Florida Currents
ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
APRIL 2024
Exploring Boundaries, Building Connections
FECA Youth Tour unveils a world of opportunities
Page 4
Youth Tour delegates, from left, Asa Leccese, Maddie Mae Driskell, Danielle Leccese, Zachary McMillan and Turner Ashby gather at the podium on the Florida Senate floor. PHOTO BY CORTNEY OWENS
Florida Currents
April 2024 • Volume 13, No. 6
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 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave. Ste. 504 Austin, TX 78704-1714; 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200; amp.coop.
© 2024 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
Message From the President
85th Annual Meeting
Were you aware that every cooperative must host an annual gathering of its members?
This year’s meeting marks our 85th anniversary. Our annual meeting serves the dual purpose of addressing the cooperative’s business matters and providing a delightful day of family-oriented entertainment, complete with the bonus of door prizes.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting transcends its formal agenda—it’s a community affair where neighbors come together to forge new connections or rekindle old friendships. This event is crafted to attend to the essential operational aspects of the cooperative and the equally crucial task of fostering a genuine sense of community.
Rick Hunsucker
For additional content, search @FloridaCurrents on your favorite social media sites and floridacurrents.com.
Recognizing that cooperatives serve economic and social functions, our commitment extends beyond delivering secure, dependable and affordable electric power. Improving the quality of life for all members remains at the heart of our daily mission.
For those who feel uncomfortable attending in person, the option of voting via absentee ballot is available. To ensure inclusivity in the excitement of door prizes, we’ve arranged for a separate set of prizes for attendees and absentee voters alike.
Whether you’ve never experienced the annual meeting or it’s been a while since you last attended, we encourage you to invest the time in connecting with your fellow co-op members. Life rewards us based on our contributions, and EREC’s ties to you go beyond mere powerlines—we are your neighbors.
85th Annual Meeting
8 a.m. registration 10 a.m. meeting Saturday, April 27
Ernest Ward Middle School
We eagerly anticipate your presence at this year’s annual meeting.
Exploring&Boundaries Building Connections
Youth Tour unveils a world of opportunities
In an exciting journey of exploration and engagement, juniors from Northview High School, Jay High School and Faith Christian Academy recently embarked on the highly anticipated Florida Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour.
This experience took them to the heart of Tallahassee, providing an invaluable opportunity to delve into the state’s political landscape and educational institutions, and foster connections with peers.
The highlight of the tour was a visit to the state Capitol, where
students met legislative staff and gained insights into the intricate workings of the Florida government. Walking the hallowed halls and witnessing the democratic process firsthand, these juniors discovered the significance of civic engagement and the power of their voices in shaping the future.
Beyond the political realm, the students explored the campus of Florida State University and speak with Tallahassee Community College Admissions, opening their eyes to the possibilities that
Youth Tour delegates, front from left, Turner Ashby, Danielle and Asa Leccese, Maddie Mae Driskell and Zachary McMillan sit at representatives’ desks on the chamber floor during a mock debate.
Students Selected as EREC Representatives for the NRECA Youth Tour
Turner Ashby, a junior at Jay High School, excels academically and as a leader in various extracurricular activities.
Delegates take a tour of Florida State University. BELOW: Youth Tour isn’t all serious—students also spend time enjoying laser tag, arcade games and bowling.
higher education holds. The visit aimed to inspire aspirations and plant the seeds of academic curiosity.
Adding a touch of fun to the educational journey was an evening with peers from various corners of the Sunshine State. Laser tag battles, arcade games and bowling fostered a sense of camaraderie, turning the trip into a social experience that extended beyond the classroom.
The FECA Youth Tour broadened the students’ horizons and instilled a sense of pride and responsibility as they represented their schools on this adventure. As these junior leaders return to their campuses, they carry with them newfound knowledge, friendships and a deeper appreciation for the diverse opportunities that await them.
Youth Tour has undoubtedly left a mark on these students, fostering a spirit of curiosity, engagement, and connection that will resonate in their academic and personal journeys.
Turner is a talented trombonist, holds the position of vice president in the Tri-M and is an active member of the Musician Club, showcasing his commitment to the musical arts. His dedication to music not only reflects his artistic abilities but also highlights his teamwork and discipline.
Looking toward the future, Turner aspires to serve his country with pride and honor by joining the U.S. Marines, showcasing his commitment to leadership, discipline and service beyond the academic realm. Turner is a patriot with a strong sense of duty and purpose.
Maddie Mae Driskell, a junior at Northview High School, participates in many school activities, including Fellowship of Christian Atheletes, cheer, Student Government Association and cross country.
Beyond her school commitments, she is deeply engaged in community service, dedicating her time to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida, Waterfront Rescue Mission and a nursing/rehabilitation center.
Maddie Mae has a passion for deer hunting, shopping and reading, and she aspires to a career as a nurse anesthetist.
ABOVE:
PHOTOS BY CORTNEY OWENS
ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC
Whatever it Takes Powering life, from a lineworker’s perspective
By Gary “Moose” McCaskill
Lineworker is ranked as one of the 10 most dangerous jobs in the country. The lineworkers at Escambia River Electric Cooperative work rain or shine, in challenging conditions to ensure you have reliable electricity. We celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 8.
The following column was written by Gary “Moose” McCaskill, one of our many dedicated lineworkers.
My name is Gary McCaskill—many call me “Moose”—and I’m one of the many lineworkers at EREC who work every day in all weather conditions to make sure our community has the power to live their lives.
I love my job. It’s hard work, but it’s very rewarding. I hope this gives you a better look into what we face and, more importantly, why we do it.
The Danger
A lot of people know linework is dangerous because we work near highvoltage electricity. Move just the wrong way or lose focus for a split second, and it could be deadly. You have to be aware of your surroundings and the safety of the person next to you.
We often work on energized power lines, and you can’t tell they are energized by looking at them. You’re working with an element of danger that requires concentration, and there is no margin for error.
The environment compounds the pressure, because when you need power most is usually when the weather is the worst. I’m often working in storms with rain, wind, extreme heat and cold, in the dark, or on the side of the road next to fast-moving traffic. Yes, it’s dangerous, but that’s what we’re trained to do.
Many may not realize we undergo years of training before we can officially
be called a lineworker. We typically start as a groundperson, helping crews with tools and keeping job sites safe, then we transition to apprentice status, which typically spans four years. After an apprenticeship, with more than 7,000 hours of training under our belts, we transition to journeyman lineworker status—that’s when we’re considered officially trained in our field.
However, the education is ongoing. Lineworkers continuously receive training to stay mindful of safety requirements and up to date on the latest equipment and procedures.
The Physical Demand
The daily expectations of a lineworker are physically demanding, but you won’t hear any of us complain. I know what I signed up for: loading heavy materials, climbing poles, and climbing in and out of buckets. A lot of times, we go places the trucks can’t, so I might be hiking through the woods loaded down with 40 pounds of personal protective equipment.
But that’s the job. Most of us are just glad to be outside.
The Sacrifices
There are sacrifices to being a lineworker. I’m often first on the scene of an emergency, seeing devastating things such as car accidents, structure fires and severe storm damage. I don’t know what type of situation I’m going to face or when I’m going to face it.
We get calls at all hours. I’ve missed a lot of school activities and family dinners, but my family is supportive, and it pays off in the end.
We make sure there is nothing standing in the way of helping our friends and neighbors get back to normal life.
It’s Worth It
One thing that makes this job worthwhile is the camaraderie.
My co-op is my second family, and the line crews are a brotherhood. In this work, you have to depend on the person beside you in life-or-death circumstances. It’s a culture of trust, teamwork and service. It’s all about keeping the teammate beside you safe and the lights on for everybody else.
I have a lot of pride in my work. Even when it’s cold and wet, I know I’m working to keep people warm. There’s a lot of satisfaction in hearing someone yell “thank you” from the window after the lights come back on or seeing people flipping the light switches on their porches after an outage is restored. No matter how tired I am or how long I’ve been working, that feeling always makes it worth it.
EREC and its employees are members of this community. We live in the same neighborhoods, we shop at the same stores, and our children and grandchildren go to the same schools. If your lights are off, there is a good chance ours are off, too. You can trust we are doing our best to get the lights back on as quickly and safely as possible so you can get back to normal life.
Two Ways to Vote
in 2024 Trustee Elections
Absentee Ballot
April 1-26
If you are uncomfortable with crowds or will be out of town on the day of the Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting, then voting by absentee ballot is the right option for you.
For members who prefer to vote by absentee ballot, ballots can be requested two ways:
• Call Member Services from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 850-675-4521 or 800-235-3848 to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you.
• Stop by EREC’s Jay or Walnut Hill offices during regular business hours to fill out a ballot.
If you would like to designate someone to pick up your absentee ballot, you must call an EREC office and provide the name of the individual you authorize to pick up your ballot. You will be asked for the last four digits of your Social Security Number when seeking an absentee ballot.
Please note: Member designees for ballot pickup must provide photo identification before being given a ballot.
Returning Your Absentee Ballot
Ballots much be returned to EREC by 11:59 p.m. April 26.
The co-op’s night drop box is available.
Every member voting by absentee ballot receives a registration gift bucket when their ballot is submitted in person to an EREC office. Members returning their absentee ballot by mail may pick up their registration gift bucket after the co-op receives their ballot.
Members voting by absentee ballot are entered into a separate prize drawing. Winners are notified the week after the annual meeting and may claim their prize at an EREC office.
In-Person Voting Annual Meeting
8-10 a.m. April 27
Registration and voting begins at 8 a.m. The business meeting starts promptly at 10 a.m.
Trustee results are announced at the end of the meeting once tabulating is complete.
The meeting is at Ernest Ward Middle School, 7650 FL-97, Walnut Hill.
The 2023 financial reports and business meeting minutes from last year’s annual meeting are posted at the annual meeting and on the EREC website.
Door Prizes
There are two door prize drawings: absentee and in-person voting. All registered voters are entered in the appropriate drawings.
In-person: The grand prize for in-person voting is a $500 bill credit. There are lots of great door prizes to win alongside the grand prize of a $500 bill credit for in-person voting. Winners are announced toward the end of the business meeting on April 27. Members must be present to win.
Absentee: Winners are announced the week following the annual meeting. Winners are called and have their names posted on the EREC website.
Check availability at ConexonConnect.com, call 1-844-542-6663, or scan our QR code.
Throw Yourself a Bone
Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!
The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature.
If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.
The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.
The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.
This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.
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Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
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BONUS!
Floridians prepare for solar eclipse
eyes from damage.
Magic Overhead
By Pamela A. Keene
If you missed the North American solar eclipse in 2017, another chance to witness this astronomical wonder is just around the corner. On the afternoon of Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cut a swath of twilight across the United States from South Texas northeast to Maine.
“If Floridians want to view the eclipse in totality, the nearest state is Texas, but don’t let that discourage you,” says Hannah Sparkes, planetarium assistant at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton. “Parts of Florida will experience as much as 40% to 60% occlusion—the shadow of the moon blocking this percentage of the sun. Even in South Florida, they will be able to see the effects with the proper safety measures.”
Safety First
Safety when viewing an eclipse is crucial, and there are several ways to protect your
“You must protect your vision if you plan on looking directly at the sun during an eclipse,” Hannah says. “Just a few seconds of its intense light—even when the sun is partially obscured—can result in serious damage to your retina.”
If you don’t have specially designed solar viewing glasses, you can make an eclipse viewer using a piece of paper with a small pinhole to project the changing shape of the sun as the moon passes in front of it.
“Actually, this works with anything that has small holes in it, like a colander, an
index card with a hole punched through it or even loosely overlapped fingers,” says Jose Cotayo, education specialist at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. “Stand with your back facing away from the sun and remember you’re using the hole to project the image onto another surface, not as something to look through.”
Through solar viewing glasses, the eclipse will look like someone has taken a bite out of the sun as the moon’s shadow passes over it. The projected images, whether from a pinhole projector or other device, will be crescent-shaped.
There are two types of solar eclipses. A total eclipse results when the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun. An annular eclipse occurs when the moon’s shadow obscures all but the sun’s outer edge, making it look like a bright ring in the sky for a few moments.
“This upcoming solar eclipse is important for several reasons,” Jose says. “First, it is the second total solar eclipse to cross North America in the past seven years. Second, it will be seen by tens of millions of people. Third, for us in the contiguous United States, it will be the last total solar eclipse to cross our continent until August 12, 2045.”
The width of the path of totality of this year’s total eclipse will be wider than in
Protect your vision while viewing a solar eclipse by using specially made glasses or a pinhole projector. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY JBROWN
Overhead
2017 because the moon is closer to Earth this time. It will take longer for the moon’s shadow to pass in front of the sun, and totality will last a bit longer.
The path of totality will cover three countries, starting in Mexico, traveling across Texas and continuing northeast through nearly a dozen states plus parts of several Canadian provinces.
In the weeks leading up to the April 8 event, Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has offered live planetarium shows
about the eclipse and updates to its social media at @BishopScienceFL.
Catch the Eclipse
The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa will celebrate the eclipse with the following events April 8:
• Sun-safe telescopes. Experts will be available from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
• Livestreams from various locations across the country.
• Hands-on activities in the Ritual Observatory.
• Eclipse glasses will be on sale for $5, or you can bring your own.
• The event is included with museum admission.
For more information, visit Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton at bishopscience.org and Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa at www.mosi.org. For general information, maps and specific eclipse information, visit greatamericaneclipse.com. To find the times for a specific city, go to eclipse2024.org/eclipse_cities.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATION
BY ANDRAMIN
Bok Tower
Visit this historical, musical and botanical treasure
By Pamela A. Keene
Sixty bronze carillon bells collectively weighing more than 63 tons make beautiful music at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Emanating from the 205-foot pink-and-gray marble bell tower at the gardens, twice-daily concerts feature classical compositions from the 17th through 21st centuries, as well as jazz, pop, country and other music genres.
“Bok Tower Gardens is a serene place of beauty, culture and history, but it is so much more than that,” says Erica Smith, director of marketing and public relations at Bok Tower Gardens. “From our acres of colorful gardens and our carillon tower to El Retiro retreat and Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, visitors are finding more reasons than ever to visit.”
A Place of Their Own
Several years ago, an area was set aside specifically for children. Fairy doors, whimsical musical instruments, winding paths, edible gardens and interactive activities pique the interest of youngsters yearning to explore nature hands-on.
“Hammock Hollow’s 3 acres include touch-and-feel activities, so children can experience the different textures of plants, and they can taste the plants in the edible section,” Erica says. “We also host programming—from planting to arts and crafts projects related to gardening—to help them learn where their food comes from.”
The River Walk section’s interactive water fountain area, where children can climb and play, mimics Florida’s geology. The Fairy House Trail opens a new world of fantasy, and the Frog Hop promotes being active. Sabal Stage encourages role-playing.
Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark, consists of 250 acres of gardens with multiple trails.
“In addition to giving children a place of their own, Hammock Hollow teaches them about nature and conservation,” Erica says. “The premise is discoverybased learning and an appreciation for natural beauty.”
A larger-than-life bird’s nest, complete with artistcreated sand jay eggs, welcomes children to enter. Near the Visitors Center, Hammock Hollow features an outdoor kitchen and a discovery center.
Revisit a 1930s-era Florida Estate
Known in the 1930s as El Retiro, the former winter home of Bethlehem Steel executive S. Austin Buck, is open for self-guided tours.
The gardens acquired the 20-room, 12,900-squarefoot retreat in the 1970s and restored the house and grounds, then known as Pinewood Estate. The name was changed back to El Retiro, the Spanish word for retreat.
“El Retiro is an excellent example of Mediterraneanstyle architecture with thick walls, a barrel-tile roof, carved doors, extensive woodwork and detailed wrought iron,” Erica says. “It’s a perfect complement to Bok Tower Gardens.”
Many of the furnishings in the home are original.
“A visit to El Retiro is truly a step back in time,” she says.
An Immigrant’s Gratitude
Nearly 100 years ago, Edward W. Bok conceived of a garden sanctuary to leave a legacy of thanks to his adopted country, the United States. He was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, humanitarian and publisher of Ladies’ Home Journal after emigrating from the Netherlands at age 6.
Edward and his wife, Mary Louise Curtis, lived most of the year in Philadelphia, but the couple wintered in Central Florida’s Mountain Lake, about 10 miles from the site of today’s Bok Tower Gardens. In 1921, Edward climbed the tallest hill near his winter home, bought the land and commissioned famed New York City landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to create a wildlife sanctuary and garden. Work began in 1924.
“Olmsted designed the gardens to be both a retreat and an informal woodland setting with beautiful vistas, peaceful resting places and a constantly changing work of art by planting acres of ferns, palms, pines and oaks,” Erica says. “Against that lush backdrop, he brought in azaleas, camellias and magnolias for seasonal color.”
During the next several years, Edward enlisted other well-known architects, artisans and craftspeople to help refine his vision.
Sixty-three tons of bronze carillon bells are atop Bok Tower. PHOTOS COURTESY OF POLK COUNTY TOURISM AND SPORTS MARKETING
Perhaps the most important element of the gardens, the carillon tower, was added late in the process, with construction beginning in 1927 and completed in late 1928.
Philadelphia architect Milton B. Medary was commissioned to design the tower. His firm had designed the Justice Department building in Washington, D.C., and the Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge.
“Bok’s project gave Medary the opportunity to blend Gothic architecture with elements that represented nature, including coquina stone from St. Augustine, pink-and-gray marble from Tate, Georgia, sculptures and a brass door designed by metalworker Samuel Yellin,” Erica says. “The tower became an incredible work of art created by some of the best craftspeople of the day.”
The tile grills covering the openings of the bell chamber were
ABOVE: Concerts under the stars also bring in crowds.
conceived by the founder of Enfield Pottery and Tileworks, J.H. Dulles Allen. He designed open panels showing native birds, animals, trees, turtles and human figures in shades of turquoise, cobalt and neutral colors.
Since the gardens opened, four carillonneurs have brought the Bok Tower carillon to life. Edward selected the first, and longest-serving musician, Belgium-born Anton Brees, to be the bell master beginning in 1929—first performing at the dedication on February 1, 1929. Anton served as carillonneur until his death in 1967.
“Brees performed around the globe and helped bring attention to Bok Tower Gardens and our fine carillon,” Erica says. “It has an excellent reputation around the world.”
In 2012, another Belgium-born carillonneur, Geert D’hollander, was chosen to carry on the tradition.
The Crown Jewel
LEFT: The Bok Tower Gardens is a beautiful destination rich with a diverse range of plants.
A Musical Heritage
The Bok carillon was the first in Florida. It’s also the tallest. Two others exist: the 61-bell, 157-foot-tall Century Tower at the University of Florida in Gainesville and the 97-bell, 200-foot Stephen Foster Memorial Carillon at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs.
“As the centerpiece of our 250-acre gardens, the carillon and its music contribute to our beauty, culture and heritage,” Erica says. “It’s hard to describe. For people visiting the first time, the sounds of the carillon and the beautiful surroundings are almost ethereal. Unless you’ve traveled overseas, you’re not very familiar with the carillon.”
She is quick to point out that a carillon is a musical instrument invented in the 16th century in what is now Belgium.
“Many people mistakenly believe that it’s a bell tower with chimes or that they can ascend its 205 feet for distant views of central Florida, but it is a fine musical instrument,” Erica says. “In fact, carillons are the largest musical instruments in the world.”
Carillons are played on a keyboard and with foot pedals. Twice daily, the carillon bells ring out in 30-minute concerts,
Making Joyful Sounds
The first time carillonneur Geert D’hollander played the Bok Tower carillon was in 1980. He and his father, also a carillonneur, traveled from their native Belgium to Lake Wales to experience the renowned instrument. Geert was 17 years old at the time.
“As a child, I often accompanied my father, Joseph, to work as he played the carillons of historic European bell towers,” he says.
“When I turned 13, I decided I wanted to learn to play the carillon, so I enrolled in the Royal Carillon School in Mechlin, Belgium, where my father taught. I graduated at age 17, and my father flew me to Florida and Bok Tower that same year. He said he wanted me to experience the world’s most beautiful carillon.”
During that trip in the 1980s, both father and son performed on the world-famous 60-bell carillon before heading home.
Twenty-two years later, Geert returned to Winter Park, this time as Bok’s fourth carillonneur. He readily admits he’s glad that Bok Tower has an elevator.
“After 25 years of climbing steps in European bell towers, I was definitely ready for an elevator,” he says. “Playing the carillon—we play with our fists instead of our fingers—is very physical, but sometimes climbing the steps is harder than playing.”
performed from inside the bell tower. The bells also play on the hour and the half-hour.
Bok Tower Gardens Today
Edward’s vision of honoring his adopted country with a native garden, wildlife refuge and musical showplace has brought more than 23 million visitors from around the world to Central Florida.
It is in Lake Wales, on one of the highest points on the Florida peninsula, and features more than 200 acres of gardens and hiking trails. Combined with the height of the hill on which it sits, the top of the tower is 295 feet above sea level. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated site on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Throughout the year, workshops include birdhouse-making, painting, edible landscaping and specialized guided botanical and garden tours.
Daily carillon concerts—typically featuring classical music—are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. n
For more information, visit boktowergardens.org or call 863-676-1408.
Eggstraordinary EATS
Poached Egg Tostadas With Avocado-Tomatillo Salsa
Nonstick cooking spray
4 6-inch corn tortillas
4 cups water
Salsa
1 medium avocado, diced
1 medium Anaheim or poblano pepper, seeds and ribs discarded, diced
1 medium tomatillo, papery husk discarded, washed and diced
½ medium tomato, diced
1 tablespoon white vinegar
4 large eggs
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
Heat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange tortillas in a single layer on foil. Lightly spray tortillas with nonstick cooking spray. Using a fork, pierce tortillas to prevent them from filling with air. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to serving plates.
In a large skillet over high heat, bring water and vinegar to a boil.
Once water is boiling, reduce heat and simmer. Break egg into a cup, then carefully slip egg into simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs, avoiding eggs touching in water. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until egg whites are completely set and yolks are beginning to set but aren’t hard. Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs to a plate.
To make the salsa: In a medium bowl, gently stir together avocado, pepper, tomatillo, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and salt. Spoon onto the tostadas, then top each tostada with an egg. Recipe and photo source: American Heart Association
Herbed Spanish Omelet
1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced or shredded
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup diced red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large whole eggs, lightly beaten
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley sprigs, for garnish
Place potatoes in a large pan. Cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover. Let stand for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain well.
Heat oil in a deep, 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Combine whole eggs and egg whites. Stir in parsley, basil and chives. Season with salt, to taste. Pour mixture over potatoes in the hot skillet. Reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the bottom of the omelet is golden.
If desired, brown the top under a broiler. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs.
Source: culinary.net
Breakfast Burrito
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 small red onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
4 eggs
4 egg whites
½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Nonstick cooking spray
4 flour tortillas
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup salsa
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
1 avocado, sliced
Hot sauce
In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add red onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 8 minutes. Add black beans and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to dish. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites. Stir in cheese until combined. Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add egg mixture and scramble for 3 minutes or until cooked through.
Spread sour cream over the tortilla. Spread salsa over sour cream. Spoon ¼ bean mixture over salsa. Spoon ¼ scrambled eggs over the bean mixture. Top with diced tomatoes and avocado. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired. Roll up burrito. Repeat three times with the remaining ingredients.
Source: culinary.net
Poblano Frittata
4 large eggs
¼ cup fat-free milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium poblano peppers, seeds and ribs discarded, chopped
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
2 medium green onions, chopped
¼ cup finely shredded cotija cheese or crumbled queso fresco
1 medium tomato, chopped
¼ cup fat-free sour cream
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk and cilantro. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom of the skillet. Cook poblano peppers for 3 minutes or until browning on edges, stirring frequently. Stir in corn and green onion. Reduce heat to mediumlow. Carefully pour in egg mixture. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the mixture is just set on the edges and still soft in the center. Avoid overcooking. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese. Cut into eight wedges. Top with tomatoes and sour cream.
Source: American Heart Association
Sweet Potato Hash With Eggs
2 teaspoons canola oil
½ medium onion, chopped
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
½ medium red or green bell pepper, chopped
2⁄3 cup fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
½ teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
Hot pepper sauce
Heat oil in an electric pressure cooker set on saute. Cook onion for 3 minutes or until soft, stirring frequently. Turn off the pressure cooker.
Stir in potatoes, bell pepper, broth, garlic, paprika, cumin, thyme, pepper and salt. Secure lid. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Quickly release pressure. Turn off the pressure cooker.
Remove the pressure cooker lid. Crack one egg into a small bowl. Using the back of a spoon, make a small well in potatoes. Slip the egg into the well. Repeat with the remaining eggs, making separate wells for each egg. Secure the lid with the pressure vent open. Saute for 2 minutes. Let stand on the keep-warm setting for 2 minutes or until eggs are cooked to desired consistency.
Serve hash sprinkled with a dash of hot pepper sauce.
Source: American Heart Association
Our Invisible Heroes
By Dave LaBelle
They scrub and vacuum our floors, clean our desks and windows and toilets. But we don’t really see them, even when we watch them working.
These are the invisible heros.
I recently learned that 87-year-old Shirley Vorwald was still washing dishes and cleaning at a nearby elementary school, as she had also done
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 and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
the past 48 years.
When I asked about Shirley from those who knew her well, all agreed she was a tireless worker and charitable giver. But they warned she would never let me do a story on her because “she is an introvert and is not likely to talk with you.”
They were wrong, at least about talking to me.
Shirley was cordial and talkative, and even invited me into her small home, showing me every detail—living room, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, even the smaller-than-standard oven in which she bakes hundreds of pies each year. Besides holding down at least two jobs most of her life, she loves to bake pies for people.
In fact, some only know her as the pie lady.
Never married, she says with no bitterness, “My dad didn’t believe in marriage. He didn’t want to lose his help on the farm.”
Shirley is the last of nine children. Her brother, Jerry, died recently at age 92. The day before Christmas, she baked him a birthday cake he never got to eat.
“He was in bed. He could see it but he couldn’t eat it,” she shares.
She is content. Working has been and is her life since growing up on a farm. At a time in life when most count the days to retirement, Shirley just wants to keep working. n
NIKON D800, 50mm lens ISO 2000, f/9 at 1/60
ABOVE: NIKON D800, 31mm lens ISO 2000, f/3.5 at 1/250
Reader Challenge
Find an unseen hero in your community and shine a light on them. Explain to them that you see and appreciate them for what they do. You might have to persuade them since these invisible people can be shy. Honest, caring persistence can crumble those walls of distrust. Ask if you can interview them and do a portrait or even a short story about them. It is often easier to get shy people to talk than agree to be photographed, so talk first before asking about pictures.
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.
LEFT:
Shirley Vorwald is dedicated to her work at a local elementary school, even after 48 years of cleaning. PHOTOS BY DAVE LABELLE
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“I
One
wild turkey subspecies only lives in Florida
For many hunters, spring means turkey season. Some hunters strive to achieve a turkey grand slam by bagging at least one of the four wild turkey subspecies living in the United States: eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s and Osceola.
To achieve a grand slam, hunters must visit Florida. Two subspecies live in the Sunshine State: eastern and Osceola. The Osceola turkey is named after the Seminole war chief.
Eastern wild turkeys are found anywhere from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico and from New England to Eastern Texas, including all of the Florida Panhandle. However, Osceola turkeys only live in the Florida Peninsula and nowhere else in the world.
“Any wild turkey harvested within or south of the counties of Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist and Union would be an Osceola subspecies,” says Juliana Ofalt, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wild Turkey and Furbearer Management Program coordinator. “North of the peninsula and across the panhandle, Osceola wild turkeys interbreed with the eastern subspecies.”
Both subspecies look similar, with only subtle differences in appearance. Generally, location determines an eastern from an Osceola.
“An Osceola wild turkey is best distinguished from the eastern subspecies, which it closely resembles, by the white barring on its wing feathers,” Juliana says. “On Osceola wild turkeys, the white bars on the primary wing feathers are narrower than the black bars and are irregular or broken, which tends to give the wing an overall darker appearance compared to eastern wild turkeys. Osceola wild turkeys tend to be smaller-bodied than most eastern wild turkeys,
Majestic Birds
Eastern, left, and Osceola turkeys, above, call
and are often found to have longer legs and spurs.”
Both subspecies love forests. They can live in swamps, hardwood bottomlands or pine forests, and they like edges, fields and openings. Wild turkeys regularly roost in oak, cypress or other trees along waterways to keep safe from predators, such as bobcats. In southern Florida, turkeys may encounter Florida panthers.
During the 2023 spring turkey season, hunters bagged 11,382 birds of both subspecies. People hunt thousands of acres on public lands throughout Florida, but for Osceolas they stay south.
“The top 10 wildlife management areas in the Osceola range with the highest number of reported harvested birds during the 2023 spring turkey season included Three Lakes, Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Area and Richloam,” Juliana says. “The top 10 WMAs with the least number of hunter days per turkey harvested during the 2023 spring season included Guana River, Spirit of the Wild and Okaloacoochee Slough.”
The FWC, in cooperation with the Northwest Florida Water Management District, offers hunting opportunities at a new Water Management Area, Garcon Point, which will include spring turkey opportunities during the 2024 season.
Regulations might differ from private lands and public lands. Therefore, before hunting anywhere, check the regulations for that area.
For turkey hunting zones, season dates and other regulations, visit myfwc.com/hunting/season-dates.
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.
the Sunshine State their home. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
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.
SEBRING
March 31
Easter Bunny Boat Parade
Join the boat parade or cheer from the shoreline of Lake Josephine. Line up at 4 p.m. at the opening of Josephine Creek. This event has been spreading joy and celebrating Easter for more than 20 years. www.twstages.com; 863-991-5545
KEY WEST
April 2
Dinosaur World, Live!
PENSACOLA
April 6
Tour de Fort: Fort Pickens
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. Discover a prehistoric world of remarkably lifelike dinosaurs. A special meet-and-greet after the show offers all brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.
www.twstages.com; 305-295-7676
FORT LAUDERDALE
April 19-21
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing
Ladies, join in on the fun with this offshore fishing event. The weekend kicks off with a meetand-greet on Friday, followed by a full-day offshore seminar with hands-on practice on Saturday and optional fishing from charter boats on Sunday. Participants must register in advance online. www.ladiesletsgofishing.com; 954-475-9068
Join the Florida Public Archaeology Network and the National Park Service as we pedal, hike and climb our way through the archaeology of Gulf Islands National Seashore in celebration of Florida Archaeology Month. In addition to providing habitat for wildlife, the park protects some of Pensacola’s most important archaeological sites—on land and under water. Participants meet at the Fort Pickens Visitor Center auditorium at 10 a.m. www.visitpensacola.com; 850-934-2600
SEBRING
April 6
Annual Soda Festival
Soda lovers unite at this festival, where the world of bubbles comes alive. In addition to more than 200 craft sodas to sample, attendees can enjoy a day filled with food trucks, live music and family fun in downtown Sebring. www.sebringsodafest.com; 863-385-8448
PHOTO COURTESY OF LADIES, LET’S GO FISHING
PENSACOLA
April 6
41st Annual Pensacola Jazzfest
This free festival spans two days at Seville Square and is presented by Jazz Pensacola. The festival includes school bands, regional acts and national headliners. Food, arts and crafts, and jazz merchandise are available. www.pensacolajazzfest.com; 850-433-8382
JAY
April 6
Coon Hill Day 5K and Half Mile
The Coon Hill Cemetery trustees host this annual 5K and half-mile race to benefit the restoration and preservation of this historical landmark. The race course consists of an out-and-back course on dirt roads. T-shirts, drinks, fruit and cookies are provided. Entry fee is $20 during pre-registration and $25 on race day. www.active.com; 850-217-2603
ISLAMORADA
April 18
MoradaWay Art Walk
Join us 6 to 9 p.m. for our monthly art walk and the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District’s landmark event. Keys-inspired fine artists, vendors, residents and visitors congregate on Morada Way to celebrate art and culture. This event includes gallery openings, local artists, live music and food. www.moradaway.org; 305-664-2471
ISLAMORADA
April 20
Swim Across America
The third annual Florida Keys open water charity swim is 9 a.m. to noon at Founders Park. There is a kid splash and half-mile, 1-mile and 2-mile swims. All proceeds stay local, supporting Miami Cancer Institute. swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys; 980-292-0179
KEY WEST
April 20
Stock Island Earth Day Cleanup
Joins us 8 a.m. to noon in Bernstein Park for a community cleanup in honor of Earth Day. Cleanup is all morning, so feel free to stop by when you can. Participants are provided with vests, pokers and buckets. coastalove.org/stockisland
PENSACOLA
April 21
Earth Day Pensacola
Save the date for this festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bayview Park. The event showcases sustainable living through a fun day of environmental education, art, live music, local food, green products and hands-on activities. earthdaypensacola.com; 850-687-9968
JAY
April 26-27
Jay Pro Rodeo
In its 22nd year of giving back to the community, the rodeo’s proceeds benefit the Santa Rosa Kids House, Ronald McDonald House, My Father’s Arrows, high school sporting events and other areas of the community. The event starts at 8 p.m. at the Ted May Arena. Tickets are $10 for those 12 and older, $5 for 4- to 11-year-olds, and free for those 3 and younger. www.facebook.com/SandySansingJayPro
ISLAMORADA
April 27
Pops in the Park
The Florida Keys Community Concert Band invites you to attend this free band concert at ICE Amphitheater in Founders Park. April’s event is Sci-Fi Serenade. Pack a picnic basket and blanket or chairs, and load up the family and furry friends for this night of music. keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-294-1123
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 JAY PRO RODEO
Landscaping Mistakes 10
It’s easy to find ideas when designing your landscape, but it’s also important to be aware of what not to do.
Below is a list of the top 10 landscaping mistakes seen throughout the state. Don’t worry if you’ve made any of these mistakes; you have the tools to fix them.
Putting the Wrong Plant in the Wrong Place
If only landscaping was as easy as putting a plant where it looks nice. Instead, the light, moisture and soil conditions of the planting location need to match the plant’s needs.
For example, hydrangeas enjoy shade and soil that is rich and well drained. If the desired planting location is full sun, high in clay and tends to stay wet, your hydrangea will quickly deteriorate.
Failing to Prepare the Site Before Planting
This is especially problematic when installing landscaping at a newly constructed site.
Construction soil around the foundation of newly built houses may contain concrete, paint, adhesives and grout. This type of soil needs to be prepared or amended before planting.
The site also needs to be graded for proper drainage. Grade the slope away from the house and direct the water into swales or redirect water with in-ground drain pipes.
Planting Without Considering the Plant’s Mature Size
This mistake goes hand in hand with “wrong plant, wrong place.”
The plant you pick from the nursery may be the right size at the time, but it likely won’t stay that way. Make sure you research the max height and width for each plant you are considering and allow space for it to grow.
We often see plants that have been excessively pruned to keep a certain shape or size. Not only does this make maintenance more difficult, but this practice can also be detrimental to plant health.
Unknowingly Planting Invasives
Unfortunately, not all nurseries are responsible about keeping invasive plants off their shelves. You can check the invasive status for each plant you find by looking it up in “UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas.” You can also shop at native nurseries to avoid this issue entirely.
Lack of Theme
A successful landscape design has a consistent theme. Without unification, the landscape can look messy and disorganized. Your theme can be as simple as choosing to follow a general shape or form, or as complex as building a Mediterranean garden.
The Ask IFAS publication “Landscape Design: Finding Inspiration for a Design Theme” has more information.
Forgetting Resource Efficiency
A higher water bill can dampen the excitement of a newly installed landscape. Choosing drought-tolerant plants can lower the amount of water required.
Other inputs should be considered as well. Does this plant likely require fertilization or pest protection? Selecting low-maintenance plants that require few to no inputs lessens the amount of time you spend working in the garden and cut costs.
Choosing the Wrong Groundcover
Turfgrass is thought of as the default groundcover, but it isn’t ideal for every situation. For instance, it is not recommended for shady spots, on steep slopes or in small areas that are difficult to maintain. Use an alternate groundcover in these situations.
Planting Too Close to Your Foundation
It can be tempting to plant right up to the foundation of your house, but this is not the best practice.
This doesn’t allow enough room for the plant to grow, which leads to the mistake of excessive pruning. It also makes maintaining your home more difficult. Pest problems are also exacerbated because of reduced airflow. Plant shrubs beyond the roof drip line.
Not Designing With Maintenance in Mind
Aesthetically pleasing doesn’t always equate to low maintenance. For example, trendy curved pathways give a playful feel to the landscape, but they are difficult to mow around.
You should be creative with your landscape design, but don’t forget about maintenance.
Replacing Groundcovers With Rock or Artificial Turf
For those who want a low-maintenance landscape, replacing groundcovers with rock or artificial turf seems like a great idea. However, these replacements don’t support wildlife and significantly increase heat in your yard.
Many HOA landscape codes also don’t allow gravel or artificial turf. Instead, choose groundcovers that don’t require much maintenance. Many groundcovers also support pollinators and improve the soil, unlike rock or artificial turf.
Natasha Atlas graduated from the University of Florida’s Agricultural Education and Communication Program in 2021. She loves writing about unique and new varieties of flowers and plants for the Neighborhood Gardener Newsletter and its 10,000 subscribers. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys tending her own garden on her balcony.
Business Spotlight
Santa Rosa County
Cotton Country Cafe
850-450-3013
9389 Chumuckla Hwy. Jay, FL
Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
Check them out on Facebook.
Cotton Country Cafe is a haven for those seeking a flavorful and energizing experience. This charming cafe offers a diverse menu that caters to a variety of tastes and features energy teas, protein shakes and coffees to kickstart your day. Dive into a world of delectable daily menu specials and gourmet muffins that tantalize the taste buds. The cafe’s food and inviting atmosphere, coupled with friendly service, makes this an ideal spot to savor treats while catching up with friends or enjoying a moment of solitude.
Escambia County
Cotton Blossom Creations
Byrneville, FL
cottonblossomcreations6@yahoo.com
Check them out on Facebook.
Cotton Blossom Creations is a small business specializing in custom designs on apparel such as T-shirts and hoodies. With a passion for creativity and individuality, the company brings a personal touch to fashion by offering exclusive designs that stand out. Whether you’re looking for trendy, quirky or personalized styles, Cotton Blossom Creations transforms ordinary clothing into wearable art, helping you make a bold statement and express your personality through fashion.
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.
Photo Contest Winner
Renita Enfinger captured a heartwarming moment in “Conversation Between Best Friends.” The image radiates joy and companionship, showcasing the pure and unspoken bond between a child and her beloved donkey friend. Renita’s name is in a drawing to win a $100 bill credit on her December 2024 electric bill.
April’s photo theme is “Nightscapes.” Vote April 1-20 on Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s Facebook page.
Visit www.erec.com
Let’s Color!
Cooperatives use the same set of seven principles to guide their work. One of the principles is autonomy and independence. Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations—including governments—or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.
Choose a homelift, not a stairlift
The Modern Solution
A Stiltz Homelift is a safe, attractive, & affordable alternative to stairlifts. It requires no special machine room, and no supporting walls.
Economical & Flexible
A Stiltz Homelift can t just about anywhere in your house. It has a compact footprint, similar in size to a small armchair. A Stiltz Homelift plugs into a standard home electrical outlet, using less power than boiling a kettle.
Your Forever Home
Avoid the expense and distress of relocating, or the disruption of adapting your home for downstairs living. A Stiltz Homelift helps you live safely and independently in the home you love.
It’s Never Too Soon
Some Stiltz customers need a Homelift immediately. But others want to “future-proof” their homes for when the stairs become a challenge.
Homelift Specialists
Stiltz is a world leading Homelift manufacturer, so you’ll be in good hands. Your elevator will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals - who truly care about your freedom.
“I can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”
– Mr. James, Roanoke VA
To qualify:
must be a graduating senior with a 2 0 unweighted GPA or better
must reside in a home served by EREC monies awarded can be used to cover program costs, books, tools, or other related materials necessary to fund winner’s education
must provide high school transcripts and personal reference letter from a teacher or member of the community 2 scholarships will be awarded (Escambia County and Santa Rosa County)
NEW Scholarship!
Applications and supporting documents are due by April 18! Stop by
As part of EREC’s ongoing support of youth programs, the co-op is proud to offer a $1,000 trade scholarship to high school seniors who are pursuing further education and are enrolled at a technical or trade school following graduation Examples of career programs that may qualify for the scholarship include industrial electricity, heating, air conditioning, masonry trades, auto technology, welding and fabrication, and carpentry
We Do Powerful Work
Four reasons we’re proud to be part of the energy industry
Have you ever thought about how the work you do at the co-op directly impacts our community? Every person who works at Escambia River Electric Cooperative plays a vital role in ensuring our members receive affordable, reliable power that’s essential to their daily lives.
The work we do is important, and there are many reasons to be excited about working in the energy industry. Here are just a few:
Everyone depends on electricity
Our industry powers businesses, schools, hospitals and, on a smaller scale, iPhones, Androids, Netflix, PlayStations and coffeemakers. You’re a part of something big that touches lives every day. Electricity isn’t a startup or fad. It’s an essential service that’s here to stay, and you help make it happen.
There is never a dull moment
As if Mother Nature’s curveballs weren’t enough to keep things interesting, we’re now facing some of the biggest changes ever in our industry.
The electric grid is getting smarter, renewable energy sources are growing, members are generating their own power at home and batteries are being used to store large amounts of power. While our mission and priorities remain the same, we’re finding new, innovative ways to adapt. That means things will stay interesting for years to come.
Our industry is more newsworthy than ever before
Electric utilities are part of the national dialogue on important, timely issues like climate change, renewable energy generation, extreme weather and national infrastructure security. While approaches
to these issues and situations may differ across the country, these discussions are important, and they’re making headlines every day.
As an employee of the co-op, you’re primed and plugged into these timely issues and can help play a role in shaping our energy future.
You’re in good company with co-ops
We know the energy industry is an exciting place to be. However, you’re a member of an electric co-op team, which makes your role even more extraordinary.
Electric co-ops are different than other types of electric utilities and typically receive higher satisfaction scores from consumers. Co-ops are owned by the members we serve, which puts us in a
unique position to be more in-tune with the needs of our local community. We work with our members to meet their changing energy needs and expectations.
Perhaps you’re thinking your specific role doesn’t impact the services we provide. Maybe you’re not a lineworker or an engineer who works directly with the energy we provide. Whether you work in the office, lobby or from a bucket truck, every one of us has a part to play in making sure this co-op runs smoothly. We’re a team.
Together, we’re powering the community we love and call home, and we can’t think of a better reason to be proud of the work we do. n
Arbor Day in Your Backyard
April is filled with celebrations of nature, including Earth Day, Arbor Day and National Gardening Month.
Many states and cities have events to help keep their land clean, beautiful and filled with greenery. This year, turn your focus closer to home.
If you have your own yard or garden, take the time this month to plant a tree. From large to small, there are options for every space.
Dogwood
Blooming in more than one color, dogwoods offer more to our planet than just beauty.
These flowering trees offer pollen to pollinators such as bees, and are a food source for birds, mammals and insects.
Dogwoods also brighten wooded areas and yards with their pink, red or white blooms. These trees are usually one of the first to add color to the landscape in the spring.
Dogwoods can grow as tall as 20 feet.
Chastetree
If you’re looking for something that would fit into your garden, look no further than the chastetree.
Although this plant is categorized as a tree, it resembles a bush. This tree has purple, white and pink blooms in the summer and can grow to at least 8 feet tall.
A friend to small yards, this colorful plant also provides nectar to butterflies, hummingbirds and bees, and offers seeds to smaller birds.
Another vibrant option for your yard, the crepe myrtle is a winner in the South because it handles heat and humidity well once it’s established.
The tree’s white or pink flowers provide food for many pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The crepe myrtle’s seeds also provide food to birds in the early winter.
Although this tree grows to nearly 20 feet tall, it is sure to fit right in with other elements of nature that call your yard home. n
Crepe Myrtle
A crepe myrtle tree can brighten your yard and even be the central focus of the garden. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY ROBERT CLAY
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.
Investing in the Future
Escambia River Electric Cooperative Lineman Brandon Smith speaks to students at the Central School Career Showcase. Fourth through 10th graders asked questions about the variety of careers at EREC. Everything from forestry to HVAC and real estate was represented at the showcase. EREC is proud to invest in the future of its communities.
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.