Mitch Traphagen
KP Quilters improve the world, one lap at a time
A quilt is special, the love and hard work is unmistakable. On March 8 at Kings Point, you can see that for yourself.
Observations: Spaced out in Florida
By MITCH TRAPHAGEN The temperature soared into the mid-50s under a perfect winter blue sky, the kind of blue that sometimes only exists in our mind’s ...
Emily, on her 11th birthday
From one of the darkest days in American history, a shining light has pierced the clouds. ...
New deputy takes the helm in SCC
The low crime rate does not happen by accident. It takes hard work, something the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, working closely with the volunteer Security Squad, takes very seriously....
Deliciously discovering flan in Ybor
There was no such thing as bad flan in Ybor City on Saturday....
Observations: Biting the hand that feeds her
She was found crying in a bush outside of an assisted living facility on a cold spring day in Minnesota. She was just a tiny, ...
In Riverview: borders of convenience
By Mitch Traphagen WaWa has come to Florida. The popular Pennsylvania convenience store chain with an unusual name opened their first Sunshine State location in Pinellas ...
Congressman Rooney cuts the ribbon on Summerfield office
The ribbon cutting was a joint event for both the Riverview and Sun City Center chambers of commerce....
An Ark of inspiration
The current location of the Ark, based on Biblical references, is uncertain. But a beautiful likeness of correct dimension and built with faith stands on the altar at Destiny Church....
A change of watch for the USGC Auxiliary Ruskin Flotilla
Safety on the water, even the safety of America’s borders is something placed in their hands and they perform their missions quietly, effectively and with care. ...
Preventing Elder Abuse is opening topic of seminar series
An estimated six million elderly people suffer abuse each year — those are not numbers, they are our parents and grandparents. ...
New bus shelter reflects changing dynamics of retirement community
Today, even retirees want to hit some of the bay area’s hot spots, and good luck trying to drive a golf cart to Brandon. ...
Observations: One Sharpe guy
In my book, any politician that draws the ire of his own party scores extra points....Author info
Mitch Traphagen
Mitch Traphagen is a photojournalist, columnist and online editor for the Observer News Publications. He is the recipient of 55 awards of excellence from the Community Papers of Florida for his photography and writing. He has worked for some of the nation’s largest corporations, as Press Secretary for a U.S. Congressman, owned and published a weekly newspaper, and produced a commercial documentary video on sailing. He is a Commodore in the Seven Seas Cruising Association (ssca.org). Mitch is a writer, photographer, sailor and traveler with a bit of a geek thing going on. You can visit his personal website at mitchtraphagen.com