Eric Babcock

03/09/2026

It is with a completely broken heart that I share that my sweet boy Aladdin earned his angel wings last night. 💔

After his last vet visit we could see him rapidly declining. Last night Nate, Lilo and I all cuddled together and watched Aladdin with him — and that’s when he told us it was time.

His breathing had gotten worse, his gums were pale and he was struggling to swallow and eat anything. As heartbreaking as it was, we knew we didn’t want him to suffer any longer.

We moved to the floor and I just held him, petted him and told him it was going to be okay. I told him to go find Jack and tell him we love and miss him too. I told him it was okay to cross the rainbow bridge and that I would see him again one day. I promised him I would take good care of his sister Lilo. I just kept holding him and loving on him until he took his final breath and I felt his heart stop.

Part of me left with him last night.

Almost 11 years ago I found this little boy on the side of the road as a puppy and from that very first day he curled up next to me with a big smile on his face I knew he was my boy. He has been my shadow, my comfort, and my best friend through everything. Some days he and Lilo were the only things that got me through. He was the most loyal, loving daddy’s boy I could have ever asked for.

Run free my sweet boy. Go play with Jack. I’ll see you at the rainbow bridge. 🐾🌈

Until then, save me a spot.

02/19/2026

It’s with a heavy heart that I share some devastating news about my little buddy Aladdin. 💔
Almost 11 years ago I found this little guy on the side of the road as a puppy and he’s been by my side ever since. He is truly a daddy’s boy and has never wanted to go anywhere without me. Through every high and every low, Aladdin has been there — some days he and his sister Lilo were the only things that got me through.
Aladdin was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma that has already spread from his abdomen to his chest. He’s having some trouble breathing but you’d never know anything was wrong by looking at him — he’s still his happy, loving self and that makes it both easier and harder to process.
The vet says he likely has 1-2 months on steroids, or possibly 3-4 months with chemotherapy. Nate and I are absolutely devastated and still deciding on the best path forward for him.
Until he tells us it’s time, we are going to spoil him with every treat, every cuddle, and every moment we can. He deserves nothing less.
We are also taking his sister Lilo in on Friday to get checked out since they are from the same litter. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers. 🐾❤️

08/21/2025

Last night, the state painted over the Pulse Memorial rainbow crosswalk on Orange Avenue. Let’s call this what it is: a deliberate act of hate.

This administration is so disgustingly homophobic that they would rather erase a sacred memorial than acknowledge the existence of LGBTQ people. This was not about safety, it was about politics — about silencing us, erasing us, and spitting on the memory of the 49 lives taken at Pulse.

I was the photographer at Pulse. I knew the people whose lives were stolen. That crosswalk wasn’t just paint on asphalt — it was a promise that Orlando remembers. It was a symbol of love, resilience, and Pride standing right where tragedy happened.

To paint over it is to once again attack the LGBTQ community. But let me make this crystal clear: you can paint over the street, but you will NEVER erase us. You will NEVER erase the 49. And you will NEVER erase our pride.

We are louder, prouder, and stronger than your hate.

06/24/2025

Start your engines, Utica — we’re officially open!

Today we celebrated the Grand Opening of Ford’s Garage Utica with a ribbon cutting, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the team bringing this incredible restaurant to life.

From vintage vibes to burgers built like muscle cars, this place is something special — and now it’s open for you to experience it too.

Huge thanks to everyone who made today possible. Come check us out and see what all the revving is about! 🍔🛠️

06/12/2025

Nine years ago, we lost more than a building. We lost a piece of our heart—and 49 beautiful souls who should still be here with us today.

Pulse wasn’t just a nightclub—it was ours. A safe space. A second home. A place where you could leave the weight of the world at the door and just be yourself. To laugh, to dance, to love out loud.

I spent years at Pulse as a photographer, capturing thousands of moments—smiles, hugs, dance floors full of joy, and faces I’ll never forget. It was where memories were made, where strangers became family, and where the community came alive under the lights.

We carry the pain of that night with us still. But we also carry the love. The strength. The responsibility to keep their memories alive.

We remember. We honor. We love louder. And we never forget the 49 lives taken too soon.

10/13/2024

🌟 Help Us Support Tampa Bay 🌟
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, our community needs us more than ever. At TampaStrong.us, we’re selling shirts to raise funds for local hurricane victims and donating shirts to those who have lost everything. Every purchase makes a difference, but we need your help to spread the word.
If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing our page is a powerful way to support our cause. By spreading the message, you help us reach more people who can join in rebuilding and strengthening Tampa Bay. If you need a shirt please fill out the form on our site.
Visit us at https://TampaStrong.us and let’s make a difference together. Your support means the world to us and to those in need.
Thank you for standing strong with Tampa! 💙

10/10/2024

10/10/2024

We are now without power.

10/10/2024

🌪️ Live from the North Eye Wall of the Storm: Hurricane Milton's Wrath in Tampa!

10/09/2024

10/08/2024

🌴 Hurricane Season: A Sunny Message from Your Florida Friends 🌞

Hey there, to all our amazing loved ones outside of Florida, here's the scoop on hurricanes:

⏰ Timing and Preparation
Hurricanes are like fashionably late guests—they show up when they want! We're totally fine 72 hours before the winds hit. We're busy stocking up on snacks, water, and board games, and we're glued to the forecast like it's the latest binge-worthy series.

🌀 Unpredictability
Hurricanes have a mind of their own, like cats! We're always crossing our fingers for a last-minute turn away from us, but even the experts can't predict their every move. It's a bit like watching a weather-themed soap opera—full of twists and turns!

🚗 Evacuation Realities
Picture this: an entire state trying to leave at once—yikes! Those of us in safer spots hold tight so folks on the coast can hit the road if needed. We’re here sipping our iced tea and saving the roads for those who really need them. So please, no pressure to evacuate unless it’s truly necessary!

📺 Local vs. National Coverage
National media might crank up the drama, but our local weather teams keep it cool and collected. They’re like our weather superheroes, guiding us through with style and a dash of humor.

💖 Your Support Matters
Your love and offers of help warm our hearts! We might be a tad worried, but we’re staying chill, doing all the right prep work, and maybe even throwing a hurricane party or two (with plenty of hurricane-themed cocktails)! Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers and not freaking out on us—it really helps us stay sunny-side up!

Thanks for sending your good vibes and keeping the freak-out levels low—it really helps!

Love,
Your Sunshine State Family ☀️

P.S. Don't forget to check in after the storm passes! We’ll be ready to share stories and maybe some leftover hurricane snacks! 🌈

08/13/2024

The kids going back to school.