'25 photos say what blogs didn't

A quick look at the calendar reveals it’s Dec. 29, and that can mean only one thing:

End-of-year photo page.

This is one of JWC’s most anticipated blogs of the year, so we’re trying a new twist.

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All of today’s photos were Facebook standalones, meaning they didn’t come attached with a blog. 

I try to keep the Facebook page active, but not overly so. A friend who I consider a social media expert suggested early on that I occasionally drop photos or videos onto the page to keep it fresh and relevant. I’ve found her advice spot on.

Here’s what happens with a well-received photo: It’s shared. And when it’s shared, I’m able to invite more followers. More followers means more readers, and that means we’re widening the conversation net.

Today’s main photo is a good example. That’s Sheriff Dave Vincent walking among protesters of a “No Kings” rally, ensuring not only that they wouldn’t be harassed but also a show of community.

That photo was shared 97 times and had over 200 comments. Some of those folks will return to engage in other issues.

Not all of today’s photos fit that bill, but you get the idea. And now on with our show…

I’m on the road quite a bit, and many “where am I” photos come from places I just stumble upon. Like these railroad tracks, which are in the Citrus Springs/Dunnellon area.

I search for these little snapshots of yesteryear in Citrus County. Reminds me that not everything is new construction.
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I’ve been in this news writing business for quite a few days, and I’m telling ya, it’s 99% luck. I could be wrong on the details, but the new leg of the parkway was open about 20 minutes in August before I found out. No announcement from the state, no ribbon-cutting, no fanfare at all.

Well, some things just resonate with readers, and the Suncoast Parkway is one of them. I drove the extension, stopping along the shoulder to snap a photo since there was, um, very little traffic at the time. Loaded that photo onto Facebook and watched it grow: 240,000 looks, 186 shares, 369 comments, and 1,500 reactions.

On a single photo. That’s the blog biz.
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First Buddy in 2024, then Bunny in 2025. No matter the critter, I count on Just Wright Citrus experts to help guide me. Readers helped me to comfort Bunny during storms. Readers offered suggestions to help Bunny with the transition to World Headquarters III. And one of our readers, Model Canine, is now Bunny’s home away from home after dropping into the conversation with solid advice.

Bunny has stayed particularly close these last few months. Turns out, we’re a good team.

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Man, I like this photo. I was wandering downtown Inverness the day Sheriff Dave Vincent took the oath of office in January and saw how workers prepared the Old Courthouse grounds for the ceremony. What a day of enthusiasm and hope for our community. 

That’s a day I’ll never forget.
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A final 2025 word about my Deb. She was your Deb, too. I think that’s been lost on me these last few weeks. Engulfed in my own sorrow, I’ve neglected to grasp that her passing was also very personal to so many others in our community.

I’m saying it now: I’m very sorry for your loss. I didn’t want the year to end without that acknowledgement. I miss her terribly. As do others.

We’re winding down 2025. Have a great Monday, friends.

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