Nicki LaPierre is a perfect example of how determination and a little hard work can lead to finding your dream job. Nicki, a slender a 24 year old with a great tan, found her dream job three years ago as a dolphin handler in the beautiful Florida Keys. Her cheerful attitude clearly displays the passion she has for what she does. She always has a smile on her face, and that smile gets even bigger when she's around children. She…
Contrary to a great deal of native Floridian’s belief, many tourists view Florida as a place of intrigue. They think of it as a tropical destination just made for relaxation and entertainment. As a native Floridian myself, writing about the state has helped me to realize that all of the beauty, history, and mystique that attracts and beholds visitors was staring me right in the face when I was growing up. Now, I find myself learning about seemingly unlimited special…
Dade County, a historic region in Southern Florida, was created in 1863. The county was named after Major Dade. Major Dade was a soldier who was killed in in the 1835. In 1997, Dade County’s name was changed to Miami-Dade County, via voter approval. Today, according to the 2000 census, the county is immense, with a population of well over two million. The county is home to many different cities, including Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Village, Sunny Isles,…
I recently had one of the most exciting adventures of my life. The afternoon started with a plan to drift lazily down the Loxahatchee River taking pictures of wildlife, as I would be blanketed by the shade from the 500-year-old Cypress trees. That plan was suddenly exchanged with an adventurous kayaking trip that I would never forget. Canoeing and kayaking on the "Wild and Scenic" Loxahatchee River is day full of adventure and beauty that is a must do for…
Morning came. It was a beautiful sunny September day with calm waters in Ft. Lauderdale. This would be the morning of my first Kayak race. I was a little nervous due to the fact that I’m a novice. The race was sponsored by Full Moon Kayak Co., an outfitter, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), located on the intra coastal waterway of Fort Lauderdale. Colleen, the owner of Full Moon Kayak Co., was a gracious host and explained…
If you've never been to Daytona Beach, Florida before, you may be wondering what it's like. Most people think of Daytona as "that place where the NASCAR races happen," or "where spring breakers go to drink and be annoying." But Daytona Beach is a lovely destination that has much to offer any traveler. Whether you're someone who just wants to spread your towel on the beach for a week and catch some rays, or catch some fish out in the…
My wife and I took an escape to swim with dolphins in the Florida Keys. I am so thankful we took the time out of our busy schedules as a south florida wedding photographer and my wife as an accountant to do this and enjoy a day together. Swimming with these peaceful creatures was relaxing and rejuvenating. I had planned this for several weeks as a surprise for my wife. We had not traveled anywhere for quite some time. So, why not…
In the Northern part of South Florida Region lies a growing mega metropolis known as West Palm Beach, with an impressive 86,000 people that hustle and bustle its streets each day. With an array of colors and shapes that would make an artist brush be lively and vibrant, as to simply baffle the human imagination, to see this paradise is to recognize a slice of heaven in ones own backyard. Yet, how did this story begin, where did it all…
“What are you fishing for?” the man asked me. “Redfish”, I responded. “Not with that you ain’t, not here”, he said with a smirk. I had caught redfish before on a rod and reel that was half the size of the rig currently in my hand and did not foresee any problems today. Not only that, but I also had a bucket of live finger mullet that I had just caught minutes earlier and I knew they were a favorite…
The stage was set. My 18-year old nephew, R.J. would sky dive. As a high school graduation gift, I promised that I would escort him to partake in this bold activity. He traveled from New York to Florida, where he would take flight. The morning arrived, and we were ready for our day trip to the facility in Lake Wales. Two friends, Dana and Kim went along for the ride also. It was Kim’s birthday, and her 2nd jump. It…