Blackwater Images

Had the Honor to photograph two days at the Okaloosa County Florida Sheriff’s Office Firearms Training Faciilty as 17 Tactical Teams participated in the Annual Memorial SWAT Competition to honor fallen Heroes including Deputy Tony Forgione and Deputy Ray Hamilton. This competition brings together specialized response teams and military personnel to test their marksmanship, tactics and physical fitness. Teams partcipate in a rigorous multi-day format that includes hostage rescue scenarios, dynamic shooting drills, rifle and sniper marksmanship and grueling physical fitness tests. This event draws tactical and SWAT Units from across Florida, neighboring states, and Military installations.

Our Fallen Heroes

Deputy Tony Forgione

Deputy Sheriff Anthony Forgione was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect who had escaped from custody while he was undergoing a mental evaluation at a local hospital.

The suspect had returned to his childhood home at 331 Plymouth Avenue, in Fort Walton Beach, and barricaded himself inside while negotiators attempted to talk him out of the abandoned house. The Special Response Team entered the home after the negotiators failed to receive a response from inside. As the team entered, the man opened fire and killed Deputy Forgione. Other deputies returned fire as the subject committed suicide.

Deputy Forgione had served with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for three years and had previously served with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.

Corporal Ray Hamilton

Corporal Ray Hamilton was shot and killed during a barricade at the 710 block of North Park Boulevard in Wright.

Deputies had responded to the apartment at about 9:00 am to investigate a domestic assault that had occurred the previous night. The suspect refused to exit the home, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team responded to the scene. The man fired out of a window at about 12:40 pm, striking Corporal Hamilton.

Corporal Hamilton was transported to Fort Walton Beach – Destin Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds several hours later.

The subject was charged with premeditated first-degree murder.

Corporal Hamilton had served with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for five years. He is survived by his wife, brother, and two sisters.

May we never forget the sacrifice these two Heroes have made and honor them each and every day in our thoughts, prayers, and training as we continue with the Tactical Missions that we have prepared ourselves for.

May they never be forgotten…

This was an incredible two day event! Okaloosa County did an outstanding job putting this competition together! The teams came prepared and left it all on the field. The operators were incredibly fit and demonstrated outstanding teamwork and firearm skills. Their communities should stand proud of these dedicated warriors who constantly prepare for the inevitable. In today’s violent world these men know that innocent lives depend on their fitness and abilities. We are thankful for these men who willingly stand in the gap. May God continue to bless them.

The annual Fraternal Order of Police Law Enforcement Memorial was held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida on Monday April 27, 2026. What follows are several images from this event. Eleven Law Enforcement Officers lost their lives in the line of duty in Florida during 2025.

I have photographed these Law Enforcement Memorials for many years now and it hasn’t gotten any easier. The cruel and senseless tragedies that result in these memorials go on and on and it only seems to be getting worse. Florida lost 11 heroes last year. From Tallahassee these survivors will go on to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC for a ceremony to be held later in May. May their loved ones and our Heroes never be forgotten.

Once again the Florida Tour de Force honored our fallen Law Enforcement Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during 2025. Sadly, 11 Law Enforcement Officers lost their lives last year. To that end, this blog honors those heroes. What follows are photographs of the heroes we lost and of the 300 mile event that honored them.

Corporal Lahera was struck by a car and killed while directing traffic after a High School Graduation ceremony.

The 2026 Tour de Force is in the books. This year we rode to honor 11 heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. We pray that next year we won’t lose any heroes; however, that will not be the case. We shall never forget these heroes. Thanks for taking the time to look at this blog. Til Valhalla.

Today (3/1/2026) in the afternoon I utilized a Stand Up Paddleboard and surveyed the areas near the shoreline of Lake Mystic (Liberty County Florida) in search of Hydrilla. The water was clear and cold, it had been undisturbed by recent boat traffic so the clarity of the water was optimal. I paid close attention to the areas where the Hydrilla had been recently reported (near Mike Simpson’s dock, under Ridge Robinson’s dock and around the Justice house dock on the east side of the lake). Hydrilla has been seen and treated on the west side of the lake but I have not seen it on the east side of the lake (yet).

No Hydrilla was spotted along the southside of the lake or around the cove. The first Hydrilla observed was just north of Mike Simpson’s dock. There were three small patches of Hydrilla spotted growing on the lake bottom. These were very small patches and they were no doubt Hydrilla. (See photos).

I continued to work my way north and after being told Hydrila was growing under the Robinson’s dock I did find a small amount growing next to the leg of their dock ladder in about 3ft of water.

I observed a lot of new growth green grass under and around the Robinson’s dock (as had been reported). This grass was short and obviously new growth. It did NOT appear to me to be Hydrilla but probably another type of aquatic plant called Cambomba or Brittle Naiad, both of which are invasive aquatic weeds. I’m no plant expert but it did not appear to me to be Hydrilla.

I continued paddling north and did not see anymore Hydrilla until I came upon a dock with two holes underneath it in about 2ft of water. A small amount of Hydrilla was spotted in both holes.

No Hydrilla was observed along the north side of the lake. I spotted some suspect grass under Greg Granger’s dock but I don’t believe it is Hydrilla but probably Cabomba.

I continued paddling along the east side of the lake until I got to the area out from the Justus’s dock. There was a heavy amount of aquatic weeds growing in this area. The weeds were thick and some had grown all the way up to the surface of the water (approximately 2ft deep). There was a large amount of grass in this area. This grass grew like Hydrilla but the leaves were not as broad as Hydrilla leaves, leading me to believe this could be Cabomba or Coontail. Regardless of what it is it has taken over this area and needs to be removed.

The grass in front of the Justus’ dock was prolific and thick. Although it may very well be Hydrilla it does not look exactly like the Hydrilla I have seen, the leaves are too thin. Regardless this plant needs to be removed soon.

I continued to paddle the rest of the way around the lake, no further suspected plants were observed anywhere else.

I have additional photos and videos however the photos in this blog covers what was observed in the lake today.

Thank You. Dave Ferrell

Once a year a group of dedicated professionals gather at a beautiful remote location near the shore of the North Florida Gulf Coast to enjoy fellowship, old stories, dinner and a few tall tales! Nearly fifty years ago this group was challenged with a task that had a tremendous impact on the quality of life enjoyed by those living in Florida’s big bend.
What follows are several images taken on a beautiful February night in 2026. ‘Twas a honor to have been a part of this incredible group!

What an incredible event with a group of outstanding people! A lot of memories were shared of friends who have gone on. There are special times that we are blessed to experience in our lives. Tonight was one of those times. If you know you know. Until Next Year…

Sunday Morning February 8, 2026…the weather was clear and cold…nearly 3000 runners participated in the Tallahassee Marathon that began at the Leon County Courthouse and wound throughout the city of Tallahassee. The marathon required a tremendous amount of support personnel to make it happen and some of those were members of the Tallahassee Police Department’s Motor Unit.

These Officers are an essential part of this event and have many responsibilities which include leading the runners on the correct route, keeping traffic off the course and maintaining the flow of the run. However, on this day they were called to do more than lead the marathon.

As the runners made their way through south Tallahassee, one of the runners suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the course. As witnesses realized the seriousness of the situation, help was called. The motormen who were leading the run heard the call for help and immediately responded to the downed runner. These motormen and nurses who were nearby immediately administered life saving efforts and saved the life of this athlete who, without this emergency intervention, would have not survived.

To these dedicated first responders we, as a community, are forever grateful for all that you do including saving the life of this athlete who, without your quick response and action, would have lost their life. You guys are heroes and we are most appreciative for all that you do.

These photos were taken early on the morning of the Tallahassee Marathon shortly after the race began. Heroes!

Woke up early on this cold Saturday morning and grabbed the mighty Canon then hopped on the fat tire bike and rode to Thomasville and Betton Roads with the hopes of getting a few photos of the race participants as they ran by. I wasn’t there long before the leaders ran by and they were flying! Moved between Thomasville Road and Mitchell Avenue and shot a few photos which are contained in the blog post!

Hats off to the nearly 3000 athletes who participated in this event. Prayers for the young lady who suffered a medical emergency during the run.

The Race!

What an incredible event! Looking forward to the Tallahassee Marathon in 2027! Until then train hard and God Bless all of these dedicated and talented athletes and the outstanding team that made this event a reality!

The following photos were taken on January 17, 2026 on Sunny Hill Road in Leon County, Florida during the Gulf Winds Track Club 30K Race! Enjoy!

Hats off to these incredible athletes who braved cold early morning temperatures to complete this hilly 30K Run! Great Job to all!