Florida Currents
ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Weathering the Storm
Escambia River Electric Cooperative and community unite in face of adversity
Page 4
Escambia River Electric Cooperative lineworker Kevin Macht restores power in the aftermath of the storm, which left more than 10,000 members without power. PHOTO BY STEPHEN JONES
Message From the President
July 2024 • Volume 13, No. 9
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
Community Resilience Shines Through Florida Currents
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
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A Response to Recent Thunderstorms
In the wake of the recent thunderstorms that swept through our community, I am continually inspired by the unwavering spirit and resilience displayed by our members and our dedicated team at Escambia River Electric Cooperative.
As the skies darkened and the winds howled, our community faced adversity head-on, yet emerged stronger together.
The response from our community has been nothing short of remarkable. From local businesses opening their doors to those in need to neighbors lending a helping hand, the outpouring of support has been heartwarming.
We are truly grateful for the solidarity and compassion our members have shown during these challenging times.
I encourage you to turn to pages 4 and 5 for more in-depth coverage of the assistance efforts in our community. In this feature article, you will find stories of resilience, generosity and community spirit that exemplify the true essence of unity in times of crisis.
I am also immensely proud of our EREC staff who stepped up to the plate, working tirelessly after hours and even on Mother’s Day to restore power to more than 10,000 members. Their dedication and commitment to serving our community are unparalleled, and I am deeply grateful for their efforts.
Furthermore, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our sister co-ops and other outside resources who lent their support to help us during this challenging time. Their assistance has been invaluable, and it underscores the strength of our cooperative network.
As we continue to rebuild and recover from the effects of the recent thunderstorms, let us draw strength from the bonds that unite us as a community. Together, we will weather this storm—and those to come—and emerge stronger, more resilient and more united than ever before.
Ryan C. Campbell, P.E.
Weathering the Storm
A Testament to Resilience
In the wake of a severe thunderstorm that struck the region, when leaving more than 10,000 Escambia River Electric Cooperative members without power, the community rallied together in an inspiring display of solidarity and resilience.
Within less than 72 hours, EREC— with the assistance of numerous outside resources and unwavering community support—managed to restore service to an astounding 95% of its members.
The storm wreaked havoc on the electrical infrastructure, downing power
poles and lines. However, amid the chaos, a beacon of hope emerged as EREC mobilized its resources to tackle the task at hand.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this endeavor was the outpouring of support from the community.
Recognizing the tireless efforts of the lineworkers, donations of snacks and food poured in, ensuring those working to restore power remained nourished and energized.
The community support didn’t stop there. Several outside resources—including
Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Southern Pine Electric Cooperative, Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative and MDR Contractors— stood shoulder to shoulder with EREC in its time of need.
Their collaborative efforts exemplified the spirit of cooperation and mutual aid that defines the cooperative movement.
To accommodate the influx of workers and ensure their well-being, EREC assembled Storm Pods for housing and showers. These facilities provided essential amenities and fostered a
Escambia River Electric Cooperative and community unite in the face of adversity
sense of camaraderie among those on the ground, strengthening their resolve to restore.
Approximately 170 dedicated individuals— undeterred by the challenges posed by the storm’s aftermath—worked to replace power poles and lines, braving adverse weather conditions to restore power to fellow community members.
Their commitment and determination were instrumental in achieving the feat of restoring service to 95% of affected members within 72 hours.
The events following the severe thunderstorm serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength that emerge in times of crisis. Through collaboration, determination and the support of the community, EREC and its partners demonstrated that even in the face of adversity, light can shine brightly.
Storm Stats
Time needed to change out power poles
Single phase: 2-2.5 hours each
Three phase: 3-3.5 hours each
Four phase: 4-4.5 hours each
Number of poles replaced
Santa Rosa: 96
Escambia: 16
Number of meters affected over a four-day period
20,054 meters
Number of transformers damaged 32
Number of substations
Five of eight substations lost transmission
Miles of power line damaged
33,250 feet
Number of additional workers helping
MDR: 81 people
CHELCO: 10 people
Southern Pine: 10 people
Withlacoochee: 30 people
Number of bunk trailers for housing external resources
5
Meals Delivered
Approximately 1,400
Social Media
39 Facebook posts made by EREC
1,552 comments
1,203 shares
13,855 reactions
Escambia River Electric Cooperative headquarters remains busy during storm outages.
RIGHT TOP: This map shows EREC member outages during the storm. BOTTOM LEFT and RIGHT: Lineworkers work to restore power. PHOTOS COURTESY OF EREC
10 10
Things You Might Not Know About Power Restoration About Power Restoration
By Ryan Campbell
Have you ever watched a video or TV show where a person is cooking a meal, then suddenly they snap their fingers and the meal is plated and ready to eat? That’s called a jump cut.
While we wish we could “jump cut” from a power outage to power restoration, it often takes a lot more effort and people to make it happen.
As the general manager and CEO of Escambia River Electric Cooperative, I’m accustomed to members’ questions about power outages and why it can take time to get the lights back on. Given our reliance on electricity, there’s simply never a good time to be without it.
This month, I’d like to shed light on our restoration process to help members understand what may be happening behind the scenes. Here are 10 things you might not know about restoration:
communicators keep everyone informed of progress or potential dangers. When your power goes out, we all work together as quickly and safely as possible to restore it.
We assess the situation first. Every outage is different, and we don’t know how dangerous it is or whether equipment might need to be replaced. When responding to outages, we first need to see what happened, then figure out which materials we need and a plan for how to fix the problem(s) without compromising electric flow for the rest of our members.
Restoration is normally prioritized by the largest number of members we can get back on in the shortest amount of time. Our crews focus on responding first to public safety issues and critical services such as hospitals. Then we complete work that impacts the largest number of people first.
We need you. When your power goes out, it might be just at your home or a small section of your neighborhood. There is a chance we may not know about it, and no one has reported it. We rely on you to let us know if your power is out.
Our employees might be affected, too. Because EREC is a local electric cooperative owned by the members we serve, our employees are local.
They are your neighbors, friends and familiar community volunteers. When you’re without power, our people might be, too.
1. 2. 3.
It’s a team effort. Every one of EREC’s employees works to get your power restored as soon as possible. Our member service representatives take your calls, engineers and field staff survey damage, our vegetation management team clears hazards, dispatchers organize crews, and
Our employees face many dangers. Besides working around high-voltage electricity, our crews are on alert for wild animals, weather elements, falling trees and fast-moving cars. If you ever drive past one of our vehicles, please do so slowly.
Flickering lights are a good thing. Some folks mistake flickering lights for outages, but these “blinks” are important because they indicate our equipment worked and prevented a possible outage likely caused by wayward animals or stray tree limbs on the lines.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
You need a backup plan. We do our best to help those who need it, but if you depend on electricity for life support purposes, you must have a backup plan. Remember, we don’t always know how long restoration efforts will take. If you’re unsure what to do, call us so we can help you prepare an emergency location.
9.
Our employees have to plan and eat. If you ever see our trucks in a restaurant parking lot while your power is out, know that sometimes our employees huddle in a safe, common area to map out their strategy for getting your power back on. Also, our crews work long, hard hours during outages and need to take time for meals, just like everyone else.
10.
Sometimes it’s a waiting game. Our portion of the power grid is connected to other electric utilities, and we
maintain positive relationships with power providers interconnected to our system. If our outage is due to an issue from their feed into our system, we must let them repair it and be mindful of what they’re going through to fix it.
We do our best to avoid power disruptions, but they are inevitable from time to time. If the lights go out, know your co-op team is working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power. If you experience an outage, please let us know by reporting it through your app or by calling 877-OUT-EREC or 877-688-3732.
COMMON CAUSES OF POWER OUTAGES COMMON CAUSES OF POWER OUTAGES
There is never a good time for the power to go out, but if it happens on a sunny day, you might be left wondering why. Here are the most common causes of a power outage.
WEATHER WEATHER
High winds, snow and ice can cause tree limbs to fall on power lines. Other weather effects, like wildfires and lightning strikes, can cause major damage to equipment.
CRITTERS CRITTERS
Squirrels, birds, snakes and other animals can inadvertently contact power lines, causing short circuits and disruptions to electrical supply.
Scheduled
Occasionally, we plan outages to perform upgrades or repairs to parts of the local grid. MAINTENANCE
ACCIDENTS ACCIDENTS
Vehicles can crash into utility poles, bringing down power lines. Construction and excavation work can also result in disruptions to underground lines.
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A Wildlife Wonderland
Despite more than a million alligators calling Florida home, encountering the predators in a city’s business district is a rarity—and residents openly embracing their presence is even more unexpected. Yet in Inverness, the county seat of Citrus County, the waters and marshes of Cooter Pond harbor an abundance of scaly reptiles that coexist with local humans.
Just a few yards from the sheriff’s office and across from the local McDonald’s and Family Dollar Store, this wildlife sanctuary adds charm to the urban landscape. Alligators 4-to-7-feet long freely roam Cooter Pond Park and may be seen from a quarter-mile-long elevated boardwalk built in the early 2000s spanning the southeastern side of the 25-acre pond.
“The boardwalk has been a huge
benefit in attracting tourists to Inverness,” says Ken Marotte, a retired cybersecurity specialist and Citrus County Historical Society member. “It allows people to view and interact with nature in the pond in a safe and controlled manner.”
Originally an open cove joining the much larger 422-acre Henderson Lake to the north, Cooter Pond’s eastern bank was filled in during the early 1900s to create the landlocked pond. This enabled the regional Atlantic Coast Line railroad to relocate track along the new embankment, avoiding a sharp curve on the western shore.
“I found a map that showed the ACL line traveling on the new path in the 1920s,” Ken says.
Today, that stretch includes part of the 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, one of Florida’s longest paved rail trails.
In addition to the free-range alligators, waterfowl—including egrets and colorful
common moorhens—are regular pond visitors. They feed among thriving aquatic plants like duckweed, cattail and spatterdock. Plant growth can be so rapid in the warm, nutrient-rich water, an ecofriendly aquatic weed harvester sits by an entrance to periodically battle the flora encroachment from species, such as water hyacinth, which threaten to choke the water.
“It’s an invasive plant that reproduces at an impressive pace,” Ken says. “Not only does it block sunlight at the surface level, but as the old plants die, they form a thick level of sediment on the bottom.”
Contamination of Cooter Pond water proved challenging over the years. At one time, even human waste flowed into the water from the town septic system. Ken says that even after the city upgraded its sanitary facilities, overflow sewage was still pumped into the pond.
“The opening of a new shopping center
BACKGROUND:
Cooter Pond and its boardwalk give visitors an elevated view of nature.
Story and photos by Nick Thomas
Wonderland in Inverness
in the 1970s, where the current WinnDixie is located, created a new challenge since their runoff flowed into the pond as well,” he says. “The situation was rectified when Inverness stopped using the pond for that purpose.”
Decaying plants and untreated stormwater runoff clouded the pond with organic sludge. In the 1980s, plans to beautify the downtown business district included Cooter Pond and the surrounding area. Stormwater was routed away from the pond, the boardwalk was constructed and a striking decorative fountain was added to provide water aeration. Since 2002, the floating mechanical harvester—which the Tampa Bay Times called “a giant underwater lawnmower”—has helped keep plant growth in check.
“The boat moves along the surface and
cuts or funnels plants into the holding area,” Ken says. “The plants are then removed from the boat and destroyed. The pond has had its share of ups and downs over the years and gone from the polluted Rodney Dangerfield of local water bodies—that is, got no respect—to a gem offering inspiring views of nature.”
Now a source of local pride, Cooter Pond Park is a center of Inverness activities. The Citrus County Historical Society even offers children’s programs.
“One of those sessions is called the Turtle Walk, where the children are led across the boardwalk as part of a guided tour and encouraged to find as many resources on their checklist as they can,” Ken says.
While unaware of alligator attacks in the pond area, he still advises, “I would not be inclined to walk close to the banks of the pond.”
Local Legends— True or False?
Is Cooter Pond named after a turtle?
True. Seen gracefully swimming through the pond water or basking in the sun on its banks, the docile Florida Cooter grows up to 12 inches and sports a yellow or orange shell pattern on a dark background.
Is Inverness named after a Scottish town?
That is probably true, but who first suggested the name has been open to speculation for many years. Ken Marotte of the Citrus County Historical Society says the name dates from the late 1800s and “a preponderance of evidence points to the Florida Orange Canal & Transit Company—specifically Director/Secretary Alexander B. Campbell—as the most likely source.” His parents were Scottish, with maternal ancestors coming from Inverness, Scotland, where Campbell was known to visit.
Is there a 1930s train wreck at the bottom of Cooter Pond?
Probably false. For some five decades, stories have circulated suggesting several railroad cars rested on the bottom of Cooter Pond from an earlier derailment. None have been found to date.
“I view this story as another fascinating legend in Citrus County history,” Ken says. “The turtles know the real story— and they aren’t talking.”
FROM LEFT: Alligators, some as big as 7 feet long, call Cooter Pond home.
An aquatic weed harvester helps keep the pond’s plant growth in check. PHOTO BY KEN MAROTTE
Ken Marotte, a Citrus County Historical Society member, stands by a statue of Cooter Pond’s namesake turtles at the park in Inverness.
A sign welcomes visitors at the entrance to Cooter Pond Park.
Florida Inspiration Artists capture wonder of the state
By Theresa Sterling
Florida’s wild beauty has always inspired, captivated and attracted artists. Orange sherbet sunsets, dark forests dappled with pops of bright blooms and coasts where liquid emerald meets sugar-white sand have long been the focus of the artistic eye.
Those who have seen works by the Florida Highwaymen landscape artists or heard English composer Frederick Delius’ 1887 “Florida Suite” understand. Delius composed his orchestral work three years after his unforgettable time in Florida managing his family’s orange groves by the St. John’s River. Though the composer’s time in the Sunshine State was brief, the magic of the landscape and culture lingered into his old age.
If there is a common theme among creatives who attempt to capture the essence of rural Florida, it is a combination of awe over the state's unique beauty and concern for preservation of natural spaces and history.
Following a historic painting tradition, High Springs artist Karen LeMonnier is a plein-air artist, painting on location and outdoors. She is usually the first to put brush to canvas during outdoor “paint out” events or when gathering with colleagues, rushing to capture the changing morning light.
“I set up and jump in—I don’t do a lot of prelims,” she says, referring to sketches and small studies some artists do before deciding the final composition of a scene. “I do take photos to help me finish a piece in the studio, but I do 90% of a painting plein-air.”
French for “open air,” plein-air painting dates to early-1800s Britain. It was the hallmark of impressionism by around 1860 and boomed in popularity a decade later when oil paint became available premixed in tubes. Plein-air painting has always been physically demanding, with 19th-century artists lugging boxes of pigments, canvases, wooden easels and other supplies with human or animal assistance in the days before automobiles.
“It still is demanding now,” Karen says. “Some painters don’t like working outside because there are too many variables, and it is physically exhausting. But it’s what I love to do.”
Karen focuses on Florida’s natural beauty and historic architecture. Her favorite location is Blue Springs at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park—roughly one-third of her paintings feature the spot. Her paintings’ Prussian-blue depths,
A shrimp boat rests aground on Cape San Blas under the night sky. PHOTO BY JIMMY DANIELS
horizon lines of cypress knees, water oaks and golden grass marshes convey an intimate understanding of the natural surroundings only possible through close observation.
The springs are near the historic High Springs home Karen shares with her husband, Larry. They met at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota in 1968 and celebrate 53 years of marriage this year. They chose High Springs for their home because of its rural backdrop and the easy drive to places that inspire Karen’s painting, including Cedar Key, St.
Augustine, Paynes Prairie and Evinston.
She paints four or five days a week, and studio time is spent finishing off work she started outdoors. An award-winning painter, her work is shown in galleries in High Springs and Gainesville and at culminating plein-air receptions where paintings are often hung while still wet.
“I Iike to work instinctively, and I love to paint outdoors,” Karen says. “We are in the heart of gold here in Florida, with our springs and rivers. I can’t go to Blue Springs without getting inspired. I can’t not paint here. It’s like magic.”
Preserving History
The images captured by photographer Jimmy Daniels, mostly around North Florida, bring history to the forefront in captivating ways—an abandoned plantation home, a tree canopy above clay road banks, a half-sunken oyster boat battered by the Gulf Coast sun.
“There are no more old oyster boats around," Jimmy says. "At one time, Apalachicola Bay provided almost all of America’s oysters. Rural America is being lost, culture is changing in front of our eyes, and people aren’t seeing it. It’s important to remember what we had.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Karen LeMonnier relaxes in her studio in High Springs. PHOTO BY THERESA STERLING Photographer Jimmy Daniels sets up a self-portrait deep within a Florida swamp. PHOTO BY JIMMY DANIELS Painter Linda Blondheim welcomes visitors to her gallery and studio. PHOTO BY THERESA STERLING
Rural Florida has always drawn Jimmy. The Panhandle’s coastal areas juxtapose unique features—old plantations, rustic fishing villages and working farms. There is so much in this place where Jimmy grew up that he wants to share.
“Some places in America just don’t have what we have in North Florida,” he says. “I want to see wilderness and nature, and I want others to see it, too.”
Jimmy has taught workshops, shown his work in galleries and won several awards, including from arts organizations such as LeMoyne Arts in Tallahassee and the Florida Council on Culture & Arts. The accolades, while appreciated, do not outshine his mission of wanting viewers to feel a scene.
“I spend 20 minutes tops on postediting per photo,” Jimmy says. “I don’t want my images to look overcooked, and I stay true to single exposures except in rare situations, such as panoramic photos or an occasional overlay of two images. I want a true picture. That’s the best outcome.”
Rural America is being lost, culture is changing in front of our eyes, and people aren’t seeing it. It’s important to remember what we had.”
—Jimmy Daniels, photographer
His focus has not changed, even though his work as a travel nurse has taken him away from Florida. He rides back roads for inspiration wherever he’s working. The area looks very different now, but when he comes home, he always brings his camera and heads straight out to St. George Island or Apalachicola.
Preserving Natural Resources
Linda Blondheim has many titles: Certified upland and wetlands naturalist. Landowner. Arts educator. Conservationist. Nonprofit volunteer. Nature lover. Artist.
The Alachua County native lives on family land, tucked into the northern part of the county—a stark contrast to the city center, home to the University of Florida. Her studio backs up to woods behind her home, oil paintings stretching from floor to ceiling.
“I have been around wild and natural old Florida for a long time—forever,” Linda says. “I wouldn’t trade my rural existence for anything.”
Linda paints natural subjects, the Florida light captured in palms, prairies and citrus, which occupy that indelible place in Florida’s memory.
“As a naturalist and a painter, wildlife and land stewardship are very important to me,” she says. “Stewardship is all we have. We don’t own the land.”
Linda says she is a better studio than plein-air painter, and she paints every morning and late afternoon. She drives along back roads and takes photos to inform her work in the studio.
“I am always looking, looking, looking," she says. "Even when I have a private artist residency, mostly I just look,” she says.
Linda’s talent emerged early. At age 8, she took drawing classes with a group of friends. At 13, her parents bought her an adult easel and a set of oil paints. She raided her mother’s kitchen for still-life subjects—eggs, peppers, fruit—and stole upstairs to her attic bedroom-studio to paint. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tampa and her Master of Fine Arts from the University of South Florida.
Linda’s art is part of her work trying to preserve Florida’s natural resources. She volunteers with the Fair Oaks Foundation, a nonprofit committed to “encouraging the Florida culture of arts, music and agriculture.” She helps organize fundraising events, such as the annual Summer Solstice Soirée, highlighting a few select Florida artists each June. As a Certified Master Naturalist, Linda guides individuals and groups interested in making good decisions for conservation.
“Every day, I wake up and think, ‘Oh my gosh. How lucky I am to have this in my life?’” Linda says. “Every piece I have painted is always about a place that is important to me or to the person I am painting it for.”
To find out more about Karen’s art, visit www.karenlemonnier.com. More of Jimmy’s photos can be found at backroadsphotographyllc.com. Linda’s art can be found at www.lindablondheim.com.
A rare site nowadays—an old oyster boat, Topaz—still sits in the gulf at Eastpoint.
PHOTO BY JIMMY DANIELS
Serve Tasty SUMMER SALADS
Orzo Salad With Shrimp and Lemon Dressing
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked orzo
8 ounces fresh asparagus, trimmed and diagonally sliced into 1-inch pieces
4 ounces fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 cup fresh or frozen English peas, thawed if frozen
12 ounces medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh chives
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Whisk together oil, zest, juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside. Prepare orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Transfer orzo to a bowl. Cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes. While orzo cooks, bring a large saucepan of water to boil over high heat. Add asparagus and sugar snap peas to boiling water. Cook until bright green and tender-crisp, about 2 minutes. Add English peas. Stir until softened, about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to an ice bath, reserving boiling water in saucepan. Add shrimp to boiling water. Cook until opaque, about 3 minutes. Drain. Transfer shrimp to ice bath with vegetables. Let stand until chilled, about 3 minutes. Drain. Toss together shrimp-vegetable mixture with orzo, and drizzle with dressing. Add chives and parsley. Toss to combine. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX
Fresh Peach Salad
Salad
¼ cup slivered almonds
6 to 8 cups mixed butter
lettuce
3 small ripe peaches, sliced
Dressing
1½ tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup canned corn, drained
4 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
¼ cup olive oil
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Place the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat, shaking the pan and stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the nuts are fragrant and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove immediately from the heat and transfer to a plate.
To make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, kosher salt and several grinds of fresh ground black pepper until thick and emulsified.
To serve, top the greens with almonds, peaches, red onion, corn and goat cheese. Drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately.
Southwestern Salad
Dressing
1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salad
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
½ jalapeno, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup olive oil
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
4 green onions, sliced
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
½ cup crushed tortilla chips or strips
To make the dressing, add the avocado, red wine vinegar, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, salt and pepper to a food processor. Blend or pulse until almost smooth. There should still be bits of cilantro. Add the oil. Blend until incorporated.
To make the salad, add the lettuce, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, cheese, green onions, cilantro, avocado and tortilla chips to a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Ranch Potato Salad
24 ounces baby red potatoes, scrubbed and halved
10 cups water
1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
4 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1½ teaspoons fresh dill
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon grated garlic
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Place potatoes, water and 1 tablespoon salt in a large pot. Cover pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Uncover pot and reduce heat to medium-high to maintain a moderate boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender, about 12 minutes. Drain potatoes. Cool for 20 minutes.
While potatoes boil, cook bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium, stirring often until crisp, about 9 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside until ready to use.
In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, chives, parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic, black pepper and ½ teaspoon salt.
Add sour cream mixture, bacon and cheese to cooled potatoes in bowl. Toss to combine. Serve immediately, or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
Greek Salad With Feta Salad
1 cucumber, unpeeled, seeded and sliced ¼-inch thick
1 red bell pepper, large-diced
1 yellow bell pepper, large-diced
1 green bell pepper, large-diced
Vinaigrette
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, sliced in half-rounds
½ pound feta cheese, ½-inch diced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup olive oil
Place the cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables. Add the feta and olives. Toss lightly. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature.
Capturing the Joy of Summer
By Dave LaBelle
As a school-age child, I could hardly wait for the last day of school and the beginning of summer vacation, where freedom, sunshine, time with my dogs, fishing in the creeks, baseball games, watermelons, swimming pools and working with my grandfather on his fishing boat awaited.
As an adult, those carefree summer memories still bring me joy and serve me faithfully in storytelling, whether with words or photographs. In fact, beginning writers, unsure what to write about, are often encouraged to start with their childhood, a treasure chest rich with stories.
While childhood memories are a good source of inspiration for activities, making photographs that capture the essence of summer requires thought.
“Don’t just show me what something looks like,”
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.
Reader Challenge
I often admonished my photojournalism students.
“Show me what it feels like.”
That was a common theme in all of my classes, and it remains sound advice for anybody using photography to communicate. If you want to reach people with your photographs, aim high. Those images connect us and make us smile or remember.
Consider what is in the frame when you press the shutter. Being patient and watching for storytelling moments is critical. The act of fishing might not be nearly
as storytelling as the reaction of the angler once the fish is caught.
Conversely, an overall scene of a fisherman in a beautiful stream might best evoke the serenity of the moment. Sometimes the liberal use of negative space—that which is not occupied by people or objects—helps humble us and wrap us in wonder.
Finally, consider the angle from which you photograph. A child’s perspective is different than an adult’s, and subtly helps take us back to those long, carefree summer days. n
See if you can make a photograph that captures the joy or the essence of summer. Reach into your memory bank and consider what you loved most about summers. Chances are the places and activities that brought you joy in the past—lakes, campgrounds, fishing villages or swimming pools—will lead you to where you find the best pictures today.
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.
I spent about 30 minutes folded beneath a diving board on a hot and muggy summer day watching and waiting for the right moment, the right gesture and composition. I knew I wanted a picture that felt like the joy of summer. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
NIKON D800, 24mm lens ISO 100, f/10 at 1/800
Make the Switch to a Heat Pump Water Heater
By Victoria Hampton
Advancements in technology have increased efficiency and lowered energy use for many home appliances. While smart thermostats and refrigerators are common home upgrades that help people save on electricity bills, one of the most efficient upgrades homeowners can make is to an appliance many haven’t touched in months—the water heater.
A standard electric water heater accounts for nearly 20% of the energy use in a home, which is more than a refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer combined, says Bonneville Power Administration Program Manager David Murphy.
Learn about the technology and potential energy savings for switching to an energy-efficient heat pump water heater.
Savings and Features
Heat pump water heaters can save up to $450 a year, or $4,500 over the system’s lifetime, David says. Savings are dependent on each home’s utility rates and hot water use. Systems come with a 10-year warranty.
David says heat pump water heaters can provide more hot water than similarly sized standard systems. Many tanks also have leak detection that can warn homeowners if an issue arises.
Systems have several automated settings, including maximum hot water generation when guests stay the night, high-efficiency eco mode and advanced vacation mode settings, allowing homeowners to program their return—so they come home to hot water.
“Automation, like many things we see in the technology realm, increases control of your settings,” David says. “[You]
Heat pump water heaters use about one-third of the energy of a standard electric water heater. This increases efficiency and can lead to lower electric bills. PHOTO COURTESY OF BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
get the benefits you need while still using less energy.”
Although the upfront cost of a heat pump water heater is typically more than a standard system, homeowners can save with rebates and incentives. Electric utilities can provide information on available savings for heat pump water heater upgrades.
“Always talk to your local utility to see what they have available,” David says.
Heat Pump Efficiency
Think of a heat pump water heater as a refrigerator in reverse. A refrigerator pulls heat from inside the box and sends it outside the appliance. A heat pump water heater pulls heat from the surrounding air.
“It is a unit driven by a compressor that harvests heat from the air and puts it into your water tank,” David says.
What is the importance of this state-of-the-art heat pump technology? It uses about one-third of the energy of a standard electric water heater. This increased efficiency can lead to lower electric bills.
Installation Considerations
Heat pump water heaters are ideal for garage and basement placement. When installing in a closet, consider the compressor noise and cold air released when it is running. The compressor can also be vented outside.
Pulling heat from the air creates moisture. Each system has a condensate line pipe—a plastic tube using gravity to draw out excess condensation from the unit. This feature does require a small amount of space near the heat pump water heater for the condensate removal pump or drain piping to the outside of the house.
Also, as with any water heater, homeowners should choose a tank size that matches the number of people in the home. Tanks vary in price.
Heat Pump Water Heater Maintenance
Heat pump water heaters add a few more simple tasks to your quarterly home maintenance check. When changing the HVAC air filter every three months, clean the heat pump water heater filter as well. Use a vacuum or rinse it with water to remove any debris.
Check the condensate line pipe for clogs and dirt when cleaning the filter. The line can be cleaned with a brush or rag.
When it is time to upgrade the household water heater, make the switch to an efficient, energy-saving heat pump water heater.
Watch a video about how to use and maintain a heat pump water heater at comfortreadyhome.com/guides/ hpwh-user-guide
Mini-Split Systems Are Gaining Traction
By Leslie Tate
A ductless air conditioner, also called a mini-split system or air-source heat pump, offers a variety of options for heating and cooling, particularly for older homes and buildings.
A mini-split system can provide several benefits, but the most attractive feature is the capability to regulate temperatures in specific rooms or areas of the home.
An indoor air-handling unit, or evaporator, and an outdoor compressor/condenser comprise the two major components of a mini-split system. In many ways, mini-split air conditioners operate like conventional air-conditioning systems. In cooling mode, the system transfers heat from inside the home to the outside. With a central air system, cold air is blasted throughout all the ducts in the house from a single air handler, such as a large fan in an attic or basement. Because a mini-split can blow air from up to six independent air handlers, it can regulate temperatures for different rooms or areas inside a home or business.
Mini-splits are a viable alternative to duct systems for home additions or homes where a duct system may not be practical. When a duct system is too expensive to install, a mini-split system can efficiently heat and cool a space while keeping installation costs down.
Compared to conventional heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, minisplits can save up to 30% on cooling costs and 50% on heating costs. Additionally, inverter technology, which enables variable-speed operation in most mini-split systems, increases energy efficiency and is cheaper to operate.
In addition to greater control over heating and cooling, mini-splits can often be managed with a mobile app, smart thermostat or remote control. They provide better air quality, and homeowners can easily replace filters themselves and save on duct cleanings needed for conventional systems. Reheat dehumidification is a common feature of minisplit systems to maintain a steady room temperature while lowering humidity.
A few factors should be considered before installing a mini-split system. Determine the right size and quantity of units. Mini-split placement should consider how to best distribute air throughout the home or business. A qualified contractor can offer advice on these factors. Additionally, your home should be properly air sealed for the minisplit system to operate efficiently.
For many homeowners, a mini-split ductless heating and cooling system can be a fantastic alternative for heating and cooling. Contact your local electric utility if you have questions about mini-split systems.
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.
FORT MYERS
July 1-3
Space and Rockets Summer Camp
Travel to the galaxy at Space and Rockets Summer Camp. Campers learn about our place in the universe as they design and launch their own waterpowered rocket. Experience is not required, but the laws of motion are. Register online.
https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/education/camps; 239-334-7419
PANAMA CITY BEACH
July 3
Freedom Rocks! Fireworks
KEY WEST
July 3-7
The Key Lime Festival
Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival celebrates the world’s most sensational citrus with an array of festivities across the island where Key lime pie was conceived. Over five days, lovers of the lime can indulge in a full menu of activities including a gravity-defying Key lime pie drop competition from the top of the Key West Lighthouse, brunches and dinners, and the world famous Key lime pie eating championship.
www.keylimefestival.com
Come early and dine at any Freedom Rocks participating waterfront restaurants rock a spot with the glorious sunset washed colors painting the skies above the Grand Lagoon Bridge or bring your chair/blanket to the grassy lawn at Treasure Island Marina. Come early and shop, dine and have fun.
www.panamacitybeach.com; 850-233-5070
PORT ST. JOE
July 6
Salt Air Farmers Market
Treat your family to art pieces and fresh veggies, sweet tupelo honey and vine-ripened fruit from local farmers and artisans. This market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first and third Saturdays.
http://saltairmarket.com; 404-906-2637
PENSACOLA
July 6
Flora-Bama Freedom Run
This annual run features two courses: The 4-Mile Run/Walk Course or the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. From ribbons and bows to flags, socks & T-shirts, break out your best red, white and blue attire.
https://florabama.com/freedom-run; 850-492-0611
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY SDBOWER
PHOTO COURTESY OF SALT AIR FARMERS MARKET
PANAMA CITY BEACH
July 6
History Tour at Camp Helen
Join park ranger staff for a guided history tour of the grounds at Camp Helen. Follow along as staff share park history from the Hicks family building the historic structures that still stand on the grounds, all the way through the colorful history of Avondale Textile Mill’s use of the property for its employee summer retreat. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring water and insect repellent.
https://floridastateparks.org/events/history-tour-camp-helen-3; 850-245-2157
PORT ST. JOE
July 11
All About Sea Turtles
Why do sea turtles cry salt? How long do they really live? Where do they lay their eggs? Get the answers to these questions and any others you may have during this indoor presentation all about sea turtles. Florida Coastal Conservancy Director Jessica Swindall will lead the presentation and pass around interesting items such as shells, skulls and more. https://floridastateparks.org/events/all-about-sea-turtles-7; 850-245-2157
PENSACOLA
July 12
Blue Beachside Bazaar
The Pensacola Beach Chamber is delighted to offer attendees of the Red, White & Blues Pensacola Beach Airshow the opportunity to visit the Blue Beachside Bazaar. Ten vendors will be set up at show center. www.visitpensacolabeach.com; 850-932-1500
KEY WEST
July 14-16
12th Annual VFW Fishing Tournament
Cash prizes will be awarded for the heaviest catch of five target species—mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), wahoo, tuna, snapper and grouper, with a first-place prize of $5,000 for the heaviest mahi-mahi. Anglers fish in seven divisions: pee-wee, junior, lady, first responder, veteran, senior and active duty. Captains and anglers can choose to fish either Saturday or Sunday, or both if they register separately for each day. All proceeds benefit veterans with disabilities of Monroe County.
https://vfw3911.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=143668; 305-294-9968
PENSACOLA
July 16
Library Concert
Join us for an afternoon of music at the Pensacola library. Local singers present favorite arias and musical theater tunes for a free concert for the whole family. Performing artists include soprano Sheila Dunn, soprano Bizhou Chang, baritone Jack Chandler and pianist Cody Martin. www.pensacolaopera.com/event/library-concert; 850-433-6737
KEY WEST
July 17-21
Hemingway Days
Ernest Hemingway look-alikes, writers, anglers and fans gather for the annual Hemingway Days celebration. The festival honors the legacy of the American literary giant who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s. Events include the legendary Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, the wacky Running of the Bulls, presentations, prose and poetry readings, a commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Hemingway’s July 21 birth, a museum exhibit, a 5K run and paddleboard race, and a street fair. https://fla-keys.com/hemingway-days; 800-352-5397
PORT ST. JOE
July 20
The Owls of Florida
Although they are birds of prey, owls are not related to other raptors such as hawks, and the evolution of the owl group is something of a mystery. Learn all about our local owls, including how they hunt, what they eat, their unique sensory organs and their peculiar behaviors. You’ll want to glove up toward the end of this session when we explore owl “pellets.” www.visitgulf.com
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Head online and 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 BY LAURA BALLARD
BEDDING Summer Plants
Even during the oppressive heat of summer, your Florida landscape can be home to a variety of bedding plants.
Before you jump into planting, think about the specific growing conditions in your landscape. For example, consider how much sun or shade your yard receives and how well-drained the site might be. Those with coastal landscapes should look for plants that can tolerate high winds and at least some level of salt—be it from sea spray or irrigation from wells that contain high levels of salt.
After you’ve considered your site’s conditions, think about colors and forms of the plants. Limit the varieties and colors you choose to create a cohesive look and prevent visual confusion.
Annuals
Annuals are plants that last one season, and there are lots of warm-season annuals that can bring color into your garden as the temperature rises. Gardeners love using annuals in the landscape because they allow them to change out plants and try new configurations year after year.
If you like plants with cool-colored blooms, try torenia—also known as the wishbone flower. This plant does well in the shade or the sun. Flowers can be white, yellow, pink, violet or purple, depending on the cultivar.
For eye-catching color, try the cora and nirvana series vincas. They have big flowers and are resistant to heat, drought and pests.
Zinnias have long-lasting flowers ideal for a cutting garden. This heat-loving flower comes in many colors.
If you’re looking for standout foliage, coleus and caladiums add nonstop summer color to your sun or shade garden.
Perennials
When other plants are fading in the heat, perennials such as Pentas lanceolata truly shine. These attractive plants produce red, pink or white flowers throughout the summer, and are a great source of food for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Scarlet salvia is a native of the Southeast. Its red flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This Florida-friendly perennial looks especially attractive as a border or in mass plantings.
Lantana exhibits outstanding heat tolerance and can stand up to wind and salt as well, making it a good choice for people who live near the coast. Nectar-laden blossoms make it a natural choice for butterfly gardens. That said, many species are highly invasive, so choose lantanas safe for your landscape.
Melampodium is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that produces a mound of small yellow flowers throughout the summer. Several varieties are available, such as the compact million gold, lemon delight and derby. These varieties top out at about 10 inches.
Showstar and medallion are taller varieties that reach 24 to 36 inches tall. Melampodium is impressively resistant to disease and insects. It is self-cleaning, so deadheading—removing old blooms— is not needed.
Planting
Make sure you select healthy plants to start. Look for unblemished leaves, good green color and lots of flower buds.
Once you select the right plants for your area, make sure you start out with a properly prepared planting bed. For best results, clear a section of your landscape for the bed by removing grass and weeds. A few weeks before you plant, till at least 6 inches down and add organic matter—such as compost—to enrich the soil.
Fertilize your flower beds before you plant or at planting time with a controlled-release complete fertilizer.
Before taking the plants out of the containers, water the pots, then gently loosen and spread the roots out. Once they are in the ground, add mulch to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.
A border around your planting bed helps keep your grass from invading the area.
Many annuals, such as marigolds, coleus and annual salvia, require deadheading to keep them blooming and looking neat.
Others, such as vinca, wax begonias, portulaca and impatiens, continue to flower without removing spent blooms. Tender annuals are damaged by cold weather, so you can leave them in your landscape until the first frost or freeze, or you can pull them out and replace them with hardier cool-season annuals to give your landscape some winter color. n
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.
Before you jump into planting, think about the specific growing conditions in your landscape. PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
Business Spotlight
Santa Rosa County
Rusty Rose Boutique rustyroseboutique2017@gmail.com
3887 Scott’s Plaza, Jay
Check them out on Facebook.
Owned by Brittany Gillman, a small-town enthusiast, Rusty Rose Boutique opened its doors in April to much anticipation. Located downtown, this charming boutique o ers a delightful assortment of treasures, including children’s clothes, unique gi s and stylish Yellowbox shoes. What sets Rusty Rose apart is its personalized shopping experience, where every visitor is greeted with warmth and hospitality. It’s more than just a place to shop; it’s a haven where small-town charm and fashionable nds converge, inviting locals and visitors alike to discover the magic of Rusty Rose Boutique. It’s open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Escambia County
Aunt B’s Baking Co.
850-490-5477
Bratt, FL
Check them out on Facebook.
Step into the heartwarming world of Aunt B’s Baking Co., where every confection tells a story of love and tradition. Bethany Barrow, fondly known as Aunt B, infuses her homemade treats with a dose of Southern charm and nostalgia. With an expert touch and a sprinkle of magic, Aunt B crafts delectable cakes, irresistible cupcakes and heavenly cinnamon rolls, each a testament to her passion for baking and her dedication to making every occasion memorable. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family gathering or simply a sweet indulgence to brighten someone’s day, Aunt B’s creations are more than just desserts—they’re cherished moments shared around the table, embodying the warmth and joy of home.
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
The winning photo, “My Happiness,” captures a Mother’s Day celebration in a tender and heartfelt way. The image was submitted by Desma Broxson. Desma’s name is in a drawing to win a $100 bill credit on her December 2024 electric bill. July’s photo theme celebrates the colors of red, white and blue with “Stars & Stripes.” Vote July 1-20 on Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s Facebook page or on the Monthly Photo Contest page on EREC’s website.
The Steps to Restoring Power
When a major outage occurs, our crews restore service to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible – until everyone has power.
1. High-Voltage Transmission Lines
These lines carry large amounts of electricity. They rarely fail but must be repaired first.
2. Distribution Substations
Crews inspect substations, which can serve hundreds or thousands of people.
3. Main Distribution Lines
Main lines serve essential facilities like hospitals and larger communities.
4. Individual Homes and Businesses
After main line repairs are complete, we repair lines that serve individual homes and businesses.
Old, But Effective
Popping-cork rigs can work when other techniques fail
Among the oldest, simplest and still most effective techniques for catching many saltwater species, a popping-cork rig can put redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder and other fish in the boat quickly.
In brackish areas, anglers might also catch largemouth bass.
A popping-cork rig essentially consists of a float holding up an enticement. Some corks somewhat resemble an old topwater popper. When jerked, the concave shape gurgles the water, simulating a fish striking prey on the surface.
Other corks take a more traditional round or oblong shape but slide up and down a wire stem to create the same type of commotion.
Attach a float directly to the line—18 to 36 inches above a hook, depending upon the depth. For added casting heft, attach a small, split-shot sinker to the line between the hook and the cork.
Some companies sell pre-rigged packages that come equipped with a cork, leader, weight, rattles, and plastic or metal beads that create additional noise and vibration.
Cast to a likely spot and let it sit for a
few moments. Periodically, jerk the rod to make the cork pop the surface. When the cork goes down, set the hook.
With popping corks, most anglers use live shrimp for bait. Hook a shrimp under the horn. Carefully avoid hitting the black spot in its head, which could kill it. Alternatively, try hooking the shrimp through the meaty part just above its tail.
Other live or cut baits also work, depending upon what anglers want to catch. Some people use live minnows, small mullets, croakers, menhaden and fish chunks. For redfish and black drum, use small whole blue crabs or crab pieces.
Various artificial temptations can also work, such as soft-plastic shrimp or minnow imitations or flies.
With artificial baits, pop the cork more frequently. When spooked, a live shrimp naturally flicks its tail to escape and rises to the surface. When an angler pops a cork dangling a plastic shrimp, the lure flies upward and then sinks again, exactly like a live shrimp.
Fish hear the commotion and think one of their cousins took a shot at a shrimp and missed. Then, they see the morsel
sinking and dash in to grab it before another fish eats it.
Popping corks generally work best in shallow water. Set the depth so the bait hangs just above the bottom. Cast so the corks drift along weedy shorelines or over oyster reefs and other structures. Let the wind or tide carry the cork along naturally.
Many fish gather on the downstream side of points. They look into the flow waiting to ambush anything rounding the point. Toss the rig so the prevailing wind or tidal flow carries the cork across the point.
During a falling tide, fish often congregate at the mouths of tiny drains. Throw the cork as far as possible upstream in any marshy drain. Let the current carry the temptation downstream naturally. Pop the cork occasionally. In the right spot, action can come fast. n
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. He’s written more than 3,500 articles on a wide variety of outdoor topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
A redfish comes to the boat, drawn by a popping-cork rig. The rig essentially consists of a float holding up natural or artificial bait. It can be a great technique for catching many fish species.
PHOTO
BY JOHN N. FELSHER
GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS
Portable Electric Generators Safety
Portable electric generators can offer many benefits when a long-term electrical outage occurs due to a storm. However, if generators are not used properly, they can become deadly.
Follow these tips to prevent misuse of portable electrical generators:
• Follow the manufacturers’ directions for installation and operation.
• To prevent electric shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded. The operation manual should provide correct grounding procedures.
• Operate electric generators or other fuel-powered machines outside where deadly carbon monoxide fumes cannot enter the home.
• Use the generator only in a well-ventilated and dry area located away from air intakes to the house. Do not use a generator in an attached garage.
• Do not overload the generator by operating more appliances and equipment than the generator can handle. The operating instructions should have an output rating for the generator.
• Individual appliances should be plugged directly into the receptacle outlet of the generator using appropriately sized extension cords to carry the electric load. Make sure the cords are rated for outdoor use, have a grounded, three-pronged plug and are in good condition.
• Do not run extension cords under rugs.
• Never connect generators directly to your home’s wiring. The reverse flow of electricity can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
• Never plug a generator into a household outlet.
• Do not refuel a generator while it is running.
• Only store fuel outside of living areas and away from heat sources such as water heater pilot lights.
• Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
• Keep children and pets away from generators.
Never connect a standby generator into your home’s electrical system. There are only two safe ways to connect a standby generator to your equipment.
Stationary Generator:
An approved generator transfer switch, which keeps your house circuits separate from the electric co-op, should be installed by a professional.
Portable Generator:
Plug appliances directly into the outlet provided on the generator.
Set up and run your generator in a well-ventilated area outside the home. Make sure it’s out and away from your garage, doors, windows and vents. The carbon monoxide generated is deadly.
Use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect electric appliances to the outlet on the generator.
Start the generator first before connecting appliances.
Source: SafeElectricity.org
Let’s Color!
Cooperatives use the same set of seven principles to guide their work. One of the principles is concern for community. Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.
BEFORE YOU GO
Share the Beauty In Your Backyard
Florida’s geography is vast and beautiful, from lakes to oceans and parks to beaches. Some of you have views from your homes that rival the views of national parks.
From time to time, we share some of readers’ photos in this space. If we use your photo here, we will send your choice of a $25 gift card to REI or Amazon.
To submit your photo, email a JPEG file to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
A lizard rests on a leaf in Sonya Casasnovas’ garden in Parrish. At one point, the lizard stopped to look her in the eye. By the expression, Sonya believes it was a bit annoyed. PHOTO BY
SONYA CASASNOVAS
TheSUN Runs My Washer
Save the planet without leaving the house.
Going solar at home helps reduce pollution and carbon emissions in your city and around the world. And it’s easier and more affordable to do than ever before—that’s why every four minutes another American household or business goes solar. Find out how you can be next. RENEWABLE IT’S DOABLE
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 O ce: 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
Sam Walker, Vice President
Gary Wiggins
Santa Rosa County
Mickey Diamond
Rick Hunsucker, President
Philip Marshall
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.