Gulf Breeze Daily Photo

And then we said goodbye...

2011-10-21T08:08:00.002-05:00

Sadly, there will be no more photos from Gulf Breeze for the time being. We have left her warm, soft breezes behind for a new adventure.

Evening Storm over Garcon Point Bridge

2011-08-01T15:53:00.004-05:00

An evening thunderstorm to cool the air. A few minutes after this photo was taken, the bridge was invisible, lost in the rain.

Sunset from Pensacola Beach Pier

2010-11-27T17:34:00.001-06:00

Smile High

2010-10-24T13:28:00.003-05:00

We were all smiles today after our parasailing adventure with the guys at Key Sailing!

Worship

2010-10-03T13:16:00.002-05:00

A quiet moment during the Worship at the Water service on Pensacola Beach this morning.

Driftwood at Ft. Pickens

2010-08-02T08:57:00.001-05:00

One Love, One Ocean

2010-07-24T21:10:00.003-05:00

On a hot summer Saturday night, the front door of Surf Burger on Pensacola Beach brings a smile to my face... the hula fries were top notch, as always!

Taking Comfort

2010-07-22T12:07:00.004-05:00

What does a 13-year-old do while waiting for her breakfast? Why, take pictures of course! With all that is changing around us, it's nice to know some things never change. You can always count on the Waffle House in Gulf Breeze to be consistently ... Waffle House!

A Gorgeous Mid-Summer Day

2010-07-21T11:56:00.004-05:00

This morning, the water felt wonderful. The sand felt wonderful. The air smelled wonderful. But...

Once the oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster began washing ashore in June, my enthusiasm for taking photos took a vacation. However, this morning I wandered out to Pensacola Beach just to see how things were going. On July 21, on a beautiful, warm morning at around 10:00 a.m., I witnessed water as clear and beautiful as I'd ever seen here. Sand clean and soft, and bright white. And a surreal almost complete lack of people to enjoy it all.

Sadly, with health warning signs posted everywhere and BP clean-up crews still here, this community is suffering in a huge way. The unknowns are frightening people -- both locals and tourists -- away. Even though the water and beach "look" great, and the air is salty and fresh, no one seems to know if there are unseen dangers in the waters, the air, and buried just under the surface of the sugar white sands. Some are taking their chances and enjoying themselves anyway. But most others are staying away. And Gulf Breeze, Pensacola Beach and the surrounding communities are hurting. Badly.

Somber Sunrise on Pensacola Beach

2010-06-06T08:38:00.004-05:00

The smell of oil was thick this early Sunday morning as my daughters and I took a somber sunrise walk on Pensacola Beach. The tar balls are getting larger, and more numerous. I wondered if they had made their way into Pensacola Bay and if they were hitting the shores of Gulf Breeze yet...

The BP cleaning crews were out already, picking up the tar balls and blobs.

This little crab seemd to be suspiciously eyeing the tar balls coming in with the surf. I silently apologized to him, and to the shore birds diving into the waves to catch their breakfasts.

As we left, although we thought we were very careful to avoid stepping on tar balls, we all had gooey tar on the soles of our feet.

Tar Ball

2010-06-05T07:39:00.003-05:00

This "tar ball" on Pensacola Beach yesterday looked like a rock at first. It was a little over an inch wide. Once I realized what it was, I started to see several along the waterline. It is the first sign of what is to come.

Oil begins to come ashore today

2010-06-04T11:35:00.005-05:00

On this picture perfect warm summer morning, Margaret and I went out to Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore on Santa Rosa Island to walk along the water's edge and take some pictures of the still-pristine waters and sand. As we pulled in to the parking lot at Casino Beach, we heard the news that tarballs were beginning to be found on the beach this morning. It is impossible to describe the sorrow that permeates this community today.

What a difference a month makes.

2010-04-30T10:48:00.003-05:00

At the end of March, Gulf Breeze was celebrating Seagrass Awareness Day at Shoreline Park. Now, we are facing perhaps the most devastating natural disaster in our history.

As I drove out to Ft. Pickens and the Gulf Islands National Seashore on this overcast morning, I noticed a few people standing on the beach here and there, just staring out to sea. Some fishermen were casting their lines, probably thinking "Will this be the last weekend of fishing until...?" We are all stunned and outraged, that this could be happening to our beautiful home. Smiles have faded, replaced with a touch of sadness on most faces, and our neighbors and friends are wondering how this will affect our economy, our wildlife, our quality of life that we cherish.

The pictures we post on this blog in the days and weeks to come might not be very pretty, but they will tell the story of Gulf Breeze and the surrounding area as we face this next tragedy.

For now though, enjoy these bloom stalks from a plant growing in the white sands at the western tip of Santa Rosa Island.

Sunrise on Pensacola Bay

2010-04-30T10:37:00.002-05:00

Seagrass Awareness Day

2010-03-27T15:00:00.005-05:00

It was Seagrass Awareness day at Shoreline Park South today. Activities and wildlife displays were centered around educating the public about the importance of seagrass preservation in Santa Rosa Sound.

(Thanks to guest photographer Nadia for the photo of the turtle!)

Spring is here!

2010-03-23T14:45:00.002-05:00

After the coldest winter on record, finally spring has arrived in Gulf Breeze! Dogwoods are blooming and spring break is just around the corner...

Gulf Islands National Seashore: The Treasure of the Gulf Coast

2009-12-26T08:22:00.005-06:00

Jill Hubbs, Director of Outreach and Educational Services at WSRE-TV, our local PBS affiliate, has announced that their documentary, Gulf Islands National Seashore: The Treasure of the Gulf Coast, is available for viewing online. Ms. Hubbs wrote, directed and produced this wonderful film and even persuaded Ken Burns to narrate the piece which serves as a companion to his series The National Parks: America's Greatest Idea.

I want to thank Barrier Island Girl for posting this a week ago on her blog.

I hope you enjoy!

Peace On Earth

2009-12-25T21:54:00.004-06:00

Ready for Christmas in Florida

2009-12-20T10:04:00.004-06:00

A festive boat in the Lafitte Cove Marina behind Peg Leg Pete's on Pensacola Beach.

Skywatch Friday - From NAS Pensacola

2009-12-11T07:40:00.004-06:00

There is something very primitive about the beach in winter. On this late November afternoon, the beach at Lighthouse Point onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola was chilly, lonely, and spectacular.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

2009-12-09T19:11:00.005-06:00

Another shot from a recent visit to Ft. Barrancas. At the end of a dark, steep passageway, this door leads outside to the water battery.

What's for Lunch?

2009-11-30T15:10:00.002-06:00

Meredith got this photo of a friendly great blue heron fishing along the shoreline in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, near Pensacola Beach.

Past Meets Future

2009-11-29T06:37:00.002-06:00

Three young soldiers check out weaponry of the past on a visit to Ft. Barrancas onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Pensacola Lighthouse

2009-11-28T19:28:00.003-06:00

The 1858 Pensacola Lighthouse onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola overlooks the entrance to Pensacola Bay from the Gulf of Mexico.

Over so soon?

2009-11-14T16:28:00.003-06:00

Another soccer season came to a close today for the teams of the Gulf Breeze Sports Association. Balls will be flying again next August!

Tropical Storm Ida

2009-11-10T08:31:00.004-06:00

There is no more "shoreline" at Shoreline Park this morning! Tropical Storm Ida blew in overnight, and the storm surge has pushed the waters of Santa Rosa Sound up over the beach and into the parking lot.

Great Gulfcoast Arts Fest 2009

2009-11-08T13:44:00.007-06:00

Artists young and old, professional and amateur, enjoyed the final day of the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival under the shade of the giant oak trees in downtown Pensacola today.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." -Picasso

2009-11-07T16:00:00.002-06:00

After a long day in the sand and salt water on Pensacola Beach, a rinsing off at the showers feels sooooooo good...

No Lifeguards on Duty

2009-10-28T15:02:00.004-05:00

The lifeguard stations at Pensacola Beach - closed down for the off season - on a cloudy October afternoon.

Tranquility

2009-10-09T09:12:00.002-05:00

Skywatch Friday - A View from Shoreline Park South

2009-10-08T15:09:00.003-05:00

The early morning sky over a calm Santa Rosa Sound.

Skywatch Friday - First Light

2009-10-03T16:30:00.000-05:00

It is simply incredible what dust and a star can do, isn't it? Friday morning's sunrise was a heavenly gift to those of us awake early enough to witness it. Thank you Margaret for a wonderful Skywatch Friday photo!

The End of the Day

2009-10-01T07:07:00.007-05:00

"Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion
when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers."
-Herbert Hoover

Two fishermen sit on the shore of Pensacola Bay in Gulf Breeze, watching the fading light, sharing a moment in time. The contrast between the silhouetted fishermen and the blue bay fits in with October's City Daily Photo Theme: Contrast. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Provisions

2009-09-25T09:51:00.003-05:00

One of the many fishing boats here in Gulf Breeze this weekend for the Pensacola Seafood Festival and the 2009 Redfish Cup Championship which has 20 two-man teams competing. These guys were loading up their ride at Publix Thursday evening. Happy fishing to all!

Skywatch Friday - Last Light

2009-09-18T08:26:00.006-05:00

At dusk, the setting sun sets the clouds aglow over the treetops in Gulf Breeze. Thank you Meredith for such a beautiful Skywatch Friday photo!

In honor of Grandparents Day

2009-09-13T12:47:00.003-05:00

Not too long ago, on a visit to downtown Mobile, Alabama, Margaret decided she had to have a picture of this window display at Downtowner's on Dauphin St. She took this photo with her grandmother in mind, who is a member of the Red Hat Society.

Happy Grandparents Day to all of our grandparents!

Transportation II

2009-09-13T08:33:00.003-05:00

Two sailboats at rest on a sleepy Sunday morning in Santa Rosa Sound.

Looking Down

2009-09-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

A Quiet Sunday Morning on Santa Rosa Sound

2009-09-06T09:55:00.005-05:00

This shot was taken on another recent Sunday morning from the pier at Shoreline Park South in Gulf Breeze, and looks east across Santa Rosa Sound towards the Bob Sykes bridge which connects Gulf Breeze to Pensacola Beach and Santa Rosa Island. Many, many fish are caught from this pier.

Skywatch Friday - Gulf of Mexico Sunrise

2009-09-04T06:53:00.004-05:00

Margaret was wading into the surf early Sunday morning to capture the sun rising over the Pensacola Beach highrises. A lovely photo for Skywatch Friday!

Sunrise on the Beach

2009-08-30T17:42:00.006-05:00

Since 13-year-old Margaret is the most frequent contributor to this blog, I thought a photo of her would be appropriate today. This was taken this morning as the sun was rising in the Ft. Pickens Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Margaret and I have made sunrise on the beach a tradition for the two of us, enjoying the peaceful beauty of the coastline when no one else is around except the shore birds (below) and sand crabs.

At sunrise and sunset, the waters of the Gulf of Mexico change hues every few seconds. It is impossible to convey in photographs the hundreds of shades of blues and greens and grays... but we try.

Breakfast at... Shoreline

2009-08-28T14:51:00.004-05:00

This great blue heron was fishing for breakfast Sunday morning at Shoreline Park South, and didn't seem to mind the two young girls 5-10 feet away snapping pictures. These serene creatures, some of whom nest and hunt in our neighborhood, are quite accepting of people... as long as we don't get TOO close.

Live Oak at Shoreline

2009-08-25T06:02:00.002-05:00

This is one of Margaret's favorite live oaks in town, so she photographs it often. It stands watch over Santa Rosa Sound, just a few feet from the water, at Shoreline Park South on this fall-like Sunday morning in August.

Oh What a Beautiful Morning!

2009-08-23T10:28:00.005-05:00

It is a picture perfect morning in Gulf Breeze, for seagulls, young photographers, and everyone else enjoying the water in Santa Rosa Sound.

Claudette's Gift

2009-08-20T07:37:00.004-05:00

Margaret took these shots of a log washed up on the beach at the Ft. Pickens area of Santa Rosa Island. The huge surf was bringing up many unusual things from the ocean floor, thanks to the 35-40 mph sustained winds from the remnants of Claudette as she came ashore Monday morning.

Almost there...

2009-08-14T22:15:00.005-05:00

On the Pensacola Bay Bridge, about to enter Gulf Breeze on the way to the Gulf of Mexico and some hopefully choice waves.

Naval Live Oaks

2009-07-27T08:35:00.006-05:00

A morning walk in the Naval Live Oaks Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. First, a tree that was cut and left along the waterline is surounded by drying sea grass. Then, a flowering shrub in the sand with the Bob Sikes Bridge and Pensacola beach in the distance.

Palm Tree Frog

2009-07-25T09:43:00.005-05:00

A little evening rain really brings out the tree frogs - one of Margaret's favorite subjects. This one is almost the exact color of the saw palmetto he claimed as his own.

Hiding in plain sight

2009-07-17T13:36:00.004-05:00

These utility lights overlooking the baseball fields at the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center are home to a pair of Osprey (look closely on top of the righthand set of lights). Walking through the park on a quiet afternoon, one can hear the chicks chirping as they are fed. These large raptors eat fish almost exclusively, usually mate for life, and obviously adapt well to urban settings.

Blue Angels Weekend

2009-07-11T13:56:00.006-05:00

Thousands of visitors are visiting in and driving through town today for the annual Blue Angels air show out at Pensacola Beach. Below, swimmers enjoy the waters of Santa Rosa Sound from Gulf Breeze's Shoreline Park Pier (a good alternate viewing site) while waiting for the show to start. Pensacola Beach is in the distance, with the Gulf of Mexico beyond it.

Home of the Dolphins

2009-07-11T10:48:00.003-05:00

We're back after a 2-week break from the blog!

Margaret took this photo of one of the numerous artistic installations at Gulf Breeze's schools. This painted tile mural outside the entrance to Gulf Breeze Middle School celebrates our mascot - the Dolphins - and our award-winning middle school band.

Don't Miss the Good Stuff

2009-06-26T20:04:00.005-05:00

I've said it before... if you insist on driving everywhere you go, you miss the good stuff. On a walk down Fairpoint Dr. recently, Margaret decided to take some photos of the unique garden decor of one of our neighbors. "There are some very interesting people in Gulf Breeze," Margaret says. Good stuff.

Flight

2009-06-22T09:30:00.004-05:00

A skateboarder ignores the oppressive June heat at the Sunset Skate Park, a popular hangout for young people year-round.

Wilderness

2009-06-20T18:32:00.003-05:00

The Northwest Florida Gulf Coast has a unique brand of wilderness, consisting of scrubby sand dunes, stands of pine and oak, and blinding white sand beaches, populated mostly by shore birds and snakes. At the newly reopened Ft. Pickens Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore - just across Santa Rosa Sound from Gulf Breeze - there are still stark reminders of hurricanes Ivan (Sept. 2004) and Dennis (July 2005). The recovery is ongoing...

Seaside Sepia

2009-06-14T12:25:00.005-05:00

Just a couple more from our short visit to Seaside. The simplicity of the architecture, while extraordinarily beautiful in the soft pastels the town is famous for, is especially lovely in sepia as well. Margaret captured a sign at Sundog Books, and a pair of ocean-front cottages.

A Boy and His Board

2009-06-13T15:59:00.003-05:00

What summertime is all about - a boy heads for the beach on a Friday afternoon in the town of Seaside, Florida.

Sunset over Pensacola Bay

2009-06-13T13:36:00.002-05:00

Margaret's latest sunset shot, taken Thursday evening looking towards NAS Pensacola from Ft. Pickens gate on Santa Rosa Island.

Pensacola Beach at Sunset

2009-06-11T08:46:00.002-05:00

At Pensacola Beach as the sun sets on Wednesday evening, the colors of the sea, sky and sand deepen.

Pick me!

2009-06-06T07:37:00.003-05:00

Surfboards at Innerlight, waiting silently, patiently, for the chance to go for a ride...

Man's first death is the random potential
Of aeons before conception,
And the surf, merging life with form,
The surf is creation and rebirth.

- from "Cicada Sun" by Hugh Cook

Doors ~ Ft. Barrancas

2009-06-05T08:39:00.002-05:00

One of the more beautiful doors inside Ft. Barrancas, onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.

School's Out!

2009-06-04T14:42:00.005-05:00

Local businesses in Gulf Breeze proper are wonderfully accommodating to school kids who gather to socialize in the afternoons. Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream is just one of the after-school destinations for friends throughout the school year. Margaret took this picture Friday as she and her friends were enjoying a treat and signing yearbooks.

Sunflower of Spring

2009-05-27T08:11:00.005-05:00

Our sunflowers are starting to bloom here at the end of May, a sure sign of the approaching summer. Margaret took this one, a photo that demonstrates beautifully why the flower deserves its name.

Ah! Sunflower

Ah Sunflower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun;
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveller's journey is done;

Where the Youth pined away with desire,
And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
Arise from their graves, and aspire
Where my Sunflower wishes to go!

~ William Blake

Memorial Day

2009-05-26T09:39:00.002-05:00

A day for remembrance... and crawfish! These tasty creatures - 100 lbs. of them - were boiled up for a Memorial Day cookout at the Pensacola Country Club.

A Break in the Rain

2009-05-23T22:48:00.002-05:00

After a morning of cloud cover and rain, some of the resident lizards at Shoreline Park's boat launch came out on a Saturday afternoon to soak in some warmth from the rocks.

Sea Oats

2009-05-11T16:19:00.003-05:00

Baby Blues on the Beach

2009-05-09T15:07:00.002-05:00

Taking a break from bodysurfing at Pensacola Beach this morning, an exhausted young girl poses for a portrait.

Freedom of Expression

2009-05-09T07:39:00.006-05:00

It's Saturday, and that means lots of locals and tourists shopping at Innerlight Surf Shop on their way through Gulf Breeze to the beach. This stop sign in the Innerlight parking lot is appropriately embellished, I think.

At Twilight

2009-05-08T20:10:00.008-05:00

YBNormal? Again...

2009-05-08T12:15:00.003-05:00

It is impossible not to smile when driving or walking past this fun yard art sculpture in Gulf Breeze.

YBNormal?

2009-05-08T12:07:00.004-05:00

Why settle for plain, boring garage doors? This otherwise normal brick ranch home boasts beautifully painted double doors. In fact, Gulf Breeze residential streets are bursting with unique expressions of architectural adornment in many different forms. Most of these gems are missed at 25 mph, but are a delightful bonus on a morning walk.

Mushroom

2009-05-06T10:17:00.009-05:00

Lots of rain in the last couple of days has coaxed the fungi up out of the ground to join the world of light. This was one of Margaret's first photographs taken in Gulf Breeze last summer.

The Flea Market

2009-05-05T10:40:00.003-05:00

Some of the treasures that caught Margaret's eye at the Hwy 98 Flea Market on Sunday.

Tree Frogs

2009-05-02T15:46:00.008-05:00

Margaret spent a lot of time and effort trying to get a clear shot of the tree frogs that were hanging out on our pool ladder after dark this week. Wouldn't you know, the one great shot turned out to be X-rated!? Great job, Margaret.

Theme Day - Shadows

2009-05-01T17:44:00.009-05:00

St. Ann Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

FOOD FRIDAY: Roasted Garlic-Edamame Spread

2009-05-01T10:57:00.009-05:00

My May 2009 issue of Southern Living arrived a few days ago, and I couldn't resist trying this recipe since everyone in the family loves edamame (even the picky 10-year-old). It is wonderful! I used frozen organic edamame in the shells, cooked them and then removed them from the shells. I also used part-skim ricotta. Otherwise, followed the recipe exactly. If you'd like to try it, click here: Roasted Garlic-Edamame Spread (It may be difficult to find fresh basil right now, but it is well worth the search.)

More Transportation

2009-04-30T14:37:00.012-05:00

While waiting for her shrimp dinner last evening at Surf Burger at Quietwater Beach, Margaret got a few pictures of the Smile High I. Her shrimp didn't escape the camera, either.

Transportation

2009-04-30T13:18:00.007-05:00

Shiny happy golf carts welcome motorists driving into Gulf Breeze on Hwy 98 via the 3-mile Pensacola Bay Bridge. Golf carts aren't just for golf around here. Families use them like bikes and scooters to go to the ball park, pick up a few groceries, and for leisurely tours around the peninsula. These carts from BuggyWorx are available at Bay Breeze Dive Center.

Great Blue Heron

2009-04-29T13:00:00.009-05:00

Lunchtime at Wayside Park, which is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch on the southern shore of Pensacola Bay. Today, a great blue heron is scoping out the bay from a fishing pier, not bothered in the least by a photographer standing a few feet away. A majestic creature, at a bit over 3 feet tall...

Spring Fling

2009-04-28T10:28:00.010-05:00

Love is in the air... and in the water! Frogs and toads all over Gulf Breeze are singing for a mate in the evenings, producing a deafening symphony of courtship after the sun goes down. This lucky guy and his sweetheart were busy making more frogs this past weekend in a half-drained pool which is waiting for repair. The strings of eggs are seen trailing below them into the depths of the algae-rich water.

Hydrangea

2009-04-27T15:55:00.007-05:00

The city of Gulf Breeze will soon be filled with boisterous French Hydrangeas blooming in a kaleidescope of colors. These are a bit early to the party, but their charming youthfulness is most welcome.

Palm

2009-04-26T13:12:00.006-05:00

Who knew there were so many different types of palms? Margaret captured this palm tree at a soccer tournament in Destin, FL yesterday. She is especially fascinated by the "tall" ones...

White Camellia

2009-04-25T07:20:00.004-05:00

The camellias are just about done blooming, I will miss them...

Marina Sunset

2009-04-24T19:50:00.002-05:00

Live Oak Sepia

2009-04-24T10:22:00.005-05:00

A quiet morning walk led Meredith to this live oak in Shoreline Park. The disc golf course here offers some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Gulf Breeze.

Dragonfly

2009-04-23T16:24:00.009-05:00

A dragonfly poses for a portrait as he rests and soaks in the warmth of the bricks. These beautiful creatures are plentiful in the summer, dipping to drink from pools, puddles and ponds as they fly through neighborhoods. This was one of the first photographs Margaret took late last spring when we first arrived in Gulf Breeze.