Florida Currents
ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
APRIL 2025
in Action
Local students step into the heart of government during Youth Tour Page 4
Local students, from left, Aurora Godwin, Major Rowell, Kaylee Oswald, Olivia Doyle, Brea Lyle, Jayme George and Gabriella Magdaleno attend the Tallahassee Youth Tour. PHOTO COURTESY OF ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC
Florida Currents
April 2025 • Volume 14, No. 6
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Valeri Saldanha Rosa; Sable Riley, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC;
David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.49 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.
© 2025 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
Celebrate With EREC at Our 86th Annual Meeting
Did you know that every cooperative is required to hold an annual meeting for its members?
This year, Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting is extra special as we celebrate our 86th anniversary.
Our Annual Meeting is more than just a business gathering. It’s a community celebration where families come together for fun, fellowship and fantastic door prizes. While the meeting covers important cooperative updates and decisions, it’s also a great opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors in a relaxed setting.
We understand that not everyone can attend in person, so we’ve made it easy for you to participate. Members can vote by absentee ballot and still have a chance to win exciting prizes designated for absentee voters.
For additional content, search @FloridaCurrents on your favorite social media sites and floridacurrents.com.
Whether you’re a regular attendee or haven’t been in a while, we invite you to join us for this special occasion. EREC is more than just your electric provider. We’re part of your community, dedicated to improving the quality of life for our members every day.
Mark your calendar and make plans to be part of this year’s celebration. We can’t wait to see you there.
Rick Hunsucker just 86th Annual Meeting 8 a.m. registration 10 a.m. meeting Saturday, April 26 Wallace Lake K-8 School
G ernment in Action
Students
bills move through the Legislature, students walked away with a much deeper understanding of how decisions made in Tallahassee affect their own communities.
In addition to their time at the capital, students enjoyed opportunities for fun. They spent an evening playing laser tag, bowling and competing in arcade games—giving them a chance to unwind and build friendships with students from other cooperatives across the state.
Youth Tour is an educational experience but also a chance for students to connect, grow and make memories.
By providing this front-row seat to the legislative process—combined with welldeserved fun—Youth Tour sparks interest in public service, leadership and civic engagement.
EREC is proud to support programs like Youth Tour that invest in the next generation of leaders and give students valuable, real-world experiences they’ll carry into their futures.
Students Chosen to Attend National Youth Tour
Central School students Aurora Godwin and Gabriella
were selected to represent EREC in June during the Washington Youth Tour.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Students had the opportunity to hear from and speak to legislative staff.
FROM TOP: Students visit the Supreme Court. During free time, the students were fierce competitors at bowling. Brea is interviewed on her experience so far on Youth Tour. Gabby and Major enjoy arcading at District850.
Magdaleno
Gabriella Magdaleno
Aurora Goodwin
step into the heart of government
Two Ways to Vote
in 2025 Trustee Elections
Absentee Ballot
April 1-25
If you are unable to attend 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 a ballot be mailed to you.
• Stop by EREC’s Jay office 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 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 must be returned to EREC by 11:59 p.m. April 25.
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 ballots by mail may pick up their registration gift bucket after the co-op receives their ballots.
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 26
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 Wallace Lake K-8 School, 3354 Wallace Lake Road in Pace, Florida.
The 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 door prize drawings for 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 other 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 April 26. Members must be present to win.
Absentee: Winners are announced the week following the annual meeting. Winners are called and their names are posted on the EREC website and Facebook page.
ELECTRIC CO-OP SERVICE DENSITY compared to OTHER ELECTRIC UTILITIES
Electric cooperatives maintain more power lines per consumer than other types of electric utilities.
Even though we serve fewer consumers per mile of line, we will always go the extra mile for our members.
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Making the Grade
What does it take to become a lineworker?
By Jen Calhoun
Taylor Hammack was wiring houses for a living around the time Hurricane Michael made landfall along the Florida Panhandle in 2018. The Category 5 hurricane flattened homes and businesses, destroyed infrastructure and left at least one town along the Gulf Coast in ruins.
The ordeal sparked something in Taylor as he drove to work one day.
“It was about three or four days after Michael hit, and I saw all these line crews on the side of the road getting the power back up,” he says. “Just seeing them do that after something catastrophic had happened—I thought, ‘That’s what I want to do.’ To me, it was a way to help people when they’re in need.”
Soon after, Taylor was hired as an apprentice lineworker at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, which put him through a four-year training program with Tennessee Valley Public Power Association. Today, Taylor is a journeyman lineworker.
Lineworkers install, maintain and repair power lines and
equipment on utility poles and underground electrical systems. It’s a tough but rewarding trade that usually requires three to four years of training to achieve rank as a fully qualified journey-level lineworker. A few other qualities are important, too, say lineworkers across the country.
Still on the Line
Since the first electric wire was strung, lineworkers have held an important role in modern America. When disaster strikes, they’re the ones who get the lights back on. They work along city streets, farmlands and wilderness.
The job can be difficult and sometimes dangerous, but the rewards are excellent, says Nick Hagen, a journeyman lineworker at Northern Lights Inc. in Idaho.
“I like the appreciation the community gives us, especially after we get the power back on after three days, four days or even 10 days,” he says. “It’s a fulfilling job.”
Extra high-voltage crews repair power lines from a barge. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Nick remembers pulling up near a house to repair power lines one Christmas Eve.
“They had been out of power for days,” he says. “Once I finished, I remember seeing their Christmas lights come back on. I thought that was pretty cool.”
The pay is good, too, he says. Nick was making ends meet as a valet at a hotel when he first learned about the trade. He wanted a better life for his family, and linework fit the bill. It also gave him a chance at retirement.
“Getting a good job with a retirement where you could actually enjoy your life after work? Nobody had ever really talked about that to me,” he says.
While compensation and benefits vary for lineworkers depending on location, experience and other factors, the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median pay in 2023 was $85,420 per year, or $41.07 per hour. However, those figures represent the middle of the pay range, and they don’t take into account overtime hours and additional jobs helping other utilities in the aftermath of storms—all of which can result in additional income.
How to Do It
Joining the trade means learning various—and oftentimes difficult—technical skill sets in and out of the classroom, all while maintaining a certain level of physical fitness, says David Bogue, a journeyman lineworker with Florida Keys Electric Cooperative.
Not only do lineworkers need to know how electrical systems work, they’re also required to learn numerous safety techniques. In addition, lineworkers climb utility poles wearing heavy toolbelts in all kinds of weather. The job requires working days and nights, depending on schedules and needs.
“Everybody’s story is a little bit different. Everyone gets into the trade in their own way.”
EVAN PETERS, LINEWORKER AT BENTON REA IN WASHINGTON
“I would say becoming a journeyman is an attainable goal, but it’s a hard goal,” David says. “But, as someone once told me, I could throw a dart at a map and go get a job there. Also, the skills I’ve learned are not going to be replaced with AI anytime soon.”
Lineworkers can get their start by attending training schools, taking community college courses or working at a local utility in other capacities, such as a groundworker. Rudy Vega, a journeyman lineworker at FKEC, got his start doing right-of-way work with the cooperative 23 years ago.
“I had been working in a tree group there just under two years when the opportunity came up to be an apprentice lineman,” Rudy says. “They approached me and asked me if I was interested, and I said, ‘Definitely. I’ll give it my best.’ ”
Evan Peters, a lineworker at Washington’s Benton Rural Electric Association, was fighting wildfires when he first learned about the trade from a group of lineworkers.
When he expressed an interest in the job, one of the men suggested he attend a lineworker school. After graduating, he took a job at Benton REA.
“I like that it’s something new every day,” Evan says. “I like that I get to work outside with my hands, especially at a local utility. It can be really fulfilling.”
When it comes to joining up, however, Evan suggests those interested ask around before they jump in headfirst.
“I would tell them to reach out to local linemen,” he says. “Ask them how they did it. Everybody’s story is a little bit different. Everyone gets into the trade in their own way.”
Want to Be a Lineworker?
Must-haves:
Be 18 years of age.
Hold a high school diploma or GED.
Maintain a valid driver’s license.
Able to work at heights and lift heavy equipment.
Getting started?
Every lineworker has a story about how they got started, and there are many pathways to taking the job. Here are a few ways to make it happen:
Join an apprenticeship program at a local utility.
Enroll in a lineworker school or training program.
Start at a utility as a groundworker or other job.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative journeyman lineworker Taylor Hammack produces an electrical arc during an electric safety demonstration at Southport Elementary School. PHOTO COURTESY OF GULF COAST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
PASCO COUNTY
By Cheré Coen
Historic fish camps from the early 1900s dot the Gulf landscape outside Port Richey. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAMANTHA MURCHIE WITH PERMISSION FROM THE WEST PASCO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The sun warmed our faces on the Gulf waters as Capt. Mark Dillinghan puttered us down the Pithlachascotee River—what locals in Pasco County call the Cotee. Mark leads fishing charters through his Inshore Adventures, but on this morning, we set out to fish for history.
We gingerly motored the river past both modest homes and luxurious estates, and Port Richey seafood restaurants. Beneath our boat, manatees escaped winter’s chill. As the river widened, mangroves appeared—some providing nesting areas for pelicans and perches for cormorants.
At the river’s mouth, one of the most unique sights in Florida emerged—the stilt houses of Pasco County.
Early Fish Camps
These rugged buildings were established in the early years of the 20th century, when commercial fishermen pulled in mullet. The fish were transported using boats propelled by poles, so having a spot to store a haul for several days proved useful. The structures also served as refuge from sudden thunderstorms.
It’s not clear when the stilt houses—then called fish camps— were first built over the water in Pasco County, but local historian Jeff Miller estimated they first appeared between 1916 and 1918. Jeff, who died in 2022, spoke with stilt house owners who said the early fishermen “found a spot they liked, and built a home,” in his book, “History of Pasco County: Stilt Houses in the Gulf of Mexico.”
With the advent of motorboats, these unique buildings above the Gulf became more common as vacation homes than storage spaces.
“The move from fishing camp designs to family dwellings took off after World War II,” Steve Kornacki wrote in a 2005 Tampa Tribune article titled “Houses Built for Fishing.” “The Allgood, Baillie, Bennett, Grey, Haines, Helms, Jones, Little, Sawyer, Stevenson, Swartsel, Thiel and Warburton families were among those building about that time.”
Over time, the number of stilt houses grew. By the 1960s, about 24 dotted the waters off the coast of Pasco County, serving both as fishing spots and vacation retreats. Country music legend Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter, visited the area often. June’s family long had a bungalow off the Cotee River, and the couple once fished off the stilt house of good friend and
Florida resident Des Little. On one occasion, the couple also enjoyed the waters with the Rev. Billy Graham.
In 1962, Ralph Bellwood described life on the stilt houses in his book “Tales of West Pasco.”
“In the summer particularly, they are occupied on weekends, holidays and vacations,” he wrote. “They are delightfully cool and offer relaxation and peace to their occupants. One can always catch a mess of pan-fish for supper from the deck or get in their boats and cast about over the flats, bringing in trout and other larger fish. Truly, these unusual cabins on the water offer a retreat to the tired and weary as well as the fun-seeking carefree who want to let their hair down, and more or less go native.”
Camping Above the Gulf
“Native” it was—and still is. A visit to a stilt house is not all that different from primitive camping.
Bathrooms must be set apart from the main structure and not connected to Gulf waters, so waste disposal is akin to a bilge on a boat or an RV. In other words, wrap it up and take it with you. There’s no electricity unless a generator is hauled in, and cooking usually involves a propane stove. Best leave the cellphone at home.
Stilt House living was rustic and without modern amenities, much like primitive camping, as shown in this photo of Stilt House No. 6. PHOTOS FROM ST. PETERSBURG TIMES BY CLYDE HOBBY WITH PERMISSION FROM THE WEST PASCO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Ruth Carley described a stilt house owned by the Allgood family in a 1973 article for the St. Petersburg Times. The family built the “home on water” in 1949. It was used for vacations with family and friends.
The house featured a large room with beds at one end to catch the cross-breeze and two couches at the other end. The kitchen had an old-fashioned water pump, and in the center was the “congregating place” with a table big enough for 25 people. A shelf around the wall and a platform on the rafters provided storage.
Anita Kilpatrick, writing for the St. Petersburg Times in 1986, quoted stilt house owner and Leesburg resident Dale Jones, who used his camp to get away from working life.
“It’s just a relaxing place,” Dale says in the article. “We can forget about the telephone, and we can forget about television. We can forget about business.”
Basically, these were just little houses where people could stay and fish, Mark explains as he rounds the first of nine houses that remain today. “They were handed down over the generations and are still in use now,” he says.
For a while, at least.
Modern Rules
After Hurricane Gladys destroyed many of the stilt houses in 1968, the Florida Legislature prohibited building new ones on open water. Those that
remained were “grandfathered in” with a demolish date of 1999, which was later rescinded.
Today, if a hurricane or other natural event damages a property, rebuilding is allowed only if it’s less than 50% restoration. Too much damage, and owners cannot rebuild. For those that have fallen to nature’s fury, only white poles remain in the water.
The remaining stilt houses are mostly constructed of marinegrade lumber, which “holds up pretty well,” Mark says. In the early days, cypress, a wood that can withstand water intrusion, was brought out by boat.
“Now, that’s an absolute no-no,” says Raul Nardi, marketing and communications manager at Florida’s Sports Coast tourism bureau, which includes Port Richey. “The state won’t let you cut down cypress.”
The pilings on which the stilt houses rest are made of wood as well, but one house features added concrete to its foundation and dock.
“That’s a new thing—to put concrete on the poles,” Mark says. “It keeps the barnacles from rotting the poles.”
These unique and historic fish camps won’t last forever. In time, nature will find a way to erase them from the Gulf waters off Port Richey. But until then, they stand as an iconic symbol of Pasco County. To celebrate the town’s 100th anniversary this year, for instance, the city placed one of its beloved stilt houses on the centennial logo.
BACKGROUND: Only nine of the original fish camps built at the turn of the 20th century remain.
LEFT: The interior of Stilt House No. 6. RIGHT: Ruth Bell Graham, from left, June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash and the Rev. Billy Graham visit the stilt house of Des Little in 1976.
Easter Sunday DINNER MENU
Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops
2 pounds thick-cut lamb rib chops
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup olive oil
Combine the garlic, rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, lemon zest and olive oil in a measuring cup.
Pour the marinade over the lamb chops, flipping them over to cover completely. Cover and marinate the chops in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to as long as overnight.
Let the lamb chops come to room temperature before grilling.
Grill the lamb chops on medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 135 F.
Allow the lamb chops to rest on a plate covered with aluminum foil for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX
Simple Roasted Asparagus
2 pounds fresh asparagus
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Heat oven to 400 F.
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 lemons, cut in wedges
If the stalks of the asparagus are thick, peel the bottom half of each. Lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan spread with aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with pepper and salt.
Roast until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven for another minute. Serve with lemon wedges.
Duchess Potatoes
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Salt
¼ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 large egg yolks
Place potatoes in a medium to large pot, and cover with a few inches of cold water. Add a few teaspoons of salt to the water. Bring to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are forktender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
While the potatoes are boiling, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, and set aside. You will use this butter to coat the potatoes right before they go into the oven. Heat the oven to 425 F.
When the potatoes are cooked, drain in a colander. Put the potatoes back in the pot, and set over low heat. Allow them to release steam for a minute or two.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter, and mash the potatoes until the butter has been incorporated. Add the nutmeg, black pepper and heavy cream. Continue mashing the potatoes. Once everything is incorporated, add salt to taste. Add the egg yolks. Continue to mash until the mixture is smooth. Do not over-mash, or your potatoes will end up with a gluey consistency.
Put the mashed potatoes in a piping bag with a large star point. Pipe the potatoes onto a cookie sheet. Brush the swirled edges with melted butter so they brown nicely in the oven.
Bake until nicely browned, about 20 minutes. Serve hot from the oven.
Spinach Pomegranate Salad
Salad
10-ounce bag baby spinach leaves, rinsed and drained
½ cup walnut pieces
½ cup crumbled feta
Vinaigrette
¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
¼ medium red onion, sliced thin
¼ cup alfalfa sprouts
½ cup pomegranate seeds
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Combine all vinaigrette ingredients. Shake well.
Place spinach in a salad bowl. Top with walnuts, feta, red onion, alfalfa sprouts and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
1 package yellow cake mix
3.4-ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
Icing
3.4-ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
¾ cup cold whole milk
Heat oven to 350 F.
4 large eggs
1 cup club soda
½ cup canola oil
2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar
½ cup chopped walnuts for garnish
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, soda and oil. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
Pour into a greased and floured 10-inch fluted tube pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the pudding mix, cream, milk, and confectioners’ sugar on high in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Frost cake. Sprinkle with walnuts. Refrigerate until serving.
Pistachio Pudding Cake Cake
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
Ever in Awe
Story and photo by Dave LaBelle
As a small child, I was spellbound by giant rainbows stretching across the valley near our home. The magnificent bands of glistening colors felt so close I could almost touch them, bathe in them. Believing there was a pot of gold buried where each end of the rainbow touched the earth, my siblings and I sometimes raced barefoot across the fields hoping to find the treasure before the magical bow disappeared.
I’m not sure at what age I outgrew the legend of hidden treasure. Perhaps it was the same time I began questioning the Easter Bunny?
Sadly, as I grew older and wiser, the awe I once had for those fading, magical colors also disappeared. As a teenager, rainbows no longer held the same allure.
But then, not long after my mother disappeared in floodwaters and our home was washed away by endless days and nights of torrential rains, I was reading in the book of Genesis how God set a bow in the sky after the great flood as a sign the Earth would never again be destroyed by water. As you can imagine, the story stirred my heart, and I have never viewed a rainbow the same since. And soon that mystery—that childhood wonder—even returned.
I believe rainbows will forever capture our imagination.
Whether you believe the Bible story or are simply touched by those colorful, curved ribbons of light stretching across the sky or magically appearing in the mist above a lake or river, there is something beautifully comforting and hopeful about seeing a rainbow appear.
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
NIKON D810 70mm lens ISO: 125 f/5 at 1/640
Including an interesting foreground creates scale, depth and dimension. A vibrant rainbow can be the star of your photograph or an unexpected accent to complement an already colorful scene, such as pitcher Max Steffens, of Epworth, Iowa, competing in a semipro baseball tournament.
Reader Challenge
Keep your camera close and be ready as storms clear and rains cease. Often after a rainy day, clouds part before a sunset, and a rainbow alone can be a breathtaking sight.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
Beetle Bream
Most Florida anglers probably started fishing as children by dangling worms or crickets under floats to catch bluegills and other bream species. This old method will always work, but for more of a challenge, try casting lures for small scrappers.
Among the most versatile lures on the market, spinnerbaits catch fish from top to bottom all year long and can go many places where other lures can’t go. Many bream anglers throw small “beetle” spinners, also called “harness” or “jighead” spinners.
Such baits consist of a wire harness holding a spinner blade attached to a jighead. Anglers can slip an infinite number of small soft-plastic trailers onto the hook. Since the components separate, anglers can easily switch blades, arm sizes, jigheads or trailers as they wish. For added enticement, tip the hook with a colorful scent pellet.
A beetle spinner can catch bream from the surface to the bottom. Retrieval speeds determine how deep the lure runs. Simply toss the lure to grassy edges, lily pads, logs, or other cover that might hold fish and work it back to the boat.
Around thick grassy patches, buzz beetles over the top so the blades churn the water or wake the baits just below the surface. The commotion might bring fish up from the depths. Around submerged grass, run the bait just over the blade tops. Occasionally, pause so the lure sinks a bit into the grass. Then, pull it back up.
Bluegills and other bream species live in just about every freshwater system in the Sunshine State. Bluegills spawn from spring through early fall. They scour beds in the bottom and vigorously defend their nests. Run a beetle through the nests for hot action.
As weather warms, fish might head a little deeper for more comfortable temperatures. In deeper water, barely turn the reel handle, just enough to make the blades flicker. Run the lure just above the bottom. Also try the stop-and-drop method. Pause the retrieve periodically to let the bait sink 1 or 2 feet. As the bait slowly sinks into the water, the blades continue revolving, creating flash and vibrations. Fish commonly hit lures as they sink.
Sloping banks and drop-offs make great places to fish. Bream can move up and down in the water column as they desire. Bream commonly hover just over the drop-off edges looking to ambush passing prey. Run a spinner on the deep side of the drop-off parallel to the edge.
ABOVE: Amy Gable shows off a bluegill she caught on a beetle spinner while fishing a backwater off Dead Lake near Bunnell.
LEFT: A beetle spinner makes a great bait for tempting panfish, such as this redear sunfish, also called a shellcracker for its fondness for eating snails.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN N. FELSHER
As we progress into summer, fish regularly seek shelter under docks, trees, bridges and other features that cast shadows on the water. Any shady spot makes a great place to throw a beetle spinner.
Easy to master and inexpensive, fishing with small beetle spinners on ultralight tackle offers an excellent and fun way to introduce children or novice anglers to the sport. In the right spot, anybody could catch good numbers of feisty fish. Although small, bluegills and other bream species will outfight anything in the water, ounce for ounce. n
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.
Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction
Centuries ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.
On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.
We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection . Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!
Jewelry Specifications:
• Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings
Sedona Turquoise Collection
A. Pendant (26 cts)
$299 * $99 +s&p Save $200
B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p
C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200
Set
* $249 +s&p Save $498
**Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings.
Offer Code STC958-09
A.
B.
C.
Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color
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.
PENSACOLA
April 5
Palafox Market
Find unique, precious, delicious and offbeat items at Palafox Market. On-site vendors grow, make or create each item for sale. Join us 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, rain or shine, for farm-fresh produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, hand-crafted works of art, sculpture, fresh tea and coffee, food and spices, hand-blown glass, ceramics and more at the event named Florida’s Best Farmers Market by Southern Living magazine. https://downtownpensacola.com/palafox/palafox-market; 850-380-8196
SEBRING
April 5-6
Sebring Soda Festival
Float over to the seventh annual Sebring Soda Festival for a family-friendly party atmosphere that offers more than 200 craft sodas to sample, craft beer and wine, and soda drinking contests. With Soda Pop Princess skits, live music and festive food, this is the fizziest festival in all of Florida. https://sebringsodafest.com; 863-385-8448
KEY WEST
April 11
Outdoor Movie Night
Join us at dusk for a free outdoor movie night at Fort East Martello. Enjoy food from our vendors, including fresh-squeezed lemonade, frozen treats and all your favorite snacks. Don’t forget the free popcorn, courtesy of First State Bank of the Florida Keys, which benefits the Key West High School. Invite your friends, bring your blankets and chairs, and let’s make this outdoor movie night one for the books. https://bit.ly/3DjUTrn; 305-814-2789
PENSACOLA
April 12
Deluna’s Open Water Swim 2025
Join us on Pensacola Beach for the annual DeLuna’s Open Water Swim. Pick the 0.6-, 1.2- or 2.4-mile swims to challenge your skill and speed in clean protected waters in the Santa Rosa Sound. As legend has it, Don Tristan de Luna—a 16th-century Spanish conquistador who led an ill-fated expedition to the Pensacola area in 1559—is credited for America’s first settlement. A scroll of de Luna’s was recently discovered in the sand of Pensacola Beach outlining a competitive open water swim they were planning. Unfortunately, a hurricane changed the course of Pensacola’s history, wiping out the settlement, thus never allowing the swim to take place. Our event is an effort to continue what de Luna started.
www.pensacolasports.org/delunasswim; 850-434-2800
ISLAMORADA
April 12
Full Moon Yoga
Meditate and relax under the glow of the full moon on Sunrise Point at Three Waters Resort and Marina. Zenfully Aware Yoga, the Islamorada Resort Collection, and I.CARE bring participants on an adventure. The yoga practice centers around how the moon affects coral reefs, queuing coral spawning each year and the start of a new life for one of our planet’s most precious ecosystems. The class is complimentary for resort guests, but a donation is suggested for I.CARE, which is dedicated to restoring the reefs of Islamorada, including the world-famous Alligator Reef. Admission for nonguests is $25 per ticket.
ISLAMORADA
April 5-6
33rd Annual Florida Keys Island Fest
The 33rd Annual Island Fest event returns to Founders Park (MM 87), featuring an art show, live music, food and classic cars. The Arts and Crafts Show showcases artists whose works include paintings, sculptures, jewelry, fine crafts and driftwood carvings. The Smoked Fish Dip Contest returns by popular demand. Also returning this year is the All-American Road Vintage Cruisers Car Show. Children and adults can help paint a life-sized dolphin statue and compete in HulaHoop contests while giant kites fly high in the sky. Admission is free, and on-site parking is $5. The Islamorada Chamber of Commerce encourages the public to “Keep the Scene Green” and bring reusable drink containers to reduce plastic use during the event.
https://islamoradachamber.com/island-fest; 305-664-4503
https://bit.ly/3Fk3F9m; 844-918-0516
ISLAMORADA
April 12
Swim Across America
Join Swim Across America for the fourth annual Florida Keys open water charity swim from 8 a.m. to noon at the beautiful Founders Park. The halfmile, 1-mile and 2-mile swims will be available. A children’s splash will be offered, and several Olympians will attend as angel swimmers for those who may want a little help. Proceeds support cancer research at Miami Cancer Institute. www.swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys; 949-292-7897
KEY WEST
April 19
Earth Day 5K Run/Walk
Join us at 8 a.m. for the 26th annual Earth Day 5K Run/Walk. The event benefits the Conch Republic Marine Army, an organization working on cleaning and restoring the mangrove habitats of the Florida Keys. The run begins and ends near the Ingham ship, following three loops of the promenade at Truman Waterfront Park. Awards are given for age-group winners. All participants are entered into a raffle for local prizes. T-shirts are available to the first 100 participants. https://southernmostrunners.com; 619-961-3017
SEBRING
April 19
Music in the Park
Join the Friends of Highlands Hammock State Park at 7 p.m. for rocking rhythm and blues by J.P. Soars and The Red Hots. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and flashlights to enjoy an evening of music under the stars. Don’t forget the mosquito spray on warmer evenings. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase from an on-site food truck and the Hammock Inn Camp Store. Admission for all concerts is $15 per adult—campers and dayto-day visitors. Accompanied children 12 years and younger get in free of charge. Pets are not permitted. https://friendsofhighlandshammockstatepark.wildapricot.org; 863-386-6094
ISLAMORADA
April 19
Keys Community Concert Band
Bring a chair or spread out a blanket as the band performs Conch Classics, featuring music from throughout the ages. The concert starts at 4 p.m. at the ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park (MM 87). Admission is free. keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-394-1123
AVON PARK
April 26
Blueberry Festival
Join the Avon Park Rotary Club for the 14th annual Avon Park Blueberry Festival. This free and family-friendly event features original arts and craft vendors, live bluegrass entertainment, a cornhole tournament, a kids’ zone, car cruise-in, food trucks and more. Don’t miss the Amateur Blueberry Bake-Off. Winners for youth and adult divisions will be announced during the festival with monetary prizes for the top three finishers in each division. It’s free to enter the competition.
https://bit.ly/41TNsQP; 863-414-1733
LAKE WALES
April 5
Annual Spring Fling
The Crafty Cats at First United Methodist Church have been busy. You are invited from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to shop for plants, yard ornaments, garden decor, decorated pots and seasonal crafts. Hot dogs, fresh off the grill, will be available for $5. Chips and a drink are included in the price. fumclw.org; 863-676-2516
ISLAMORADA
April 30-May 1
Jeff Leonia Reel and Steel Classic
The tournament kicks off at 6 p.m. April 30 at Safe Harbor Angler House. The grouper/hogfish tournament starts at 7 a.m. May 1 and has categories for men and women in scuba, free dive and rod/reel in memory of Jeff Leonia. A fun category for snapper is also included in the event. Registration is $150. Children 12 and younger fish for free. Proceeds stay in the Keys, supporting local endeavors. www.livelikejeff.com; 919-414-4300
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 or use the QR Code for easy access. 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 VICKI ILIFF
Maximizing Water Savings for Lower Bills
When you’re looking to lower your water bill, you might be wondering the best way to maximize your water savings.
If you have an in-ground irrigation system for your lawn, this is a great place to start. Research shows that for homes with an in-ground irrigation system, outdoor water use can be the biggest reason for high water bills. Every time the average-sized yard in Florida is watered, it uses at least 1,000 gallons of water, according to University of Florida research. You would have to take a shower for more than eight hours to use that much water.
Know Your Timer
To save water used on your landscape, start by looking at how frequently you water your property.
Your irrigation timer should be set to water no more than twice a week. In the winter, your lawn goes dormant and won’t need water more than once a week. However, the best method is shutting off your automatic irrigation system and turning it on only when needed.
Signs your lawn needs water include your footprints staying in the grass for a long time or leaf blades being folded in half lengthwise. By not overwatering your yard, you also increase drought resistance and reduce pests and fungal problems.
Don’t Let Your Water Be Wasted
You can prevent wasting large amounts of water by stopping leaks quickly. Turn on your irrigation system seasonally to check for puddles of water and broken sprinkler heads. Check your sprinkler heads to make sure they’re not watering your sidewalk or driveway. They may even be turned the wrong way, missing your yard completely.
Also, check that you have a working rain sensor device to make sure you’re not irrigating when rain has already done the job.
Finally, most established plants don’t need to be watered regularly, and you likely can turn off those irrigation zones.
Be Florida-Friendly
To easily save water, design a yard that doesn’t need much water to begin with. You can use mulch, choose drought-tolerant plants and plant landscaped beds instead of grass.
Plants with similar water needs should be grouped together to make it easier to get them the right amount of water. The FloridaFriendly Landscaping program is a great resource for making sure you have the right plant for the right place.
Improve Indoor Efficiency
Once you’ve tackled your outdoor water use, begin looking for ways to maximize savings indoors.
For some homes, the toilet could be the best way to save water. A small toilet leak could add up to hundreds of gallons of water, and older toilets can use more gallons per flush than newer ones.
Other ways to save water include low-flow shower heads that can cut your shower water use in half. Faucet aerators can do the same for your sinks.
Beyond reducing your utility bill, saving water helps protect springs and valuable Florida resources for generations to come. For more ways to save water and make your landscape Florida-friendly, reach out to the UF/IFAS Extension office in your county.
Kaitlin Robb Price is a project manager for H2OSAV: Water Savings, Analytics and Verification, a UF/IFAS Extension program focused on measurably saving Florida water. She has a master’s in mass communication from the University of Florida, as well as a B.S. in business administration from Auburn University.
OWER 2025 ine n man CAMP
For high school juniors & seniors wanting to learn more about careers in the electric utility industry
Cost is FREE (Lunch provided during Q&A)
Breakout sessions to include climbing power poles, bucket truck training, overhead/underground/Right of Way, Safety, Q&A
n & ative tdoor ivities
Student or school is responsible for transportation to and from camp
Student must live on EREC lines
Application and waiver signed by student and guardian prior to camp
ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC
Business Spotlight
Santa Rosa County
Kona Ice
850-748-9124; guynfrank@kona-ice.com
Serves Jay and surrounding areas.
Check them out on Facebook or at https://www.kona-ice.com/local-site/kona-ice-pensacola-north.
Cool off with the delicious and refreshing treat of shaved ice from Kona Ice. Celebrate a special occasion; have fun at school with Kona Ice; include Kona Ice at your daycare summer program; treat your church elders, youth or VBS students with a refreshing Kona Ice; or have it at your sporting events for a fun and healthy cool down. Kona Ice serves Pace, North Pensacola, Cantonment, Century, Jay, Molino, Atmore, Andalusia, Brewton, East Brewton, Flomaton and surrounding areas. They come to you.
Escambia County
Smallwood’s Land Management
601-335-1095; tuffoncrime@yahoo.com
McDavid and surrounding areas
Check them out on Facebook.
Smallwood’s Land Management is your go-to expert for excavator and skid steer services. Specializing in forestry mulching, stump removal, bush hogging, dirt work and more, they provide efficient and reliable land management solutions tailored to your needs. Whether clearing property or preparing land for a project, Smallwood’s Land Management delivers top-quality results with professionalism and precision.
“We can’t say enough great things about Smallwood’s,” one customer says. “They can do the impossible, and we’re always blown away by their end result.”
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.
This N’ That
For Auction
1995 Kershaw Klipper, Model #553, Serial #55-186-95, 3 cylinder Detroit engine, unknown hours, new radiator and boom tip. It has a leaking right rear tire and blown hose in the upper boom. For pictures of item and to send sealed bids, contact Glenn White (gwhite@erec.com). Bids due by April 22.
For Sale
37-foot 2021 FKRK Palomino Puma Travel Trailer. Excellent condition. Extended season package. Lots of storage. Can send pictures. $28K. OBO. Call 850-324-0524.
may submit one ad per issue (12 times a year) • Ads must be
4, Jay, FL 32565 or email to: cowens@erec.com. You can also send with your bill payment or submit ad at www.erec.com/community/this-n-that This N’ That Ad Submission: PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY. DEADLINE
The Next Generation Inspiring
Escambia River Electric Cooperative lineworkers Doug Stewart and Thomas Nall took the opportunity to inspire young minds last month at Jay Elementary.
Doug and Thomas shared their passion for their careers with third and fifth grade students, giving them a glimpse into the vital roles of lineworkers in our community.
With pride in their work, Doug and Thomas made learning about this important profession an exciting experience for the students. It’s always special to see how a hands-on approach can spark interest and inspire the next generation.
Doug Stewart, in green hat, and Thomas Nall talk with students at Jay Elementary about their career field. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CORTNEY OWENS
SPRING EFFICIENCY WORD SEARCH
Did you know there are several ways to save energy during spring months?
Read the energy-saving tips below to learn more, then find the bolded words in the puzzle below.
• Use LED lights around your home. LEDs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
• Plant shade trees around your home to block unwanted heat from the sun.
• Unplug devices and electronics that consume energy when they’re not in use, like phone chargers.
• Seal air leaks around exterior doors and windows to save energy and keep your home comfortable.
• Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. To save energy, turn them o when you leave the room.
Beauty in Bloom
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 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.
Orchids are on display in a garden at Lakewood Ranch.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FERNANDO UGARTE
IguessI was a little bored. For the past hour, I’d been on the phone with Daniele, the head of my office in Italy, reviewing our latest purchases of Italian gold, Murano glass and Italian-made shoes and handbags.
“Daniele,” I said, “What is the hottest jewelry in Italy right now?”
His reply? Woven gold bracelets studded with gems. He texted me some photos and I knew immediately that this was jewelry that Raffinato just had to have.
Presenting the Italiano Fantasia Bracelets, two designs that are prime examples of Italy’s finest artisanship. Each of these bracelets includes more than 20 brilliant cut gems of DiamondAura®, our Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, in a setting finished with 18 karat Italian gold.
What is DiamondAura®? Why, it’s a sparkling marvel that rivals even the finest diamonds (D Flawless) with its transparent color and clarity: Both are so hard they can cut glass. Don’t believe me? The book “Jewelry and Gems: The Buying Guide,” praised the technique used in our diamond alternative: “The best diamond simulation to date, and even some jewelers have mistaken these stones for mined diamonds,” it raved.
The best part about these bracelets? The price. Because of our longstanding connections in Arezzo, the mecca of Italian goldsmithing, we can offer both bracelets together for just $99, a fraction of the price you’ll pay anywhere else for similar jewelry.
Order today. These bracelets are one of our hottest sellers this year, and with disruptions in the supply chain, we can only guarantee that we have 1,273 861 of these bracelets on hand for this ad.
Make the next gift you give your loved one a trip to Italy with the Italiano Fantasia Bracelets, stunning accessories that are sure to turn heads.
Jewelry Specifications:
• Made in Arezzo, Italy. 18k gold finish
• DiamondAura®, the Ultimate Diamond Alternative®
• Fit wrists up to 7 ¼"
Italiano Fantasia Bracelet Collection
A. X Bracelet (¼ ctw) $399 $59* + S&P Save $340
B. Woven Bracelet (⅓ ctw) $299 $59* + S&P Save $240 Set of Both $698 $99* + S&P Save $599
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative Inc.
www.erec.com
JAY OFFICE WALNUT HILL OFFICE
3425 Highway 4 4950 Highway 99A
P.O. Box 428 (mail) Walnut Hill, FL 32568 Jay, FL 32565
PHONE NUMBERS
850-675-4521 800-235-3848
Walnut Hill Post 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
Brian Davis
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.
Florida Currents
ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Annual Meeting Saturday, April 26
Registration starts at 8 a.m. with meeting beginning at 10 a.m.
Please turn to the inside back cover for your registration card!
2025 ANNUAL MEETING
April 26, 2025 | Wallace Lake K-8 School
• Entertainment by Wallace Lake School Band
• Vendor and informational tables
• Kids’ activity area
Two sets of door prizes will be awarded: one for in-person attendees and one for absentee voters who return their ballots.
8 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. business meeting GRAND PRIZE IS A $500 BILL CREDIT
Please turn to the inside back cover for your registration card.
• Scholarship winners will be recognized
• Gift buckets for registered members (while supplies last)
• Breakfast available for purchase
Taking Care of Business
AFFIDAVIT
I, the undersigned whose name is preprinted on the reverse side of this form, do hereby certify that I am a bona fide member of Escambia River Electric Cooperative Inc. and that as a member of the cooperative, I am entitled to vote on trustees and any other business coming before the membership according to the cooperative bylaws, Article III, Section 5. I further certify that I have not voted an absentee ballot for the election of trustees to be held April 26, 2025.
Signature of member/authorized representative of a church, club or other organization.
ELECTION OF TRUSTEES
Print your name.
At a meeting of the board of trustees on Feb. 17, 2025, a committee was appointed to nominate candidates for trustees of the cooperative for the coming year. The following members were nominated by the committee and accepted the nomination as candidates for trustees:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Two open positions; vote for two
Two open positions; vote for two
• Ernie Hester (incumbent)
• Sam Walker (incumbent)
• Gary Wiggins (incumbent)
Two open positions; vote for two
Two open positions; vote for two
• William G. Cozart
• Rick Hunsucker (incumbent)
• Mickey Diamond (incumbent)
• Dale Westmoreland (incumbent)
• Edmond Aubrey English
• James Roland
• Philip G. Marshall
• John Wesley Scott
The two candidates from Escambia County and the two candidates in Santa Rosa County receiving the highest number of votes will serve as your representatives on the board of trustees.
Eligibility of voters is governed by Article III, Sections 5 and 6 of the cooperative bylaws.
Please come and register for prizes, and participate in the cooperative’s business meeting.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative Inc.
FL-151
2025 Annual Meeting
Registration Card
Wallace Lake K-8 School
Pace, Florida
April 26, 2025
Present this card to register. Do not remove mailing label. It is your prize entry. Absentee ballots are available during regular business hours from April 1-25 at the Jay EREC office. You may call 850-675-4521 or 800-235-3848 to have an absentee ballot mailed to you. See page 7 for ways to vote!
Official Notice of the 2025 Annual Meeting of Members of Escambia River Electric Cooperative Inc.
Dear Member:
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of members of ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC. will be Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Wallace Lake K-8 School in Pace, Florida. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and close at 10 a.m. The business meeting will be called to order at 10 a.m.
ARTICLE III, SECTION I, of the bylaws states, “The annual meeting of members shall be held for the purpose of electing trustees, passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year and transacting any and all other business as may come before the meeting.”
The election of trustees shall consist of the election of two (2) trustees from Escambia County and two (2) trustees from Santa Rosa County. All members may vote for trustees in each county. A list of candidates is included in this publication.
Cooperatively yours,
Dale Westmoreland, Secretary/Treasurer