The Waterfront Inn - Sumter Landing

The Waterfront Inn fronts Lake Sumter, which is not surprising. It is quite beautiful.

Do not pet the alligator

We took this photo at Shark Valley (west of Miami) a few years ago. The gator was laying out, enjoying the sun, just off the path where people walk and bike. I think he was a little annoyed at the gawkers crowding around.

Fish camp

Photo by Lois Anne.

Playground at the beach

Every beach needs a playground to provide the kiddos something to do when they're tired of swimming or the water is full of sharks! Just kidding - sort of. I don't think there are sharks in these waters, but many places along the Florida coasts require one to be wary and watchful.

Cinderella's Castle at Disney World

This photo was taken several years ago, but Cinderella's Castle hasn't changed.

Shopping in Sumter Landing

Along the main street in Sumter Landing are numerous shops and restaurants. This photo looks down one section of shops toward the square and the lake.

Looking back at Sumter Landing

Lois Anne took this photo from the boardwalk area of Sumter Landing, looking back at some the buildings near the downtown square.

Driftwood

For some reason, I like this photo. It was taken at John Lloyd Park in Dania, Florida.

House and dock

One of the "newer" homes in Cedar Key...this sits above the flats near the main bridge into town. Notice the hurricane shutters on the windows.

Pete's in Boca Raton

Pete's is an upscale restaurant in Boca Raton, Florida. This photo was taken a few years ago, but so far as I know, Pete's is still in business.

One more red phone booth

Two or our fellow bloggers have posted red telephone booths in the past couple of weeks, so I thought I'd put mine up, too. This one is found in Spanish Springs, behind the old sales office. I have no clue where it came from. It is not representative of phone booths in this country.

Shack on water

This old time-worn shack has become something of a Cedar Key identifying icon. It says "Cedar Key." I've even seen it painted on the side of a truck used in a Cedar Key business.

Annie's Cafe

The entrance to Annie's Cafe doesn't give you the whole picture. That's why we included a photo of the back deck, where diners can enjoy a meal outdoors. During the summer, however, you'd probably want to stay inside where it is air-conditioned.

Sumter Landing radio station

Both the Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs downtown areas include radio stations. This is the radio shack which houses the radio station at Sumter Landing.

Egret sentinel

An egret stands guard at the Miami Zoo.

A blue night at Haulover Pass

This photo was taken on a warm, humid night several years ago at Haulover Pass in Miami.

Up The Creek Fish Camp & Grill at Sumter Landing

The Up The Creek Fish Camp & Grill sits next to Lake Sumter, and diners may eat outside overlooking the water. The gentleman sitting on the stool is a greeter, who is there to welcome you to this particular culinary experience.

The saga of the Cedar Key pier

Photo by Lois Anne

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The Cedar Key pier was the focal point of this small fishing village. People came to the pier to fish, to unload their wares such as sponges, to socialize, or just to sit in the sun and relax.

But one day a hurricane roared in from the Gulf of Mexico and devastated the pier. For years, it sat, a mess of broken boards and pilings.

Today, however, the pier has been rebuilt. Constructed of concrete and steel pilings driven deep into the ocean floor, it looks to be able to withstand anything Mother Nature can throw at it.

The people are back. It's not the same, of course; never will be. But it is solid and in its own way, beautiful.

Butterfly Award

We are delighted to receive the Butterfly Award from Cheryl at Nostalgia Today and Yesterday. Thanks so much, Cheryl! May your life be filled with joy and peace and may hundreds of people flock to your beautiful blog. To visit Cheryl's blog, click here or click on the award in the sidebar.

Elzey United Methodist Church

From what we could see, Elzey, Florida doesn't consist of much more than this church. It is a United Methodist Church, established about 1850, although I don't think this was the original building. Elzey is located in north central Florida about 20 miles east of Cedar Key.

Decorative water pump

Taking in the view