"Cuba Is Going Dark"

In today's NYT's international section, there's a full page article titled, Cuba Is Going Dark, about a tragedy that is about to unfold. An incredibly unique and influential culture that barely has survived these past decades, soon may all but disappear. 

With a current United States sanctioned naval blockade, on March 17th, President Donald Trump took his stand, "I do believe I'll be having the honor of taking Cuba," he said. "That's a big honor. Taking Cuba in some form. Whether I free it or take it. I think I can do anything I want with it, you want to know the truth."

 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/03/19/world/americas/cuba-blackout-electricity.html 

 

In January of 1998, I returned to Havana to complete a series of street portraits. Again, to revisit, and stay with and support a loving family who had once taken me in. They themselves again in desperate need. Then, the so-called "special period". 

Calle Cardenas & the corner of Apodaca, in the old neighborhood of Jesus Maria, where I shacked-up and daily, documented those proud "habaneros" - those individuals with their hardened stories, all barely hanging on. (1998)

 

 

 

 

 

Long goodbye

After thirty-one years while living at Flamingo Ave. 

And as an island resident since 1951.  Then the beginning of my time, around about 75 years ago.

 

 

 

 

Circus Sarasota

Circus Sarasota is a traditional, one-ring European styled, international circus event. As many say, Sarasota is home to the circus's heritage, and as always, the annual show is a highlight of any year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerial Cradle - 'Duo Sirca Marea', featuring husband and wife aerialists, Mattias Cienfuegos of Spain & Micaela Leitner of Argentina.

 

 

 

Chris Allison, 'Boss Clown'. After enrollment in Ringling's famous clown college, Chris toured with the Ringling Bros. Greatest Show On Earth for eleven years, and three as their Boss Clown.

 

 

 

Staging for the "Wheel of Steel", the Cardenas Team of Chile, are noted for their fast-paced routines, involving blindfolds and dramatic, high tension stunts.

 

 

 

Making their North American debut as a world renowned balancing duo, Quincy Azzario and Rubel Medina, starred as this year's headliner act, featuring two artists with a combined nine Guinness World Records. 

 

 

 

 

Canoe Outpost, Wimauma, Fla

Little Manatee River (September 2025)

Canoe / kayak launch and campsite.

 

 

 

Early handmade canoe built at the Outpost.

 

 

 

An old International school bus once used at the Outpost as a rentable sleeping quarters.

  

 

 

 

Dryman Bay, Osprey, Fla

Mangrove islands

From Hurricane Helene's strong tidal surge, a boat found deposited on a bay island, hidden amongst the thick mangroves.

 

  

 

A collapsed boat house left barely standing after last year's back-to-back hurricanes, Helene & Milton.

 

 

 

South Creek (Oscar Scherer State Park)

 

 

Myakka

Upper lake

 

 

 

 

gobblers

 

tree gobbler

 

 

Myakka River in drought conditions

 

 

Sweetheart couple. Bull gator with mate. 

paddling home