Florida Currents
ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC
A New Era of Connectivity
One of the first EREC Santa Rosa County members connected to all-fiber broadband Page 4
From left, Escambia River Electric Cooperative trustees Dale Westmoreland and Rick Hunsucker; Santa Rosa Commissioner Sam Parker; EREC Trustee Wesley Scott; EREC member Garrett McDonald; Mike Dubois, of Conexon Connect; member Lynne McDonald; Derek Myrick, of Conexon Connect; member Chris McDonald; EREC Director of Engineering Lanie Sells; Frank Hoskins, of the Santa Rosa Chamber; EREC Accounting and Administration Director Sonya Dooley; EREC CEO Ryan Campbell; EREC Fiber Project Manager Derek Bridwell; and Patrick Barnes, of Conexon Connect, celebrate one of Santa Rosa County’s first all-fiber broadband connections.
PHOTO BY CORTNEY OWENS
Florida Currents
March 2024 • Volume 13, No. 5
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Chasity Anderson, CCC; Valeri Pearon
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.31 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304
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Message From the CEO
Annual Meeting Approaches
As we approach our annual meeting in April, I’m excited to reflect on the success we achieved together at last year’s meeting.
Thanks to your active participation, last year we set a new record with 702 votes—absentee ballots and in-person voting.
Your commitment to shaping the future of your cooperative is truly commendable, and I am optimistic that we can build on this momentum for an impactful annual meeting this year. Our collective efforts have steered us to remarkable accomplishments, and your voice is a vital part of our continued success.
Last year, the members voted to have a longer period to vote by absentee ballot. This year, the option to vote by absentee ballot starts April 1 and is available through April 26. This allows you the flexibility to participate in the voting process at your convenience.
Whether you choose to cast your vote in person or remotely, your input is invaluable.
The annual meeting is Saturday, April 27, at Ernest Ward Middle School in Escambia County. It promises to be a celebration of our shared achievements.
This year’s guest speaker is Matt Diamond, vice president of member services and communications at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative. Matt will share the exciting things happening at PowerSouth and how they affect Escambia River Electric Cooperative.
We are also planning exciting door prizes and engaging activities for our members, making this event not only important but enjoyable.
Let’s aim higher and set a record for participation this year.
Your vote is a testament to the strength of our community. Together, we can shape the future of Escambia River Electric.
Pages: 4-8, 25-26, 28-29, 32
Ryan C. Campbell, P.E.
CA New Era of onnectivity
One of the first EREC Santa Rosa County members connected to all-fiber broadband
Escambia River Electric Cooperative and Conexon Connect are pleased to announce the connection of their first customer in Santa Rosa County to gigabit-speed internet.
The connection of Chumuckla resident Lynne McDonald and others to fiber broadband brings in a new era of connectivity as rural Florida residents now have access to 2 Gbps speed internet, a service that ranks among the fastest and most robust in the nation.
“Bringing fiber internet to Santa Rosa County is going to be a game changer for EREC members and our community,” Lynne says. “From a teacher’s perspective, it means enhancing connectivity and access to a wealth of educational resources for ourselves and our students. It will enable us to utilize online tools more efficiently, conducting virtual classes, and engaging students in innovative ways that will increase learning outcomes and involvement.
“As an EREC member for over 35 years, I view the arrival of fiber internet as a huge step towards progress, opening up a world of endless possibilities for local businesses to compete on a more global scale,” she adds. “I truly feel that fiber internet is going to lay the foundation for economic
growth and prosperity in my community by empowering EREC members, schools and businesses. It is paving the way for a brighter future for everyone.”
EREC and Conexon Connect announced their fiber-to-the-home project in February 2023, with plans to launch and deploy a 1,500-mile fiber network providing high-speed internet access to homes and businesses starting in Escambia County and then moving to Santa Rosa County.
“EREC members were being left behind in the digital age,” EREC CEO Ryan Campbell says. “Now, thanks to the vision of our trustees and the hard work of our employees who have taken on the mission of closing the digital divide, EREC members are gaining access to world-class internet service. This opens the doors for new opportunities such as online education for all ages, expanded employment options, and streaming and smart device use in the home that many in other areas take for granted.”
The Town of Jay is proud of the work EREC has done with the state’s Rural Broadband Initiative, Jay Manager Eric Seib says.
“We are thankful to have a forwardthinking team at EREC making tomorrow better for all of us,” he says.
About the Broadband Project
The project was announced in February 2023 and was initiated in Escambia County, with the first connection announced in August 2023.
All EREC members in Escambia County have the availability to access multi-gigabit-speed internet, and member connections are currently being scheduled and completed.
Multiple sources in Escambia County are in place to help prevent any downtime issues, and the same will be done in Santa Rosa County.
Five electric cooperatives in Florida have unified to fulfill the mission of closing the digital divide. Together, they serve 16 counties across Florida, have completed close to 4,500 miles of fiber and have invested more than $149 million as of January 12, 2024.
POWER UP 2024Lineman CAMP
For high school juniors and seniors wanting to learn more about careers in the electric utility industry
Cost is FREE (Lunch provided during Q&A)
EREC JAY LOCATION 3425 Hwy 4 | Jay, FL
8 :00 AM - 1:00 PM LUNCH INCLUDED
Spots Are Limited! Deadline to register: April 4
*date of camp may change dependent on weather
Breakout sessions to include climbing power poles, bucket truck training, overhead/underground/right of way, safety, Q&A
Student or school is responsible for transportation to and from camp Student must live on EREC lines
Application and waiver signed by student and guardian prior to camp
Untangling Power Line Myths
Power lines deliver electricity to homes and businesses and are essential to our modern way of life. We see them everywhere, so we sometimes forget they can be potentially dangerous. Myths abound when it comes to power line safety. To help
I’m safe as long as I don’t touch power lines.
If birds can sit on power lines, it’s safe for humans to touch them, too.
protect our communities, Escambia River Electric Cooperative believes it’s crucial to end power line misconceptions. Understanding power line safety helps prevent accidents and protect lives. Escambia River promotes a culture of awareness and
Lines can energize the air around them. If too close, electricity can jump to you, leading to injury/death.
Wooden ladders are safe around power lines.
It’s safe to trim trees near the power lines.
05 05 04 03 02 01
01
There’s no difference in voltage in the distance between a bird’s feet, so no circuit is created. Electric shock occurs if a person touches a line while touching the ground.
02
Power lines are insulated, so they’re safe to touch.
Wood is not a sufficient insulator. Only use nonconductive ladders around power lines and maintain a safe distance.
03
Branches could strike power lines and you at the same time, causing physical harm or death. This should be left to the professionals.
Touching a power line, even if it appears insulated, can deliver an electric shock.
04
SMOOTH SAILING
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Story and photos by Colette Boehm
Ask around Northwest Florida about learning the ins and outs of yard sales, where and how to find the best treasures and who to go to for pricing and advice, and one name is sure to come up: Bill Tinsley.
Bill owns T&B Hidden Treasures in Chipley, and while he’s been in business there for years, his experience goes far beyond the aisles and booths of his antique mall.
“I’ll be 70 years old in May,” Bill notes with a smile, adding his interest in finding treasures and making sales has grown through the years. “I’ve done yard sales, church sales, rummage sales; I’ve done it all. I’ve got it in my blood.”
Bill started the business for his father-in-law 20 years ago.
“He was trying to make extra money and was setting up a yard sale every weekend,” he says.
At the time, Bill was renting a booth in a Dothan, Alabama, market. He found a building in Chipley and started the new venture. What began as a spot for Bill and his father-in-law to sell their wares grew into a business that supports more than 50 vendors. There are more than 35 others on a waiting list to get a spot at Hidden Treasures, but a vacancy only becomes available every couple of years.
Each vendor has booth space that is their “little store,” Bill says. “I’m going to try to help them. That’s what I do. Every mall has its personality, and owners have their own philosophy. I tell people our mall tries to keep to antique-related items. And to have things for men, women, kids and teens.” That variety, he says, is what keeps people coming back.
Through the years, Bill has researched items he’s interested in and learned what makes other collectibles valuable. From molded plastic Christmas decorations to classic record albums, he knows what can enhance an item’s value and what’s trending. But he says keeping an open mind is the best approach to finding “just that right something” at a sale.
“I will tell you one secret I’ve found,” Bill shares. “Have no preconceived idea of what you’re looking for. If you do, you may
Bill Tinsley is the Washington County coordinator for Flea Across Florida, which stretches 275 miles from Live Oak westward to Pensacola.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: During Flea Across Florida, about 350 vendors participate locally. Model classic cars and marble collections are popular items among flea market fans. Bill estimates his store will see about 3,000 shoppers drawn to glassware, toy vehicles and more during the event.
find it, and you may not, but you might pass by something that’s a valuable item. People get blinded by looking for one thing. When you’re able to find one item that you’ve never seen before, that stands out.
“I look for the things other people don’t look for—historical things. That’s what I like. I don’t get out and pick as much as I used to, but I stop at yard sales anytime I can. I have people who are my ‘unofficial pickers,’” he adds. “They’ll call me if they find something I might be interested in.”
Twice a year, Bill hosts the largest concentration of sellers across the entire state. He’s the Washington County coordinator for Florida’s longest yard sale, Flea Across Florida. The event started more than 10 years ago in Live Oak to help boost the economy of small towns along Highway 90. Today, the yard sale stretches 275 miles, from Live Oak westward to Pensacola.
Held the second weekends in April and September, the event has become a favorite for vendors, bargain hunters and many small communities in Northwest Florida. Chipley’s location makes it appealing for shoppers from far away who want to take in as much of the two-day event as possible.
“We’re about halfway across the panhandle,” Bill says, “so people will come and stay here. From here, they can travel one day toward Pensacola and come back, then another day toward Tallahassee.”
Approximately 350 vendors participate locally, with sellers from Alabama, Georgia and other states joining those who come from across Florida. The variety of vendors draws large numbers of customers. Bill estimates 3,000 or more come to shop.
“When you draw 3,000 to 4,000 people, it’s a win-win for everybody,” he says. “Gas stations, restaurants, the community market, they all see the benefits of having the shoppers in town.”
Coordinating the event takes lots of planning. Lining up advertising and booth sales, securing locations and ensuring safety are just a few of Bill’s tasks.
“On March 1, we’ll start taking reservations for spaces,” he says. “We have to think about food, safety, restrooms; it’s a lot of planning.”
The effort is worth it for Bill, who’s happy to see his store, his vendors and the entire community enjoy the benefits.
In addition to being the local coordinator for Flea Across Florida, Bill also finds other ways to support the community. A table is reserved in his store year-round for the local library to sell books, with all proceeds going back to the library. He also recently hosted an antique appraisal event that raised funds for a local charity.
saddle up
Junior rodeo keeps Florida youth coming back
ADOBE ARTWORK BY AKIMD
By Drew Woolley
Whitney Savoie can barely remember a time when rodeo wasn’t part of her life. She remembers watching her parents ride in the arena when she was a little girl and jumping at the opportunity to mount up when she was just 6 years old. An all-around competitor, she roped, ran barrels, tied goats and joined in just about every event she could as part of the All Florida Junior Rodeo Association.
Now 38 and president of the AFJRA, Whitney and her husband work a ranch of 2,500 cattle in Moore Haven. She still rides as part of their cow-calf operation, but her kids have taken over in the rodeo arena.
“We’ve worked on the ranch our whole entire lives and been around horses and farming our whole entire lives,” she says. “Rodeo has just been something we did when we were little, and that’s how we’ve brought up our kids.”
The couple’s 11-year-old daughter, Avery, has already won several rodeos at the 10 and under, 15 and under and 19 and under levels. By her already high standards, the
2024 season has been disappointing, mostly because her brother, Rance, 7, has been beating her in the arena.
“Breakaway is my favorite because I get to rope with my cousins and my brother,” Avery says. “We compete a lot.”
Those relationships made junior rodeo a lifelong project for Whitney. Many families have competed for generations, just like hers, and seeing them in the arena alongside her own kids is as much of a thrill as the roping.
“It’s just a big, family-oriented association. Everyone gets along, everyone likes to see each other’s kids win,” Whitney says. “We have friends that I grew up with, and now their kids are coming back. It’s just unreal.”
First Rodeo
Heather Fleckinger comes from one of those rodeo families. She started competing in first grade, taking on every event girls were allowed to do. When her son Slone, 12, started rodeo in kindergarten, it was the perfect opportunity for her to get more involved with the AFJRA.
“Coming from a rodeo family and rodeo myself, we know what kind of help they need,” Heather says. “It takes a village to run a nonprofit like that.”
Heather’s experience also gives her a full understanding of challenges families unfamiliar with rodeo might face when their children take an interest in the sport. Competitors must own their own horses and have a place to board them. Each rodeo lasts a full weekend, and many are not near accommodations, so families often need their own trailers with living quarters. There are also strict dress codes and GPA requirements.
“It’s a fairly expensive sport because, unlike a baseball bat, you have to take care of a horse every day,” Heather says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re not using it that weekend or not.”
Even with those barriers to entry, Heather has noticed more families without a long history in rodeo coming to the sport in the last decade than when she was competing. Her hunch is they’re drawn to the culture around rodeo as much as the sport itself.
At just 7, Rance Savoie’s rodeo performances are already putting pressure on his older sister, Avery. PHOTOS BY CLICK THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY
“When you show up to a rodeo or a child goes to dinner, it’s ‘Yes ma’am’ and ‘No ma’am’ most of the time,” she says. “There’s manners, there’s politeness. Just a very different level of how they’re being raised.”
Heather has found junior rodeo in Florida to be a welcoming community, albeit a competitive one. Each year, AFJRA takes a trip to Las Vegas for the national rodeo finals, where the state has been successful.
“Since my child has been there from before kindergarten, I will not be freaking out at the rodeo when I don’t have my eyes on him because everyone kind of looks out for everyone else’s kid,” she says. “Some kids come in that are a little more beginner, and they still have a really great time. So, they don’t really mind getting their booties kicked on the weekend.”
ABOVE: Slone Fleckinger, 12, dismounts during a tie-down event in Las Vegas.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER FLECKINGER
LEFT: Avery Savoie brings her horse to a stop after lassoing a calf in breakaway.
Green Pastures
All that work can seem daunting, but for Whitney, there is no question that it is worthwhile. Not only do kids have the chance to learn discipline and earn the satisfaction that comes with a winning performance, but they also pick up skills that serve them well outside the arena.
“It keeps them busy and doing things that are active, not just sitting around playing on a phone or an iPad,” she says. “It gets them out in public. They get to do interviews when they win in Vegas or Texas at one of those big ropings. They get to meet people. Later in life, it’s going to help them when they go to school or if they need anything.”
It can also be a path to a college scholarship for those at the front of the pack. While competitors must move on from the AFJRA after eighth grade, they
Rodeo Season
can continue in the Florida High School Rodeo Association. Several Florida students have gone on to earn full-ride rodeo scholarships in recent years at schools such as Carlton State, Texas A&M, Sam Houston State and McNeese State, where Whitney herself went on a rodeo scholarship.
While Heather still rides and would love to compete, she has her hands full keeping up with AFJRA and her son’s rodeo aspirations. Caring for his six horses, practicing with him daily and traveling to another rodeo almost every weekend leaves time for little else. For her, it’s all part of the rodeo lifestyle.
“For us, it’s not a hobby; it’s a way of life,” Heather says. “It’s a very different way of life and a very demanding one. There’s just nothing else like it in Florida, and that’s why it’s been around for so long.”
If you’re new to rodeo, here’s what to expect from the AFJRA season: August-April: The association holds a rodeo on the third weekend of every month except December. Each is a weekend-long event, with competitions on Friday and Saturday nights and a banquet on Sunday.
Athletes accumulate points from events at each of these rodeos, from 10 points for first place in an event to one point for 10th place.
May: The 15 athletes with the most points go to the state finals the third weekend of May. The competition is two days, just like the regular season.
What’s a Chute Dog?
Not sure what to make of events such as chute dogging, pole bending or breakaway? These are some of the most common events spectators and athletes might encounter at junior rodeo competitions:
Cutting—A horse and rider work to isolate a single cow within a designated area. Riders are judged on horsemanship, ability to anticipate the cow’s movement, reflexes and agility.
Bull riding—Riders fight to stay on their bull for as long as possible. They are judged on body position, use of their free arm and the animal’s efforts.
Tie down—Also known as calf roping, riders chase a calf and rope it around the neck. Once the calf is caught, the rider dismounts and runs to tie the calf by three legs as quickly as possible.
Barrel racing—A horse and rider attempt to run a cloverleaf pattern around a set of barrels in the fastest time. Time may be added if the rider touches or moves any barrels.
Breakaway roping—This event is a variation of calf roping where the calf is roped but not tied. The calf is given a head start before the rider attempts to lasso the calf with a rope tied to the saddle with a string. Once they’ve roped the calf, the rider stops and the string breaks.
Chute dogging—A competitor leads a steer 10 feet out of a chute into the arena and must wrestle, or “dog,” the steer to the ground in 60 seconds. They cannot trip the steer; a legal fall requires all four feet and the steer’s head to face the same direction.
Goat tying—Competitors leave a chute on horseback and race toward a goat staked on a 10-foot-long rope in the arena. They dismount while the horse is in motion, drop the goat on its side and tie three of its feet as quickly as possible.
Team roping—Two riders attempt to rope a steer together in the fastest time. The first, known as the “header,” ropes the steer around the horns or neck, and then the “heeler” ropes the steer by its hind legs. A time penalty is added if the heeler only catches the steer by one leg.
Rance accepts the Youngest Roper award at a Rising Stars event.
Home Cooking WITH COFFEE
Coffee Coffee Cake
Crumb topping
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon instant coffee powder
4 tablespoons butter, melted
Heat oven to 350 F.
Spray a 9-by-9-inch pan, and line with parchment. Spray the parchment as well.
For the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, coffee powder and salt. Add the melted butter. Mix until it forms crumbs that you can clump together in your hand.
For the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking
Cake
1¾ cups cake flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
soda, cinnamon and salt. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the coffee and sour cream until smooth.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until each is well-combined. Add the vanilla. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Starting and ending with the dry
½ cup strong-brewed coffee
1⁄3 cup sour cream
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
ingredients, alternate adding the flour mixture and the coffee mixture to the stand mixer. Mix well after each addition. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Top with crumb topping, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven. Cool for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting and serving.
Sausage Gravy for Biscuits
1 pound ground sausage
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup water
¼ cup brewed coffee
Salt and pepper, to taste
Brown sausage in a cast-iron skillet. Add flour, and brown. Add milk and water. Simmer for desired thickness. Stir coffee into the mixture. If it’s too thick, add more milk. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over your favorite biscuits.
Coffee Baked Beans
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 sweet onion, chopped
¼ cup vinegar-based barbecue sauce
Heat the oven to 350 F.
28-ounce can baked beans
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ cup brewed coffee
Cook the chopped bacon in a pot over medium heat until browned, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving the bacon grease in the pan. Drain the bacon on paper towels.
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook for 15 minutes over medium-low heat or until caramelized. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the bacon back to the pot, as well as the remaining ingredients. Mix.
Pour the beans into a greased 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Bake for 2 hours. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Mocha Cupcakes
Cupcakes
1 cup sugar
½ cup brewed coffee, cold
½ cup canola oil
2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
3 teaspoons cider vinegar
Frosting
3 tablespoons milk chocolate chips
3 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
Heat oven to 350 F.
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1⁄3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
1⁄3 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons brewed coffee
½ cup chocolate sprinkles
In a large bowl, beat sugar, coffee, oil, eggs, vinegar and vanilla until well-blended. In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Gradually beat into coffee mixture until blended.
Fill 12 paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make frosting: In a large bowl, melt chips and butter in a microwave. Stir until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar and enough coffee to reach desired consistency. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes, and add sprinkles.
Coffee Dry Rub for Steak
2 tablespoons coarse salt
2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon crushed coriander
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cayenne, more or less to taste
Add all ingredients to a medium-sized bowl. Mix well. Once mixed, it can be used immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight glass container.
S’mores
Creme Brulee
1 cup whole milk
3 extra-large eggs, room temperature
2⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄3 cup baking cocoa
2 tablespoons strong-brewed coffee
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Heat oven to 325 F.
2⁄3 cup graham cracker crumbs
1⁄3 cup sugar
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1.55-ounce milk chocolate candy bar, broken into 12 pieces
In a small saucepan, heat milk until bubbles form around sides of pan. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, cocoa and coffee until blended but not foamy. Slowly whisk in hot milk.
Place six 4-ounce broiler-safe ramekins in a baking pan large enough to hold them without touching. Pour egg mixture into ramekins. Place pan on oven rack. Add hot water to pan to within ½ inch of the top of the ramekins.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Centers will still be soft. Remove ramekins from water bath immediately to a wire rack. Cool for 10 minutes. Refrigerate until cold.
In a small bowl, mix butter and cracker crumbs. Set aside. To caramelize topping with a kitchen torch, sprinkle custards evenly with sugar. Hold torch flame about 2 inches above custard surface. Rotate it slowly until sugar is evenly caramelized. Sprinkle custards with crumb mixture, and top with marshmallows. Using the torch, heat marshmallows until browned. Top with chocolate pieces. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour.
To caramelize topping in a broiler, place ramekins on a baking sheet. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Heat broiler. Sprinkle custards evenly with sugar. Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until sugar is caramelized. Sprinkle custards with crumb mixture. Top with marshmallows. Broil for 30 to 45 seconds or until marshmallows are browned. Top with chocolate pieces. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour.
Family Tree Tales
By Dave LaBelle
Some people are fascinated with architecture or angels; I love trees.
A grand lone oak tree stands—as if on watch—at the side of a road not many miles from where I live. Each time passing it, I wondered its age and who planted it there. Finally, my curiosity got the best of me, and I had to know more.
I learned the man who planted it is gone. So are his
and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
children and his children’s children, but the old oak tree John Vorwald placed in the earth in 1895, as a marker for the northeast corner of the town that would become New Vienna, Iowa, still stands 128 years later. His great-grandson Kevin Vorwald still lives on the family property.
Kevin’s great-grandfather was the first mayor of the town when he planted the tree. Though New Vienna was founded in 1843, it wasn’t incorporated until some 50 years later, long after Iowa became a state in 1846. Kevin says his great-great-grandfather married a girl whose father bought the land from the government when James Polk was president. Polk’s name is on the deed.
Trees are living, breathing
gifts, and may possess greater memory and intelligence than we imagine. Research has revealed that like people, trees can have elaborate, far-reaching root systems that allow them to talk to each other.
Just like us humans, trees are connected and often members of large families.
I am reminded of the late Shel Silverstein’s powerful book, “The Giving Tree,” about the relationship between a boy and an apple tree. Every tree is a giving tree. Just as I imagine how lacking a world without birds would be, I think how sad our walk on Earth would be without trees. I have often said that next to a good mother, God’s greatest creation is a tree.
Had I not chosen photojournalism, I might have become an arborist. n
Reader Challenge
Your challenge is to choose a tree that speaks to you—one that you admire and maybe even feel a connection to. Research its species and origin. Was it indigenous or a species brought to your area, transplanted from another state or even another country? Does the tree have a story? And then set out to make a photograph that captures how you feel about the tree. Consider the angle, composition, light and lens, even the time of day or night that best reveals how you see this magnificent creation.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com
NIKON D800, 34mm lens ISO 100, f/9 at 1/400
This oak stands witness to the evolution of an Iowa community.
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
GUARANTEED TO GROW Or We’ll Replace Plugs FREE!
Sometimes overlooked as anglers pursue other fish, small sunfish provide incredible sport on light tackle. Even renowned professionals most likely started fishing for bluegills or other sunfish.
Many people can’t tell the various sunfish species apart, so they simply call them all “bream” or “perch” in addition to a dozen other names.
Among the most common, widespread and aggressive sunfish, bluegills derive their name from the navy blue “ear flaps” on their gill plates. These fish live in nearly every freshwater system in Florida.
Redear sunfish look like pale bluegills, but with a little scarlet trimming on their ear flaps. Also called shellcrackers because they love to crush snails with grinders in their throats, redears range throughout Florida and can inhabit tidal marshes. They grow larger than bluegills and frequently weigh more than a pound.
A warmouth looks similar to a bluegill in color, but with a larger mouth. Also called goggle-eyes, these thick, dark fish love swamps, shallow weedy lakes, sluggish streams, and canals with thick vegetation and muddy bottoms.
With their large mouths, warmouth sometimes attack bass lures. They can weigh more than 2 pounds, but few exceed 1 pound.
As water temperatures warm in the spring, bream start spawning. They dig out beds in shallow flats. In clear water, people can easily spot these dark depressions on the bottom. Bluegills might spawn several times into the fall and regularly return to the same bedding areas every year.
Many anglers dangle worms or crickets under floats to catch sunfish. They may toss a float over a bed or next to cover and wait for it to twitch or go under the water. Feisty sunfish also eat minnows, small crawfish, bread and anything else they can swallow, but most of all, they love insects.
Because bream feed so heavily on insects, some anglers tempt them with fly tackle. Small floating cork, insect imitations and foam or plastic poppers make great enticements for bluegills. Anglers can also use traditional dry or sinking flies and streamers that mimic minnows.
Pound for pound—or more appropriately, ounce for ounce— bream can outfight anything in fresh water. What they lack in size, they more than compensate for in determination and pugnacious attitude. Bluegills defend their beds from anything
BIG SPORT TINY FISH,
that enters their domain.
Tossing a small floating bug over a bream bed or near other cover, and let it rest on the surface a few moments. Then give it a slight twitch or pop. The small but aggressive fish commonly explode on floating lures with strikes.
Another bream temptation: Beetle spinners use jigheads with spinning metal blades that create flash and vibrations in the water. On the hook, thread a soft-plastic trailer, toss the lure to a likely spot and slowly retrieve it so the blades spin.
Anglers might find big action in small packages by tempting these diminutive scrappers. Sunfish live in practically every freshwater system in Florida, from the smallest ponds to the largest lakes and rivers.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,500 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoor topics. He also hosts an outdoor tips show for WAVH-FM Talk 106.5 in Mobile, Alabama. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
Amy Gable shows off a bluegill she caught on a SteelShad blade bait while fishing on Dead Lake near Bunnell, Florida. PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
KEY WEST
March 1
Tennessee Williams Festival Curator Dennis Beaver gives a tour of the Tennessee Williams Museum, featuring a detailed look into the filming of “The Rose Tattoo.” During the tour that starts at 11:30 a.m., participants will learn about objects in the museum and how they related to Tennessee Williams, his Tony Award-winning play and the filming for the movie. Reservations are available online and are required for the tour. www.kwahs.org; 305-295-6616
MARATHON
March 2
Garden Club House and Garden Tour
Marathon Garden Club hosts its annual House and Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour features four luxury oceanfront homes on Key Colony Beach and Stirrup Key. Visitors can also tour the gardens at the clubhouse, including the new orchid wall. Tickets are $35 and sold from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Highway, MM50, Gulf; at the Marathon Chamber of Commerce; the DK Beach Boutique on Key Colony Beach or at www.eventbrite.com. www.marathongardenclub.org; 305-743-4971
PENSACOLA
March 2
Ocean Strike Team Shark School
Dive into the depths of marine marvels during a one-day workshop dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of sharks. From exploring their biology to understanding their crucial role in the ocean’s ecosystem, Shark School promises an immersive experience. You will learn about shark behavior and gain insights from a team of esteemed shark experts. Admission is $30 and includes lunch. The workshop is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. oceanstriketeam.org; 469-387-4940
PANAMA CITY BEACH
March 5
Death by Chocolate
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
Join the Emerald Coast Business Women from 5 to 8 p.m. CST at the Boardwalk Beach Hotel and Convention Center for this 23rd annual event. This year’s theme is “Chocolate Illusion, a Magical Evening.” The benefit features an array of desserts from local restaurants, caterers and culinary programs, as well as a silent auction. The revenue funds scholarships for Bay County women ages 23 and older. Tickets are available online or at the door.
emeraldcoastbwa.clubexpress.com; 850-685-1183
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GARDEN CLUB HOUSE
TAVERNIER
March 4-23
Wildlife of the Keys Art Show
Art Guild of the Purple Isles presents a show featuring original artwork of feathered, furry and scaly wildlife found in the Keys at Our Place in Paradise Gallery, 88.7 Overseas Highway. The show is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. www.agpi.us; 305-394-1082
TAVERNIER
March 9
LAKE WALES
March 16
Spring Fling
The Crafty Cats at First United Methodist Church invite you to its event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event features plants, yard ornaments, garden décor, decorated pots, seasonal crafts and baked goods. There is also a garden party. fumclw.org; 863-676-2516
KEY LARGO
March 17
San Pedro Church Huge Annual Yard Sale
New, gently used and vintage items are featured at the San Pedro Women’s Guild event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at San Pedro Church, MM 89.5. Come early and take advantage of the bargains. www.sanpedroparish.org; 305-852-5372
PANAMA CITY
March 15
Annual Quilt Show
The St. Andrew Bay Quilters look forward to sharing their work-intensive projects from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Panhandle Fairgrounds. This annual quilt show highlights the St. Andrew Bay Quilters Guild members’ skills, teamwork and passion. Join us for an exciting two days full of fun and creativity. www.sabqg.org
PENSACOLA
March 15-17
3rd Annual Kites on the Coast
This is an intergenerational event at the Casino Beach pavilion. It boasts two professional kite teams, a large children’s craft area, local schoolaged performers and food trucks. Admission is free, but make sure to reserve your ticket online. kitesonthecoast.org; 850-266-2513
Upper Key’s Irish Fest
Filled with live music, a parade, corned beef and cabbage and Irish dancers, this fundraiser benefits T.I.P.S. and their work with Key Largo School Athletics and Upper Key Kids. There will also be a kid zone, raffles and a silent auction. caribbeanclubkl.com; 305-451-4466
ARCADIA
March 23
20th Annual Pioneer Day and BBQ
FORT MYERS
March 23-24
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing
This event showcases the history of southwest Florida from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s festival commemorates the centennial anniversary of Arcadia Tourist Camp and the Tin Can Tourists’ annual convention. There is fun for the whole family, including barbecue, strawberry shortcake, musical entertainment, authors and artists. historicdesoto.org; 863-266-5774
Returning for its saltwater inshore fishing seminar at Bass Pro Shops Fort Myers, this event offers classroom instruction, hands-on fishing activities, conservation, networking and optional guided boat fishing. No equipment or experience is required. www.ladiesletsgofishing.com; 954-475-9068
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ART GUILD OF THE PURPLE ISLES, PARROTFISH IN PARADISE BY MONICA BANKOWSKI
Notice
But When Driving, These Sunglasses May Save Your Life!
Thesun rises and sets at peak travel periods, during the early morning and afternoon rush hours and many drivers find themselves temporarily blinded while driving directly into the glare of the sun. Deadly accidents are regularly caused by such blinding glare with danger arising from reflected light off another vehicle, the pavement, or even from waxed and oily windshields that can make matters worse. Early morning dew can exacerbate this situation. Yet, motorists struggle on despite being blinded by the sun’s glare that can cause countless accidents every year.
Drivers’ Alert: Driving can expose you to more dangerous glare than any sunny day at the beach can…do you know how to protect yourself? Navigator™ Gold Stainless Steel Sunglasses Receive the Navigator™ Gold Sunglasses (a $59.95 value) FREE! just for trying the Navigator™ Black
Not all sunglasses are created equal. Protecting your eyes is serious business. With all the fancy fashion frames out there it can be easy to overlook what really matters––the lenses. So we did our research and looked to the very best in optic innovation and technology.
Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist.
A NASA rocket scientist. Some ordinary sunglasses can obscure your vision by exposing your eyes to harmful UV rays, blue light, and reflective glare. They can also darken useful vision-enhancing light. But now, independent research conducted by scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has brought forth ground-breaking technology to help protect human eyesight from the harmful effects of solar radiation light. This superior
lens technology was first discovered when NASA scientists looked to nature for a means to superior eye protection—specifically, by studying the eyes of eagles, known for their extreme visual acuity. This discovery resulted in what is now known as Eagle Eyes
The Only Sunglass Technology Certified by the Space Foundation for UV and Blue-Light Eye Protection. Eagle Eyes® features the most advanced eye protection technology ever created. The TriLenium® Lens Technology offers triple-filter polarization to block 99.9% UVA and UVB—plus the added benefit of blue-light eye protection. Eagle Eyes® is the only optic technology that has earned official recognition from the Space Certification Program for this remarkable technology. Now, that’s proven science-based protection.
The finest optics: And buy one, get one FREE! Eagle Eyes® has the highest customer satisfaction of any item in our 20 year history. We are so excited for you to try the Eagle Eyes® breakthrough technology that we will give you a second pair of Eagle Eyes® Navigator™ Sunglasses FREE––a $59.95 value!
That’s two pairs to protect your eyes with the best technology available for less than the price of one pair of traditional sunglasses. You get a pair of Navigators with stainless steel black frames and the other with stainless steel gold, plus one hard zipper case and one micro-fiber drawstring cleaning pouch are included. Keep one pair in your pocket and one in your car.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not astounded with the Eagle Eyes® technology, enjoying clearer, sharper and more glare-free vision, simply return one pair within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price. The other pair is yours to keep. No one else has such confidence in their optic technology. Don’t leave your eyes in the hands of fashion designers, entrust them to the best scientific minds on earth. Wear your Eagle Eyes® Navigators with absolute confidence, knowing your eyes are protected with technology that was born in space for the human race.
Navigator™ Black Stainless Steel Sunglasses
Space Foundation Technology Hall of Fame.
Business Spotlight
Santa Rosa County
Back40 Fitness
850-293-2884
Chumuckla, FL
ginger_jennings@icloud.com
back40fitness.my.canva.site
Instagram: @_back40fitness
Check out their website, Facebook and Instagram.
Back40 Fitness LLC is a gym committed to helping each person who walks through the door with better nutrition and proven workout methods. Whether you are a youth athlete looking to improve your game or a busy mom that just needs guidance, they got you. Their approach to food and fitness is simple and effective, and they’re here to help you become a healthier, fitter and happier individual. Whether you’re starting for the first time or have been in the game awhile, see how they can help you lead a healthier and fitter lifestyle.
Escambia County
For Heaven’s Cakes by Holly Weaver
850-207-2202
Bratt, FL
caweaver2@hotmail.com
Check them out on Facebook.
Holly Weaver had a weakness for sweets. She could always be counted on to bring dessert to any function she attended. With much encouragement from her family and friends, she established For Heaven’s Cakes while being stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. She did a word-of-mouth call out that she was making carrot cakes if anyone wanted to order one and the rest was history. Holly’s baking skills range from cakes to macarons. Her clients rave about her creations and even say they are perfection. For your next celebration, make sure to order from Holly—you won’t be disappointed.
Businesses hold small, rural communities together. Let’s keep local businesses thriving. From manufacturing and industrial to service and retail, businesses provide jobs to keep young people in the area and improve our quality of life. If your business is in Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s service territory, and you want to have it spotlighted here, submit information to Cortney Owens at cowens@erec.com.
Jennifer Blaney submitted this touching photo of the reading of “Night Before Christmas.” Jennifer’s name will be placed in a drawing to win a $100 bill credit on her December 2024 electric bill. March’s photo theme is “Plants and Flowers.” Log in to Facebook and vote March 1-20 on Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s page.
Photo Contest Winner
Let’s Color!
Cooperatives use the same set of seven principles to guide their work. One of the principles is members’ economic participation. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, setting up reserves, benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Declare your independence from mobility challenges
Thanks to the Journey Adventure, there’s a practical, safe and affordable way for millions of Americans to stay on the move
Age has its privileges, but getting around easily isn’t necessarily one of them. For years, I’ve had a variety of health issues that have made it hard for me to get around the house, much less go out to my book groups or the mall. I thought I’d have to give up doing some of the things I loved, until a friend told me about the Journey Adventure.
For years, Journey has been a trusted name in mobility. The leaders of this innovative company tasked their engineers with a challenge: create a scooter that is safe, portable and easy-to-use.
What makes it better?
• Heaviest section (33lbs) assembles and disassembles in seconds
• Variable speed settings
• Headlight, basket and horn are all included
• Nothing is as easy and simple as the Adventure
Heaviest part is only 33 lbs!
The result is the Adventure. It provides maximum comfort, with plenty of leg room and a design that enables proper posture, and 4-wheel configuration provides stability on a variety of surfaces. The exclusive “take apart” style provides tool free assembly and disassembly in secondswith the heaviest piece weighing just 33 pounds. No need for a trailer or lift on your car, this amazing scooter can go right in the trunk or backseat.
• Goes 15 miles on a single charge
• Comfortable, full swivel, height-adjustable seat
• Width adjustable and retractable padded armrests
• Handy removable basket with handle
• Rear reflectors and antitippers
• Adjustable width arms to allow all who weigh under 300 lbs to be comfortable
• Safe for travel on Airpalnes and Cruise Ships
Call now and find out just how comfortable, safe and affordable it can be. Knowledgeable product experts are standing by to talk with you and answer any questions.
CLEARING the Path to Reliability
Provided by EREC
Trees are majestic, beautiful and good for the soul. However, tree limbs can interfere with the reliable power our members depend on at their homes and businesses. That’s why Escambia River Electric Cooperative strives to balance maintaining beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity.
You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.
Reliability
Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles.
While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why EREC crews or contractors go out in the community and trim trees near power lines.
Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based
ABOVE: Regular tree trimming is an important step in maintaining reliable power and safety. PHOTO COURTESY OF EREC
on the latest industry standards.
In fact, all United States electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather.
We all know preventative maintenance is more cost-effective than repairs after the fact.
Drone inspections of power lines and vegetation allow us to reduce labor and equipment costs while bolstering reliability. With small drones, we can accurately monitor the health and growth of trees and identify potential problems.
Safety
Working near power lines is dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc or jump from a power line to a nearby conductor, such as a tree.
Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power.
Affordability
ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC
As a co-op, EREC always strives to keep costs down for its members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.
When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways members can help. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees—40 feet or shorter—should be planted at least 25 feet from power lines. Taller trees—more than 40 feet—should be planted at least 50 feet from power lines.
You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 feet from the transformer door and 4 feet from the sides.
If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.
Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, let EREC know by calling 850-675-4521.
EREC has deep roots in the community and loves the beautiful surroundings. Taking a balanced approach, its vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.
We’ve Found the Most Beautiful Endangered Species
To art nouveau jewelers at the turn of the last century, nothing was more beautiful than the dragonfly. In the dragonfly’s long body and outstretched wings, jewelers found the perfect setting for valuable stones. These jewelers’ dragonfly designs have become timeless statements of style; a dragonfly pendant designed by French jeweler René Lalique recently sold at auction for $226,000. Inspired by his stunning artistry, we’ve crafted our Dragonfly Nouvelle Collection, an elegant jewelry set for JUST $29!
True artisanship in Austrian crystal and yellow gold. This necklace and earring set features gorgeous multicolored enamel paired with Austrian crystals and a yellow gold finish. Ask any jeweler and they’ll tell you it takes true artisanship to properly blend the blues and purples found in this enamel. While art nouveau dragonflies are hard to come by, we’re helping to repopulate their numbers with this artfully stylized depiction of some of nature’s smallest wonders!
Theirs sold at auction for $226,000. Ours is JUST $29! Curious? Read on! A nearly $400 value for JUST $29!
Buy pendant, get earrings FREE!
Buy the pendant, get the earrings FREE. If Stauer were a normal company, we’d sell the necklace and earrings for $199 each, but because we engage the world’s best artisans and cut out the middlemen to sell directly to you, we’re offering the necklace for JUST $29! Even better: If you buy within the next few days, we’ll throw in the earrings for FREE! That’s a nearly $400 value for JUST $29!
Act fast! The first time we ran this jewelry in our catalog, it sold out in a matter of days. Get this collection now before this offer goes extinct!
Jewelry Specifications:
• Enamel with Austrian crystal. Yellow gold finish
• Pendant: 1 1/2" W x 1 1/4" H.
Chain: 18" + 2", lobster clasp. Earrings: 1 1/4" L, french wire
Dragonfly Nouvelle Collection
A. Necklace $199 $29* + S&P Save $170
B. Earrings $199 FREE with purchase of Dragonfly Nouvelle Necklace
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative Inc.
www.erec.com
Jay Office Walnut Hill Office
3425 Highway 4 4950 Highway 99A
P.O. Box 428 (mail) Walnut Hill, FL 32568 Jay, FL 32565
PHOne numbers
850-675-4521 800-235-3848
Walnut Hill Post Office: 850-327-4122
Office HOurs
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday staff
Ryan C. Campbell, P.E., CEO
Sonya Dooley, Director of Finance and Administration
Lanie Sells, Director of Engineering
Glenn White, Director of Operations
Cortney Owens, Manager of Communications
Derek Bridwell, Manager of Information Technology
Crystal George, Manager of Accounting
trustees
Escambia County
James E. Hall
Ernie Hester
J.D. Powell
Sam Walker, Vice President
Gary Wiggins
Santa Rosa County
Mickey Diamond
Rick Hunsucker, President
Ed Kelley
Wesley Scott
Dale Westmoreland, Secretary/Treasurer
The board of directors meets at 5 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the cooperative’s Jay office.
fOr POWer Outages
Call 877-OUT-EREC or 877-688-3732. For emergency conditions, call 911.
Important Account and Payment Information
When you call EREC with a question about your bill, please have your account number. This allows us to serve you in the most efficient manner possible. Your bill is due and payable upon receipt. Payment may be made by mail, at www.erec.com, at our night depository at the co-op office or in person at the co-op office. We ask you to allow five days for mail and delivery to ensure we receive your payment on time. Your electric service is subject to disconnection if payment is not received in the office by the collection date, even though you may have mailed the payment. Accounts not paid within 15 days from the date printed on the bill will receive reminder notices showing the account will be disconnected if not paid. Return check charge is $25 or 5% of the check, whichever is higher.