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Suwannee Valley

APRIL 2026

HIGH-SPEED BUILD

Rapid Fiber construction approaches finish line ahead of schedule

FRESH PICKS

Welcome spring at local U-pick farms

AROUND THE COMMUNITY Youth Tour delegates prepare for Washington, D.C.

Empowered connections

In our part of the state, there can often be quite a bit of distance between neighbors. In the past, that distance defined what services would reach communities like ours and, just as likely, which ones did not.

It was that challenge that led to the founding of our cooperative in 1937, when electricity was transforming so many cities across the country. The new technology was lighting up streets at night, and electric appliances were beginning to change the patterns of everyday life. But beyond the city limits, many rural areas were left in the dark.

So, communities like ours found their own solutions. With support from the federal Rural Electrification Act, neighbors pulled together to form cooperatives like SVEC. With local support and investment, we built a system that ensured our community would not be left behind.

In the decades since, SVEC has carried on that mission by delivering safe and reliable electricity across the Suwannee Valley. But in recent years, it became clear that another essential service—highspeed internet—was following a similar pattern.

While everyone can see how important a strong internet connection is in today’s world, I’ll admit that I had my reservations about our cooperative getting involved. After all, we take the work of maintaining and strengthening our electric system very seriously. Expanding into fiber internet felt like a significant step into unfamiliar territory.

But the more we heard about the need for this service across our territory and looked into the possibilities for making a high-speed network a reality, the harder it got to deny the tremendous upside it could have for our community

Today, that build is very nearly complete, and I could not be prouder of everyone who made it happen. Despite major challenges, including recovery from four unprecedented storms, we still completed construction seven months ahead of schedule, with the exception of Advent Christian Village, where we are collaborating to provide service tailored to its unique layout. You can read more about that effort in this newsletter.

In many ways, the completion of this network is a continuation of the promise those original consumer-members made almost 90 years ago. Just like they refused to let geography determine what opportunities were available to them, our community has once again worked together to build the infrastructure we need.

Of course, this does not change SVEC’s fundamental mission. We will continue to focus our work every day on delivering the highest quality and most reliable electric service, just as our colleagues at Rapid Fiber will be busy maintaining and improving the fiber network.

Still, I think it is worth taking a moment to recognize what we have achieved together. There truly is nothing that we cannot accomplish when we come together as a cooperative family. I believe this latest milestone is one SVEC’s founders would be proud of, and one future generations will appreciate for years to come. ■

Suwannee Valley

Currents

April 2026

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Adams keeps weddings and events running smoothly at The Glass & Canopy venue in Jennings, thanks to the speed and reliability of Rapid Fiber Internet. With network construction now complete, service is available across SVEC’s system. Read more on Page 4.

Sarabeth

Executive VP/CEO MICHAEL S. McWATERS

PHOTO BY CHRISTY TUCKEY/SVEC

Take control with

Using SVEC’s SmartHub is a quick, easy way to save time and money. With this convenient app, you can:

• Track your energy use across days, weeks or even months.

• Enable the weather data feature to see how conditions impact your usage.

• Analyze the information to identify habits and common practices that can affect your bottom line.

• Manage payments and receive account notifications.

Take advantage of these and other SmartHub tools to better control your energy use and costs. Get started today at sveccoop.smarthub.coop

The SVEC office will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Consumer-members can still contact SVEC through the 24-hour outage reporting system, and crews will be standing by to restore power if needed.

In addition, our drive-thru payment kiosk is always open.

Serving up the speed you need

Ready to connect

Rapid Fiber Internet build propels

toward completion 7 months early

After three years of planning, construction and perseverance through some of North Florida’s toughest weather, Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative members now have something many rural communities wait years to see—a fully built fiber-to-the-home broadband network.

SVEC completed construction of its fiber network seven months ahead of schedule, capping the effort to bring reliable, high-speed internet to every member through its subsidiary, Rapid Fiber Internet. Additional work is underway to provide coverage to the unique needs within Advent Christian Village.

Rapid Fiber connected its first customers in August 2023, and the final construction zone just opened in February, officially completing the cooperative’s ambitious buildout.

Crews opened 42 zones across Suwannee, Hamilton, Lafayette and Columbia counties, expanding high-speed internet access to communities where broadband was historically limited or unreliable.

Ashley Robinson Murphy, Rapid Fiber Internet’s marketing and communications coordinator, says the accomplishment is especially meaningful for members who previously lacked dependable connectivity.

“Only about 6.5% of our service territory had access to what the FCC considers high-speed internet before this project,” Ashley says. “Now, every SVEC member has access to fiber. If you’re the last person on the electric line, we’re still bringing fiber to your home.”

Overcoming the odds

Completing the project ahead of schedule is particularly notable given the challenges the region faced during construction.

Shortly after Rapid Fiber Internet began connecting customers in 2023, the region was struck by powerful

ABOVE AND LEFT: A technician installs Rapid Fiber Internet connections on SVEC power poles during the systemwide build.

storms, including hurricanes Idalia, Debby and Helene, which caused widespread damage and created significant obstacles for infrastructure projects.

Despite those setbacks, the project maintained momentum and ultimately beat its original completion target of August 2026. Today, the network serves about 8,000 customers and counting.

Designed for rural communities

One defining feature of the project was SVEC’s commitment to ensuring every member had access, not just those in higher-density areas.

Many commercial internet providers focus on neighborhoods where they can serve the most customers with the least infrastructure investment. SVEC took a different approach.

“Access was our biggest goal,” Ashley says. “Most providers focus on higher-population areas, but if there are only two or three members on a stretch of line, we’re still going to bring fiber to them.”

That approach reflects the cooperative’s longstanding mission of delivering essential services to rural communities that might otherwise be overlooked. The new fiber network also supports modern needs such as remote work, telehealth and online education.

“Now, rural North Florida has the same reliable internet speeds, if not better, than major cities like Miami, Orlando or Jacksonville,” Ashley says.

Fueling community growth

Reliable broadband also impacts economic development in the region. Ashley says Rapid Fiber Internet works with local real estate professionals to highlight fiber connectivity as a selling point for homes and businesses.

“Internet access has become a deal maker or breaker,” she says. “We’ve had potential homebuyers call and ask if Rapid Fiber serves an address before they even consider looking at a property. People who want the quieter lifestyle our communities offer now have the internet access they need for work, education and everyday life.”

Rapid Fiber Internet continues to expand service within Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, a large retirement community. Because of the village’s unique layout, which includes high-rise condos, neighborhoods, medical facilities, businesses and a hotel, Rapid Fiber Internet is collaborating with its administrators to design infrastructure that meets every need.

Rapid Fiber Internet representatives will keep participating in SVEC’s Watts Up Wednesday community outreach events to answer questions and help Advent Christian Village residents learn more about service options.

For our cooperative, completing the fiber network represents more than finishing a project—it’s an investment in the region’s future. ■

SHARING THE IMPACT of Rapid Fiber Internet

Rapid Fiber Internet is making a difference every day for residents and businesses.

Dependable connectivity helps businesses better serve customers.

“Rapid Fiber Internet has been fantastic for our business,” says Katee Robey, of Elliano’s Coffee in Live Oak. “The service is fast and reliable, and we’ve noticed an improvement in our day-to-day operations.”

At The Glass & Canopy venue in Jennings, reliable internet keeps weddings and events running smoothly. “The speed and reliability make a huge difference when everyone is connected,” says Executive Manager Sarabeth Adams.

Derenda Shepherd says Rapid Fiber has eliminated the constant interruptions her family once experienced. “We’ve had carefree internet service — no more unplugging the modem multiple times a day.”

Other members appreciate the installation experience and quick response times. Donald Ragans says technicians had his service up and running quickly, boosting speeds from under 10 Mbps to more than 100 Mbps, while Hillary Byrd praised crews for returning the next morning to ensure her connection was working properly.

The owners of Elliano’s Coffee in Live Oak say Rapid Fiber Internet helps them better serve customers.

Breezy Baked Mac and Cheese

INGREDIENTS

3 ounces butter

1 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup sliced scallions

½ cup flour

3 cups milk

1½ teaspoons salt

6 ounces shredded Mexican mix cheese

6 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese

2 pounds cavatappi pasta, cooked and chilled

1 cup tomato sauce

Pesto sauce of choice Lime, sliced

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Melt the butter in a saucepot over medium heat, then add the diced red bell pepper and scallions. Saute the vegetables until they lose their raw appearance, then whisk in the flour. Add milk to the mixture and bring it to a boil, then add the salt, reduce the heat and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Turn off the heat, add the cheeses and stir until they’re melted. Add the cooked pasta, stirring to coat evenly.

Place the mixture into a large baking dish and cook for 20-25 minutes. Before serving, heat the tomato sauce, ladle it onto the pasta and drizzle some pesto on the top. Garnish with lime slices ■

Safety first

Electricity powers modern life, but it is dangerous if not handled carefully. Check back here each month for new tips on how to stay safe around electric power at your home or business. Spring has sprung, bringing warmer temperatures, higher humidity and chances for pop-up storms. It’s a good time to focus on electrical safety indoors and out.

• Minimize water dangers. Any electrical outlets that can be exposed to wetness, whether outside or in bathrooms and kitchens, need to be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters to prevent shocks.

• Inspect outdoor equipment. Before starting landscaping projects, check lawnmowers, trimmers and their cords for frayed wires, cracks or other damage. Also, keep all outdoor tools in a dry area.

• Handle cords with care. Don’t run extension cords under rugs or through wet areas, and take extra care to protect children and pets by covering unused outlets and keeping charging cords out of reach.

• Steer clear of power lines. If you see downed power lines, always assume they are live — never go near them or anything they touch. Also, avoid digging near any underground lines. Call 811 to have them located and marked.

• Don’t overload outlets. As use of air conditioning increases, avoid overloading circuits with multiple highwattage appliances.

• Upgrade lighting. Switch to LED lighting to reduce heat generation and electrical load as temperatures rise.

To learn more about building safe electric habits, click the Outages & Safety tab on svec-coop.com, and follow us on social media.

/sveccoop @sveccoop

Fresh options

Local farms cater to ‘picky’ visitors

Foods and flowers waiting to be handpicked fresh from the field draw visitors to seasonal U-pick farms, which offer an affordable bounty and a fun outing for the whole family. Here are a few nearby options:

Branford Farm Stand

The Branford Farm Stand’s field of zinnias, sunflowers and more will soon be filled with families picking flowers and shutterbugs taking advantage of the colorful backdrop. Admission to the flower field, open each weekend in the second half of May, is $10 per person. For another $10, visitors picking flowers can fill a holder provided by the farm.

Pickers should bring clippers and a container that holds water to prevent the flowers from wilting on the ride home. In the produce-filled farm stand — open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays — a made-fresh menu of tacos and other treats is served up every day.

Hoover Family Farms

April marks the end of strawberry season, but flowers take center stage throughout May at Hoover Family Farms in Live Oak. The vibrant blooms, including zinnias, cosmos and sunflowers, are available for U-pick at $5 a dozen. Picking buckets are provided, and entry is free. A limited number of clippers are available,

so visitors are encouraged to bring their own, as well as a container to transport flowers home.

U-pick produce includes tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, depending on ripeness. Farm hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rooney’s Front Porch Farm

As June approaches, blueberries are ripening at Rooney’s Front Porch Farm in Live Oak. Berry bushes at the farm are trimmed to a convenient picking height, and mowed grass grows between the rows. The berries are rabbiteye varieties, and normally the bushes have fruit until early July. Blueberries cost $15 per gallon, and buckets and bags are provided. Sunflowers are also available, at $1 per flower. The farm’s opening date depends on when the berries ripen, and hours of operation vary.

Scott Blueberry Farm

The first Saturday of June can be blue in Wellborn, but not in the sad way. That’s when downtown Wellborn hosts the annual Blueberry Festival and about the time Scott Blueberry Farm, just a mile away, welcomes pickers. Scott Farm’s blueberry bushes have been around for half a century. Pickers pay $12 to fill a gallon bucket, but kids 12 and under pick for free. The farm’s U-pick season usually lasts one week, so

call before visiting.

Do you know of more local U-pick farms? If so, please email us at communications@svec-coop.com. 

Deep blue means berries are ripe for the picking.

U-pick farms

For hours of operation and more details about the farms, check their websites and social media or give them a call.

Branford Farm Stand

27687 U.S. 129, Branford 386-339-9443 branfordfarmstand.com facebook.com/branfordfarmstand

Hoover Family Farms 15715 40th St., Live Oak 386-678-1570 hooverfamilyfarms.com facebook.com/hooverfamilyfarms

Rooney’s Front Porch Farm 8611 47th Drive, Live Oak 386-590-9053 rooneyfarm.com facebook.com/rooneysfarm

Scott Blueberry Farm 4984 124th St., Wellborn 386-292-2566

facebook.com/pages/Scotts-BlueberryFarm-U-Pick/187708211278138

The flower field at Hoover Family Farms is perfect for pickers and photo ops.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOOVER FAMILY FARMS

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROONEY’S FRONT PORCH FARM

Congratulations, Youth Tour delegates

Colton Sullivan, of Lafayette High School, and Aubrey Driggers, of Suwannee High School, have been selected to represent SVEC and the state of Florida at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. The weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., from June 14-20, will bring hands-on lessons in leadership, fun activities and memories to last a lifetime. Congratulations to Colton and Aubrey!

Cornhole tournament set for May 16

Team up to toss for fun and a cause Saturday, May 16, at the ninth annual Suwannee Valley Cornhole Tournament. It’s a rewarding way to start the day, and SVEC is excited to host this popular event yet again.

Each two-person team — bring your own partner, and no professional players, please — will compete for medals at either recreational or competitive levels. The entry fee for each team is $50 in advance or $60 the day of the event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

All proceeds benefit United Way of Suwannee Valley, which provides vital funding, resources and support to local nonprofits in Suwannee, Lafayette, Hamilton and Columbia counties.

The Cornhole Tournament is at SVEC, 11340 100th St. in Live Oak. Registration opens at 9 a.m., and bags will start flying at 10 a.m. To register a team online or become a sponsor, visit suwanneecornhole.com