2016 March Gulf Coast Electric Florida Currents

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

M A R C H 2016

Minimize Efforts, Maximize Returns James Olmstead, a horticulture scientist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, examines a healthy blueberry plant. Blueberries are easy to grow in north Florida, making them a good choice for trouble-free growing.

Read more gardening tips on page 12.

PHOTO BY TYLER JONES

Member Satisfaction Survey PAGE 4 Guide to State Elected Officials PAGE 28 n

Gulf Coast

Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.

Action starts here.

Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124.

HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS

Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover.

Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email info@floridacurrents.com.

Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com.

Extra copies: $2 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services.

Before you vote, know your candidate’s stance on energy issues.

We value your membership. We value you.

Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services.

www.gcec.com

MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for Florida Currents, query first. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for writer’s guidelines. Address requests and queries to Ruralite Services.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Contact Jessah Willis National Country Market 611 S. Congress Ave. Suite 504 Austin, TX 98704 (800) 626-1181 or (512) 441-5200 www.nationalcountrymarket.com PRINTED IN FLORIDA

Trend Offset Printing Services 10301 Busch Drive North Jacksonville, FL 32218 © 2016 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Inside

March 2016 Vol. 5, No. 5

Trouble-Free Growing 12

Use the right soil and the right plant in the right place at the right time to minimize efforts and maximize space.

Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32

MARCH 2016

3

Gulf Coast

Time for Member Satisfaction Survey Randomly selected residential members will be contacted on behalf of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

4

M A R C H 2 0 16

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s mission is to meet your needs while providing you with reliable energy services at the lowest possible cost.

For us to better serve you, we need a little feedback. That is why we are conducting the 2016 Residential Member Satisfaction Survey.

GCEC has partnered with research firm Inside Information of Kansas City, Missouri, to conduct the survey via telephone and online. Randomly selected co-op members will receive postcards in the mail asking them to go online and complete the survey, or take part in a telephone survey if they are contacted later.

The survey will consist of questions regarding member perceptions about their cooperative, basic American Consumer Satisfaction Index questions and demographics, and questions, seeking information on topics such as: • Length of service with GCEC. • Most recent contact with the co-op.

• Cooperative satisfaction and loyalty.

• Interest in value-added products and services.

• Type of home appliances, such as water heating, heating and air conditioning.

• Perception on energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental issues.

• Awareness of Touchstone Energy.

• View on electric costs.

• Use of technology.

Rest assured, all information we gather during the interviews will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with third parties.

By participating in this short survey, you will help us learn more about your needs and help us make important decisions about enhancing our service to better provide you with reliable power and exceptional member service.

After all, GCEC’s members are the owners, and we are here to serve you.

For questions about the 2016 Residential Member Satisfaction Survey, contact us at (800) 568-3667. n

Mark Your Calendar!

April

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative 68th Annual Members’ Meeting

F S

1 2 6 MAY 201

3 4 6 13 7 8 9 5 S M T 10 14 15 W T 11 1 20 F S 21 22 16 17 18 12 8 2 3 4 27 28 29 23 24 25 19 15 9 10 11 5 6 7 12 13 16 17 26 30 31 22 23 24 18 19 20 14 29 30 31 25 26 27 21 WEDN 28

MONDAY TUESDA Y

Saturday, April 30, 2016

ESDAY

THURSD

3

4

Headquarters office: 722 West Highway 22, Wewahitchka Registration begins at 8 a.m. CST In addition to the business meeting and voting, enjoy: XX Live music XX Informative booths XX Children’s activities XX Complimentary food and beverages XX Prizes. Don’t forget to bring the ticket enclosed in your registration packet so you are eligible to win!

MARCH S 2016 M T W T

SUNDAY

10

17

24

18

25

1

5

11

6

12

19

26

AY

7

13

20

27

28

2

8

14

21

FRIDAY

9

15

22

29

SATURD AY

16

23

30

We hope to see you there!

Meet Your District 1 Trustee Kinneth Daniels represents members residing in Calhoun County, west of the Chipola River. He began serving on Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s board of trustees in 1995.

Kinneth earned the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director certification. The program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of the basic competencies contained in five core courses: Director Utilities and Liabilities; Understanding the Electric Business; Board Roles and Relationships; Business Planning; and Understanding Financial Planning. He also completed five of the 10 courses required for the NRECA Board Leadership Certificate.

He has served as president, secretary and treasurer of the GCEC Board of Trustees. He also has served on the board of directors for the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

A graduate of Chipola College, Kinneth retired from the Federal Aviation Administration, where he was an air traffic technician. He also worked as an electrician for the Calhoun County school system. Today, he is involved in a sod farm operation. n

Kinneth Daniels

Each year, GCEC members elect three trustees to serve three-year terms on the board.

Trustees are elected from members 18 years of age or older who have been members of the cooperative for at least six months prior to the election.

Nominations are from the nominating committee or by petition. Nine trustees are charged with establishing basic policies and reviewing activities of your cooperative, thereby promoting a progressive, financially sound operation. If you have a question about the policies of the cooperative, call the trustee in your area.

MARCH 2016

5

Gulf Coast

Project Helping Hand Pledge Name: __________________________________________________ GCEC account number: ____________________________________ Mailing address: _________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Telephone number: _______________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________________ I pledge to have the following amount added to my utility bill each month and deposited into the Project Helping Hand account.

I understand this is a perpetual agreement, and I must notify Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative by phone or mail to remove this recurring donation from my bill.

Select donation amount:

____ $1 ____$3 ____$5

Cut out, complete and return this form with your electric payment or mail to: Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; Attn. Kristin Evans; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409.

6

M A R C H 2 0 16

GCEC Contributes to Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently boosted its Project Helping Hand fund by more than $7,500.

The charitable program was started in 2004.

GCEC members have the option of adding $1, $3 or $5 to their bill each month. These funds are deposited into an account specifically for use by members who temporarily need assistance paying their electric bills.

In 2015, GCEC members contributed $15,391.60 to the program. While most of those funds were raised through monthly contributions on electric bills, a portion was raised between Thanksgiving and Christmas when paper “light bulbs” were sold in GCEC offices. Members bought the light bulbs and inscribed them with a name. They were displayed in cooperative office lobbies during the holidays.

To show its appreciation to the members, the cooperative decided to match half of the total contributions members made in 2015 and contribute that amount to the fund. In January, GCEC presented a check for $7,695.80 to the Family Service Agency, which determines the members who will receive

It

o

Its Charitable Fund assistance from Project Helping Hand.

“We are proud to be in partnership with the Family Service Agency on our Project Helping Hand program,” says GCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Evans. “Family Service Agency ensures the funds raised for this program go directly to benefit members who are truly in need.”

To learn how you can donate to the Project Helping Hand, call 265-3631, 481-1188 or 639-2216.

To inquire about receiving assistance from the fund, call 785-1721.

Family Service Agency is a nonprofit organization funded by United Way, private contributions, fundraising projects and in-kind donations.

Founded in 1945 under the Bay County Community Chest, which later became United Way, its mission is to socially and economically assist and direct disadvantaged families in resolving immediate problems by providing assistance with food, rent, utilities, medication, clothing and referral to other agencies. All services and goods are distributed without cost to the community. n

Above, GCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Evans, left, presents a check to Family Service Agency Executive Director Susan Bravo for the Project Helping Hand program. Top, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, members could buy a paper light bulb, inscribe it with a name and display it in the lobby of one of the cooperative’s three offices.

This raised funds for the Project Helping Hand account.

MARCH 2016

7

Gulf Coast

Right-of-Way Trimming Ensures Safety, Reliability Do you live in the Ebro area or south of Wewahitchka? In March, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews will clear trees and plants from rights of way that threaten your access and other members’ access to safe, reliable power.

GCEC has about 2,600 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a dangerous situation.

Vegetation must be cleared from power lines to provide

reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition.

When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and GCEC to allow right-of-way maintenance. The agreement gives GCEC the legal right to remove from the right of way anything that could interfere with safe, reliable electric service for all members.

The co-op realizes most people regard trees as an asset, but if the cooperative’s

right-of-way clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with power lines could increase the number of power outages.

GCEC tries to work with landowners to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights of way. However, federal law requires GCEC to eliminate hazardous conditions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you quality, reliable service. n

GCEC Presents Check to United Way Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently presented $2,400 as its 2016 corporate gift to the United Way of Northwest Florida. From left, Will Cramer, general manager of Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC and United Way of Northwest Florida chairmanelect; Brenda Parker, Hancock Bank and United Way board member; Tiffani Hinds, United Way of Northwest Florida vice president/chief operating officer; Paul Parker, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and United Way board member; Dr. Carrie Baker, Gulf Coast State College and United Way of Northwest Florida chairwoman; Kristin Evans, vice president of marketing and communications for Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; and Bryan Taylor, United Way of Northwest Florida president and CEO. “One of the four core values of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives is Commitment to Community,” said Evans. “As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, Gulf Coast Electric strives to uphold this value and support our local community.”

8

M A R C H 2 0 16

Considering Solar? Call Us Members interested in solar should be aware that all solar applications must be preapproved and inspected to ensure they meet specific engineering codes and criteria.

If you are considering solar, please contact Sid Dykes in Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s engineering department.

Sid will schedule a time to meet with you on-site or in one of our offices.

Sid Dykes (850) 265-3631 ext. 3013 sdykes@gcec.com

Flexible Billing Cycles Offered To better serve members who are recipients of Social Security and disability benefits, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative offers three billing cycles based on the dates members receive their checks.

If you receive government funds and are interested in this option, please call our office for more information.

• Southport: (850) 2653631; (800) 568-3667 • Wewahitchka: (850) 6392216; (800) 333-9392 • Panama City: (850) 481-1188 Office hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. n

Gulf Coast

Trading Post For Rent Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. (740) 334-0341.

Three-bedroom, two-bath home in Lynn Haven.

Garage and wooded area behind backyard. On a cul-de-sac. Lease/purchase possible. $1,035/ month. (850) 271-0289.

Four-bedroom, one-bath, 1,800-sq.-ft. home in Scotts Ferry. Rents monthly. (850) 265-0872 or (850) 674-6409.

Three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home in Lynn Haven. Great room with fireplace, two-car garage, privacy-fenced backyard and shaded, private patio. Quiet, friendly neighborhood on low-traffic street. Lease/purchase possible. $1,295/month. (850) 271-0289.

For Sale Pomegranates, figs and lemons. (850) 639-9698.

Miniature donkeys. Jacks and Jennys, black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up.

Make great pets. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424.

Quarter horses. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957.

Trees: pomegranate, 10 varieties of figs, Japanese snowball, dwarf sweet lady finger banana and lemongrass. (850) 639-9698.

455 hp complete marine engine, Detroit diesel twin turbos, 2300 rpm, two-to-one twin discs, 514-C. Like new. $14,500. (850) 814-2763.

Howard Creek land for sale. Choose between 3-acre parcel with barn, deep well, power and two beautiful ponds for $29,900; 1 acre for $14,900; or 1/2 acre for $8,000. Lots are cleared.

Boat landings are a few blocks away. REDUCED. Bring reasonable offers. (850) 774-8048.

Two-bedroom, one-bath home in the Cove (Panama City, 32401). Hardwood floors, fencedin backyard near school, hospital and mall. (850) 890-0469.

FSBO. Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build.

Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deed restrictions. Underground utilities, deep well and many fruit trees. $69,900. (850) 648-4214.

14’x65’ mobile home on two lots, high and dry.

Double carport; 18’x32’ workshop and storage; 14’x14’ add-on room with fireplace. At 268 Quail, Howard Creek. $155,000. (850) 827-2958.

½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220.

Three-bedroom, two-bath mobile home with bonus room, new metal roof, new front deck, shed, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and central air. On half-acre fenced lot in Vernon. City utilities. $47,500. (517) 721-9071.

Two- or three-bedroom cabin. About 1,200 sq. ft. with large screened porch. 150’ on West Arm Creek in Meeks subdivision. (850) 271-9040.

24’x32’ modular home/camp with new interior.

Must be moved. (850) 209-9299.

Three subdivided/commercial lots at Bear Creek.

250’ of Highway 231 frontage and Las Vegas Street. High and dry. $40,000. (850) 814-2763 or (850) 819-4572.

1.5-acre lakefront property in Altha with threebedroom, two-bath mobile home. New metal roof, fireplace, front and back decks, shed and greenhouse. $155,000. (850) 896-3188.

Wanted Sheetrock lift. (850) 326-5633.

Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative.

GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE. Please circle the category that applies: For Rent

For Sale

Real Estate

Free

Miscellaneous

Trade

Wanted

Items:

Harley Davidson FXDL Dyna Low-Rider. 100th anniversary edition. Silver/black. 88” twin cam carburetor. Lots of extras. $7,000. Joe, (850) 265-9439.

Dining room suite. Includes table with chairs (two with arms) and china cabinet. Cherry wood finish. Good condition. $800. (850) 785-1750.

Free Two cats and kittens. Very friendly; need a safe, forever home. (517) 721-9071.

Name: Address:

Miscellaneous Bookkeeping service: payroll, employment tax, sales and use tax, etc. (850) 258-2756.

Real Estate 2009 16’x76’ two-bedroom, two-bath mobile home on about 3.5 acres on County Road 274 near County Road 167. Nine-foot ceilings, crown molding, 20’x24’ Atlas shed, well house, 30’x30’ fenced garden, three-rail front fence and gravel driveway. $75,000 OBO. (808) 729-7451.

City/State/Zip: Phone: Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com. ** Due to press deadlines, please expect up to 60 days from submission for your advertisement to appear.

MARCH 2016

25

Gulf Coast

Help Reduce Demand for Electricity H2O Plus, a program available to you from Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, has the potential to dramatically reduce the demand for electricity. But we need your participation.

Using energy wisely has never been easier. A device that allows our power supplier to cycle your unit for short periods is installed on your electric water heater.

By managing energy use when demand is high—when you and your neighbors are using the most electricity—our supplier can reduce demand when electricity is most expensive, putting off the need to build facilities to generate more power, alleviating or postponing those costs. An added benefit is the reduction of greenhouse gases, which helps our environment. You still will have enough hot water for showers and household chores. In fact, you shouldn’t even notice a difference in the amount of hot water available.

For more information, please call GCEC Energy Services Representative Manuela Heyn. She will take your information and, after

GCEC Offices XX

Southport 9434 Highway 77 (850) 265-3631; (800) 568-3667

XX

Wewahitchka 722 W. Highway 22 (850) 639-2216; (800) 333-9392

XX

Panama City 6243 E. Highway 98 (850) 481-1188

ensuring the program is a good fit for your household, schedule someone to come to your home and install the device at no cost to you.

For your participation, GCEC will make a one-time $25 credit to your electric bill.

We look forward to hearing from you soon. n

Co-op Welcomes New Employees

“Like” our Facebook page by visiting www.facebook.com/ GulfCoastElectric.

“Follow” us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ GulfCoastEC.

26

M A R C H 2 0 16

Sheila Alston

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the addition of two employees to its staff.

Shelia Alston is a cashier/receptionist in the Panama City office. Rebecca Green is a cashier/receptionist in the Southport office.

Welcome aboard, Shelia and Rebecca!

Rebecca Green

Gulf  Coast

Have a Concern?

Contact Elected Officials Citizens often have concerns regarding their state, and even the country as a whole. This is when you should contact your elected officials. These officials are available to respond to your concerns.

Use this information to contact these officials with any issues you may have, and to make your voice heard.

Governor of Florida

Rick Scott State of Florida Republican The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 (850) 488-7146

28

M A R C H 2 0 16

U.S. Congressional Representatives

Jeff Miller 1st District, Republican

Gwen Graham 2nd District, Democrat

Washington: 336 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-4136

Washington: 1213 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5235

District: 348 SW Miracle Strip Parkway Suite 24 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 664-1266

District: 840 W. 11th St. Suite 2250 Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 785-0812

4300 Bayou Blvd. Suite 13 Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 479-1183

300 S. Adams St. A-3 Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 891-8610

State Representatives

Brad Drake 5th District, Republican

Jay Trumbull 6th District, Republican

Halsey Beshears 7th District, Republican

Capitol: 1301 The Capitol 402 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 (850) 717-5005

Capitol: 1101 The Capitol 402 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 (850) 717-5006

Capitol: 303 House Office Building 402 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 (850) 717-5007

District: Admin. Building, Room 186 Chipola College 3094 Indian Circle Marianna, FL 32446-1701 (850) 718-0047

District: 455 Harrison Ave. Suite A Panama City, FL 32401-2775 (850) 914-6300

District: 78 11th St. Suite 5 Apalachicola, FL 32320-2028 (850) 653-1213 215 N. Jefferson St. Suite 4 Monticello, FL 32344-1936 (850) 342-0016

372 Highway 83 North DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433-3800 (850) 951-0547

State Senators Don Gaetz 1st District, Republican

Bill Montford 3rd District, Democrat

Capitol: 420 Senate Office Building 404 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 (850) 487-5001

Capitol: 214 Senate Office Building 404 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 (850) 487-5003

District: 4300 Legendary Drive Suite 230 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 897-5747

District: 20 E. Washington St. Suite D Quincy, FL 32351 (850) 627-9100

5230 W. U.S. Highway 98 Administration Building, 2nd Floor Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 747-5856

MARCH 2016

29

FL-154

Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392

9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 Phone: (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com

CEO/General Manager Michael E. White

Trustees President Waylon Graham Vice President Jimmy Black Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Rupert Brown Doug Birmingham Robert Byrd Gary Cox Kinneth Daniels Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November).

The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing cost effective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce.

32

M A R C H 2 0 16

GCEC President’s Message

68th Annual Meeting Just Around the Corner Look for your mail-in ballot mid-month In April 2015, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative hosted its 67th Annual Members’ Meeting. The nearly 500 members who attended had the opportunity to vote on a bylaw amendment to allow for mail-in balloting. The amendment passed, which means your ballot for the 2016 annual meeting will arrive in your mailbox soon.

We recommended changing the bylaws to afford more GCEC members the opportunity to participate in the democratic process part of the annual meeting. In the past, a member had to attend the annual meeting to vote. Unfortunately, situations arose that made it impossible for some members to attend. It is important that you participate in your cooperative. Beginning this year, it will be more convenient than ever to do so.

When your ballot arrives, we encourage you to complete and return it. Your voting package will include a postage-paid envelope. In appreciation for your participation, every member who returns their ballot will receive a $5 credit on their electric bill.

Each ballot has a unique PIN. To show our appreciation for participating in your annual meeting, we will have the third party who is handling the election for the cooperative randomly select ballot PINs. These members will receive $25 gift cards in the mail. We also will randomly select 10 members to receive $100 electric bill credits. These members will need to come to one of our offices to redeem the credit.

The election will close 10 days before the annual meeting, which is Saturday, April 30. The meeting will be at our headquarters office in Wewahitchka beginning at 8 a.m. Central and ending around 11 a.m. We will have complimentary refreshments, children’s activities and live music. Don’t forget to bring the ticket enclosed in your voting packet so you can register to win the prizes given away at the meeting.

I encourage you to take a part in the meeting. Each member has a voice in the operations of GCEC, and those voices need to be heard.

Waylon Graham