A Sunrise Walk, Downtown, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

I don't normally get out early in the morning at home but, at sunrise here the temperature is low/mid 70's F in St. Pete - a perfect time to be out and about, wandering.



This is downtown St. Pete looking east just after sunrise. Although there is a strip of shops and restaurants behind me, parkland buffers the human development. All those white spots in the foreground........



..... are these critters. Humans weren't the only ones out and about enjoying the morning - although I'm not much for eating bugs from the ground.



Pink stucco and tall palms - yep, this is Florida.



Another parkland adjacent to the downtown marina with beautiful mature trees. St. Pete places a strong emphasis on recreational areas which include, in part: 2,400 acres of parkland, 150+ parks, 100+ picnic areas. 77 playground areas, 77 athletic fields, 76 tennis courts, 44 miles of fitness trails, 33 football/soccer fields, and on and on.......



And always a favorite, Spanish Moss, draping the trees. Reminds me of the Charleston, South Carolina ambiance.



I definitely don't see this root structure in New England.



Later in the day, the showers and thunderstorms build over the Bay as the temperature climbs to the high 80's F - and yes, it's humid.



Yep, I see why people have flocked to this town for a hundred years. I arrived at the airport in long pants and a sweater but, they've been in my closet ever since.