May 22, 2019. Seaside, the Beach, J. T. Thomas and Carrot, the Feral Cat. I have included several more pictures from Seaside. There are several architectural structures which appeal to the eye. They also appeal to the camera. I have told you this before, but you may have forgotten. Seaside is where the movie, Truman staring Jim Carrey, was filmed.
We have been walking on the beach at sunset. The beach isn't as crowded and the indirect light of the sun is less harsh. There is always a picture begging to be taken. Even Annie Farkley took one tonight.
We have noticed the same, well-tanned, man on the beach each time we have walked. He appears to be in his late 50s. We have speculated about him. He sets up what looks like a homeless camp with three chairs, an umbrella, a sleeping bag and a critter cage. Tonight we discovered that his name is J. T Thomas. He says he is on the beach 365 days every year.
I struck up a conversation with him as we were leaving the beach. He is a 1980s graduate of Auburn. His degree is in Chemistry. He has never used his degree.
While at Auburn, he was the school mascot, Aubie. He worked as Peter Pan at Disney World and was the first mascot for the Charlotte Hornets, an NBA team. He worked with Jim Henson and the Muppets for several years. Now, he lives in Seagrove year-round. He mows a few yards and does light landscaping work for meal money. Carrot is a feral cat that he feeds. Carrot allows J. T. to hold him and sleeps on one of J. T.'s chairs under the umbrella during the day. All this he told us. It is such a good story that I repeat it to you. I honestly don't know how much is true, maybe it all is. According to Google, there was a mascot at Auburn named J.T. Thomas.
Tomorrow is our last day in Seagrove. The next missive will come to you from Gulfport, MS. We will be there until June 1. It is no coincidence that June 1 is also the first day of the hurricane season. Annie doesn't like storms, you know.
"Nothing Is Sweeter Than Family." I saw it, I liked it, I agree with it and I photographed it just for you.
Goodnight.
12 comments:
I’m inclined to think J.T. Thomas has it all figured out.
I'm beginning to think ya'll are more enthralled with the beach, then the mountains.
Ms McCullick and I are in agreement.
Your last picture of the day is a guide post of life
I see J T at Seagrove every year at Christmas time and enjoy talking to him. Hi cat Carrot is very friendly. JT has interesting stories
We love JT he is super knowledgeable and loves to see everyone having a good time!
Please share this we met"JT Thomas" at Seagrove June 4th 2022. HE IS 62 years old and told us that He is from Opp Alabama his father owned a Pharmacy and was a Pharmist. JT graduated from Auburn but left immediately upon Graduation to Florida. He knew some body big at Disney and was hired an dressed as Peter Pan. If he has Family left on this earth I pray they Find him. He doesn't seem to be in Good Health.
I have seen JT for the past 8 to 10 years around Christmas time. He seems to be very content living on the beach. I usually get him a gift card for Christmas for food and a few cans of tuna for Carrot. He seems very appreciative. He is interesting to talk to and is very aware of what is going on in the community
OLE JT IS STILL THERE. LIVING IN A BUSH WALKWAY ON THE WAY TO THE EACH. HIS HOME IS DISTRICT IN A PLOT OF LAND FOR SALE AS THEY ARE MOVING OUT ALL OF THE BRUSH AROUND HIM TO BUILD EXPENSIVE HOUSES. SAYS HE HAS LIVED IN THE DAME SPOT FOR 22 YEARS. SUPER FREINDLY NIC MAN...
I went by to see T J today and he was not on the beach but his cat, Carrot, was setting on the seat at the head of the stairs. He looks good. He has to be at leat 10 years old that I know of if not older. I've known of JT for about 10 years. Do not know about his current situation
He is still there as of 3/14/24; spoke with him today lounging on the beach access sidewalk.
As of 5/5/24 J.T is still on the beach with carrot I briefly spoke to him he is always so nice. We visit down there few times every year and always see him. I wish we could all do something for him and find him a proper place to live.
To clarify, Carrot isn’t actually feral, more like an outdoor cat—I got the opportunity to meet the cat a few days ago at Seagrove. He likes being pet and likes being picked up by everyone. There’s an info card about him that says he is fed by the volunteers of 30A-cats. His instagram is @carrottheseagrovecat
Greetings all. I have known JT since 2011. I bought some Bruno's Pizza when it was located in Seagrove and we ate it on the beach and I have chatted him up ever since. I always stayed at Beachwood Villas and JT always set up shop at the bottom of the Tom Thumb beach access across from Beachwood Villas. When I first met him, he told me he was the mascot for the Harlem Globetrotters. I know a fair amount about the Globetrotters because their founder, Mannie Jackson, was from my hometown. He answered every question I tested him with. From my point of view after talking in depth with him, he is well cared for by locals. He even introduced me to some country music stars who he use to do odd jobs for and is truly friends with. My opinion is that JT has escaped the Matrix and lives life on his own terms. He does what he wants when he wants and does it on the most beautiful beaches in the country. His health does seem to be deteriorating and he has had to have been taken to the hospital at least once I know of. For those of you who have been kind to him, thank you.
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