Blackwater Images

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!

What a great year 2025 was! So many blessings, so many great opportunities to grab the camera and shoot a few photos! Thanks for stopping by and taking a look! Gearing up for a exciting 2026 with more adventures ahead! Until Then…..

Wishing you and your family a blessed and prosperous 2026!

Blackwater Images.

A large contingent of avid gravel riders found themselves at the 10th Annual Sizzlin’ Sasquatch ride at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Park near Cordele, Georgia in early November 2025. What follows are a few photos of this epic event!

The tenth annual Sasquatch ride is in the books! Once again Ray Egan and his incredible team put an awesome event together! The weather was cool and clear, perfect for a weekend gravel event! The food was over the top as usual! The large crowd had a blast! Definitely looking forward to next years ride! Until then……