A Blustery Sunrise at the St. Pete Pier

 This morning, I was up well before the sun, drawn by the promise of a spectacular dawn over Tampa Bay.

The walk to the pier in the pre-dawn darkness was magical,
with the city's parks still lit up from the night.

The plan was to head out with my camera to the St. Petersburg Pier and watch the day begin. It was immediately clear that it wasn't a calm, quiet morning; the wind was whipping across the water, and the waves were energetic, pushing spray high over the breakwaters. The walk through the still-lit parks and past the sleeping marina was beautiful, but the real show was the dramatic, windswept sunrise over the water.

 The marina was quiet, the boats gently rocking in the windy twilight
as the first hint of sunlight began to appear.

Looking out over Tampa Bay as the colors of
the impending sunrise started to paint the clouds.

A solitary boat out on the bay, riding the
wind-driven waves in the early morning light.

You can't be in Florida and not get a classic shot of
palm trees silhouetted against the sunrise.

The pier at sunrise is always a spectacular sight. 

The sun finally breaking over the horizon,
illuminating the entire pier structure.
It was well worth the early start.

The wind was really kicking up the waves,
sending spray flying over this breakwater near the airport.
It was an invigorating morning.

Wherever you are today, I hope you get a chance to watch the day begin.

Don Bergquist – 18 June 2024 – St. Petersburg, Florida, USA