+%2526+shrimp+bpoats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKePMBILXfs/Ur8dmvucJlI/AAAAAAAAIxk/iDNkVKArmJg/s400/23+Dixie+FH+%2526+shrimp+bpoats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Dixie Fish Company with shrimp boats in the background</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5Iz-J0BU_c/Ur8dnM97VMI/AAAAAAAAIxc/fE97Xlq0zrQ/s1600/24+Dixie+FH+facade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5Iz-J0BU_c/Ur8dnM97VMI/AAAAAAAAIxc/fE97Xlq0zrQ/s400/24+Dixie+FH+facade.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Dixie Fish Company, a fixture on Fort Myers Beach, was founded in 1937 and is located under the Sky Bridge. It claims to have the freshest seafood in Southwest Florida. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWj8SbSYtjQ/Ur8dnQ52jJI/AAAAAAAAIxU/CKIKcm3vRhI/s1600/26+Bridge+view+canal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWj8SbSYtjQ/Ur8dnQ52jJI/AAAAAAAAIxU/CKIKcm3vRhI/s400/26+Bridge+view+canal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A view of Fort Myers Beach from the bridge </div>
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Houses, many with their own docks, line the bayside of Fort Myers Beach.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzUwqeObYEw/Ur8doL2f68I/AAAAAAAAIxg/jgzs1kSQz84/s1600/27+Bridge+%2526+sailboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzUwqeObYEw/Ur8doL2f68I/AAAAAAAAIxg/jgzs1kSQz84/s400/27+Bridge+%2526+sailboat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A canal from Estero Bay, with the bridge in the background</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALSeVA7WzHY/Ur8doUlbGYI/AAAAAAAAIxo/m8tVbnXw4vc/s1600/28+Pier+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALSeVA7WzHY/Ur8doUlbGYI/AAAAAAAAIxo/m8tVbnXw4vc/s400/28+Pier+market.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every Friday during Season (Nov-May), there is a Farmers Market underneath the bridge on the Fort Myers Beach side.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9eYJa01IYY/Ur8dopiyS2I/AAAAAAAAIxw/liDkprWprEM/s1600/29+Pier+market+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9eYJa01IYY/Ur8dopiyS2I/AAAAAAAAIxw/liDkprWprEM/s400/29+Pier+market+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Farmers Market<br />
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<strong>DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS BEACH: THE PIER AND TIMES SQUARE </strong><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gndPDkhe66M/Ur8n4gNFeqI/AAAAAAAAIx8/x_6cS5YqHKg/s1600/30+Post+Pic+Pier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gndPDkhe66M/Ur8n4gNFeqI/AAAAAAAAIx8/x_6cS5YqHKg/s400/30+Post+Pic+Pier.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aerial view of the Fort Myers Beach pier at Times Square, circa 1977</div>
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The intersection at Old San Carlos and Estero boulevards is the liveliest spot on Fort Myers Beach, often referred to as Times Square. The pier, which reaches out from the main public beach, is located to the right of the Sky Bridge (Matanzas Pass Bridge) and the surrounding area is full of beach shops, bars and restaurants</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0HZvcdL-EM/Ur8n8aN-DzI/AAAAAAAAIys/jwixx39vbXs/s1600/31+Tmes+Square+window+%2526+reflection.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0HZvcdL-EM/Ur8n8aN-DzI/AAAAAAAAIys/jwixx39vbXs/s400/31+Tmes+Square+window+%2526+reflection.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
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Artist rendering of Times Square clock</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bjd2teBzns8/Ur8n6W9fMwI/AAAAAAAAIyM/7V38kZD9maE/s1600/32+Clock+%2526+pier+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bjd2teBzns8/Ur8n6W9fMwI/AAAAAAAAIyM/7V38kZD9maE/s400/32+Clock+%2526+pier+edited.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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The Times Square clock and pier</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpfKIPOxGXk/Ur8n7GRXHGI/AAAAAAAAIyU/f1eb8tS0z1w/s1600/33+Clock+twds+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpfKIPOxGXk/Ur8n7GRXHGI/AAAAAAAAIyU/f1eb8tS0z1w/s400/33+Clock+twds+street.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A view of the Times Square clock in the direction of Old San Carlos Boulevard and the Matanzas Pass Bridge (at the far end)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzWQHGXXMpA/Ur8n76oPmvI/AAAAAAAAIyg/Ly1FqfLqZfI/s1600/34+Old+San+Carlos+twd+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzWQHGXXMpA/Ur8n76oPmvI/AAAAAAAAIyg/Ly1FqfLqZfI/s400/34+Old+San+Carlos+twd+bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Old San Carlos Boulevard</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUCIEagdgYA/Ur8n8TdxhCI/AAAAAAAAIyw/R0ZN_Nap4jM/s1600/35+Pier+sunlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUCIEagdgYA/Ur8n8TdxhCI/AAAAAAAAIyw/R0ZN_Nap4jM/s400/35+Pier+sunlight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pier, a Fort Myers Beach landmark</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQwK7tTA91M/Ur8n8sawBqI/AAAAAAAAIy0/ZQ_CqsyUJm4/s1600/36+Pier+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQwK7tTA91M/Ur8n8sawBqI/AAAAAAAAIy0/ZQ_CqsyUJm4/s400/36+Pier+end.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pier</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xAr4BDQ0TU/Ur8n9NBKw8I/AAAAAAAAIy8/KSr8lU7Xr0U/s1600/37+Pier+pilons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xAr4BDQ0TU/Ur8n9NBKw8I/AAAAAAAAIy8/KSr8lU7Xr0U/s400/37+Pier+pilons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The pier<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-aRSPmxeBs/Ur8n9C7RJ-I/AAAAAAAAIzI/likWkZHeRRo/s1600/38++Public+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-aRSPmxeBs/Ur8n9C7RJ-I/AAAAAAAAIzI/likWkZHeRRo/s400/38++Public+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The public beach<br />
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<span lang="EN"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQI2vT4kPi0/Ur8n99d3WwI/AAAAAAAAIzQ/0qHWNV3MD8k/s1600/39+Times+Square+Xmas+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQI2vT4kPi0/Ur8n99d3WwI/AAAAAAAAIzQ/0qHWNV3MD8k/s400/39+Times+Square+Xmas+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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The poinsettia “tree” at Christmastime on Times Square</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pAADjJVh1M/Ur8n-IUts5I/AAAAAAAAIzY/mMKGOQlo5cc/s1600/40+Face+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pAADjJVh1M/Ur8n-IUts5I/AAAAAAAAIzY/mMKGOQlo5cc/s400/40+Face+painting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Face painting at a downtown festival</div>
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Festival clown</div>
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Weavers at Times Square</div>
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Evening at Times Square</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl0AhD2-cr4/Ur8oAR1YIiI/AAAAAAAAIzo/I32-KQj8Jpg/s1600/44+Fountain+Gazebo+%2526+Brdge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl0AhD2-cr4/Ur8oAR1YIiI/AAAAAAAAIzo/I32-KQj8Jpg/s400/44+Fountain+Gazebo+%2526+Brdge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fountain pavilion at the far end of Old San Carlos Boulevard</div>
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Friends Poly and Morrie at the fountain pavilion</div>
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</span></span><br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-26252741878040203202013-04-11T10:15:00.002-07:002013-04-17T11:37:33.597-07:00Sand Bash Women’s Sand Sculpting Competition <span lang="EN">Fort Myers Beach </span><br />
<span lang="EN">April 5 - 14, 2013<br />
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For the first time in the history of sand sculpting, SAND BASH is hosting an All-Women's Sand Sculpting Competition. Women sculptors from the United States, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands and Australia have come to compete for the Blanche E. Swope Gold Cup. </div>
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Blanche Swope and her sister Georgia were both breast cancer survivors. Blanche was also the grandmother of Marianne Knight, co-owner of the Sand Bash event producers. In partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Southwest Florida, The Sand Lovers LLC are not only hosting the first all-women’s sand sculpting competition but also supporting breast cancer awareness. April is National Cancer Control Month, when we remember those we have lost to cancer and commit to progress toward controlling the disease.</div>
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Sand Bash did not have an auspicious start. On Friday, April 5, the first day of the sand sculpture competition, the weather was an atypical April day in SW Florida-- it was chilly, windy and rainy. Fortunately, things quickly got back to normal, and on Sunday, the final day of the singles’ competition, the weather was brilliant--it was warm, the sun was shining, and the sand was glistening.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUJ0fX9_l7k/UWbtuVFztuI/AAAAAAAAHiY/hy30RCJL9wQ/s1600/01+Entrance+tickets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUJ0fX9_l7k/UWbtuVFztuI/AAAAAAAAHiY/hy30RCJL9wQ/s400/01+Entrance+tickets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ticket Sales for entrance to the sand sculpting competition. </div>
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The entrance is adjacent to the Holiday Inn on Fort Myers Beach.</div>
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Entrance to the sand sculpting area </div>
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Sand Bash sculpture at the entrance to the competition area</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Rc2ExboXQU/UWbt16kkXfI/AAAAAAAAHi0/ZPotyu53eQY/s1600/04+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Rc2ExboXQU/UWbt16kkXfI/AAAAAAAAHi0/ZPotyu53eQY/s400/04+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sand Bash banner</div>
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Tulips in honor of cancer survivors or in memory of those lost to the disease </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XroP1uN2qZk/UWbt7ckYQcI/AAAAAAAAHjE/7rjFLcMMrFI/s1600/06+Logo+with+Zipline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XroP1uN2qZk/UWbt7ckYQcI/AAAAAAAAHjE/7rjFLcMMrFI/s400/06+Logo+with+Zipline.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Group logo of participating sponsors </div>
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The platform for the zip line attraction is right behind the sculpture.</div>
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The Susan G. Komen logo in the center</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOCAXcKHJ-M/UW7A7Q9HbgI/AAAAAAAAHvM/bfKFeyzcMx8/s1600/11+Komen+booth+w+boas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOCAXcKHJ-M/UW7A7Q9HbgI/AAAAAAAAHvM/bfKFeyzcMx8/s400/11+Komen+booth+w+boas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Susan G. Komen booth near the entrance to the sand sculpting area<br />
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<span lang="EN">The first row of four sand sculptures</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DgMnfa9Fvw/UWbwq1nwagI/AAAAAAAAHjk/Leaej4_VE9Q/s1600/10+Pandora+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DgMnfa9Fvw/UWbwq1nwagI/AAAAAAAAHjk/Leaej4_VE9Q/s400/10+Pandora+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Natasha Kamenskaia is a native of Russia who moved to Australia in 1992</span><br />
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<span lang="EN">She received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the Victorian College of Arts in Melbourne in 2004. Natasha has been sand sculpting since 2007.<br />
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<span lang="EN">The title of her sculpture is “Pandora’s Vessel” or “The Hope.”<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyTbk7d-IIc/UWbw2VwVFOI/AAAAAAAAHj8/uFTdb_biFPU/s1600/13+Childbirth+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyTbk7d-IIc/UWbw2VwVFOI/AAAAAAAAHj8/uFTdb_biFPU/s400/13+Childbirth+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Morgan Rudluff is from Santa Cruz, California.<br />
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<span lang="EN">She is part of “Sand Guys, International,“ a sand sculpture company. <br />
Morgan has been sand sculpting since 2010.<br />
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The title of her sculpture is “Childbirth.” </div>
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In Spanish, “Dar a Luz” = To give to light/to give birth </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-274uFVwnX4k/UWbzbofQ6KI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/kcjL4df1EJE/s1600/17.5+Childbirth+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-274uFVwnX4k/UWbzbofQ6KI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/kcjL4df1EJE/s400/17.5+Childbirth+profile.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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Profiles of sculptor and sculpture</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PskK2vufwNA/UWbzfemyDBI/AAAAAAAAHkc/hnyI0vMEJv4/s1600/18+He+loves+me++Best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PskK2vufwNA/UWbzfemyDBI/AAAAAAAAHkc/hnyI0vMEJv4/s400/18+He+loves+me++Best.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">
The title of Kali Bradford's sculpture is, “Loves me, loves me not.” </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whVcKY0_AZo/UWbzjLqX9QI/AAAAAAAAHkk/brjGxifdMgg/s1600/19+He+loves+me+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whVcKY0_AZo/UWbzjLqX9QI/AAAAAAAAHkk/brjGxifdMgg/s400/19+He+loves+me+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kali Bradford is from Sequim, Washington</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wakQBufDKq0/UWbzmHrMxwI/AAAAAAAAHks/Sj9Ffn3FXug/s1600/20+He+loves+me+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wakQBufDKq0/UWbzmHrMxwI/AAAAAAAAHks/Sj9Ffn3FXug/s400/20+He+loves+me+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She has been a sculptor, artist, teacher and poet for 28 years and <span lang="EN"></span></div>
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seems to enjoy interacting with the crowd.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTNl2CmbWG4/UWbzozBkwiI/AAAAAAAAHk0/TUBmWKu9BCg/s1600/21+He+loves+me+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTNl2CmbWG4/UWbzozBkwiI/AAAAAAAAHk0/TUBmWKu9BCg/s400/21+He+loves+me+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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“Loves me, loves me not” </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mr0f5Tyfs18/UWbzrVZZH6I/AAAAAAAAHk8/4NLzvJQoQt8/s1600/22+ARK+Reborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mr0f5Tyfs18/UWbzrVZZH6I/AAAAAAAAHk8/4NLzvJQoQt8/s400/22+ARK+Reborn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova is from Latvia.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wzGCBADJ_A/UWbzudzTx7I/AAAAAAAAHlE/bLfCeF20id0/s1600/23+Reborn+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wzGCBADJ_A/UWbzudzTx7I/AAAAAAAAHlE/bLfCeF20id0/s400/23+Reborn+.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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She received her Masters degree in sculpture from the Art Academy of Latvia and works in an art, décor and sculpture company in Latvia. Agnese has been sand and ice sculpting since 2007.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmE36bn-R8s/UWbzwp9kyeI/AAAAAAAAHlM/GQBO_7_MGO8/s1600/24+reborn+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmE36bn-R8s/UWbzwp9kyeI/AAAAAAAAHlM/GQBO_7_MGO8/s320/24+reborn+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Agnese at work</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAU5VY4gdHs/UWbzzlPyfFI/AAAAAAAAHlU/F9SFDw9ybic/s1600/25+Reborn+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAU5VY4gdHs/UWbzzlPyfFI/AAAAAAAAHlU/F9SFDw9ybic/s320/25+Reborn+.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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The title of her sculpture is, “Reborn.”</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAUy99tOcHg/UWb5q-jZEdI/AAAAAAAAHlg/Pd1zV772hDg/s1600/26+Row+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAUy99tOcHg/UWb5q-jZEdI/AAAAAAAAHlg/Pd1zV772hDg/s400/26+Row+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The second row of five sculptures<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BoQf7OnK1oc/UWb5umXgSiI/AAAAAAAAHls/hI3oBOIXvwg/s1600/28+Reveal+MB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BoQf7OnK1oc/UWb5umXgSiI/AAAAAAAAHls/hI3oBOIXvwg/s400/28+Reveal+MB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Melineige Beauregard at work<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIcrRqjT7A/UWb5yV0xi1I/AAAAAAAAHl0/RKXLfITlFSM/s1600/29+Reveal+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIcrRqjT7A/UWb5yV0xi1I/AAAAAAAAHl0/RKXLfITlFSM/s400/29+Reveal+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Melineige Beauregard is from Quebec, Canada. She is following in the footsteps of her famous sculptor father, Guy Beauregard, and has been sculpting since 2001.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPEMZPVDRJY/UWb51R-VZ9I/AAAAAAAAHl8/hrRddIHZekU/s1600/30+Reveal+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPEMZPVDRJY/UWb51R-VZ9I/AAAAAAAAHl8/hrRddIHZekU/s400/30+Reveal+.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
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Melineige working on the back of the sculpture, which is lovely all by itself.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd5qAYwVSnI/UWb54axS5sI/AAAAAAAAHmE/FcGuAcSJlag/s1600/31+Reveal+your++Inner+Child+M+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd5qAYwVSnI/UWb54axS5sI/AAAAAAAAHmE/FcGuAcSJlag/s640/31+Reveal+your++Inner+Child+M+B.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The title of her sculpture is “Reveal your inner child.”<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp_YmvgNHxE/UWb5_mzwF7I/AAAAAAAAHmM/K0-qnE9f8aM/s1600/33+It%2527s+good+to+be+queen+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp_YmvgNHxE/UWb5_mzwF7I/AAAAAAAAHmM/K0-qnE9f8aM/s400/33+It%2527s+good+to+be+queen+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Lucinda “Sandy Feet” Wierenga at work<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_4aR-fC6jo/UWb6Dfup7sI/AAAAAAAAHmU/X9x1WIkSQd4/s1600/34+It%2527s+good+to+be+queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_4aR-fC6jo/UWb6Dfup7sI/AAAAAAAAHmU/X9x1WIkSQd4/s400/34+It%2527s+good+to+be+queen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Lucinda is from South Padre Island, Texas. She has been sculpting since 1987, and she is a regular participant in sand sculpting competitions on Fort Myers Beach.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6rQL66zWmI/UWb6GggdPkI/AAAAAAAAHmc/ZKeCEQy7Cfk/s1600/35+It%2527s+good+to+be+queen+Lucinda+W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6rQL66zWmI/UWb6GggdPkI/AAAAAAAAHmc/ZKeCEQy7Cfk/s400/35+It%2527s+good+to+be+queen+Lucinda+W.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Lucinda finishing up her sculpture.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm4ivOxKld0/UWb6Jj-A2rI/AAAAAAAAHmk/XVFG7DfrbNA/s1600/36+It%2527s+good+2+b+queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm4ivOxKld0/UWb6Jj-A2rI/AAAAAAAAHmk/XVFG7DfrbNA/s400/36+It%2527s+good+2+b+queen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The title of her sculpture is, “It’s good 2 B Queen.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKeKu6OjLGM/UWb-32hMdyI/AAAAAAAAHmw/N_QlSDihw28/s1600/37+Edith+Von+W+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKeKu6OjLGM/UWb-32hMdyI/AAAAAAAAHmw/N_QlSDihw28/s400/37+Edith+Von+W+.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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Edith Van de Wetering at work </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk5fh9BoQzw/UWb-7WboMmI/AAAAAAAAHm8/hmKiUEL_wMo/s1600/39+Best+way+to+cheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk5fh9BoQzw/UWb-7WboMmI/AAAAAAAAHm8/hmKiUEL_wMo/s400/39+Best+way+to+cheer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Edith is from the Netherlands. She has been sculpting since 1993.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDTyiYI7yEM/UWb--fHgXJI/AAAAAAAAHnE/cwyuF6UPsaw/s1600/40+Edith+VW+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDTyiYI7yEM/UWb--fHgXJI/AAAAAAAAHnE/cwyuF6UPsaw/s400/40+Edith+VW+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The title of her sculpture is, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up.”</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDBsDPu0Lyg/UWb_BTjEPBI/AAAAAAAAHnM/EMNd5i1OdCM/s1600/41+Edith+Cheer+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDBsDPu0Lyg/UWb_BTjEPBI/AAAAAAAAHnM/EMNd5i1OdCM/s400/41+Edith+Cheer+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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“The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up”</div>
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(This is not an easy task to accomplish nor is this sculpture easy to understand.)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahofn-L8OLk/UWb_ExEwh5I/AAAAAAAAHnU/fKDdhHd7w4g/s1600/42+Laurie+AT+Sweet+Dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahofn-L8OLk/UWb_ExEwh5I/AAAAAAAAHnU/fKDdhHd7w4g/s400/42+Laurie+AT+Sweet+Dreams.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Laurie Arntz-Tournoux is from Louisville, Ohio.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFXvssikq4w/UWb_HRv3o8I/AAAAAAAAHnc/71mAl7KzlH4/s1600/43+Sweet+Dreams+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFXvssikq4w/UWb_HRv3o8I/AAAAAAAAHnc/71mAl7KzlH4/s400/43+Sweet+Dreams+.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
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She has been sculpting since 2002 and runs her company, </div>
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Tournoux Sand Sculpting & Co. in Canton, Ohio.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1o4cVg5MLDA/UWb_J0Z6j4I/AAAAAAAAHnk/aai-qb9wM3g/s1600/44+Sweet+Dreams+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1o4cVg5MLDA/UWb_J0Z6j4I/AAAAAAAAHnk/aai-qb9wM3g/s400/44+Sweet+Dreams+back.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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The back of the sculpture</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJoPTUmFhhc/UWb_Mp6sSRI/AAAAAAAAHns/TdAcasu5sd8/s1600/45+Sweet+Dreams+finisht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJoPTUmFhhc/UWb_Mp6sSRI/AAAAAAAAHns/TdAcasu5sd8/s400/45+Sweet+Dreams+finisht.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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The title of her sculpture is “Sweet Dreams!”</div>
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In the background, you can see a row of vendors' tents.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ2s_npjpOs/UWb_PCVnN8I/AAAAAAAAHn0/it_gvQUeqfA/s1600/46+Caregivers+SA+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ2s_npjpOs/UWb_PCVnN8I/AAAAAAAAHn0/it_gvQUeqfA/s400/46+Caregivers+SA+.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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Suzanne Altamare is from Daytona Beach, Florida, and s<span lang="EN">he began sculpting in 1982.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDX7XLaP26w/UWb_26zRxiI/AAAAAAAAHoU/2icfQk1N_4I/s1600/47+Caregivers+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDX7XLaP26w/UWb_26zRxiI/AAAAAAAAHoU/2icfQk1N_4I/s400/47+Caregivers+.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Her sculpture is "Dedicated to Caregivers."</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oN5LH6j76mE/UWb_XpoZLGI/AAAAAAAAHoE/PAyMiKRVUp4/s1600/48+Caregivers+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oN5LH6j76mE/UWb_XpoZLGI/AAAAAAAAHoE/PAyMiKRVUp4/s400/48+Caregivers+.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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The title of her sculpture is, “Strong.” </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGOx1OUeorU/UWcFFiHqApI/AAAAAAAAHoY/0jw2wc7gJxs/s1600/49+Ludo+Roders+Carried+by+the+wind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGOx1OUeorU/UWcFFiHqApI/AAAAAAAAHoY/0jw2wc7gJxs/s400/49+Ludo+Roders+Carried+by+the+wind.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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Ludo Roders is from the Netherlands.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix2iGz4W5Xo/UWcFJ2I0zrI/AAAAAAAAHok/ybzZlxGikXI/s1600/50+Ludo+R+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix2iGz4W5Xo/UWcFJ2I0zrI/AAAAAAAAHok/ybzZlxGikXI/s400/50+Ludo+R+.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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She has been sculpting in sand and ice since 1994.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-_84kpEJaQ/UW7AhE7D-bI/AAAAAAAAHtw/slsHI05MK4w/s1600/12+Carried+by+the+wind+singles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-_84kpEJaQ/UW7AhE7D-bI/AAAAAAAAHtw/slsHI05MK4w/s400/12+Carried+by+the+wind+singles.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
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The title of her sculpture is, “Carried by the wind.”</div>
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DID YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITES?</div>
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THE WINNERS (besides us):</div>
<span lang="EN">Canadian sculptor Melineige Beauregard won the singles title in America's first All-Women Master Sand Sculpting Championship at Sand Bash on Sunday. Beauregard's sculpture, "Reveal Your Inner Child," was judged the best among the 10 sculptures at the event. <br />
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Edith Van de Wetering of the Netherlands placed second with "The Best Way To Cheer Yourself Up Is To Cheer Someone Else Up." Van de Wetering also received the Sculptor's Choice award.<br />
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Kali Bradford of Sequim, Washington, took third place with "Loves Me, Loves Me Not." <br />
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Sand Bash continued to entertain until Sunday, April 14. During the week, the top women's sculptors competed in two-woman teams in the doubles’ division championship. Completion and judging took place Sunday. The People's Choice award for the singles’ division was announced that day as well.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y13tfTp6c30/UW7AlPCFODI/AAAAAAAAHt8/6jeMKgcaxQk/s1600/01+Row+3+doubles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y13tfTp6c30/UW7AlPCFODI/AAAAAAAAHt8/6jeMKgcaxQk/s400/01+Row+3+doubles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are three sculptures in the doubles’ division.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI9bG629VaU/UW7AmoSIhXI/AAAAAAAAHuE/nWGjanLW_P8/s1600/02+Ahhh+Romance+front+w+Natsha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI9bG629VaU/UW7AmoSIhXI/AAAAAAAAHuE/nWGjanLW_P8/s400/02+Ahhh+Romance+front+w+Natsha.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>
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“Ahhh Romance” is the name of the sculpture by Natasha Kamenskaia and Lucinda Wierenga. Natasha is working on one side of the sculpture.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2fzhysD0Fo/UW7AohZBBXI/AAAAAAAAHuM/kJC1bbT6BNw/s1600/03+Ahhh+Romance+back+Lucinda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2fzhysD0Fo/UW7AohZBBXI/AAAAAAAAHuM/kJC1bbT6BNw/s400/03+Ahhh+Romance+back+Lucinda.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lucinda is at work on the other side of the sculpture.</div>
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“Ahhh Romance,” from the other side</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxNTMFXIA30/UW7AsnjaxVI/AAAAAAAAHuc/GJz-xSOU0lI/s1600/05+Kali+and+Suzanne+at+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxNTMFXIA30/UW7AsnjaxVI/AAAAAAAAHuc/GJz-xSOU0lI/s400/05+Kali+and+Suzanne+at+work.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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“The Earth Menders” by Kali Bradford and Suzanne Altamare</div>
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“The Earth Menders”</div>
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“The Earth Menders” from the other side</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSIZtksIp54/UW7Azo-H2GI/AAAAAAAAHu0/CIi6otHffBY/s1600/08+How+Can+I+still+be+your+Superman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSIZtksIp54/UW7Azo-H2GI/AAAAAAAAHu0/CIi6otHffBY/s400/08+How+Can+I+still+be+your+Superman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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“How can I still be your Superman?” </div>
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by Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova and Melineige Beauregard </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uNC82kElv_I/UW7A19gWsdI/AAAAAAAAHu8/KOwRFVpAdlI/s1600/09+Superman+Agnese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uNC82kElv_I/UW7A19gWsdI/AAAAAAAAHu8/KOwRFVpAdlI/s400/09+Superman+Agnese.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Agnese at work by a Superman who fears becoming superfluous</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Puys5KGC5lo/UW7A40PSB_I/AAAAAAAAHvE/tzwPHbG4NyU/s1600/10+Superman+Melineige+%2526+Agnese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Puys5KGC5lo/UW7A40PSB_I/AAAAAAAAHvE/tzwPHbG4NyU/s400/10+Superman+Melineige+%2526+Agnese.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Women can do it all.</div>
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THE WINNERS</div>
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Because the judges couldn’t decide on a winner in the doubles‘ competition, they awarded a three-way tie to the three sculptures, and the six women all received first-place medals. A pretty unusual occurrence in sand sculpting.<br />
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“Ahhh Romance” received the People’s Choice Award in the doubles’ competition, and “Reveal Your Inner Child” received the People’s Choice Award in the singles’ competition. All throughout the competition, visitors voted with their dollars for the People’s Choice Awards.<br />
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</span></span></span></span><br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-71755366531118950202013-03-30T12:07:00.003-07:002013-03-30T16:14:02.368-07:00Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Fort Myers Beach, 2013<span lang="EN"></span><br />
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The 15th annual Town of Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade took place on Saturday, March 16, at 10:00 AM. It started at Santini Marina Plaza on Estero Boulevard and ended one mile later at the Church of the Ascension. Ray Murphy was once again parade chairman. Involved in the parade were musical bands, floats, and civic, business and neighborhood groups. It was a beautiful day, with blue skies, the sun shining and temperatures reaching the low 80s. After the parade, Knights of Columbus members sold corned beef and cabbage sandwiches, hot dogs and refreshments in the church parking lot. Other establishments, such as local bars and restaurants, also had special offerings to help the Irish and the "wannabe Irish" continue to celebrate the holiday.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0v5nGpU7Ass/UVc1WFgMTwI/AAAAAAAAHOQ/BUBhwRZFyq0/s1600/Parade+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0v5nGpU7Ass/UVc1WFgMTwI/AAAAAAAAHOQ/BUBhwRZFyq0/s320/Parade+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Motorcyclists from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department led the parade.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AV3M-VmKduU/UVc1aPqeumI/AAAAAAAAHOc/_qRk4ZQFqtw/s1600/Parade+02+distance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AV3M-VmKduU/UVc1aPqeumI/AAAAAAAAHOc/_qRk4ZQFqtw/s320/Parade+02+distance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The motorcycle policemen kept doubling back and forth along the path of the parade.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6cMKbdZaYk4/UVc1dIqLGWI/AAAAAAAAHOk/rwGdT0t-ZYc/s1600/Parade+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6cMKbdZaYk4/UVc1dIqLGWI/AAAAAAAAHOk/rwGdT0t-ZYc/s320/Parade+03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lee County Sheriff’s Department police cars</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBlIW4fRbgg/UVc1gFS7CDI/AAAAAAAAHOs/_cX8aOJ7uXs/s1600/Parade+04+Fire+Eng.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBlIW4fRbgg/UVc1gFS7CDI/AAAAAAAAHOs/_cX8aOJ7uXs/s320/Parade+04+Fire+Eng.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fort Myers Beach Fire Department fire truck</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjIzA1sP7vk/UVc1iwXV7-I/AAAAAAAAHO0/ySm7h1SYhsg/s1600/Parade+05+K+of+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjIzA1sP7vk/UVc1iwXV7-I/AAAAAAAAHO0/ySm7h1SYhsg/s320/Parade+05+K+of+C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal service organization, in full regalia</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QQUL_2Q83Q/UVc1l2nZ8gI/AAAAAAAAHO8/DnQzzHaq5yI/s1600/Parade+06+K+of+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QQUL_2Q83Q/UVc1l2nZ8gI/AAAAAAAAHO8/DnQzzHaq5yI/s400/Parade+06+K+of+C.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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A Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He is wearing a “naval chapeau.”</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFYtXxAMMjk/UVc2GeiHv_I/AAAAAAAAHPE/-x1Z7QZ0jos/s1600/Parade+07+Convrtble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFYtXxAMMjk/UVc2GeiHv_I/AAAAAAAAHPE/-x1Z7QZ0jos/s320/Parade+07+Convrtble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Knights of Columbus</div>
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An American and an Irish flag, side-by-side</div>
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The Irish flag held by a booster</div>
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Ray Murphy, Parade Chairman</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQSVbpSROE0/UVc2UDp9orI/AAAAAAAAHPk/N1YEwo7huTA/s1600/Parade+12+LC+Pipes+%2526+Drums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQSVbpSROE0/UVc2UDp9orI/AAAAAAAAHPk/N1YEwo7huTA/s400/Parade+12+LC+Pipes+%2526+Drums.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lee County Pipes and Drums </div>
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Their music was wonderful. No parade should be without them.</div>
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Color Guard for the Lee County Pipes and Drums</div>
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Lee County Pipes and Drums</div>
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Green-haired driver</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZFnchyLl8M/UVc5ly3NJkI/AAAAAAAAHQM/cDBjjFogNQI/s1600/Parade+19+In+frnt+of+Royal+Pelican.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZFnchyLl8M/UVc5ly3NJkI/AAAAAAAAHQM/cDBjjFogNQI/s400/Parade+19+In+frnt+of+Royal+Pelican.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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Lone bagpipe player from the "Ceol Neamh Pipe Band" based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gI0m3_lHw4w/UVc5p7oJF2I/AAAAAAAAHQU/Few3ZWNl6yU/s1600/Parade+20+Yellow+Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gI0m3_lHw4w/UVc5p7oJF2I/AAAAAAAAHQU/Few3ZWNl6yU/s320/Parade+20+Yellow+Car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Decked-out Royal Pelican car</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEa_OCc5_qU/UVc54KyodGI/AAAAAAAAHQc/90DhKfntriY/s1600/Parade+22+Royal+Pelican+folks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEa_OCc5_qU/UVc54KyodGI/AAAAAAAAHQc/90DhKfntriY/s320/Parade+22+Royal+Pelican+folks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">
Another car from the Royal Pelican community</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWhdrk-zCXQ/UVc57UCXBcI/AAAAAAAAHQk/d92-2UoCHfk/s1600/Parade+23+Royal+Pelicauns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWhdrk-zCXQ/UVc57UCXBcI/AAAAAAAAHQk/d92-2UoCHfk/s320/Parade+23+Royal+Pelicauns.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">
Standard Bearers for the "Royal Pelicauns"</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyPvzEBiTXA/UVc5-jYD4YI/AAAAAAAAHQs/TaLBH5OHfsI/s1600/Parade+24+Dancing+Pelicauns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyPvzEBiTXA/UVc5-jYD4YI/AAAAAAAAHQs/TaLBH5OHfsI/s400/Parade+24+Dancing+Pelicauns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Royal Pelicauns Dance Troop</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYA7W8EHcF8/UVc6HhptX8I/AAAAAAAAHQ0/ntdnqVRzcvg/s1600/Parade+25+Pelicauns+majorette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYA7W8EHcF8/UVc6HhptX8I/AAAAAAAAHQ0/ntdnqVRzcvg/s320/Parade+25+Pelicauns+majorette.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Dance Troop Head Leprechaun/Pelicaun</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCSjOv-k59k/UVc6L2WikvI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/YT5HKcZCVxw/s1600/Parade+26+CERT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCSjOv-k59k/UVc6L2WikvI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/YT5HKcZCVxw/s400/Parade+26+CERT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Florida CERT--Community Emergency Response Team<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--J48z2Q1DW4/UVc6PwmUy0I/AAAAAAAAHRE/-KS273fHkDg/s1600/Parade+27+Hotheads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--J48z2Q1DW4/UVc6PwmUy0I/AAAAAAAAHRE/-KS273fHkDg/s400/Parade+27+Hotheads.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Standard Bearers for the Hot Heads hair stylists</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msMD-wd3aXw/UVc6T3egqVI/AAAAAAAAHRM/qXxUNpb4eeY/s1600/Parade+28+Hotheads+on+Bch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msMD-wd3aXw/UVc6T3egqVI/AAAAAAAAHRM/qXxUNpb4eeY/s320/Parade+28+Hotheads+on+Bch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hot Heads hair stylists</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85ZL2iQswXA/UVc6YKDH5NI/AAAAAAAAHRU/S6U3catDB50/s1600/Parade+29+Three-wheeler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85ZL2iQswXA/UVc6YKDH5NI/AAAAAAAAHRU/S6U3catDB50/s320/Parade+29+Three-wheeler.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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Motorcycle couple</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzV1bd2FNQ0/UVc6boc1u-I/AAAAAAAAHRc/vDlFAVbw6wI/s1600/Parade+30+Glf+Crt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzV1bd2FNQ0/UVc6boc1u-I/AAAAAAAAHRc/vDlFAVbw6wI/s320/Parade+30+Glf+Crt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Decked-out golf cart</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qj4It9QYT60/UVc6iceaxNI/AAAAAAAAHRk/8lhlJGkUfJ0/s1600/Parade+31+Car+w+shamrocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qj4It9QYT60/UVc6iceaxNI/AAAAAAAAHRk/8lhlJGkUfJ0/s320/Parade+31+Car+w+shamrocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">
Shamrocks, shamrocks everywhere</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOkY0C0b4jo/UVc6ljcU6II/AAAAAAAAHRs/BmmwV4jlxi4/s1600/Parade+32+Lass+w+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOkY0C0b4jo/UVc6ljcU6II/AAAAAAAAHRs/BmmwV4jlxi4/s320/Parade+32+Lass+w+dog.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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Irish lassie with puppy</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GnAKLN_GSs/UVc6pkt4rDI/AAAAAAAAHR0/jpKqeab6Uso/s1600/Parade+33+Lass+w+dog+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GnAKLN_GSs/UVc6pkt4rDI/AAAAAAAAHR0/jpKqeab6Uso/s400/Parade+33+Lass+w+dog+close.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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Lovely lassie and Irish Friend</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8gnxK72Ofo/UVc6t6RJqxI/AAAAAAAAHR8/AK-ibErWB5U/s1600/Parade+34+Biker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8gnxK72Ofo/UVc6t6RJqxI/AAAAAAAAHR8/AK-ibErWB5U/s400/Parade+34+Biker.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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Decked-out bicycle. Nice socks, too.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEtCA4zJdYc/UVc6x69eOhI/AAAAAAAAHSE/Y6k7-6eNU9U/s1600/Parade+35+Fagan+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEtCA4zJdYc/UVc6x69eOhI/AAAAAAAAHSE/Y6k7-6eNU9U/s320/Parade+35+Fagan+Family.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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The fun-loving Fagan Family</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTW7uDH23EI/UVc61OaBpJI/AAAAAAAAHSM/uOs-6D7DuOc/s1600/Parade+36+Classic+Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTW7uDH23EI/UVc61OaBpJI/AAAAAAAAHSM/uOs-6D7DuOc/s320/Parade+36+Classic+Car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Great “Back in Time” Ford</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pWwoDDKHxI/UVc68JxCPWI/AAAAAAAAHSU/uWKX1r1GBJY/s1600/Parade+37+Lovers+Key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pWwoDDKHxI/UVc68JxCPWI/AAAAAAAAHSU/uWKX1r1GBJY/s320/Parade+37+Lovers+Key.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Friends of Lover’s Key Tram</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdUPkkbyolI/UVc7BLY84bI/AAAAAAAAHSc/08eZtMUJbf8/s1600/Parade+38+T+Stewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdUPkkbyolI/UVc7BLY84bI/AAAAAAAAHSc/08eZtMUJbf8/s400/Parade+38+T+Stewart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Terry Stewart and Alan Mandel lookin’ good<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Omd2tZnRQk/UVc-tCLsZdI/AAAAAAAAHSg/cg9ME5t3HJs/s1600/Parade+39+Joe+Kosinski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Omd2tZnRQk/UVc-tCLsZdI/AAAAAAAAHSg/cg9ME5t3HJs/s400/Parade+39+Joe+Kosinski.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Councilman Joe Kosinski<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idf46XZM7dM/UVc-wlvPg7I/AAAAAAAAHSs/hlseZz99HHE/s1600/Parade+40+United+Irish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idf46XZM7dM/UVc-wlvPg7I/AAAAAAAAHSs/hlseZz99HHE/s400/Parade+40+United+Irish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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United Irish of Southwest Florida<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRrOGRf37F8/UVc-0BbjMGI/AAAAAAAAHS0/UyPjn48t0lw/s1600/Parade+41+United+Irish+float.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRrOGRf37F8/UVc-0BbjMGI/AAAAAAAAHS0/UyPjn48t0lw/s400/Parade+41+United+Irish+float.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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United Irish float--I bet they really ARE Irish!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIAhZ4j3ubc/UVc-3iDWBsI/AAAAAAAAHS8/q2b61Cu3OW8/s1600/Parade+42+Fairview+Isles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIAhZ4j3ubc/UVc-3iDWBsI/AAAAAAAAHS8/q2b61Cu3OW8/s400/Parade+42+Fairview+Isles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fairview Isles Community marchers<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nrphd8lOgos/UVc-7PLePbI/AAAAAAAAHTE/V_SIyBwmqS0/s1600/Parade+43+Car+w+balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nrphd8lOgos/UVc-7PLePbI/AAAAAAAAHTE/V_SIyBwmqS0/s320/Parade+43+Car+w+balloons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Great balloon-decked convertible</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5Cq6byzda0/UVc-_bMWHRI/AAAAAAAAHTM/osibGSWO-yc/s1600/Parade+44+Princess+%2526+Pup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5Cq6byzda0/UVc-_bMWHRI/AAAAAAAAHTM/osibGSWO-yc/s400/Parade+44+Princess+%2526+Pup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Irish Princess and her “Wee-bit Irish” Friend</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGdLpclVIus/UVc_EP3pRWI/AAAAAAAAHTU/N7OpNAlkM_s/s1600/Parade+46+Dog+in+SP+Van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGdLpclVIus/UVc_EP3pRWI/AAAAAAAAHTU/N7OpNAlkM_s/s320/Parade+46+Dog+in+SP+Van.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Alert puppy in Sand Paper newspaper van</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul-f3RVqnwQ/UVc_H_kUHKI/AAAAAAAAHTc/NLy_FH4NSz8/s1600/Parade+47+Classic+w+decs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul-f3RVqnwQ/UVc_H_kUHKI/AAAAAAAAHTc/NLy_FH4NSz8/s320/Parade+47+Classic+w+decs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">
Classic car with lots of glitz</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-EAU19oyNo/UVc_MDk0y2I/AAAAAAAAHTk/C1pb7SZBD8w/s1600/Parade+49+Castaways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-EAU19oyNo/UVc_MDk0y2I/AAAAAAAAHTk/C1pb7SZBD8w/s400/Parade+49+Castaways.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Castaways Bar and Grill float</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uI0GiAngXRc/UVc_RDNxzdI/AAAAAAAAHTs/S1Q0ewwTiSY/s1600/Parade+50+Castaways+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uI0GiAngXRc/UVc_RDNxzdI/AAAAAAAAHTs/S1Q0ewwTiSY/s400/Parade+50+Castaways+close.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">
Castaways float</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLEKlmpgHno/UVc_U_BCZDI/AAAAAAAAHT0/4lG4qKzeMek/s1600/Parade+51+Laguna+Shores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLEKlmpgHno/UVc_U_BCZDI/AAAAAAAAHT0/4lG4qKzeMek/s400/Parade+51+Laguna+Shores.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Laguna Shores Community float</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZCljLFzupA/UVc_bVvD77I/AAAAAAAAHT8/Bj_8WLSkH8s/s1600/Parade+52+Walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZCljLFzupA/UVc_bVvD77I/AAAAAAAAHT8/Bj_8WLSkH8s/s400/Parade+52+Walker.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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Parade walker</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4i6jAAhM3o/UVc_gVseHzI/AAAAAAAAHUE/GNyvfPRMp40/s1600/Parade+53+Shrimp+queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4i6jAAhM3o/UVc_gVseHzI/AAAAAAAAHUE/GNyvfPRMp40/s640/Parade+53+Shrimp+queen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Shrimp Festival Queen Christina</span></em></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DvOAJ92Q04/UVc_olu378I/AAAAAAAAHUM/hAMBcnfk3qU/s1600/Parade+55+Red+Cocnt+float.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DvOAJ92Q04/UVc_olu378I/AAAAAAAAHUM/hAMBcnfk3qU/s400/Parade+55+Red+Cocnt+float.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Red Coconut RV Resort float</div>
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Gulf Coast Jeepers jeep</div>
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Fish-on Kayaking golf cart</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-88666099978273389232011-08-27T17:38:00.000-07:002011-09-08T12:00:56.848-07:00Tampa Museum of Art<div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">In April, 2011, I traveled to Tampa to meet up with a very dear college friend whom I hadn’t seen in many years. As it is with good friends, it seemed as if only a few days instead of a number of years had passed since we last saw each other. We both love ballet, so it was only natural that we should visit the Tampa Museum of Art to see the Degas Exhibit, which ran from March to June, 2011. As it turns out, the Tampa Museum of Art had a story all its own. Proposals for expansion or relocation of the museum were the subject of discussion for years. However, in 2006, the museum board and the city of Tampa agreed to use public and private funds to construct a $33 million, 66,000-square-foot new museum in redesigned Curtis Hixon Park as part of Mayor Iorio's Riverwalk project along the Hillsborough River. The building, by architect Stanley Saitowitz, is designed to look like "a metal box sitting on a glass pedestal" and makes use of aluminum, glass, and fiber optic color-changing lights in the exterior walls to "make the building itself a work of art". Groundbreaking for the project took place on April 18, 2008, and the grand opening of the new Tampa Museum of Art took place on February 6, 2010 .</span></div><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><br />
I n the words of architect Stanley Saitowitz concerning the Tampa Museum of Art:</span></span><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><em>"This museum is both timeless and of our time, an electronic jewel box, floating on a glass pedestal, a billboard to the future, and a container to house works inspired with vision and able to show us other ways to see our world. The museum hovers in the park, a hyphen between ground and sky.”</em></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0583mW5sizg/TlmIuGF2kMI/AAAAAAAAAyU/_mijLYmfm30/s1600/01+Front+of+museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0583mW5sizg/TlmIuGF2kMI/AAAAAAAAAyU/_mijLYmfm30/s320/01+Front+of+museum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The facade of the Tampa Museum of Art</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W6iNSrSl3Ro/TlmIwTTq39I/AAAAAAAAAyY/LRoB8UDA4rQ/s1600/02+Title+with+Reflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W6iNSrSl3Ro/TlmIwTTq39I/AAAAAAAAAyY/LRoB8UDA4rQ/s320/02+Title+with+Reflection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The reflection of the park and downtown buildings in the front of the museum</span></div></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xs45Kiu3qc/TlmIy6jQvaI/AAAAAAAAAyc/daO1GX32FDI/s1600/03+View+from+front+of+museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xs45Kiu3qc/TlmIy6jQvaI/AAAAAAAAAyc/daO1GX32FDI/s320/03+View+from+front+of+museum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">A view from the museum toward the park </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgSUYyF_-JU/TlmI11itOAI/AAAAAAAAAyg/Uj02ioigTkE/s1600/04+Looking+out+to+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgSUYyF_-JU/TlmI11itOAI/AAAAAAAAAyg/Uj02ioigTkE/s320/04+Looking+out+to+river.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lobby is made up entirely of glass walls. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bbUcalT208/TlmI45JW5QI/AAAAAAAAAyk/itHCTB01HqY/s1600/05+Triangle+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bbUcalT208/TlmI45JW5QI/AAAAAAAAAyk/itHCTB01HqY/s320/05+Triangle+park.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN">A triangular-shaped dog park on museum grounds by the Hillsborough River </span><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span></div><span lang="EN"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">The dog park's grass is a high-tech hybrid that absorbs odors. It is especially resilient to wear and tear.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg_YY10OfQ8/TlmI7-ru8JI/AAAAAAAAAyo/xNHDnlADujw/s1600/06++Plant+museum+across+river+with+scull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg_YY10OfQ8/TlmI7-ru8JI/AAAAAAAAAyo/xNHDnlADujw/s320/06++Plant+museum+across+river+with+scull.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Across the river, you can see the Moorish architecture towers of the Henry B. Plant Museum, which was formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel. The hotel is steeped in history, and you can almost feel how grandiose it must have been in its heyday. Now, visitors can see the opulent furnishings, tropical gardens and world treasures at what was once a turn-of-the-century hotel for elite society. <br />
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</span></div><span lang="EN"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_FEACc3QU0/TlmJAquMKtI/AAAAAAAAAys/XMg9q4kYhxQ/s1600/07++Towers+of+u+of+T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_FEACc3QU0/TlmJAquMKtI/AAAAAAAAAys/XMg9q4kYhxQ/s320/07++Towers+of+u+of+T.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The towers of the Tampa Bay Hotel, which has become part of the University of Tampa<b> </b>campus</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7ccEKUKgbg/TlmJDrVdFmI/AAAAAAAAAyw/p5phsZkZ89Q/s1600/08++Stairs+Art+Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7ccEKUKgbg/TlmJDrVdFmI/AAAAAAAAAyw/p5phsZkZ89Q/s320/08++Stairs+Art+Museum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Floating Stairs </div><div style="text-align: center;">The galleries are reached from the lobby below via a dramatic stair reaching upward. Below the stair is a bed of river rock.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBaBn19_oWo/TlmJGONigAI/AAAAAAAAAy0/brhnJpYewSg/s1600/09+Rock+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBaBn19_oWo/TlmJGONigAI/AAAAAAAAAy0/brhnJpYewSg/s320/09+Rock+Garden.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Rock Garden </div><div style="text-align: center;">The rock garden is in memory of Tootie Lykes Webb, offered by the Jack Bierly and John Brabson Families.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CglVlP28JJc/TlmJJRebXxI/AAAAAAAAAy4/3m2teJwq29g/s1600/10+Calder+Mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CglVlP28JJc/TlmJJRebXxI/AAAAAAAAAy4/3m2teJwq29g/s320/10+Calder+Mobile.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">A Calder mobile, viewed on the way up the stairs to the galleries</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xI_JaMrqwkk/TlmJMID1XUI/AAAAAAAAAy8/s5IzxppXqb8/s1600/11+Calder+Mobile+Corner+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xI_JaMrqwkk/TlmJMID1XUI/AAAAAAAAAy8/s5IzxppXqb8/s320/11+Calder+Mobile+Corner+View.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A little closer view of the Calder mobile<br />
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</div></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Degas exhibit,<strong> </strong><i><strong>Degas: Form, Movement and the Antique</strong> </i>ran from March 12 - June 19, 2011. The exhibit brought together bronze sculptures as well as a selection of paintings and drawings to demonstrate the close relationship between his sculptures and two-dimensional work as Degas explored form and movement.<br />
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</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_pMbP08guQ/TlmPbsWjKLI/AAAAAAAAAzI/RT0HtN6O6Os/s1600/14+Degas+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_pMbP08guQ/TlmPbsWjKLI/AAAAAAAAAzI/RT0HtN6O6Os/s320/14+Degas+poster.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Degas (1834-1917) himself spoke of the connection between his dancers and “the movement and balance of rhythmic dance” found in the art of ancient Greece. In 1903, at the age of 69, Degas had the following exchange with one of his most ardent supporters, Louisine Havemeyer. She asked the artist, “Why, Monsieur, do you always do ballet dancers” His reply was, “It is all that is left to us of the combined movements of the Greeks.” A selection of Greek and Roman works from the Tampa Museum of Art’s outstanding collection of antiquities complemented the display of works by Degas. This is the first ever exhibition of works by Degas in the Tampa Bay region. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to take photos of the Degas exhibit, but I was allowed to take photos of the other exhibits.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nJNM29Nsv4/TlmPejfbglI/AAAAAAAAAzM/zUILjtKaz4o/s1600/15+Degas+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nJNM29Nsv4/TlmPejfbglI/AAAAAAAAAzM/zUILjtKaz4o/s320/15+Degas+sculpture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Edgar Degas is associated with ballet dancers, horse races, and women bathing. Although he is associated with the Impressionist movement, he considered himself a “naturalist,” meaning he preferred to draw inspiration from contemporary life and the everyday life of his subjects. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qLgou43Igg/TlmPh1ivilI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/PWdZnqakQOw/s1600/16+Degas+in+wire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qLgou43Igg/TlmPh1ivilI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/PWdZnqakQOw/s320/16+Degas+in+wire.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Degas dancer as wire art in the museum gift shop</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZflPxuZQDDg/TlmPk-Ugq_I/AAAAAAAAAzU/Ii5KL_Td05Y/s1600/17+Wall+mountings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZflPxuZQDDg/TlmPk-Ugq_I/AAAAAAAAAzU/Ii5KL_Td05Y/s320/17+Wall+mountings.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Wall mountings in the hall</div><div style="text-align: center;"> “Happy Ugly Scars,” 2009 by Edith Garcia. Drawing, ceramic sculpture and custom vinyl graphics</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FmKYHR4I2k/TlmPnmEILJI/AAAAAAAAAzY/2Vvf88G_4bs/s1600/18+Wall+Other+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FmKYHR4I2k/TlmPnmEILJI/AAAAAAAAAzY/2Vvf88G_4bs/s320/18+Wall+Other+side.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Wall mountings as seen from the opposite angle</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTJx5Ez7j8Q/TlmPqb5kZiI/AAAAAAAAAzc/qABJSMvCqwI/s1600/19+Close+up+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTJx5Ez7j8Q/TlmPqb5kZiI/AAAAAAAAAzc/qABJSMvCqwI/s320/19+Close+up+wall.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Close-up view</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the words of the artist, “The Happy Ugly Scars installation is a new series of drawings and sculptures that translate life struggles and experiences that have left us with metaphorical scars, be it happy, sad, or traumatized, all of which shape our development as humans.” <br />
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<span lang="EN"><strong>“<em>Worlds apart: Myth and History, Gods and Mortals, Heroes and Hybrids</em>”</strong> <br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">During the period covered in this exhibit, classical antiquity from 2500 BC to 500 AD, the area of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding lands witnessed countless events. Some are verifiable historically, and others are legendary. The worlds of ancient history and mythology became intertwined, with ancient peoples tracing their roots back to mythical origins; for example, the Romans traced their history through Romulus and Remus, to the Trojan hero Aeneas. (Romulus and Remus are Rome’s twin founders, conceived either by the god Mars or Hercules and Rhea, as babies left to die so that they could not inherit the throne, but suckled by a she-wolf, and then raised as shepherds; they ultimately founded a city of their own, Rome. I love mythology. It‘s like fairy tales for adults.) The unions of mortals and immortals resulted in an involvement of the Olympian gods in human affairs. Myth was pervasive in daily life, so many cities of the ancient world could be connected with mythological events, and historical heroes with legendary tales.</span></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN">Torso<i> </i>of Aphrodite (Roman Venus) Roman, 1st century A.D. Marble<br />
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<span lang="EN"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q74dG7xyaV0/TmUaZDxa27I/AAAAAAAAAzk/pdWg-kHLxkw/s1600/22+Tall+Urn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q74dG7xyaV0/TmUaZDxa27I/AAAAAAAAAzk/pdWg-kHLxkw/s320/22+Tall+Urn.jpg" width="239" /></a></div></span></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Greek ceramic urn</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kDtENUe7Cr0/TmUacDB3UqI/AAAAAAAAAzo/GRmdbbaIT-c/s1600/23+Poseidon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kDtENUe7Cr0/TmUacDB3UqI/AAAAAAAAAzo/GRmdbbaIT-c/s320/23+Poseidon.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Statue of Poseidon, Roman, 1<sup>st</sup> century AD. Marble </div><div style="text-align: center;">The diving dolphin and stylized waves along his right leg identify this sculpture as Poseidon (Roman Neptune), god of the sea. His trident is missing, though.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5P4_520PKo/TmUai-pjarI/AAAAAAAAAzs/j5jT4R4F-T0/s1600/25+Funeral+vessel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5P4_520PKo/TmUai-pjarI/AAAAAAAAAzs/j5jT4R4F-T0/s320/25+Funeral+vessel.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Sphageion (Funerary Vessel), Canosan (Italy) 3<sup>rd</sup> century BC Ceramic </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The elaborate detail suggests it was not for utilitarian use, but rather for funerary use.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJSTGN_jqhY/TmUamNxrNsI/AAAAAAAAAzw/hU0bnMud990/s1600/27+Grave+altar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJSTGN_jqhY/TmUamNxrNsI/AAAAAAAAAzw/hU0bnMud990/s320/27+Grave+altar.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div></span><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Grave altar of L. Caltilius Diadmenus, Roman 140-170 AD. Marble </div><div style="text-align: center;">A tomb altar marked the sight where the ashes of the deceased were deposited, and also provided loved ones with a place to gather during rituals of mourning and commemoration.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFuvY9vAzGM/TmUaq003V6I/AAAAAAAAAz0/bFZw8fJRDAM/s1600/29+Relief+fragment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFuvY9vAzGM/TmUaq003V6I/AAAAAAAAAz0/bFZw8fJRDAM/s320/29+Relief+fragment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Sarcophagus Relief Fragment, Roman 2<sup>nd</sup>-3<sup>rd</sup> century AD. Marble </div><div style="text-align: center;">A broken piece from the front of a Roman Sarcophagus. The bearded man and draped woman may be divinities, and the fully veiled woman may be the deceased. This is speculation, as the identities are unknown.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVXhk_o23Cc/TmUaufLE9eI/AAAAAAAAAz4/3fzp-ZEtNTA/s1600/31+Amphora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVXhk_o23Cc/TmUaufLE9eI/AAAAAAAAAz4/3fzp-ZEtNTA/s320/31+Amphora.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Transport Amphora (Storage Vessel) Roman, ca.25-75 AD, Ceramic </div><div style="text-align: center;">The inscription on this amphora indicates it was for the transport of garum, a salty condiment made from fish paste and exported throughout the Roman world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epURuSKXMNk/TmUaycZh8yI/AAAAAAAAAz8/ybAOdAj-U0A/s1600/34+Head+of+Arsinoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epURuSKXMNk/TmUaycZh8yI/AAAAAAAAAz8/ybAOdAj-U0A/s320/34+Head+of+Arsinoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Head of Arsinoe II (a Ptolomaic Queen of Egypt, lived ca. 217-270 BC) Hellenistic ca. 100 BC, Indurated limestone</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PearVytBd-U/TmUa2UhjdYI/AAAAAAAAA0A/FaSZuL4Z1zw/s1600/35+Suzie+%2526+pillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PearVytBd-U/TmUa2UhjdYI/AAAAAAAAA0A/FaSZuL4Z1zw/s320/35+Suzie+%2526+pillar.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my friend, Suzanne, with classical good looks, but definitely NOT a part of the antiquities collection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: justify;">We went to see the Degas exhibit, but were fortunate enough to also see a cutting-edge ceramics exhibit as well. And this coming right after we had seen Greek and Roman vases and other ceramic objects representing the highest achievement in the world of ancient ceramics. The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA, pronounced in-seek-a) brought its 45<sup>th</sup> annual conference to the Tampa Bay area. One of the fringe benefits of NCECA's arrival was that dozens of galleries and museums on both sides of Tampa Bay collaborated to showcase ceramics in the context of contemporary art. Thus, the <strong><em>NCECA Biennial</em></strong> (January 28-April 24, 2011) at the Tampa Museum of Art included work by more than 40 artists working with clay across a wide range of idioms. </div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4tLH7XS1Xk/TmUe6YKdzfI/AAAAAAAAA0E/KhQyIl0CaJc/s1600/37+Basket+by+Josh+DeWeese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4tLH7XS1Xk/TmUe6YKdzfI/AAAAAAAAA0E/KhQyIl0CaJc/s320/37+Basket+by+Josh+DeWeese.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“Basket” by Josh DeWeese </div><div style="text-align: center;">Basically, a vase topped with a handle that is more sculptural than functional.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYziBrw3aWQ/TmUfEAw8BKI/AAAAAAAAA0I/nM39EjmVQwk/s1600/37.5+Wall+of+ceramics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYziBrw3aWQ/TmUfEAw8BKI/AAAAAAAAA0I/nM39EjmVQwk/s320/37.5+Wall+of+ceramics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span lang="EN"></span></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Clay Leonard’s porcelain nesting bowls (off-center right) are objects traditionally functional but sleekly geometric. The bowls — one large server and four individual-sized dishes — represent the antithesis of fast food, cheap mass production culture. “Reclaiming the table” is Leonard’s tagline.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_8Bs3N7JKU/TmUfJfA4LhI/AAAAAAAAA0M/SFPT1Gw-Ojk/s1600/39+Whirlagig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_8Bs3N7JKU/TmUfJfA4LhI/AAAAAAAAA0M/SFPT1Gw-Ojk/s320/39+Whirlagig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">I’m sorry I don’t know who did this, but I call it “Whirlagig” because it spins when motion activated. It starts when your hand comes within a foot or so of the contraption and stops when you take your hand away. Those are mirrors on the inner circle reflecting the object on the outer circle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOy50drw72k/TmUfTpIKkHI/AAAAAAAAA0U/TRxGdvrfDK4/s1600/39.5+Whirlagig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOy50drw72k/TmUfTpIKkHI/AAAAAAAAA0U/TRxGdvrfDK4/s320/39.5+Whirlagig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Whirlagig"<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzUXoScDwJg/TmUfOjSzFgI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/OsmrzcPw6l4/s1600/38+White+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzUXoScDwJg/TmUfOjSzFgI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/OsmrzcPw6l4/s320/38+White+flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Resilience” by Blake Williams, 2010, Porcelain, wire, acrylic<br />
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<span lang="EN"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GqctTFoqTe8/TmUfXV-jN3I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/btZBQg8XjFw/s1600/40+monk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GqctTFoqTe8/TmUfXV-jN3I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/btZBQg8XjFw/s320/40+monk.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN">“Meditation” by Steven P. Olszewski, 2010, Hand-built clay, raku-fired<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcnplMGPrpM/TmUfbOefSyI/AAAAAAAAA0c/zd-EmpZ-0pk/s1600/41+Monk+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcnplMGPrpM/TmUfbOefSyI/AAAAAAAAA0c/zd-EmpZ-0pk/s320/41+Monk+closeup.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN">“Meditation” close-up<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaX_eBTIuM4/TmUffP3HYDI/AAAAAAAAA0g/GRaqOXFbXkE/s1600/43+Chunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaX_eBTIuM4/TmUffP3HYDI/AAAAAAAAA0g/GRaqOXFbXkE/s320/43+Chunk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Chunk” by Monica H. Van Den Dool, 2010, Low-fire</span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kezDj221vw/TmUfjRHq2iI/AAAAAAAAA0k/D7g5gJxz44M/s1600/45+Gown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kezDj221vw/TmUfjRHq2iI/AAAAAAAAA0k/D7g5gJxz44M/s320/45+Gown.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN">“Melanie” by Kate Roberts, 2010, Slump body, wire, wood, metal stand, lace. Once-fire cone 6<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvrEIck09Ko/TmUfowczOFI/AAAAAAAAA0o/WKpFicmMyfs/s1600/47+Sea+Creatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvrEIck09Ko/TmUfowczOFI/AAAAAAAAA0o/WKpFicmMyfs/s320/47+Sea+Creatures.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Untitled by Christopher Adams</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When asked about his sculptures, he says, “They are all members of an arbitrarily designed family of creatures, each with the same number of appendages attached in the same order on the same basic internal framework, each having evolved to fill a particular niche — in this case, ones that are purely aesthetic.” Of course, the first thing I did after I read this was try to count the appendages. I don’t think “17” can be the right number. Also, a lot of those creatures look perfectly recognizable to me. What do you say?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: justify;">Another exhibition we were fortunate enough to see at the Tampa Museum of Art was: </div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>"</strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/exhibitions/realism-selections-martin-z-margulies-collection"><i><span lang="EN"><strong>Realism: Selections from the Martin Z. Margulies Collection</strong></span></i></a><span lang="EN"><strong>” </strong>November 20, 2010 - December 31, 2011. </span><span lang="EN"><i>“Realism” </i> provides a view of the realist tendencies in the visual arts of the last 30 years. There are wonderful examples of the Photo Realist movement in painting along with sculptural installations by leading contemporary artists who push artistic boundaries. Before this exhibit, I wasn’t familiar with the artists who did the sculptural installations, so I didn’t really appreciate what I was seeing. Since then, I have found out more about these artists’ work, and I’m still not sure I fully appreciate them, but I have to admit that they are very interesting creations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tia1nAss_IQ/TmVRuYWpDBI/AAAAAAAAA0s/6PrHsb5phFg/s1600/49+Garbage+bin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tia1nAss_IQ/TmVRuYWpDBI/AAAAAAAAA0s/6PrHsb5phFg/s320/49+Garbage+bin.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">"Eight Million Stories,” by David Ellis and Roberto Carlos Lange, 2009</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A Rubbermaid trashcan filled with junk clinks and clanks to make music of sorts. Filled with cans and bottles that double as percussive instruments, the trashcan functions as an inanimate one-man band. According to an interview with the artists online, the piece embodies the elusive goal of merging art with everyday life. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtoXsDSGSVA/TmVRydstFII/AAAAAAAAA0w/8oS-T7brYGY/s1600/50+News+center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtoXsDSGSVA/TmVRydstFII/AAAAAAAAA0w/8oS-T7brYGY/s320/50+News+center.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Newscenter II” by Will Ryman, 2005</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Ryman's life-sized sculpture of a newsstand has components that look as if second graders had gotten together and crafted fake soda pop cans and issues of <i>Cosmopolitan</i> and <i>Men's Health</i> as an after school project. The realness of it as an assembled whole is striking.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzak3bgacKs/TmVR18OJTBI/AAAAAAAAA00/B4LrxgmIf-w/s1600/52+Eyes+Tony+Oursler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzak3bgacKs/TmVR18OJTBI/AAAAAAAAA00/B4LrxgmIf-w/s320/52+Eyes+Tony+Oursler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tia1nAss_IQ/TmVRuYWpDBI/AAAAAAAAA0s/6PrHsb5phFg/s1600/49+Garbage+bin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“Coo” by Tony Oursler, 2003</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oursler's outrageous sculptures — projections of talking video faces onto bulbous forms — never really fool anybody, and yet they do. Coo has two blinking eyeballs, never in tandem, on her green-painted face; below them, a feminine mouth opens to reveal a pink tongue and lips, which pronounce an endless stream of phonetically similar words (pink-puddle-huddle-hide-bigger). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfWtPzWy6xE/TmVR5_wg_5I/AAAAAAAAA04/fgZrjZsoalA/s1600/53+Leandro+Erlich+Storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfWtPzWy6xE/TmVR5_wg_5I/AAAAAAAAA04/fgZrjZsoalA/s320/53+Leandro+Erlich+Storm.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Leandro Erlich's <i>Rain III</i> (1999-2000) </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Between two windows installed on either side of a movable wall, a slender space offers a glimpse into an outside world. At least, it's a world that looks like it must be outside — though it is inside the sculpture — because a steady rain drips there, and every few seconds a flash of lightning appears, followed by a clap of thunder. Technically speaking, the illusion created by Erlich's piece isn't spectacularly convincing — but it doesn't need to be. <i>Rain III</i> brings to life an image each of us has already seen and believed when we think, "It was a dark and stormy night." If you look closely, you can see someone peering through the window.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scHDCk6ewyI/TmVR9Pf6MzI/AAAAAAAAA08/_tyKNuGlqyM/s1600/54+long+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scHDCk6ewyI/TmVR9Pf6MzI/AAAAAAAAA08/_tyKNuGlqyM/s320/54+long+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Wide view of the room </div><div style="text-align: center;">The items in this exhibit seemed lost in this huge room. You can see, from left to right, the stormy window installation, “Cows Crossing,” “Coo, “ and “Newscenter II.” </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-fWSbs-XVM/TmVSAenq8xI/AAAAAAAAA1A/xKicNd7KKuM/s1600/55+Cow++Crossing+William+Beckman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-fWSbs-XVM/TmVSAenq8xI/AAAAAAAAA1A/xKicNd7KKuM/s320/55+Cow++Crossing+William+Beckman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo Realist painting “Cows Crossing” by William Beckman </div><div style="text-align: center;">One of a series of cows crossing the road. The size is approximately 9 feet x 13 feet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwhFv1sZS3M/TmVSDrXkOgI/AAAAAAAAA1E/R6wu-Lkj5G8/s1600/56+++Chevrolet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwhFv1sZS3M/TmVSDrXkOgI/AAAAAAAAA1E/R6wu-Lkj5G8/s320/56+++Chevrolet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“Chevrolet Surge” by John Salt, 1980-81 Oil on Canvas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRzp1ooH6Q0/TmVSM0taK_I/AAAAAAAAA1I/gfR6ZDDLc3A/s1600/58+Theater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRzp1ooH6Q0/TmVSM0taK_I/AAAAAAAAA1I/gfR6ZDDLc3A/s320/58+Theater.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“Greenwich Theater<i>”</i> by Davis Cone, 1979. Acrylic on Canvas.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Each of the two theater canvases captures the theater and its surroundings in mesmerizing detail, down to the text on parking signs and reflections of neon light in sidewalk puddles. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XscRfVfse1o/TmVSROyfKgI/AAAAAAAAA1M/lXQzSovvz8c/s1600/60+Raiders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XscRfVfse1o/TmVSROyfKgI/AAAAAAAAA1M/lXQzSovvz8c/s320/60+Raiders.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“Sam Eric and Raiders of the Lost Arc” by Davis Cone<i>, </i>1982 </div><div style="text-align: center;">Cone pays tribute to the Philadelphia movie theater better known as the Boyd. Davis Cone's paintings portray a more-real-than-real vision of a particular America.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYzuUORnaSs/TmVSY5AsfLI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/i5qr8XpMnn8/s1600/61+Diner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYzuUORnaSs/TmVSY5AsfLI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/i5qr8XpMnn8/s320/61+Diner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“Collins Diner” by Ralph Goings, 1985-86. Oil on canvas </div><div style="text-align: center;">Goings' painting creates a photographic effect in the medium of oil paint. The interior of his diner stands still in time as an old-timer sizes up a younger man, who reaches into the back pocket of his blue jeans to pay the waitress at the register. This hint of generational friction unfolds against the diner's polished aluminum backdrop.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbOLGKnvFvw/Tmao7wJXW-I/AAAAAAAAA1U/WYmabtsX0jM/s1600/63+Dominique+Labauvie+Sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbOLGKnvFvw/Tmao7wJXW-I/AAAAAAAAA1U/WYmabtsX0jM/s320/63+Dominique+Labauvie+Sculpture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"> Labauvie's terrace sculpture against the backdrop of the Hillsborough River<br />
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<span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: justify;">Three outdoor works of sculptor Dominique Labauvie are exhibited on the Bretta B. Sullivan Sculpture Terrace, which is adjacent to the “Realism” gallery. These works are part of a show which was titled, “Musical Lines in My Hand.” The lines of the sculpture react to the surroundings, similar to musical notes of a composition, leading to a time/space relationship.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xvKCaMhBXI/TmapAUNchPI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/c7MEDZkr7Qk/s1600/64+Sculpture+w+Suzie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xvKCaMhBXI/TmapAUNchPI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/c7MEDZkr7Qk/s320/64+Sculpture+w+Suzie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Suzie as seen through a Labauvie sculpture</span><br />
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Even the shadow of the sculpture adds interest to the artwork. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qvv-VfCJ4aY/TmapI88yOfI/AAAAAAAAA1g/18AxyuWVfJk/s1600/66+3+sculptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qvv-VfCJ4aY/TmapI88yOfI/AAAAAAAAA1g/18AxyuWVfJk/s320/66+3+sculptures.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Three Labauvie sculptures on the terrace<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>The Tampa Museum of Art at Night</em></span></strong><br />
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</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGaMLPV6HVw/TmapNpiFveI/AAAAAAAAA1k/7JSSoA9MHpA/s1600/67+Suzie+%2526+Becky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGaMLPV6HVw/TmapNpiFveI/AAAAAAAAA1k/7JSSoA9MHpA/s320/67+Suzie+%2526+Becky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"></div></span><div style="text-align: center;">Suzie and Becky--Time to say Good-bye</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-60095798345888684752011-07-06T12:52:00.000-07:002011-07-06T16:39:18.138-07:00Wacky, Wonderful Solomon's Castle<span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UeHCrpDINas/ThS7LbIgwzI/AAAAAAAAAis/dwRgWkQB19U/s1600/01+Front+whole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UeHCrpDINas/ThS7LbIgwzI/AAAAAAAAAis/dwRgWkQB19U/s320/01+Front+whole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Solomon’s Castle is a medieval-style castle whose façade is made up of discarded aluminum printing plates from the local newspaper down the road in Wauchula, Florida. This castle is something you would expect to see in Disneyworld, not in the Florida countryside. It covers 12,000 square feet and is three stories high. There are over 80 stained glass windows, which are all hand-made by the artist, Howard Solomon. Howard Solomon began building his castle in the Central Florida swamp in 1972. The castle itself serves as an exhibition gallery for hundreds of pieces of Solomon’s artwork. All of his artwork, like the walls of his castle, is made up of discards. His artwork gives new meaning to the expression, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_CQtoOIBHs/ThS7O5ZLN-I/AAAAAAAAAiw/s62l4BVT8FA/s1600/02+Front+Rotated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_CQtoOIBHs/ThS7O5ZLN-I/AAAAAAAAAiw/s62l4BVT8FA/s320/02+Front+Rotated.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Of course, you follow the yellow brick road to the entrance of the castle. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The “bricks” are painted on poured cement.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NMg9UHlhtQ/ThS7RKGhDMI/AAAAAAAAAi0/qHE1xFFxJ1I/s1600/03+Right+Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NMg9UHlhtQ/ThS7RKGhDMI/AAAAAAAAAi0/qHE1xFFxJ1I/s320/03+Right+Side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the right side of the castle, there is a balcony in a tower, where Howard Solomon greets his subjects.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlhLokHpAoY/ThS7UVI5J3I/AAAAAAAAAi4/dWIjuoElTCo/s1600/04+Stone+Pony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlhLokHpAoY/ThS7UVI5J3I/AAAAAAAAAi4/dWIjuoElTCo/s320/04+Stone+Pony.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">You can see the grounds in front of the castle, a stone pony, and a path that leads through the arbor to the Boat in the Moat, a reproduction of a Spanish Galleon built by Howard Solomon, which serves as a restaurant to visitors.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k85W91iLoso/ThS7XaJ3NzI/AAAAAAAAAi8/L4_XNSTBBx4/s1600/05+Horse+of+a+Different+Color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k85W91iLoso/ThS7XaJ3NzI/AAAAAAAAAi8/L4_XNSTBBx4/s320/05+Horse+of+a+Different+Color.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Notice the horse’s hooves. The “Horse of a Different Color” had walked the yellow brick road before the paint dried.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99oSXyN4RFI/ThS_MadqC8I/AAAAAAAAAjA/adXNyR8f1RY/s1600/06+Garden+Art+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99oSXyN4RFI/ThS_MadqC8I/AAAAAAAAAjA/adXNyR8f1RY/s320/06+Garden+Art+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Metal sculpture garden art</span><br />
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<div align="justify" style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TU5FVUsBi88/ThS_PU_57DI/AAAAAAAAAjE/gNFynT_a2Ns/s1600/07+Garden+Art+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TU5FVUsBi88/ThS_PU_57DI/AAAAAAAAAjE/gNFynT_a2Ns/s320/07+Garden+Art+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Metal sculpture of a bird</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgyQBGPQwek/ThS_SdCILmI/AAAAAAAAAjI/IOkrSHWywbE/s1600/08+Garden+Art+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgyQBGPQwek/ThS_SdCILmI/AAAAAAAAAjI/IOkrSHWywbE/s320/08+Garden+Art+3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Copper lady in the woods</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjJ9Lm2HYXk/ThS_VKvq7WI/AAAAAAAAAjM/4GA6GKUVl6I/s1600/09+Rooms+to+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjJ9Lm2HYXk/ThS_VKvq7WI/AAAAAAAAAjM/4GA6GKUVl6I/s320/09+Rooms+to+go.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Rooms to Go. This is only the first of many puns to come.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pv7gL1uAs54/ThS_YW-oKLI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/zPqYnsMUCdE/s1600/10+Harold+Solomon+at+Entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pv7gL1uAs54/ThS_YW-oKLI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/zPqYnsMUCdE/s320/10+Harold+Solomon+at+Entrance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The “Da Vinci of Debris,” Howard Solomon, sits near the entrance to his castle. <br />
He is a wood carver, metal sculptor, author, and master of 22 other trades, including stained-glass maker, plumber, and electrician.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3m1udzpHEJc/ThS_fHiUoHI/AAAAAAAAAjU/MhkethBV3bM/s1600/11+Entrance+Day+%2526+Knight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3m1udzpHEJc/ThS_fHiUoHI/AAAAAAAAAjU/MhkethBV3bM/s320/11+Entrance+Day+%2526+Knight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Two men-at-arms stand guard at the castle entrance. Solomon made the suits of armor from a junk pile, painted one black and one white, and called them, “Knight and Day.”</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The stained-glass guard-dragon just inside the entrance to the castle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfNAwz0sDFg/ThTDo-IkdDI/AAAAAAAAAjc/p0C451QnPpE/s1600/13+The+English+Barrister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfNAwz0sDFg/ThTDo-IkdDI/AAAAAAAAAjc/p0C451QnPpE/s320/13+The+English+Barrister.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The English Barrister is made of yellow pine and spruce, and his wig is made of “curly” maple.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Asked where his inspiration comes from, Solomon says, “Junk speaks to me. I look at a piece of junk, and it’ll remind me of something. I’ll say, “That looks like a gear from a locomotive, and it’ll go from there.” Solomon’s creations are made from discarded oil drums, car parts, broken appliances, gas tanks, motors, tin cans--you name any kind of metal part, and it will probably be in one of his pieces of work. People still bring him junk, hoping Solomon might use it in creating a work of art, but at this point, Solomon wishes they would stop.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYm3XPVc8Pw/ThTXyTdSGDI/AAAAAAAAAjk/3GsSjqEOP_w/s1600/15+First+Flower+Child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYm3XPVc8Pw/ThTXyTdSGDI/AAAAAAAAAjk/3GsSjqEOP_w/s320/15+First+Flower+Child.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">“The First Flower Child,” a knight made from Volkswagen parts</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">“Darth Vader,” whose head is made from a Hamilton Beach food processor</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1_pS2Ky8X0/ThTa49Qt9GI/AAAAAAAAAkA/RZ6Cvy401_Y/s1600/17+Steam+Engine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1_pS2Ky8X0/ThTa49Qt9GI/AAAAAAAAAkA/RZ6Cvy401_Y/s320/17+Steam+Engine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">A “Quarter-scale Mechanized Antique Steam Engine.” It took Solomon a year to gather the parts for the steam engine. The wheels turn, powered by a Hoover vacuum cleaner.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBQurLH3UzU/ThTa77FMHzI/AAAAAAAAAkE/zqG1xvBeu38/s1600/18+Corn+Planter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBQurLH3UzU/ThTa77FMHzI/AAAAAAAAAkE/zqG1xvBeu38/s320/18+Corn+Planter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">A motorcycle made from an old-fashioned corn planter and called “Evil Kornevil.” In the background you can see Solomon’s tribute to the artist Modigliani. The three pieces of art are done with bits of wood and wood scraps and have a 3-D effect. Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh and Calder are among other modern artists whose work Solomon emulates and appears on the gallery walls.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5myxHTVqb4o/ThTa_L6BVfI/AAAAAAAAAkI/pVUIStUVr7M/s1600/19+Dragon+L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5myxHTVqb4o/ThTa_L6BVfI/AAAAAAAAAkI/pVUIStUVr7M/s320/19+Dragon+L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The Purple Dragon</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6KrLCPTfDs/ThTbCcIE8TI/AAAAAAAAAkM/usWH-WUBVkU/s1600/20+Coat+Hanger+Elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6KrLCPTfDs/ThTbCcIE8TI/AAAAAAAAAkM/usWH-WUBVkU/s320/20+Coat+Hanger+Elephant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">A six-foot elephant made from coat hangers. For this coat-hanger art, 50 pounds of coat hangers were cut into pieces as short as two or three inches, welded together to form the object, and painted with white enamel paint.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQeB_IZljH4/ThTbFq2XD3I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/HJ-EzkIxW-Q/s1600/21+Coat+Hanger+Giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQeB_IZljH4/ThTbFq2XD3I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/HJ-EzkIxW-Q/s320/21+Coat+Hanger+Giraffe.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">An eight-foot tall coat-hanger giraffe</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The Gun Collection</div>Among the guns on this wall are: a “hernia gun” because it weighs 60 pounds, and lifting it might cause a hernia; Napoleon’s pistol, with an extra long barrel; a gun that shoots toilet plungers in order to “flush out perpetrators;” a suicide gun that has barrels that bend backward toward the shooter; a gun that fires a fork to get a waiter’s attention; a gun with a square barrel, called a “square shooter;” and a gun made from a jack and a hacksaw, called a “Hacked-off Jack Saw.”<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">“Weapon of Mouse Destruction”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX0N9WnMId4/ThTdfjhsG4I/AAAAAAAAAkc/EIbX7tTQj7s/s1600/24+Fish+Got+Away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX0N9WnMId4/ThTdfjhsG4I/AAAAAAAAAkc/EIbX7tTQj7s/s320/24+Fish+Got+Away.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">“The Fish that Got Away”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSGeV4pbeDQ/ThTdi0KyteI/AAAAAAAAAkg/ii5VsXRjcOo/s1600/25+Mr+%2526+Mrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSGeV4pbeDQ/ThTdi0KyteI/AAAAAAAAAkg/ii5VsXRjcOo/s320/25+Mr+%2526+Mrs.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Mr. and Mrs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pzAhOf4fqE/ThTdmgmg4-I/AAAAAAAAAkk/r2hSy2sCNag/s1600/26+Picture+Yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pzAhOf4fqE/ThTdmgmg4-I/AAAAAAAAAkk/r2hSy2sCNag/s320/26+Picture+Yourself.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">“Picture Yourself on a Sailboat” </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is made possible by the sliver of mirror down the center of the painting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ecjkwZGqsc/ThTdqzzUVdI/AAAAAAAAAko/1F-1t3LNIsI/s1600/27+Benny+Goodman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ecjkwZGqsc/ThTdqzzUVdI/AAAAAAAAAko/1F-1t3LNIsI/s320/27+Benny+Goodman.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Benny Goodman and Woody Herman, both clarinet players, become “Woody Goody.”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TnyWtOhGRyM/ThTdu2GwasI/AAAAAAAAAks/qi25NYIzvCE/s1600/28+Strung+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TnyWtOhGRyM/ThTdu2GwasI/AAAAAAAAAks/qi25NYIzvCE/s320/28+Strung+Up.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“I’m all Strung Up Over You”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCcjCF2QSgg/ThTixupEMrI/AAAAAAAAAkw/rKn_TX3A210/s1600/29+Samsonite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCcjCF2QSgg/ThTixupEMrI/AAAAAAAAAkw/rKn_TX3A210/s320/29+Samsonite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Samsonite,” made from an oil drum and so-named because his mother was a piece of luggage.</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RXsC4tVEdo/ThTi2SyYSCI/AAAAAAAAAk0/Leu113Z5TKI/s1600/30+Lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RXsC4tVEdo/ThTi2SyYSCI/AAAAAAAAAk0/Leu113Z5TKI/s320/30+Lion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Lional,” made of five oil drums and 70 pounds of welding rod. He weighs 190 pounds. The bat lying at his feet is a “Lion’s Club.” (I warned you about the puns, didn’t I?) Behind the lion are three Solomon-type salutes to the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh.</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2A4QlxXEQk/ThTi5tUgN1I/AAAAAAAAAk4/f_-L4bC4LeI/s1600/31+Jeb+the+Bush+Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2A4QlxXEQk/ThTi5tUgN1I/AAAAAAAAAk4/f_-L4bC4LeI/s320/31+Jeb+the+Bush+Man.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Jeb the Bushman,” done in 2000 after the election for the governorship of Florida. It is made of 7 oil drums and took 300 hours to construct. His toenails are clam shells, and his tusks are manatee ribs.</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvjrh4uAMnU/ThTi9QXTIZI/AAAAAAAAAk8/NBLR88LEX6c/s1600/32+Foolish+Pleasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvjrh4uAMnU/ThTi9QXTIZI/AAAAAAAAAk8/NBLR88LEX6c/s320/32+Foolish+Pleasure.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Foolish Pleasure,” made from an oil drum with a chain tail and mane. The horse was Florida-born and won the Kentucky Derby in 1975.</span><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGwxqQS0n_c/ThTlz92WhDI/AAAAAAAAAlA/TuSIM8g8i6U/s1600/33+Dolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGwxqQS0n_c/ThTlz92WhDI/AAAAAAAAAlA/TuSIM8g8i6U/s320/33+Dolls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Can you spot Michael Jordan in his Fruit of the Loom (?) underwear, dancing with the Spice Girls? The Morton Salt girl is on the top shelf, along with “Tomcat with a Heart On.”</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIA4FsedXBY/ThTl3Q8mZFI/AAAAAAAAAlE/ixnZrEQj5q8/s1600/34+Chinese+Fire+Hydrant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIA4FsedXBY/ThTl3Q8mZFI/AAAAAAAAAlE/ixnZrEQj5q8/s320/34+Chinese+Fire+Hydrant.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The “Chinese Fire Hydrant” has a sword in its hands to ward off dogs.</span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcCfOLQ6nTo/ThTl7REUatI/AAAAAAAAAlI/dTrHoz3D72M/s1600/35+Cleopatra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcCfOLQ6nTo/ThTl7REUatI/AAAAAAAAAlI/dTrHoz3D72M/s320/35+Cleopatra.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Cleopatra in Denial” is one of the names given to this sculpture. Denial? Think about the river where Cleo sailed her barge.</span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJc-sPNESMI/ThTl-hZDOHI/AAAAAAAAAlM/XxrEfWEUNmM/s1600/36+Rockwell+Baseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJc-sPNESMI/ThTl-hZDOHI/AAAAAAAAAlM/XxrEfWEUNmM/s320/36+Rockwell+Baseball.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">A 3-D tribute to Norman Rockwell, “100 Years of Baseball.”</span><br />
<span lang="EN"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgrNC7IzZ9c/ThTmClFwrcI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/VXLUFHtyXTk/s1600/37+Elsie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgrNC7IzZ9c/ThTmClFwrcI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/VXLUFHtyXTk/s320/37+Elsie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Elsie the Cow” has holes in her because she gives “whole” milk.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZ7m0jmxLjQ/ThTqQKB-1oI/AAAAAAAAAlk/TEXSM9zDdmI/s1600/38+Cleo%2527s+Barge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZ7m0jmxLjQ/ThTqQKB-1oI/AAAAAAAAAlk/TEXSM9zDdmI/s320/38+Cleo%2527s+Barge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">“Cleopatra’s Barge”</span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe8TDe9QyLc/ThTqU3ED1gI/AAAAAAAAAlo/a4kEluFRssc/s1600/39+Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe8TDe9QyLc/ThTqU3ED1gI/AAAAAAAAAlo/a4kEluFRssc/s320/39+Car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">A “Car with a V-8 Engine”</span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-MjCNaZ59c/ThTqYLX0m3I/AAAAAAAAAls/q85I4g2UmJk/s1600/40+V-8+Engine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-MjCNaZ59c/ThTqYLX0m3I/AAAAAAAAAls/q85I4g2UmJk/s320/40+V-8+Engine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The V-8 Engine</span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRygPrZJAD4/ThTqbg-wt4I/AAAAAAAAAlw/Cm26vPduB7A/s1600/41+Merman+%2526+Chiggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRygPrZJAD4/ThTqbg-wt4I/AAAAAAAAAlw/Cm26vPduB7A/s320/41+Merman+%2526+Chiggle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Above “Ethel Mer-man” is a spaceship and a “Chiggle,” part chicken and part eagle.</span><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5MoQ27ioxQ/ThTrzQHxl6I/AAAAAAAAAl0/Lc0N4GsOo4M/s1600/42+Ethel+Merman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5MoQ27ioxQ/ThTrzQHxl6I/AAAAAAAAAl0/Lc0N4GsOo4M/s320/42+Ethel+Merman.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Ethel Mer-man is one-half man, one-half woman, and one-half fish. (Mr. Solomon said this, and it sounded OK until I thought about it.)</span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0reGiS4h24/ThTr3qtkgrI/AAAAAAAAAl4/3bmP1Zt_jp4/s1600/43+Robert+Boat+in+the+Moat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0reGiS4h24/ThTr3qtkgrI/AAAAAAAAAl4/3bmP1Zt_jp4/s320/43+Robert+Boat+in+the+Moat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Robert on the ramp way leading to The Boat in a Moat. The “Boat in the Moat,” a sixty-foot replica of a 16<sup>th</sup> century Spanish galleon, serves as the Castle’s restaurant. </span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOYYZLL7ptM/ThTr8VsjhMI/AAAAAAAAAl8/-ODE3Qfswjw/s1600/44+Walkway+to+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOYYZLL7ptM/ThTr8VsjhMI/AAAAAAAAAl8/-ODE3Qfswjw/s320/44+Walkway+to+Boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The ramp way over the moat</span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0911eqL39I8/ThTsBJetMII/AAAAAAAAAmA/9ANspK2Qfw8/s1600/45+Boat+in+the+Moat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0911eqL39I8/ThTsBJetMII/AAAAAAAAAmA/9ANspK2Qfw8/s320/45+Boat+in+the+Moat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">The Boat in a Moat</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lklcmng7NbA/ThTt0TlpzKI/AAAAAAAAAmE/O2VMsYkEjl8/s1600/46+Band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lklcmng7NbA/ThTt0TlpzKI/AAAAAAAAAmE/O2VMsYkEjl8/s320/46+Band.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“The Band Broke Up” </div><div style="text-align: center;">This artwork is in a building with a façade resembling the entrance to the Alamo. It is called the “Ala-schmoe” and stores some of Howard Solomon’s original work. We were lucky enough to have a private tour of this building by Mr. Solomon himself. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fls7b6al4ak/ThTt4_xKiBI/AAAAAAAAAmI/KBNfIMeluQU/s1600/47+Pop+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fls7b6al4ak/ThTt4_xKiBI/AAAAAAAAAmI/KBNfIMeluQU/s320/47+Pop+Art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“Pop Art,” utilizing pop tops from 700 soda cans</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDQXyJrKs6Y/ThTt8LXp7jI/AAAAAAAAAmM/tI0mSOMJt9Y/s1600/48+Floor+Lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDQXyJrKs6Y/ThTt8LXp7jI/AAAAAAAAAmM/tI0mSOMJt9Y/s320/48+Floor+Lamp.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">A floor lamp designed by Solomon. What other shape would be more fitting than a castle tower?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6Nko8CgQfM/ThTuAJVZctI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/AAvNL_2WAr0/s1600/49+Jake+LaMotta+Raging+Bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6Nko8CgQfM/ThTuAJVZctI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/AAvNL_2WAr0/s320/49+Jake+LaMotta+Raging+Bull.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">“Jake La Motta,” the Raging Bull </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyKHjGclBrw/ThTuD_O89GI/AAAAAAAAAmU/uiGIQpJbaiQ/s1600/50+Lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyKHjGclBrw/ThTuD_O89GI/AAAAAAAAAmU/uiGIQpJbaiQ/s320/50+Lady.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;">Woman with Raised Arm </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: justify;">When I walked into the gallery of Solomon’s Castle, I was overwhelmed looking at all this crazy artwork that combined pieces of junk in all manner of ways in order to create a recognizable object. Howard Solomon’s sense of humor is evident in all he does, especially in the very punny titles he gives to his creations. Solomon explains his creativity by saying that he was born an artist. He is not only an artist, but an artisan as well, because he has the skill to construct what he imagines. And what an imagination this man has! Solomon doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously, either. He makes himself available to visitors and talks about himself and his work in a very unassuming way. Solomon’s artistry has been celebrated nationally and even internationally, but he seems happy to introduce his art to visiting tourists. A real artist doesn’t have to “act” like an artist to leave people in awe of his ability, and that’s how I felt about Solomon by the time I left.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">If you want to visit Solomon’s Castle:<br />
<br />
Solomon’s Castle is in Ona, Florida. The address is 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865. It is located one and a half hours south of Tampa, two hours north of Fort Myers, and one hour east of Sarasota. It is not far from Arcadia. It seems as if you are driving in the middle of nowhere, but keep going, you'll get there eventually. Whatever way you go, do NOT travel on Lily Ave., which becomes Pine Level Road, no matter what Mapquest or your GPS says. It may look like the shortest way, but there is a 2-mile stretch of a bone-jarring gravel road that you want to avoid at all costs. Call if you get lost: (863) 494-6077 . The castle is closed on Mondays and also closed July, August, & September. For more information, look up the web site: </span><a href="http://www.solomonscastle.com/"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN" style="background-color: #3d85c6;">www.solomonscastle.com</span></span></u></a></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262768172940326843.post-30595948072327142162011-04-26T11:38:00.000-07:002011-06-12T12:57:34.369-07:00Tarpon Springs<div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Tarpon Springs is a city of around 23,000 people located on the west coast of Florida. It is northwest of Tampa and around the midpoint of the state of Florida. It was established along the Anclote River, about a mile from where the river meets the Gulf of Mexico. The name of the city was inspired by the tarpon, a fish that inhabits the nearby waters. The atmosphere on the Sponge Docks, the epicenter of Tarpon Springs tourism, is noticeably Greek, as Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek-Americans of any city in the United States. On one side of Dodecanese Boulevard, you see the sponge docks, and lining the other side are Greek restaurants and shops. Many of the shops are owned and operated by the descendants of the city’s first immigrants from Greece. </em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><br />
</em></div><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Sponges were discovered off the west coast of central Florida in 1873. Gradually the sponge business shifted its center from Key West, Cuba and the Bahamas to Tarpon Springs. By 1900 the city of Tarpon Springs was considered the largest sponge port in the United States</em></strong></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PJP8ivwVoE/TbcBdZvxjRI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Yjts6kBvUrE/s1600/B+01+Entering+the+Sponge+Docksfrom+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PJP8ivwVoE/TbcBdZvxjRI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Yjts6kBvUrE/s320/B+01+Entering+the+Sponge+Docksfrom+River.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>Entering the sponge docks from the Anclote River</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_rXGplUpB8/TbcBgwEZTOI/AAAAAAAAAUU/ncqAd0cBY8k/s1600/B+02+Boats+Moored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_rXGplUpB8/TbcBgwEZTOI/AAAAAAAAAUU/ncqAd0cBY8k/s320/B+02+Boats+Moored.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><em><strong>Ships line the sponge docks, and shops line Dodecanese Boulevard in the background</strong>.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ztdyJhaKCs/TbcBtU6GBuI/AAAAAAAAAUc/dOaEr2KxcOM/s1600/B+03+++Mosaic+Sponge+Diver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ztdyJhaKCs/TbcBtU6GBuI/AAAAAAAAAUc/dOaEr2KxcOM/s320/B+03+++Mosaic+Sponge+Diver.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>This mosaic features a sponge diver retrieving sponges. In the early years, spongers used long poles with grapples to harvest the sponges and harvested sponges only in shallow water. </em></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_CUXgoixOrs/TbcCpQQBrGI/AAAAAAAAAUg/3A8nbA6eXJ8/s1600/B+08+Mosaic+Diver+in+Suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_CUXgoixOrs/TbcCpQQBrGI/AAAAAAAAAUg/3A8nbA6eXJ8/s320/B+08+Mosaic+Diver+in+Suit.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>The mosaic depicts a sponge diver wearing a diving suit with an air hose. In 1905, John Corcoris introduced the first mechanized sponge fishing boat to Tarpon Springs and brought in 500 Greek divers from Greece who had been using a diving suit with air hose (Skafandro suit) since 1865. This suit allowed divers to harvest sponges from deep water. </em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFNXdzpOvQg/TbcCvF6HpgI/AAAAAAAAAUk/qj9680tOMI4/s1600/B+09+Becky+%2526+Sponge+Diver+Monumnt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFNXdzpOvQg/TbcCvF6HpgI/AAAAAAAAAUk/qj9680tOMI4/s320/B+09+Becky+%2526+Sponge+Diver+Monumnt.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Becky stands in front of a monument dedicated to the spongers of Tarpon Springs. </em></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lqrakk4vbQ/TbcZjejun4I/AAAAAAAAAWE/FrXqkqMc8rE/s1600/B+04+Sponges+in+Shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lqrakk4vbQ/TbcZjejun4I/AAAAAAAAAWE/FrXqkqMc8rE/s320/B+04+Sponges+in+Shop.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Sponges come in many different shapes and sizes. The haphazard arrangement of these sponges has a beauty all its own.</em></strong></span><br />
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<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TD_rtrxy-qw/TbcC4Xl-LnI/AAAAAAAAAUs/GVYWGKuCCQk/s1600/B+05+Sponges+Baguette+Like.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TD_rtrxy-qw/TbcC4Xl-LnI/AAAAAAAAAUs/GVYWGKuCCQk/s320/B+05+Sponges+Baguette+Like.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>These sponges look like French baguettes to me, but they are actually “tube” sponges.</em></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlQ0dSkfhig/TbcKbDqoBkI/AAAAAAAAAU4/7MnhF3HGPJQ/s1600/B+06+Sponges+on+Sidewalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlQ0dSkfhig/TbcKbDqoBkI/AAAAAAAAAU4/7MnhF3HGPJQ/s320/B+06+Sponges+on+Sidewalk.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em>Tube sponges are for sale outside this shop.</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKetK4VfXaM/TbcKgbZCK6I/AAAAAAAAAU8/i45SaOXsans/s1600/B+07+Sponge+Factory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKetK4VfXaM/TbcKgbZCK6I/AAAAAAAAAU8/i45SaOXsans/s320/B+07+Sponge+Factory.jpg" width="320" /></strong></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>A sponge factory claims to have the largest selection of sponges ever.</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>At the end of 1906, there were 1500 Greek sponge fishers, and the sponge fleet averaged 200 vessels. More immigrants soon followed and businesses were established to serve the Greek community. The Greek district of Tarpon Springs became a replica of a small seaside village in Greece. Greeks brought their culture, customs, food and drink and knowledge of the sea and sponge diving to Florida.</em></span></strong><br />
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<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVTQLdXXYTY/TbcL1SHwERI/AAAAAAAAAVA/jdiqRzZUM9o/s1600/B+10+Greek+Mural+Dancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVTQLdXXYTY/TbcL1SHwERI/AAAAAAAAAVA/jdiqRzZUM9o/s320/B+10+Greek+Mural+Dancer.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>Greek motifs are found everywhere in this neighborhood.</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeZJCQcFOUc/TbcL4boufcI/AAAAAAAAAVE/FgdRqF9ss2E/s1600/B+11+Greek+Goddess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeZJCQcFOUc/TbcL4boufcI/AAAAAAAAAVE/FgdRqF9ss2E/s320/B+11+Greek+Goddess.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><em><strong>You can see Greek statuary wherever you look. The bust of a Greek goddess, probably Aphrodite (or Venus), goddess of love, appears in a shop window. It is a reproduction of the remains of the original statue that you can see in the Louvre in Paris</strong>. </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5XxuxLnkI0/TbcL7o1JJvI/AAAAAAAAAVI/kR0r5WyM9HU/s1600/B+12+Greek+Statuary+David.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5XxuxLnkI0/TbcL7o1JJvI/AAAAAAAAAVI/kR0r5WyM9HU/s320/B+12+Greek+Statuary+David.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><em>Michelangelo’s sculpture of David, who slayed Goliath, is in a storefront window. The original is in Florence, Italy.</em></span></span></strong><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg4Xbjz0oMA/TbcL-4WwAtI/AAAAAAAAAVM/ggEy_UE-onw/s1600/B+13+Greek+Lady+with+Ewer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg4Xbjz0oMA/TbcL-4WwAtI/AAAAAAAAAVM/ggEy_UE-onw/s320/B+13+Greek+Lady+with+Ewer.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>This Greek goddess is Hebe, the goddess of youth. She was cupbearer to the gods of Olympus and served them nectar and ambrosia. She stands in front of a sandwich shop. </em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z20Q1ppK3JY/TbcMCWdmFeI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/VX5jl3jcLZA/s1600/B+14+Poseidon+in+Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z20Q1ppK3JY/TbcMCWdmFeI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/VX5jl3jcLZA/s320/B+14+Poseidon+in+Pool.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><strong><span style="color: #073763;"><span lang="EN"></span></span></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>Poseidon, the ocean god, is in his rightful element, but I think he has lost his trident, a three-pronged spear for fishing.</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvdqU2fub6w/TbcMHaa7YgI/AAAAAAAAAVU/h8wMH9QyRHI/s1600/B+15+Becky+%2526+Robert+by+Fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvdqU2fub6w/TbcMHaa7YgI/AAAAAAAAAVU/h8wMH9QyRHI/s320/B+15+Becky+%2526+Robert+by+Fountain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Becky and Robert are sitting by a fountain with a dolphin at one end and Poseidon at the other.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>The sponge industry continued to prosper, but misfortune hit the industry in 1938, when a blight infested the sponge beds, and many of the sponges died. Then, in 1948 a red tide, a toxic algae, caused further damage. Around this time, the synthetic sponge was introduced, and the convergence of these two circumstances greatly diminished the sponging industry. Sponges slowly started to return in 1959, with the beds regaining full strength in the 1970s. </em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>Fortunately the sponge beds have survived, and the industry has seen a modest revival in recent years. Professional sponge divers still search the waters off the coast of Tarpon Springs, as deep as 150 feet, for sponges. Most of the sponge boats are owned and operated by people of Greek descent. However, tourism has replaced sponging as Tarpon Springs’ major economic activity. Thousands of visitors each year come to the city to visit the Sponge Docks, see professional divers in action and experience the Greek culture that still permeates the city. It is estimated that the sponge industry brings $2 million a year to the Tarpon Springs economy, but it fosters a $20 million a year tourist industry. </em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXGCtTw_SMQ/TbcPTF4HfwI/AAAAAAAAAVY/6QFGLsVQzds/s1600/B+16++Hellas+Restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXGCtTw_SMQ/TbcPTF4HfwI/AAAAAAAAAVY/6QFGLsVQzds/s320/B+16++Hellas+Restaurant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><em><span lang="EN"><strong>Hellas is the restaurant where we had an authentic Greek lunch. </strong></span><br />
<strong></strong></em></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byKHWp3KtEU/TbcPj5DPwZI/AAAAAAAAAVk/E7C5U1O1hqM/s1600/B+19+Greek+Restaurant+Mykonos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byKHWp3KtEU/TbcPj5DPwZI/AAAAAAAAAVk/E7C5U1O1hqM/s320/B+19+Greek+Restaurant+Mykonos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN" style="color: #073763;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>Mykonos is another Greek restaurant on Dodecanese Boulevard. I’d like to go back and try all of these restaurants one by one.</em></span></strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZJr_yGL1sk/TbcPY3kVkOI/AAAAAAAAAVc/FGTOh3pGl14/s1600/B+17+Greek+Restaurant+Parthenon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZJr_yGL1sk/TbcPY3kVkOI/AAAAAAAAAVc/FGTOh3pGl14/s320/B+17+Greek+Restaurant+Parthenon.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>Parthenon, another Greek restaurant and bakery.</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KNAkjQMzrDg/TbcPewMOnbI/AAAAAAAAAVg/36WCWRALPDU/s1600/B+18+Greek+Restaurant+Mama%2527s+with+Lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KNAkjQMzrDg/TbcPewMOnbI/AAAAAAAAAVg/36WCWRALPDU/s320/B+18+Greek+Restaurant+Mama%2527s+with+Lady.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN" style="color: #073763;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>This lady was drumming up business for Mama’s Restaurant.</em></span></strong></div></div></div><span style="color: white;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vb20675MKZk/TbcVU1PXTWI/AAAAAAAAAVo/-i_tK63IPcc/s1600/B+20++Greek+Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vb20675MKZk/TbcVU1PXTWI/AAAAAAAAAVo/-i_tK63IPcc/s320/B+20++Greek+Market.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>A market with all Greek products</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXOWqHB5Ir0/TbcVgWX1OBI/AAAAAAAAAVs/6hVIana6Fyg/s1600/B+21+Shell+Seller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXOWqHB5Ir0/TbcVgWX1OBI/AAAAAAAAAVs/6hVIana6Fyg/s320/B+21+Shell+Seller.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>This merchant will personalize shells with your name.</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jugiWCRHDv8/TbcVq34hPLI/AAAAAAAAAVw/IWX6dsD-hic/s1600/B+22+Greek+Shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jugiWCRHDv8/TbcVq34hPLI/AAAAAAAAAVw/IWX6dsD-hic/s320/B+22+Greek+Shop.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>The shop sells “talismans,” or magic objects that defy evil forces. Glass evil eye amulets are attached to the clothes of a new-born baby, gifts for sweethearts, a new office or a new car. These blue eyes, which symbolize good luck and protection, aim to stop the evil eye’s harmful forces.</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX3e0T0dzfA/TbcVwFJygxI/AAAAAAAAAV0/9FRIU5DYzvA/s1600/B+23+Boat+Tour+Sun+Line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX3e0T0dzfA/TbcVwFJygxI/AAAAAAAAAV0/9FRIU5DYzvA/s320/B+23+Boat+Tour+Sun+Line.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>The cruise line offers a trip to the beach of Anclote Key.</em></strong></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><strong><span style="color: #073763;"></span></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lX4KKLYnOBc/TbcVz4p-OoI/AAAAAAAAAV4/EPiGFOTJmBo/s1600/B+24+Robert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lX4KKLYnOBc/TbcVz4p-OoI/AAAAAAAAAV4/EPiGFOTJmBo/s320/B+24+Robert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Robert enjoys a cup of coffee on this warm but overcast day.</em></strong></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><strong><span style="color: #073763;"></span></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7b-BR5rYTk/TbcV5uwQnFI/AAAAAAAAAV8/08TAn8k1684/s1600/B+25+Boat+Tour+Island+Wind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7b-BR5rYTk/TbcV5uwQnFI/AAAAAAAAAV8/08TAn8k1684/s320/B+25+Boat+Tour+Island+Wind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>The Island Wind also offers tours in the area.</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQzfJ-2L7d0/TbcV-QGkmgI/AAAAAAAAAWA/CqmSLZ1jgaQ/s1600/B+26+Boat+Tour+Blue+Fin+Fishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQzfJ-2L7d0/TbcV-QGkmgI/AAAAAAAAAWA/CqmSLZ1jgaQ/s320/B+26+Boat+Tour+Blue+Fin+Fishing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Blue Fin offers deep sea fishing trips.</em></strong></span><br />
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<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDDvrYlKOxs/TbhmjvrHXCI/AAAAAAAAAWI/WDQyG_BBOzU/s1600/B+27+St+Nicholas+Exhibition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDDvrYlKOxs/TbhmjvrHXCI/AAAAAAAAAWI/WDQyG_BBOzU/s320/B+27+St+Nicholas+Exhibition.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>“The St. Nicholas Boat Lines is the oldest established sponge diving exhibit in the western hemisphere.”</em></strong></span><br />
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<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctx656i1KBg/Tbhmon_xuMI/AAAAAAAAAWM/k_yI1y4Wjx8/s1600/B+28+St+Nicholas+Exhibition+Entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctx656i1KBg/Tbhmon_xuMI/AAAAAAAAAWM/k_yI1y4Wjx8/s320/B+28+St+Nicholas+Exhibition+Entry.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>The entry to the boat line’s tour</em></strong></span><br />
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<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3nmrEbxcBg/Tbhmt4C3QqI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/ZFiHRytFokI/s1600/B+29+St+Nicholas+Sponges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3nmrEbxcBg/Tbhmt4C3QqI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/ZFiHRytFokI/s320/B+29+St+Nicholas+Sponges.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Sponges enhance the dock where the St. Nicholas is moored. The boat takes you for a half-hour tour down the Anclote River.</em></strong></span><br />
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<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bPFpqou2oo/TbhmyQJ30vI/AAAAAAAAAWU/YCVmMV02ScY/s1600/B+30+St+Nicholas+More+Sponges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bPFpqou2oo/TbhmyQJ30vI/AAAAAAAAAWU/YCVmMV02ScY/s320/B+30+St+Nicholas+More+Sponges.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Even more sponges on the St Nicholas store front</em></strong></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwpJjrlCW5M/Tbhm7t_3VVI/AAAAAAAAAWY/6diDtbKbQTM/s1600/B+31+St+Nicholas+Sponges+Skewered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwpJjrlCW5M/Tbhm7t_3VVI/AAAAAAAAAWY/6diDtbKbQTM/s320/B+31+St+Nicholas+Sponges+Skewered.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>These sponges are on very tall skewers beside the boat.</em></strong></span><br />
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<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLy2VWdqUZM/TbhnBJUc4QI/AAAAAAAAAWc/hJMnRmNjjIE/s1600/B+32+Narrator+with+Finger+Sponge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLy2VWdqUZM/TbhnBJUc4QI/AAAAAAAAAWc/hJMnRmNjjIE/s320/B+32+Narrator+with+Finger+Sponge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>The emcee on the St. Nicholas holds up a “finger sponge,” one of the most graceful of the sponges.</em></strong></span><br />
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<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzJZtF_WPyQ/Tbhpl0C2SUI/AAAAAAAAAWg/VhZaSv12FEE/s1600/B+33+Sponger+with+Help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzJZtF_WPyQ/Tbhpl0C2SUI/AAAAAAAAAWg/VhZaSv12FEE/s320/B+33+Sponger+with+Help.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>A sponge diver puts on his suit in preparation for a sponge diving demonstration. He needs help putting on the suit.</em></strong></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
<span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FT-38aovpMg/Tbhprbqg5II/AAAAAAAAAWk/cBEjHP6kFXQ/s1600/B+34+Travis+Jewel%252C+Sponger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FT-38aovpMg/Tbhprbqg5II/AAAAAAAAAWk/cBEjHP6kFXQ/s320/B+34+Travis+Jewel%252C+Sponger.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Travis Jewel, sponge diver, is suited up and ready to dive for sponges.</em></strong></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
<span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxX-9xzwcW8/Tbhpvy-HUsI/AAAAAAAAAWo/JbcEH5IKFJY/s1600/B+35+Travis+Jewel+%2526+Becky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxX-9xzwcW8/Tbhpvy-HUsI/AAAAAAAAAWo/JbcEH5IKFJY/s320/B+35+Travis+Jewel+%2526+Becky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Travis Jewel and Becky, before the dive</em></strong></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
<span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T51Kq6pI_K4/Tbhp04nUfQI/AAAAAAAAAWs/NwimC_O4OiE/s1600/B+36+Travis+Ready+to+Dive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T51Kq6pI_K4/Tbhp04nUfQI/AAAAAAAAAWs/NwimC_O4OiE/s320/B+36+Travis+Ready+to+Dive.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Travis has on the “hard hat” with air hose and pole with tines to snare sponges.</em></strong></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><strong><span style="color: #073763;"></span></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_cTu5PL9L8/Tbhp5EoUAtI/AAAAAAAAAWw/arDYpyCBIvw/s1600/B+37+Travis+Suited+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_cTu5PL9L8/Tbhp5EoUAtI/AAAAAAAAAWw/arDYpyCBIvw/s320/B+37+Travis+Suited+Up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Travis in hard hat and diving suit</em></strong></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><br />
<span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrBgKX8F9ds/Tbhp9XCd0CI/AAAAAAAAAW0/cND3Vzvl6Jk/s1600/B+38+Success+Black+Sponge+on+Tines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrBgKX8F9ds/Tbhp9XCd0CI/AAAAAAAAAW0/cND3Vzvl6Jk/s320/B+38+Success+Black+Sponge+on+Tines.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>Travis snares a valuable black sponge.</em></strong></span></div><span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><em>St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tarpon Springs is an exact replica of St. Sophia’s in Constantinople (Istanbul.) The church hosts the annual Epiphany celebration, which includes diving for the cross. On January 6, fifty young Greek-American boys dive into Spring Bayou to retrieve a cross thrown into the water by the Archbishop. Whoever recovers the cross is said to be blessed for a full year, not to mention that he has boasting rights for diving prowess and a great deal of prestige in the community. The statue in front of the cathedral is a young Epiphany diver who has retrieved the cross. </em></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7NCIzXYQuQk/Tbhr-VPluUI/AAAAAAAAAW4/hC1dNHlKuK4/s1600/B+39+Cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7NCIzXYQuQk/Tbhr-VPluUI/AAAAAAAAAW4/hC1dNHlKuK4/s320/B+39+Cathedral.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>An Epiphany diver with the cross he retrieved</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdpi8mdyIoU/TbhsE1i06SI/AAAAAAAAAW8/KsaYOCOP6FE/s1600/B+40+Church+Inscription.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdpi8mdyIoU/TbhsE1i06SI/AAAAAAAAAW8/KsaYOCOP6FE/s320/B+40+Church+Inscription.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>The cathedral inscription</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9xir8Ykn1E/TbhsJcCQGWI/AAAAAAAAAXA/ueC8kOWl82s/s1600/B+41++Dome+Above+Altar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9xir8Ykn1E/TbhsJcCQGWI/AAAAAAAAAXA/ueC8kOWl82s/s320/B+41++Dome+Above+Altar.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em>The dome above the altar</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlbBpGXoyi4/TbhsPOju7WI/AAAAAAAAAXE/VH8c3V6Rg3A/s1600/B+42+Cathedral+Altar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlbBpGXoyi4/TbhsPOju7WI/AAAAAAAAAXE/VH8c3V6Rg3A/s320/B+42+Cathedral+Altar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwaUuRuZbYI/TbhsUpHsBDI/AAAAAAAAAXI/7aFnrDmolfo/s1600/B+43+Podium+%2526+Window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>The altar of St. Nicholas Cathedral</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwaUuRuZbYI/TbhsUpHsBDI/AAAAAAAAAXI/7aFnrDmolfo/s1600/B+43+Podium+%2526+Window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwaUuRuZbYI/TbhsUpHsBDI/AAAAAAAAAXI/7aFnrDmolfo/s320/B+43+Podium+%2526+Window.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em>The podium and stained glass window</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0wV7usvChk/TbhsaijBOBI/AAAAAAAAAXM/5ZPBVG9SIQ4/s1600/B+44+Side+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0wV7usvChk/TbhsaijBOBI/AAAAAAAAAXM/5ZPBVG9SIQ4/s320/B+44+Side+View.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em>A side view of the cathedral</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWU6nAtjx5E/Tbhse_2VsmI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/dQYocTLpiHI/s1600/B+45+Angel+Warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWU6nAtjx5E/Tbhse_2VsmI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/dQYocTLpiHI/s320/B+45+Angel+Warrior.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em>The angel warrior, probably St Michael, vanquishing the devil</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-mc26p2rdI/Tbhsjb4e0hI/AAAAAAAAAXU/6CVibFHogHM/s1600/B+46+Throne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-mc26p2rdI/Tbhsjb4e0hI/AAAAAAAAAXU/6CVibFHogHM/s320/B+46+Throne.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em>The Bishop’s Throne</em></span></strong></div><span style="color: white;"><em></em></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><strong><em>The icon, which is the last picture, is a painting framed under glass and is known as “the weeping icon of St. Nicholas.” The tears were first observed on December 5, 1970, by a woman who was cleaning the church. No explanation could be found for the “tears.” His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America, instructed the parish priest to invite qualified persons to examine the icon and state their findings so that, “belief may be strengthened or disbelief established.” December 8, 1973, was the last time the icon stopped weeping. No one knows the message that the weeping icon conveyed nor has anyone been able to offer an explanation for this phenomenon.</em></strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRp-R5GsAtA/Tbhso7v6cZI/AAAAAAAAAXY/2CFUNXn-FRk/s1600/B+47+St+Nicholas+Weeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRp-R5GsAtA/Tbhso7v6cZI/AAAAAAAAAXY/2CFUNXn-FRk/s320/B+47+St+Nicholas+Weeping.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #073763;"><strong><br />
</strong></span> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;"><em>The weeping icon of St Nicholas </em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;"><em></em></span></strong></div><span lang="EN" style="color: white;"><em></em></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>And to Tarpon Springs, </em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>I say "Athio sas"--goodbye in Greek. </em></strong></span></div></div><span style="color: white;"><br />
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</div><strong></strong>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06084628768157046459noreply@blogger.com0