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Photo by John Binkley

An image of the storm that rolled in tonight. It looked like a funnel cloud tried to form a couple of times, but broke up.

 http://scottwiley4neptunebeach.com/

 On January 29,2008 the people of Florida voted overwhelmingly to lower property taxes with the approval of amendment 1 . This provided great tax relief to many homeowners whom needed it then and still need it now. Mayor Peyton was against lowering property taxes and watched sadly as the amendment was voted on and passed. Now he is trying to basically go against the voters wishes and raise property taxes. I just heard him on the radio talking about mortgage relief for families. Doesn't he realize paying property taxes are a part of the monthly billed escrowed into most mortgages and raising taxes in effect raises monthly payments for families.

Photo by Craig O'Neal

Photographing wildlife is really a study of behaviors.  What was just another snowy egret one moment turns out to be quite a different image within a second or two.  Natural actions of an animal make all the difference in a photo but takes patients and a little knowledge.

This egret was standing on a log when I noticed through my lens that one of its claws was missing.  While watching the bird preen itself, I thought it was just a matter of time before it would start scratching its head as they often do.  

Catching just the right moment with the foot up in the air, head turned just right and its plume of feathers on top of the head, made this the interesting photo I was looking for.

NEPTUNE BEACH RESIDENTS, STAY INFORMED VISIT  http://www.scottwiley4neptunebeach.com

A Ponte Vedra Beach soccer team earned a chance to compete for a national championship, Beaches Little Leaguers took home titles and golf fans will have a chance to see future stars battle at the Tournament Players Club Sawgrass Stadium Course.
Here are this week’s top performers and events:
— Catch a rising star: The final rounds of the 92nd Florida Amateur Championship will be this weekend at the TPC course. The first two rounds on Thursday and Friday were played at the Stadium Course and Sawgrass Country Club. Over 20 players with Beaches-area ties are playing in the event, which draws top amateurs from throughout the state and is a breeding ground for future pros. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

Interested in more publicity for your community event? Visit our Web site, Shorelines.com, and add your event to the open community calendar. Thanks!
TODAY
— Functional fitness — 9 a.m. Calisthenics, resistance training and partner-assisted workouts. Behind the Jacksonville Beach lifeguard station at the end of Beach Boulevard. Free. Weather permitting. 803-4129. www.cfjax.com.
— Beaches 101 — 9 a.m. An informative beach walk with discussion on the sand dunes and the animals that call the beach their home. Reservations are required, call 823-4500. Free. Bring water. Meet at the Guana South Beach parking lot about 2 miles north of the Environmental Education Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.

It's been hot here at the Jacksonville Beaches, but that's not a surprise to anyone since we're in Florida and it's summer time. But as I went around this week taking pictures of people staying cool by staying wet, I realized how lucky we are here that we have so many fun and free or almost free options. We have our pick of beaches and can enjoy the cool Atlantic Ocean waves for free. Just have to walk, bike there, or drive and find a parking spot. The Wimpy Sutton Pool at Fletcher High School is also free every afternoon to the public courtesy of the city of Jacksonville, which staffs it with lifeguards.

Photo by Craig O'Neal

The Cattle Egret is a very common species of the heron family found in our area.

This little egret gets its name from the close association it has with larger animals such as cows and is found often feeding along side them.The cattle egret eats mostly bugs and insects off the ground which make the feeding habits distinctly different from the rest of the heron family who prefer fish, frogs, and other crustaceans found near water sources.  This is a major reason that these birds are found with other larger animals that kick up bugs while grazing in grasslands. 

I just finished reading the article "Cat lover's efforts couldn't save colony" published on 6/20/09.

First let me say, that I am an animal lover. I have also been a licensed Wild Life Rehabilitater for many years. I also know Mr. Merrick personally, an know how he cared for and loved those cats! So this blog may seem a little biased, but in all fairness, the guy who trapped 30 cats over a short period of time, was on a personal mission. Trapping one or two, that may have been a pest is one thing, but 30? Knowing all the time, where these cats were coming from, and knowing that Mr Merrick was caring for them. Again, this was completely PERSONAL!