Blackwater Images

Christmas on the Blackwater

Just prior to Christmas 2024, five longtime friends ventured out to the Blackwater River in Northwest Florida to paddle and camp on one of the most beautiful rivers in the area. It was an incredible journey!

The Blackwater River is a 56.6 mile long river rising in Southern Alabama and flowing through the Florida panhandle to the Gulf of Mexico. The River enters Florida in Okaloosa County and flows through Santa Rosa County to Blackwater Bay, an arm of Pensacola Bay. It passes through the Blackwater River State Forest and Blackwater River State Park.

The beautiful clear and shallow river is a paddling mecca!

31 miles of the river are navigable by canoe, kayak or small boat. The section of the river from Kennedy Bridge near Munson, Florida to Deaton Bridge in the Blackwater River State Park is designated a “Florida Canoe Trail”, part of the statewide system of greenways and trails.

The River flows an average of 2 to 3 miles per hour and has an average depth of 2.5′.

Our trip began as we convoyed from Tallahassee to the Blackwater River State Park in Holt, Florida. We visited the FWC Fish Hatchery near the State Park where several varieties of fresh water fish are reared to be released in nearby lakes and rivers. It was an interesting place. After the Fish Hatchery, we drove to the Blackwater River State Park. The park is very well kept and has bathrooms complete with hot showers. Tents were set and a fire started. Paddlers were serenaded throughout the night by a radio playing Christmas songs from a neighboring campsite!

Day 1 began with a hearty breakfast at a local Waffle House!

Paddlers were picked up on the “short bus” provided by local outfitter “Blackwater Joe’s” and taken from the State Park to the launch point at Wilderness Landing, about 20 miles upstream.

The boats are offloaded and taken to the river. Mark Wheeler (blue shirt) surveys the river prior to beginning.

The weather was cool and clear, however, slight rain was forecast and a light rain did fall during the afternoon of day one. The river water was clear and beautiful, cold but not unbearable.

The river water was clear and beautiful!

Maybe they should have named it the “Goldwater” River…..

Ernie and Jay stretch their legs on one of the numerous sandbars along the river

A light rain fell on day one making the afternoon paddle that much more enjoyable!

At the end of day one the boats were pulled up on shore and paddlers camped on a bluff.

The sun sets after an incredible day paddling the Blackwater….

Debating on whether to camp on a sandbar or a beautiful river bluff the decision was made to camp on the bluff. Paddlers picked out their campsites, tents were pitched and hammocks hung. Paddlers made supper out of Mountain House meals and gathered firewood and built a fire. Soon it was time for sleep but not before paddlers were serenaded by 2 packs of ‘yotes in the river swamp. The waning moon was not long from full and the clear cold night was beautiful with the moon and stars above illuminating the river basin.

The evening fire felt good on a cold night…

Day 2 Begins…

After a great night of camping paddlers awoke and broke camp. Breakfast was made. Today was much colder than yesterday with the skies overcast and winds increasing as a cold front was moving thru. Soon the boats were launched and day 2 began.

Mark enjoys a high protein breakfast before beginning a second day on the Blackwater…

The Riverside Barista pours a perfect cup!

Jay breaks camp after a good nights sleep….

Mark prepares his Kayak for the day ahead….

Edward calls “River Control” for approval to launch!

Mark and Jay consult the map on deciding which way to go to begin day 2, they agreed that heading downstream would work best!

Just wow! What an adventure! The beautiful Blackwater River does not disappoint! Day 2 ended just after noon at the Deaton Bridge at the State Park. Although the river meanders on to the Gulf of Mexico, the “Paddling Trail” ends at the Bridge as the river below the bridge is not maintained for paddlers. There is a perfect takeout just past the bridge where we loaded the ‘yaks on the truck and headed home. A great group, a beautiful river and a love of paddling and camping! It doesn’t get any better than this! Until next time………

CYCLING SASQUATCH ’24

After a long year since the last Sasquatch Event at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Park in Cordele, Georgia Sasquatch had 2024 finally arrived! We’ve looked forward to this weekend for a long time!

The weather was perfect, the roads were in excellent condition and the food was incredible! Sasquatch 2024 did not disappoint!!

Friday night’s sun sets over Lake Blackshear! The weekend had finally arrived!

The Georgia Clay Roads await. The conditions were perfect!

Riders line up for breakfast before Saturday Morning’s ride!

The big grills were put to the test throughout the weekend! They did not disappoint!

Mark Wheeler stands next to the Sasquatch prior to Saturday Morning’s ride…

The fire kept riders warm during the weekend!

Rick Ashton prepares for an 85 mile Saturday morning ride!

Riders passed by thousands of acres of cotton!

Day one was an incredible day! The weather and road conditions could not have been better! Riders enjoyed an nourishing breakfast before the ride. It was a good day! The night would prove to be even better with an incredible supper after the ride!

Riders gather around the fire prior to supper Saturday night…

Hungry riders weren’t the only ones looking forward to supper!

Ray and his team putting it all togehter!

Mark Wheeler enjoys the Sunday Morning Ride….

Sasquatch 2024 was an incredible event! The food, camaraderie, weather and road conditions were outstanding! Thank You to Ray and team for making this event possible! Looking forward to next year which will be the 10th Cycling Sasquatch Ride! See you there!

Orlando in October…

Each October the Florida Swat Association hosts the annual International Swat Roundup at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shooting range. This year fifty five tactical teams from around the world competed in the five event competition which will crown one team as the champion….. the best in the World!

What follows is a compilation of photos taken during the first day of the event focusing on the Tallahassee Police Department’s TAC Team. As of this writing, TPD sits in third place with one event to go on Friday………. the Obstacle Course…….

Team members discuss their game plan prior to the first event.

Team members get final instructions from an event judge prior to the competition.

The team waits for the second competition of the day…..

The rifle raises up from the recoil as the spent shell casing flies past the front of the barrel……

After day one the Tallahassee Police Department’s team was in first place. They had an incredible day. Their skills are second to none as they displayed their abilities and competed against some of the best teams in the world. Kudos to these dedicated warriors who give their all during this competition and daily on the streets of their hometown. To them we say…..Good Job Gentlemen!

Tactical Ambitions…

True opportunities in life rarely present themselves and when they do those who are so inclined to pursue them should do so with their entire being if they are to succeed. Today, nearly a dozen candidates showed up and gave their all as they competed for a coveted position on the Tallahassee Police Department’s Tactical Apprehension and Control Team. The testing venue was the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Gadsden County, Florida. The weather was clear and mild, however the Florida Sun began to push the temperature into the nineties as the day went on. The evaluation consisted of a physical assessment and shooting drills. What follows is a compilation of photos of the first part of the competition…the physical part….

Sgt. Michael Trowbridge shares words of wisdom with the applicants prior to the physical evaluations.

After a briefing, the applicants participated in a 1.5 mile run down and back the main drive (Academy Drive) at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy. It looks level but…it ain’t exactly “level!”

Current Team Members prepared the evaluation sites and were responsible for ensuring that the testing was done correctly. This is a very serious responsibility because they know that the candidates that are chosen will someday be working side by side with these operators in extremely dangerous situations.

The Mile and a Half Run…

Competitors had obviously been preparing for this day!

Logan Lane and Donna Brown (both TPD Retirees) discuss the evaluation process.

Sean Wright monitors his time as he approaches the turn around point.

Team Members encouraged candidates throughout the day.

The Team rallies around the candidates! !

Push-Ups!

The second physical assessment the applicants participated in was the push-up evaluation. Candidates were given strict instructions as to what would be considered a “legal” push-up and were told that anything less would not be counted. And so it began…

Former Team Members were on hand to offer support to the candidates and evaluate their abilities.

Sit Ups!

Bench Press…

Team Members and candidates closely watch the competition…

Team Members including Chief Revell (center) were impressed with the efforts put forth by the candidates.

Pull Ups…

Once again detailed instructions were explained to the candidates prior to their attempt to complete as many strict pull ups as possible…

The 300 Meter Run…

And the day was only half over! After these grueling physical tests, the candidates ventured down to the firearms range to be tested on their agility and proficiency, with an obstacle course being thrown in for good measure!

It was a great day! Hats off to these brave Officers who stepped out of their comfort zones this morning and tested for a coveted position on this tactical unit. Some will make it, some will not. However, all who participated gained skill and knowledge and demonstrated their abilities. It was not an easy day, nor should it have been. Regardless, all of the candidates gained the upmost respect of the team members and Department Command Staff who witnessed their efforts. Only a few are brave enough to throw their hat into this ring and to that end they are all winners……

An Amazing Lake Mystic Fourth!

Once again the Fourth of July on beautiful Lake Mystic did not disappoint! The weather cooperated and the lake was the epicenter of hundreds of people celebrating the independence of our Great Country!

What follows are some photos of the celebration! Enjoy!

Jet Ski traffic was heavy early in the afternoon!

Dr. Bailey Singletary entertains prior to the fireworks!

And so begins the 2024 Boat Parade!

Scooter, the Mayor of Lake Mystic cools off prior to the fireworks!

The Fireworks!!!

Once again it was an absolute fantastic Fourth of July at Lake Mystic! Lest we forget those who have gone before us to ensure these liberties that we so much enjoy! To them we owe it all. Happy Fourth of July!

Sheepdog Training!

At an undisclosed location many miles from town a group of caring, knowledgeable, and well informed “sheepdogs” gathered for two days of intense and challenging handgun training. This training was conducted for the purpose of building and maintaining skills and proficiency, preparing for the day when innocent lives are put in extreme danger by those who wish to do them harm. Unfortunately the possibility of this scenario has become a reality in today’s modern society.

What follows are a few photos taken during this training. This training was conducted with the solemn purpose to prepare to protect the innocent. Please enjoy.

Students were told to bring ammo a’plenty…..

The class began with working on basic shooting drills which are very important…and quickly went to more advanced drills….

Students conducted various drills under the watchful eye of highly qualified instructors….

Instructors evaluated student performance.

Shooting was only part of the instruction. Students practiced failure drills among other things.

Shooting under the watchful eye of the instructors!

These two days of training were very well spent! The Instructors provided outstanding lesson plans and drills which challenged the students and honed their skills. The training venue was perfect. Students left this training having been exposed to new challenges and knowing that the skills learned will have to be practiced repetitively in order to maintain a high level of proficiency. Kudos to the instructors and to the students who arrived hungry for knowledge and dedicated themselves to the training. This is very serious business and everyone on site knew it. Students left the venue better for the experience and knowing that unfortunately in today’s world the possibility of having to use this training in a real scenario is becoming more likely. May they always be ready. God Bless the Sheepdogs…..

Tower Day!

Honored to have had the opportunity to photograph a rappelling training day on a six story tower during a beautiful May afternoon! Enjoy the photos!

Any day on the tower is a great day!

2024 Law Enforcement Memorial/Tallahassee, Fl. April 29

The Tallahassee Fire Department hung this giant flag outside the Leon County Civic Center prior to the memorial.

The 2024 Fraternal Order of Police Law Enforcement Memorial was held on April 29 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida. The event was not held at the Florida State Capitol due to ongoing construction at the Capitol. The event was very well planned and put together. It was a beautiful tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Family Members and Survivors are escorted off of buses prior to the event.

Survivors and Family Members wait outside of the Civic Center for the ceremony to begin.

Three Law Enforcement Officers were killed in the Line of Duty in the State of Florida during 2023. They were:

The first was Officer Charles Herring of the Pembroke Pines Police Department. He was 54 years of age and a 24 year Law Enforcement Veteran. He was killed on his Police motorcycle when a tree limb fell and struck him as he traveled down the road.

Sergeant Michael Kenovich of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office was killed on May 19, 2023 after suffering a fatal heart attack following a 6 minute fight with a suspect. Sgt. Kenovich was 52 years old and a 25 year Law Enforcement veteran.

Chief Anthony Rickerson of the Jasper Police Department was killed on June 11, 2023 while responding to a call for service. He struck a deer in the road and his vehicle crashed into a tree and caught fire. Chief Rickerson was 43 years old and a 13 year Law Enforcement Veteran.

This Gentleman honors the American Flag being raised while carrying the photo of a Loved One.

Motor Units escort the buses carrying family members.

Photographing the family members of fallen Officers, especially small children, is the most difficult part of photographing this event.

Members of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office enter the ceremony.

Officers prepare to enter the Civic Center

Families watch the procession enter the ceremony.

Once again families, friends, and survivors gathered in Tallahassee to honor those Law Enforcement Professionals from around the State of Florida to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was a very solemn and moving ceremony which made a lasting impact on those who witnessed and participated in it. Hopefully, one day we will experience a year when we don’t lose heroes like we did in 2023 and all the years before but until then we will continue to this honor lest we never forget those who have gone before us. Godspeed Brothers.

Florida Tour de Force ’24

Fort Pierce Police Department Memorial to fallen Officers

I was humbly honored to have had the opportunity to participate in the 2024 Florida Tour de Force bicycle ride from Miami, Florida to Daytona Beach, Florida. The tour began on Monday, April 8, 2024 and ended on Friday, April 12th. Our trip south began on Saturday morning, April 6th, as we met at the Tallahassee Police Department and loaded up and headed south. We stopped at the North Daytona Beach Police Department and picked up two more riders. Once loaded nothing could stop us now, not even a malfunctioning air conditioner in the hot and loaded van!

We arrived in Fort Lauderdale and checked into the motel, had dinner and retired early. The next morning we loaded up and headed to Coral Gables where we put out at a popular cycling park and conducted a 27mile “warm up ride” northbound thru Coral Gables, Miami Beach, and into North Miami. The next 5 days would result in nearly 300 miles of cycling north up the east coast of Florida in an effort to raise donations for Officers that we lost last year.

The Officers we rode in honor of this year had lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023. There were 3 of them.

Sergeant Michael Kenovich of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office was killed on May 19, 2023 after suffering a fatal Heart Attach following a 6 minute fight with a suspect. Sgt. Kenovich was 52 years old and a 25 year Law Enforcement veteran.

Chief Anthony Rickerson of the Jasper, Fl Police Department was killed on June 11, 2023 while responding to a call for service. He struck a deer in the road and his vehicle crashed into a tree and caught fire. Chief Rickerson was 43 years old and a 13 year Law Enforcement Veteran.

Our week began with a “warm up” ride through the greater Miami area. What a beautiful place to begin an incredible week.

A highlight of the Sunday morning ride is the fruit smoothies offered in Miami Beach.

This mighty container ship is pushed up the Miami River. This ship was heavily loaded!

Moe, Phil, ERob and Bob in downtown Miami, Fl.

‘Twas a beautiful morning for a Miami bike ride!

Once back at the motel riders re-grouped for the annual dinner at Versailles in Little Havana. Versailles is an incredible Cuban Restaurant that is as unique as it is delicious.

Patrons gather at the walk-up window for Cuban desserts and coffee!

Scott and Phil enjoy coffee before dinner at Versailles

Team Tallahassee at the Versailles Training Table!

After an incredible dinner at Versailles, the team returned to the motel once again to make final preparations for tomorrow’s ride and to get to bed early!

Team Tallahassee sports their new riding jerseys which were provided by Mr. and Mrs. Fariello.

Bob and David enjoy some well earned rest during the ride!

A sign at a Catholic School during one of our rest stops.

The President of the local astrology club points out the Lunar Eclipse although Phil and Bob seem less than interested…..

Always a “trendsetter”, Moe makes a fashion statement with these sporty cycling shoes held together by electrical tape.

ERob silhouetted against the South Florida Waterfront

Mark Wheeler trims the insoles of his new cycling shoes in order to seek a better “fit”.

With the insole “trimming” complete Mark is ready to ride. Tom Dempsey would be proud!

ERob applies sunscreen before the morning ride!

Gary the Bike Mechanic’s Parrot sits on a bike repair stand!

Gary and his Parrot prepare to follow the ride!

Todd prepares to tell the riders its time to GO!

Florida Bullet is a Proud Sponsor of the Tour de Force

Riders wear armbands to honor the fallen

Deputy Seckinger was 42 years old when he suffered a heart attack following a K9 track. He was a 17 year Law Enforcement Veteran.

Ride Marshal Kevin O’Brien discusses the upcoming ride.

Mark Wheeler receives final ride instructions via telephone as he rests before another long day in the saddle.

Dave Northway is looking forward to another day of riding!

Bob Obernier displays a new way to keep from losing his riding gloves!

Phil Hinds and Mark Wheeler listen to pre-ride instructions

Palm Bay Fire welcomed riders with a huge Flag!

Volusia County Sheriff Chitwood prepares to ride

Riders gather on the last leg of the ride!

Truly an honor to have participated in this great event. Thanks to everyone who supported this ride and made it possible. A lot of work went into the planning and support of this event. These Officers are the reason we ride. Lest we forget the sacrifice these brave Men made to keep their communities safe. God Bless you and your families.

New Years Eve Fireworks!

Had the opportunity to shoot a few photographs of the Fireworks at the Cascades Park in downtown Tallahassee on New Years Eve!

Having been late to last year’s show I left the house early and snuck up onto the top of a parking garage and set the camera up on a tri-pod and waited…

At about 746pm the first shot was fired and it was game on! I made a couple of adjustments on the camera on “the fly” and started shooting!

By 8pm the show was over, it was short but it was intense, one of the best shows I have seen! I packed my gear and thru the shadows I made my way back to the truck which was parked a few blocks away. I managed to get to the truck without bringing any undo attention to myself by local law enforcement who would frown upon my efforts to obtain these photographs for my dedicated blog readers! Regardless I made it home and here they are! Hope you enjoyed seeing them as much as I enjoyed making them! Wishing you and your loved ones a tremendous 2024! Thanks for looking!

Dave Ferrell/Blackwater Images