Training
Florida Currents
June 2024 • Volume 13, No. 8
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Chasity Anderson, CCC; Valeri Pearon
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC;
David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.31 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
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© 2024 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
Enter FKEC’s Photo Contest
Once again, it is time for Florida Keys Electric Co-op’s cover photo contest. We welcome all FKEC member photographers—novice and pros—to enter to win a $25 FKEC electric bill credit and have your photo on the cover of Florida Currents.
Contest Rules
• Each FKEC member may submit up to five photos.
• All submissions must include the photographer’s name and location of the photo. For FKEC contact purposes only, please include your email and phone number.
• All submitted photos must be taken within FKEC’s service territory (Monroe-Dade
County line to the Seven Mile Bridge).
• The contest is only open to FKEC members.
• Submissions must be high-resolution, vertical digital images in .jpg or .pdf format, sized to approximately 8 inches wide by 10 inches tall.
• Prints are not accepted.
• The contest is judged by Florida Currents editors.
The deadline to submit photos is Friday, July 26, 2024. Email your high-resolution photos to news@FKEC.com with subject line “photo contest.”
By submitting photos to this contest, you give FKEC the right to use those photos in the Florida Currents magazine and on the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative website and social media.
FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.
Member Owned Since 1940
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Karl Wagner
District 4, Marathon, President
Michael H. Puto
District 4, Marathon, Vice President
Cale Smith
District 3, Islamorada, Treasurer
Gretchen Holland
District 1, Key Largo, Secretary
James J. Boilini
District 1, Key Largo
David C. Ritz
District 1, Key Largo
Craig Belcher
District 2, Tavernier
Joseph H. Roth III
District 2, Tavernier
George D. Hertel
District 3, Islamorada
CONTACT US:
305-852-2431 | 800-858-8845
Pay by Phone 1-855-385-9912 www.FKEC.com
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 377, Tavernier, FL 33070
MEMBERS
SHOULD KNOW:
FKEC live-streams weather cams from our Tavernier and Marathon offices. Check out the views and real-time weather data at www.fkec.com/resources/liveweather-cams/
FKEC NEWS
JUNE 2024
Annual Meeting Recap
On Saturday, April 13th, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative convened our 83rd Annual Meeting at Coral Shores High School. We look forward to the annual event to share and celebrate the spirit of cooperation and community that defines FKEC.
The day commenced with approximately 275 registered members receiving registration gifts and raffle tickets. We also offered complimentary coffee and donuts for attendees to enjoy while mingling with each other, our directors, and co-op employees.
The proceedings formally began at 10:00 a.m., marked by Board President Karl Wagner’s welcoming everyone and calling the meeting to order. Secretary Gretchen Holland confirmed the meeting’s adherence to bylaws, cementing our official status. Karl went on to introduce FKEC’s nine distinguished board members, who form the backbone of FKEC’s governance. Additionally, he recognized the valued volunteers of our Charitable Trust Board, whose stewardship of funds through Operation Roundup® channels vital support to our community.
Next, Treasurer Cale Smith reviewed the financial report, offering insights into FKEC’s operational health through the
SCOTT NEWBERRY Chief Executive Officer
2023 Operating Statement and Balance Sheet. Then, I had the privilege of addressing our esteemed membership.
This year, I wanted to focus on the people behind the electrical power that illuminates our Upper and Middle Keys communities. I highlighted our dedicated team of employees’ indispensable role in ensuring FKEC’s success. Their unwavering commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power, coupled with exemplary customer service, epitomizes FKEC’s priorities.
I extended heartfelt appreciation to every team member, spanning Operations, Accounting, Billing, Human Resources, IT, and Customer Service. Their collective expertise fuels FKEC’s continued progress and reinforces our bond with the community.
It is with immense pride that we share
FKEC’s triumphs and future aspirations with our members annually. After all, it is your unwavering support that sustains our cooperative’s mission and propels us forward. Thank you to those able to grace us with your presence at the annual meeting, and our appreciation to all our members for your continued trust in FKEC. I also thank our FKEC team for organizing another wonderful hometown
yearly get-together.
If you missed the meeting, you can learn more online at www.FKEC.com/ news-and-info/. Online, you will find footage of the annual meeting in our Video Archive and the Florida Currents link to read about the ‘synergy in our energy’ in the April edition featuring our 2023 Annual Report. n
FKEC CEO Scott Newbeery presented to co-op members at the 83rd Annual Meeting. PHOTO BY NIKKI DUNN CULLEN
FKEC’s Alie Garcia happily registered members from the convenience of an iPad.
FKEC Board President Karl Wagner, Maria Jones and Board Director Joe Roth.
FKEC’s Josh Ellsworth, Tom Anthony, David Bogue and Raymond Turner.
Julie Lopez and team offered donuts to members before the meeting.
PHOTOS BY RAY RHASH
The Path to Journeyman
Meet the seven FKEC apprentice following the path to becoming a Journeyman.
When talking about electricity, particularly safety, the phrase “path to ground” is often used to describe how electricity aims to find the path of least resistance towards the earth. This is why you don’t touch live power lines because people are a low-resistance path for electricity to flow through. A path that isn’t often talked about in the electrical industry and is not easy is the route to becoming a Journeyman.
FKEC currently has seven apprentices at various stages in our training program. Six are training to be Journeymen Linemen, and one is an aspiring Journeyman Substation Electrician.
They also each came to the program through different avenues. Senior Line Apprentices Mike Robinson and Chris Flingos, Third-Year Substation Electrician Apprentice Brandon Collie, and First-Year Line Apprentice Noyde Hernandez all started their journey on the FKEC Right-of-Way Tree Crew under the guidance of experienced Tree Crew Leaders.
Vince Castagna, also in his first year of the program, started at FKEC in Fleet and Building Maintenance, where he jumped at the opportunity to show his interest in pursuing a career as a lineman.
Joining Vince and Noyde as First-Year Apprentices are Wyatt Timm and Chris Vienes. Their path has brought the two young South Florida natives to FKEC straight out of Northwest Linemen College.
Whether coming from another department at FKEC or outside the company, all candidates must start by
graduating lineman college. All our current apprentices have completed the 15-week Electrical Lineworker Program at Northwest Lineman College in Edgewater, FL.
Immersed in the world of linework, the school’s students receive comprehensive instruction covering all aspects of the job and power systems.
“We are proud of how all of our apprentice candidates have always shined bright during the rigorous lineman college program, demonstrating exceptional skills and dedication,” said Bill Lee, FKEC Director of Distribution Operations.
Most recently, at Northwestern College, Vince was appointed Class President and was also honored by the local Edgewater Rotary for organizing his class to volunteer for the club at an annual fundraiser. Noyde’s attitude and commitment also earned special accolades from his instructors. He was honored with the prestigious Eagle
From left, First-Year Linemen Apprentice Wyatt Timm, Chris Vienes, Vince Castagna and Noyde Hernandez; Third-Year Substation Apprentice Brandon Coile; and Fourth-Year Linemen Apprentices Mike Robinson and Chris Flingos.
Award for demonstrating the highest levels of excellence in behavior, skill and academics.
Once they graduate from lineman college, the aspiring candidates can officially enter FKEC’s four-year apprentice program. This program combines academic study with 8,000 hours of intensive on-the-job training. Rotating between the Tavernier and Marathon Line Departments, apprentices work under the guidance of seasoned Line Crew Leaders who impart invaluable knowledge and skills essential for success in the field.
The progress of each apprentice is closely monitored by the FKEC Apprenticeship Committee. By tracking development, providing tailored support, and ensuring compliance with regulations, the committee maintains the program’s integrity and relevance. Under their guidance and that of the overall line department, the trainees receive the resources and mentorship needed to succeed in their journey towards becoming superior lineworkers.
“We appreciate the pride all our experienced lineworkers take in sharing
their knowledge to ensure the skills and safety of our apprentice,s” said COO Tom Anthony. “Teamwork and genuine support are cornerstones in our apprenticeship program and I thank everyone who contributes to its success.”
Throughout their apprenticeship, trainees also undergo annual testing and skills evaluation at Northwest Lineman College. This comprehensive training regimen prepares them to become United States Department of Labor Certified Lineworkers equipped to tackle the challenges of any electric utility system with confidence and proficiency.
Vince describes how he looks at his future now that he’s an apprentice as being like 500,000 volts running through a transmission line, traveling faster than the speed of light and with vast possibilities. At FKEC, we agree and appreciate the past, present, and future generations of electric utility workers who put in the work to keep the power flowing and do it safely every day.
Becoming a journeyman is more than just a career choice; it’s a path that demands dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment. n
FKEC Apprentice Training
Completion of the 15-week Electrical Lineworker Program at Northwest Lineman College
8,000 hours of on-the-job training
4-years of course work
Annual attendance to Northwest Linemen College
Tutelage under each Lineman Crew Leader
Bi-monthly reviews by the FKEC Apprentice Committee
The Committee’s Commitment
The FKEC Apprenticeship Committee is a vital component of our cooperative, bringing together dedicated individuals from various roles, including management and the labor force. This committee plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment for apprentices, providing mentorship, guidance, and resources essential for their development and success.
Juan Alberto, Sub. Crew Leader
Juan Castano, Line Crew Leader
Rob Christensen, Line Superintendent
Joe Joyce, Line Superintendent
Bill Lee, Director of Distribution Operations
Nick Lyons, Director of Power Supply
Josh Nicholay, Line Crew Leader
Adam Secor, Sub. Superintendent
Rudy Vega, Line Crew Leader
From left, FKEC Apprentice
Noyde Hernandez and Vince Castagna at Northwest Lineman College in Edgewater, FL. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Joe Sheriff Retires After 18 Years
FKEC expresses heartfelt gratitude to Joe Sheriff for his dedicated service spanning 18 years and extends warm wishes for a happy retirement.
Joe commenced his journey with the co-op in 2006 as Fleet and Maintenance Supervisor, bringing with him extensive expertise in vehicle and machinery maintenance and management.
Throughout his tenure, Joe played a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of FKEC’s fleet and facilities.
Under his leadership, FKEC embraced innovative practices, including the incorporation of biodiesel fuel and synthetic oil, and the implementation of improved recycling measures for materials like tires. Joe also oversaw the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, along with the establishment of charging stations and various building enhancements, including improved security and office design.
John Stuart, former FKEC COO, who recently retired but worked closely with Joe, highlighted the importance of Fleet and Building Maintenance in ensuring smooth operations. “Joe led his department to grow and adjust with our ever-evolving industry,” said John.
CEO Scott Newberry expressed his gratitude for Joe’s unwavering commitment and wished him a retirement filled with health, happiness,
and cherished memories.
As Joe embarks on his next chapter, he looks forward to spending more time with his wife and family, as well as traveling. n
Cooperative Career Opportunities
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative provides diverse career opportunities across a range of job positions. We currently employ approximately 115 Upper and Middle Keys residents working out of our Tavernier and Marathon offices. Whether you’re seeking to embark on a career in the electrical industry to learn a trade or are eager to apply your degree in a professional setting, FKEC may be the employer for you.
How to Apply
To learn more about cooperative career opportunities, please visit FKEC’s online job portal at: www.floridakeyselectriccooperative.applicantpro.com/jobs/. (The online application process is quick and easy.)
Above, COO Tom Anthony, Linda Sheriff, Joe Sheriff, recently retired COO John Stuart, and Material and Warehouse Supervisor Ray Rash gathered to celebrate Joe’s retirement.
Right, CEO Scott Newberry thanked Joe for his nearly two decades of dedicated service and wished him a relaxing and rewarding retirement.
— Darlene & Jack B., CA A Better Way to hearTV®
“Now Jack can control the volume on his TV•Ears while I set the TV volume or mute it for complete quiet. Once again, he can understand every word and we can watch our favorite TV shows together.”
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The Voice Clarifying Technology® reduces background noise and clarifies hard to hear television dialog making voices and words understandable. 120db of volume makes TV•Ears the most powerful television listening system on the market!
Quiet TV mode lets others mute the television or set the volume to their preferred level while you listen as loud as you want on the headset.
Story and photos by Nick Thomas
Little space is wasted in the 8,000-squarefoot Emerald Coast Science Center, where walls are covered with informative posters and ceiling paintings. Interactive exhibits offer experiences focused on physics, astronomy and more.
Live animals are also prominent, with an assortment of birds, reptiles and mammals. All are rescues donated to the center. The critters are cleverly named after scientists, an idea Director Diane Fraser introduced several years ago. For instance, a blue and gold macaw is named Cici in honor of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, an astronomer and astrophysicist who proposed in her 1925 doctoral thesis that stars were composed of hydrogen and helium.
“We’re kind of sneaky like that,” Diane says. “Most kids can probably tell you
the names of their favorite Major League Baseball players or who all the current top movie stars are, but if you ask them to name famous scientists, most can only come up with Albert Einstein.
That’s heartbreaking to me. Through our animals, they not only learn about wildlife and the environment but the famous people they’re named after.”
Explore the Emerald Coast Science Center Explore the Emerald Coast Science Center
transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom of their two daughters. In the early 2000s, she discovered the engaging children’s activities offered by the ECSC and volunteered to teach a few of the center’s programs.
By 2014, her oldest daughter was in college, and the youngest was driving.
“The kids were growing up, and I was this newly untethered person wondering what to do with myself,” Diane says.
A Commitment to Science
After graduating with a master’s degree in forensic science from the University of Alabama and working as a research chemist for the Food and Drug Administration in Cincinnati, Diane’s career path took an unexpected turn. For the past decade, she’s been the ECSC director.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Pensacola and Niceville, Diane returned to Florida with her husband in 1999. They settled in Fort Walton Beach, where Diane
At the time, the center was moving from a park known locally as The Landing to a new site on Southwest Memorial Parkway. Diane’s passion for the museum and her science credentials were so appreciated that she was soon asked to serve as interim director to supervise the move. She accepted the position, which later became permanent, but she was aware of her limitations.
“I had no experience working for a nonprofit organization,” she says. “But in
Diane Fraser reshapes sand to show different topographical heights on an interactive watershed model.
addition to ignorance, I had enthusiasm. When coupled, that can create a powerful tool. You don’t know what you don’t know, but with determination, you can tackle and solve problems that come your way.”
There were plenty of difficulties confronting the center during the expansion. The new site on almost 3 acres was bought from the city and required a 30-year mortgage, so securing additional funding sources was essential.
“The museum programs had been stagnant for a while, so we had to convince the community to see our potential,” Diane says. “We acquired some sponsorships to invest in our programs, and we’ve been evolving and growing ever since, except for when the pandemic struck.”
A Lively Space
Closed for three months, the museum had no outdoor activities for visitors when COVID-19 hit in early 2020. But since then,
open-air exhibits have grown substantially and continue to expand.
A new outdoor planetarium is expected to open in mid-2024, funded by a recent $100,000 Impact 100 grant. By 2022, the number of children visiting the center on school field trips topped 5,000—close to prepandemic levels. Diane says visitor numbers grew even more in 2023, and the center welcomed more than 700 annual family memberships. She expects these numbers to grow as new programs and activities are added.
make their own yo-yos,” Diane says. “It’s those types of activities that keep visitors coming back.”
Another popular activity is the sciPad SMALLab room, featuring a 15-by-15foot interactive floor monitored by infrared motion-detecting cameras. Using electronic wands, students can move planets around the solar system, perform virtual chemical experiments or even dip into the arts by painting or learning the vocabulary of another language.
One popular ECSC program is Discover Science Saturday, offered on the first weekend of every month with ideas coming from surprising sources. Diane remembers a young man walking into the center last year offering to demonstrate yo-yo tricks.
“There’s a lot of physics involved with yo-yo movement, so we told him he could come and demonstrate, and we would develop an activity where kids could
“It’s like playing on an iPad the size of a room,” Diane says. “Whenever I give a talk to groups about the center, I take along a copy of the periodic table of elements to illustrate that the piece of paper in my hand shows all the elements that make up the entire universe,” she says. “That’s incredible to me. I hope visitors walk away with that same profound sense of awe and wonder that understanding science can bring.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Diane is the director of the Fort Walton Beach Emerald Coast Science Center. A machine demonstrates air pressure principles at the Emerald Coast Science Center. The science behind pulleys is explained by letting children make giant soap bubbles at the Emerald Coast Science Center.
Cows Mow Go Where the
Book a Florida farm stay for an interactive experience
Story and photos by Marcy Chapman
Jane and Bob Adler own Animal Lovers Farm in Venus. Their 20-acre property, just 15 minutes from Lake Placid, is covered in majestic oaks and welcomes travelers interested in a unique experience.
“Traveling upstate from Miami, we found our perfect enchanted forest in Venus,” Jane says. “It’s classic old Florida. Now, after a period of remodeling, we are in our third year of being hosts. We treasure seeing the joy in people—adults and kids—as they bond with our animals and relax in this incredibly special place. People love our friendly horses, adorable miniature horses, donkeys and playful goats, busy chickens, ducks, and geese—even a sweet mule.”
Their animals often roam free on the farm.
“Keep watch,” Jane says with a laugh. “You may find a donkey at your door, at any time, looking for a treat.”
Often known as farm stays, places like Animal Lovers Farm are scattered across Florida and are a key part of the state’s agritourism industry. Visitors can enjoy the countryside’s natural beauty, learn about farming, interact with animals or just relax.
At many farm stays, visitors—especially youngsters— can experience the rhythm of farm life through hands-on opportunities. Guests might collect eggs for breakfast, feed the animals, ride horseback, pick fruit, fish, kayak, grill out or make s’mores around a fire pit. For some, it is an opportunity to find out where the carrots in their lunch originated.
Each destination has charms of its own. For example, the Adlers offer three lodging options for their guests. The Big House sleeps eight. The Country Cabin is filled with 100 years of history and sleeps three. The Bunkhouse, inspired by the “Yellowstone” TV series, sleeps six. The Adlers have plans for a “barndominium” with three new units.
The property features a scenic lounging area with a pond and
At 5 p.m., Jane Adler calls her chickens into the Shack at Animal Lovers Farm in Venus.
The entrance gate at Animal Lovers Farm.
the Lawn
waterfall. After enjoying an afternoon of horseback riding—free beginner lessons are available—guests can stargaze while lounging in the family-sized hot tubs at each lodging site.
“Guests come for a weekend and stay for a week, sometimes a month,” Jane says. “Most are repeaters.”
Managing a Farm Stay
Farm stays benefit the farmers, their guests and the preservation of the history and culture of farming. Farmers profit from the additional source of income while fostering connections between rural and urban residents. Farm stays also educate the public about environmental concerns, land, water, air and the protection of open spaces and wildlife habitats.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is an authentic 1,700acre dude ranch one hour south of Orlando in Polk County. Guests are offered a cowboy-themed glamping—or fancy camping—ranch stay experience that appeals especially to children. Voted the No. 1 glamping spot by USA Today, Westgate River Ranch guests choose from accommodations including fully outfitted teepees, wagons and tents. Horseback riding, nature
hikes, a petting farm and wildlife airboat and swamp buggy rides are topped off every Saturday night by a championship rodeo.
History on Hooves
Manatee County is home to Triangle Ranch, a working cattle ranch and farm stay. It’s a wide-open 1,143-acre slice of Florida, just north of Myakka River State Park, where guests can experience farming and glamping. More than 3 miles of the Myakka River winds through the shade of oak and palm trees. Not only does the ranch land protect the quality of water and life around the river, but these undeveloped acres also maintain the integrity of an entire wetlands system.
Triangle Ranch is owned by philanthropist Elizabeth Moore, who has a great passion for conservation.
Horses and Florida Cracker cattle graze at Triangle Ranch.
“When I first saw it, I had an epiphany,” Elizabeth says. “It was so beautiful, with the river and all the wildlife. I just wanted to save it. I knew I had to keep it the way it was.”
The Southwest Florida Water Management District holds a permanent conservation agreement on the property. Elizabeth is working with the Conservation Foundation to restore the land to its optimal natural function.
Getting acquainted with Triangle Ranch may include an ATV excursion through Florida wilderness and across the Myakka River. Cruising along, guests keep their eyes peeled for otters, alligators, turtles and deer. More than 100 species of birds frequent the Myakka area, including roseate spoonbills, osprey, bald eagles and sandhill cranes.
A highlight of visiting Triangle Ranch is seeing the curvy-horned Florida Cracker cows. They are descendants of Spanish cattle brought to the Americas in the early 1500s, members of one of the oldest breeds in the United States. Florida is a leader in the conservation and promotion of this breed, known for being good mothers. They are a great fit for Triangle Ranch, which depends on its cow-calf operation for revenue. The herd is driven by horseback, as it has been for hundreds of years. Rotational grazing keeps the cows ranging over the ranch.
“Whether you want to curl up with a good book, go for a hike, visit the animals or enjoy a sunset or kayak ride, you’ll find it all here in the tranquil and pristine surroundings of our cabins,” Elizabeth says. “Constructed using pecky cypress, cabins are built to embody the authentic Florida cracker-style aesthetic while still providing modern-day conveniences, such as Wi-Fi and air conditioning.”
A 1936 cottage, known as Little Siesta, adds character to the property. It was scheduled for demolition when Elizabeth rescued it from Siesta Key. Cut into three sections, it was relocated to the ranch with its original fittings, stained glass, stunning mantle above a stone fireplace and heart pine floors. Highlights of Elizabeth’s decor include a collection of Florida Highwaymen paintings and a striking floor-length mirror from a Ringling collection.
The Ringling mirror captures the siesta cottage bedroom.
Elizabeth shows the Siesta Key cottage at its new home.
Elizabeth Moore with the Triangle Ranch signpost.
The ranch hosts a variety of events, such as birthdays, weddings, book signings, birding groups and the Cattlemen’s Association. Perched on the scenic riverbank, a perfect place to entertain is a traditional Seminole chickee hut built with cypress poles and a cabbage palm-thatched roof.
Worth the Effort
No matter the experience and amenities farm stay owners offer, they all enjoy the same benefits and face some of the same challenges, many of which are weather-related.
“This involves managing flood situations,” Elizabeth says. “Hurricane Ian was devastating.”
The opposite is also a concern: Drought conditions can leave cows thirsty, or other incidents could affect the animals.
“One of the hardest challenges is losing animals we have gotten so attached to,” Bob Adler says. “Things like broken legs or an animal getting attacked.”
With everything considered, farm-stay owners say their land and lifestyle are their treasures.
“Guest income keeps the farm moving,” says Bob, noting it helps cover the cost of veterinarian bills, hay and feed. “But one of the most enjoyable benefits is just living here and sharing our lifestyle with guests. This place emotionally connects with people. I don’t know if it is the beauty of the farm or the tranquility and the interaction with the animals. Just sitting under the oak trees and around the fire pit really has a profound effect on them. The farm is a world-class place to meditate.”
Booking a Stay
It’s important to know how to find quality listings and trustworthy hosts before you book a trip. There are dependable platforms where you can book a stay, such as Airbnb, Expedia, Vrbo and Hipcamp.
For more information about Animal Lovers Farm, visit animalloversfarm. com. To plan a stay at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, go to westgateresorts.com. For Triangle Ranch booking details, visit www.thetriangleranch.com.
Triangle Ranch glamping at its finest: A Florida Highwaymen painting hangs above a copper bathtub shipped from Germany.
A traditional Seminole Chickee hut is used for gatherings at Triangle Ranch.
The Bunkhouse, which includes a hot tub, is one lodging option at Animal Lovers Farm.
It's Back: ZUCCHINI SEASON
Roasted Summer Squash
1 pound summer squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Heat oven to 400 F.
1 tablespoon panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Cut squash into ½-inch-thick slices. Toss with olive oil. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl, and toss with squash.
Place the squash on a baking sheet. Roast for 12 to 14 minutes or until squash is tender.
Broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY SVETLANA KOLPAKOVA
Easy Summer Squash and Zucchini Bread
1/2 cup yellow squash, grated
1/2 cup zucchini, grated
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 extra-large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
Heat oven to 350 F.
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans and walnuts, plus extra for topping
Cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling
Combine yellow squash, zucchini, brown sugar, white sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla in a bowl. Mix well. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, allspice and cinnamon. Combine until mixed and all ingredients are wet. Fold in nuts.
Pour into a greased 9-by-5 loaf pan. Top with extra nuts, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Zucchini Pesto Pasta
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 medium yellow squash or zucchini, or mix of both
Heat oven to 400 F.
16 ounces spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup pasta cooking water
1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
Fill a large pot with salted water, and bring to a boil.
Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread out in one layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash zucchini. Cut off ends, then cut in half lengthwise. Slice into half-moon pieces.
Cook pasta until al dente. While it is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Use a pan that’s big enough to hold all the pasta when it’s cooked. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Turn down the heat to medium. Saute until you can start to smell garlic, about one minute.
Add the sliced zucchini. Season to taste with salt and fresh-ground black pepper. Cook until the zucchini is tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the pesto to the cooked zucchini. Gently stir to combine. Add the roasted tomatoes. Add the drained cooked pasta to the zucchini/pesto/ tomato combination. Gently mix, adding pasta cooking water until the mixture is combined. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Southern Squash Casserole
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 to 8 squash, sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 sleeve crushed buttery crackers
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a casserole dish.
Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Saute the squash and onion until soft. Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan, cheddar and sour cream. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Scoop the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the cracker crumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Marinated Zucchini and Summer Squash
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound zucchini (about 3 large), trimmed and sliced diagonally, about 1/2-inch thick
1 pound yellow crookneck squash (about 3 large), trimmed and sliced diagonally, about 1/2-inch thick
Whisk the vinegar, lemon juice and garlic in a large bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil.
Spoon 3 tablespoons of the marinade into a small bowl. Cover and set aside.
Add the zucchini and yellow squash to the remaining marinade in the large bowl. Toss to coat.
Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13 glass baking dish. Cover and marinate at room temperature for at least three hours, or cover and refrigerate for up to one day.
Prepare a grill for medium-high heat.
Grill the vegetables until they are crisp-tender and brown, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes.
Transfer the vegetables to a platter. Drizzle with the reserved marinade. Serve hot or at room temperature.
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
By Dave LaBelle
I love black-and-white photos. I always have.
In my memory bank are powerful black-and-white images, such as Dorthea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” and Nate Fein’s “Babe Ruth Farewell at Yankee Stadium.”
But alongside these iconic photographs are equally powerful color images.
One such color photograph is “Afghan Girl,” made by American photojournalist Steve McCurry and published on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. The penetrating green eyes, red scarf and green background in the portrait of a then-unknown 12-year-old Sharbat Gula connected with readers as no other image had before. It became the magazine’s most popular cover ever, and CNN called it the world’s most famous photograph.
Just as I do not believe Dorthea’s 1936 gripping Depression-era photo of Florence Owens Thompson would have had the same impact in color, Steve’s poignant portrait wouldn’t have
enjoyed its far-reaching impact in black and white.
How colors play off each other is a consideration.
The Afghan girl, with green eyes and a small sliver of green beneath her red scarf, works well against that green background. Another color behind her might not have yielded the same impact.
Reader Challenge
See if you can see in color. Find or make a photograph that communicates only in color and would fail to have the same impact in black and white. If it is a dull, overcast day, consider adding a little flash to awaken the colors.
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.
Color affects our moods. Marketers and advertisers know this. Businesses spend millions trying to determine how humans will respond to certain colors and influence our buying habits. Studies have proven that, while color perception is individual, people of different age groups respond and gravitate to different colors.
My wife might say color affects our energy.
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.
Storm clouds encroach on lateday sun over a corn field. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE NIKON D700, 24-70mm lens ISO 200, f/4 at 1/1000
Traces of Old Florida
Rustic fish camp keeps historic traditions alive
Walking into the Highland Park Fish Camp store seems like stepping through a time portal into old Florida. Mounts of fish and other animals, old photos and fishing memorabilia cover the walls.
Years ago, fish camps dotted major Florida waterways. Few remain today.
“We have been family-owned since 1962,” seventh-generation Floridian Bryn Rawlins Adams says with pride. “We keep the place rustic with that old Florida look. We’re not fancy, but we like it that way.”
Derris Rawlins, Bryn’s grandfather, retired from the U.S. Army and returned to his hometown of DeLand. In 1962, he bought a fish camp on 12 acres at the end of an old logging canal about 5 miles west of DeLand. The canal leads to Norris Dead Lake, a backwater off the St. Johns River.
Norris Dead Lake feeds into the 2,200acre Lake Woodruff, which connects with the 1,800-acre Lake Dexter and numerous other waterways.
In 1964, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge on 21,574 acres. This guaranteed the area would remain wilderness.
When Derris died, the property passed to Bryn’s father and uncle, Rick and Ron. Rick died in 2021. Ron keeps his hand in the business, but Bryn and James Hillman now manage the property.
“It’s sad that so many other fish camps are gone now,” Bryn says. “I remember my dad and I did a trip along the whole St. Johns River in five days on a homemade houseboat. As we went along the river, we saw all the dying and dwindling fish camps. We’re glad that we can still be here.”
Over the years, the camp expanded and put in new facilities, but always retained that old Florida touch. The camp now sits on 30 acres. Visitors can rent cabins or park recreational vehicles in the campground and store boats in the dry storage facility. People can also rent boats ranging from fishing skiffs to pontoon boats.
“We’ve expanded and offer an outdoor venue for things like weddings and community events,” Bryn says. “We have a nice little catch-and-release pond. It’s free to fish.
“People can come out any day and fish, especially with young kids. We do a free fishing rodeo at our pond for kids up to 12 years old. We also do free fishing seminars and hold a free outdoor art show that’s for all Florida-based artists.”
With the area surrounded by wilderness, many people enjoy ecotours or birdwatching trips, but fishing still attracts the most visitors.
A legendary bass stream, the St. Johns system produces numerous largemouth exceeding 10 pounds. These waters also offer crappie, bluegill and other species.
“Our camp record bass weighed 15 pounds, 4 ounces,” James says. “People catch a lot of bass 10 pounds or larger. We’ve caught some crappie exceeding 3 pounds.”
Visitors can book James or other guides through the camp. Call 800-525-3477, visit highlandparkfishcamp.com or look the camp up on Facebook. 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.
ABOVE: James Hillman, a guide for Highland Park Fish Camp, shows off a black crappie he caught while fishing at Lake Woodruff near Deland.
TOP: Visitors to Highland Park Fish Camp can rent cabins with modern conveniences or bring their own recreational vehicles for their stay. PHOTOS BY JOHN N. FELSHER
world’s lightest mobility scooter with anti-tip technology
Like millions of older Americans, I struggle with mobility. For years, I watched my quality of life slip away, as I was forced to stay home while friends and family took part in activities I’d once enjoyed. I thought I’d made some progress when I got a mobility scooter, but then I realized how hard it was to transport. Taking it apart and putting it back together was like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Once I had it disassembled, I had to try to put all of the pieces in the trunk of a car, go to wherever I was going, and repeat the process in reverse. Travel scooters were easier to transport, but they were uncomfortable and scary to drive, I always felt like I was ready to tip over. Then I found the So Lite® Scooter. Now there’s nothing that can hold me back.
Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a scooter that’s designed with seniors in mind. They created Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that makes it virtually impossible to tip over. If you try to turn too quickly, the scooter automatically slows down to prevent it from tipping over. The battery provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the So Lite®
Folds and locks in seconds
Lightweight yet durable
Easier to operate
Scooter is the most portable scooter ever—but it can hold up to 275 pounds—yet weighs only 40.8 pounds without the battery! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat, trunk or even on an airplane. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. Best of all, it’s designed with your safety in mind, from the newest technology and superior craftsmanship. Why spend another day letting your lack of mobility ruin your quality of life? Call now and find out how you can get a So Lite® Scooter of your very own.
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
FORT MYERS
June 1
Mad Libs Live
“Mad Libs Live” is energetic, original and fast-paced. It captures the essence of the classic word game, and watching it can help children distinguish between nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. In the one-hour musical, you meet four students from Blankville Central High School: Gogo the jock, Virtuosa the diva, Merrily the shy artist and Geyser the nerd. www.artinlee.org; 239-939-2787
FORT MYERS
June 7-July 26
Farmers Market
PENSACOLA
June 4
East Hill Makers Market
Join us for an outdoor afternoon market and shopping with more than 40 local artisans, food trucks, music, photo booth and children’s activities. Come shop local and meet and mingle with your neighbors from 3 to 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. www.myeasthill.org; 850-529-0699
STATEWIDE
June 1-2, June 8-9
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.
There’s a new farmers market in town. Come shop for fresh produce and other items, get something to eat and drink, listen to music and stroll through the wildflower and Bromeliad gardens. There will also be fruit trees, herbs and flowering plants available for sale in the Garden Shoppe. www.edisonfordwinterestates.org; 239-334-7419
License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days
License-free fishing days provide an opportunity for those who don’t have a fishing license to experience the sport or for avid anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a license. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers—residents and nonresidents. All other rules—such as seasons, bag and size limits—apply. www.myfwc.com; 850-488-4676
KEY WEST
June 8-15
Fish Out of Water 5K
You’re invited to join in this fifth annual 5K to get out in your local community while making your miles count. We’re encouraging the REEF community and ocean enthusiasts everywhere to get moving in the name of conservation. You can run, walk, hike, bike or even swim, completing the 5K distance in one day or breaking it into smaller sections over the week. www.reef.org/5k; 305-852-0030
KEY LARGO
June 15-August 31
Art Show
The Art Guild of the Purple Isles presents its second summer show 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the lobby of the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway. The show will feature numerous pieces of original art by members of the Art Guild and will be available for purchase. A public opening reception runs 5:30 to 7 p.m. June 15. Admission is free. www.agpi.us; 305-394-1082
PENSACOLA
June 15
PensaPride
Join us in celebrating diversity and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community during an annual all-ages and sober Pride festival. This year the festival will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pensacola Interstate Fair Expo Hall. The event features local LGBTQIA+ artists, musicians, poets, performers and nonprofit advocacy. Admission is $1. www.pensapride.org
KEY WEST
June 15
Truman’s Tropical Fruit Festival
Can you tell the difference between a haden and kent mango? At the Tropical Fruit Festival, you’ll have the chance to taste varieties of mangoes and other tropical fruits, sip tasty cocktails, watch cooking demos and more. Learn about planting fruit trees and have the opportunity to buy some. www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/trumans-tropical-fruit-festival; 305-294-9911
ISLAMORADA
June 20
Morada Way Art Walk
SEBRING
June 21
Summer Jubilee “A Solstice Celebration”
This is Morada Way Arts & Cultural District’s landmark event. On the third Thursday of each month, fine artists, vendors, residents and visitors congregate to celebrate art and culture in the stunning Florida Keys. Join us from 6 to 9 p.m. for gallery openings, local artists, live music, delectable food and thirst-quenching libations. www.moradaway.org
Join the small businesses of Sebring from 4 to 8 p.m. for an enchanting evening under the summer skies in a solstice celebration like no other. Embrace the warmth of the season as we come together to revel in the spirit of community, creativity and commerce. Indulge in delicious treats, shopping and refreshing beverages, and dance to the rhythms of live music.
https://fb.me/e/3A0owZk4s
PORT ST. JOE
June 30
8th Annual Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival
www.floridacc.org
The Florida Coastal Conservancy and Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center invite you to participate in this annual event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at George Core Park, overlooking St. Joseph Bay. This event includes music, food, beverages and the Sea Creature Parade, and will take place rain or shine. The event educates attendees about sea turtles and the importance of the coastal habitats they and many other species call home.
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 COURTESY OF ART GUILD OF THE PURPLE ISLES
Conserve Water Planning Your Landscape to
Water conservation is foremost in people’s minds during dry periods, but it’s important year-round. Follow these tips to conserve water in your landscape:
Matchmaking
Putting the right plant in the right place involves more than placing a sun-loving plant in a sunny spot or a shade-lover in a shady spot. You also must consider other conditions, such as soil pH and water needs.
Drought-Tolerant Plants
These plants are adapted to regions with frequent drought or to soils with low water-holding capacity. Once established, they can be water-wise additions to a landscape.
Drought-tolerant plants tend to thrive in elevated dry or windy spots, exposed areas, or along unshaded southern and western walls of buildings. Save the low spots—water-adjacent areas and places with poor drainage—for plants that love moist conditions.
Grouping Plants
It’s common to have woody plants (trees, shrubs and certain groundcovers) planted randomly across an expanse of lawn. While this may be normal, it’s not ideal. The truth is that turfgrass and woody ornamentals have different needs, so it’s easy to waste water in a landscape like this.
You can conserve water and save money by grouping plants according to their water needs. If you have a zoned irrigation system, you’ll be able to water each area based on need.
Turfgrass
For sunny, recreational areas, turfgrass is a good choice. But most grass types don’t grow well in dense shade or on steep slopes. Instead of planting grass in these spots, try groundcovers. There are a variety of options, many of which can offer a green-carpet look.
Overplanting
A newly planted landscape often looks sparser than anticipated. Be patient. Plants are usually planted when they’re smaller than their ultimate full-grown size. It’s a common but costly mistake to overplant the landscape to make it seem fuller right away. When plants mature, they’ll be too close together and will compete for water and sunlight. The landscape will look overcrowded, and frequent pruning will be required.
Fast-growing plants may sound appealing, but these kinds of plants require frequent pruning and usually more water than slowgrowing plants. Slow-growing plants may take longer to fill in your landscape, but they can ultimately be less work.
Know Your Zone
How well your plants perform depends in large part on your choosing the right plant for your climate and location.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 10 climate zones for the continental United States to guide us in our gardening efforts. The three zones in Florida are zones eight through 10. Considering which zone you live in can make all the difference.
Weeds and Fertilizer
Weeds and fertilizer add to water needs in your landscape. Weeds drink up water your plants need, and fertilizer causes your plants to grow quicker, which can lead to a greater need for water.
Fertilize only when necessary. In very dry times, hold off fertilizing. Keep your beds weed-free by hand-pulling them and adding 2 to 3 inches of mulch, which helps soil retain moisture. It’s never too late to save water. Try these methods today.
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.
WATER SAFETY
FILL-IN-THE-BLANK
Summer means fun in the sun and spending time in the water to cool off. But remember, electricity and water never mix! Read the safety tips below and fill in the blanks with the correct choice from the word bank.
Psst! Check your work in the answer key.
1. When possible, use __________ operated or rechargeable devices when you’re near water sources like a swimming pool.
2. If you hear __________ while swimming, go inside until storms have passed.
3. Never bring __________ devices near a swimming pool or other body of water. Devices should be kept at least 10 feet away from water sources.
4. All outdoor electrical outlets should be covered and kept __________.
5. Never handle electrical devices if you are __________ from swimming or other water activities.
WORD
BANK
FKEC Outdoor Lighting Notice
For year-round outdoor lighting of yards, driveways, walkways, roads, and other areas, FKEC offers two LED outdoor lighting options to our members. The lights are electrically connected so that the power for operation of the light does not pass through the member’s electric meter. Instead, the monthly charge is based on the calculated kilowatt-hours (kWh’s) used per lamp, depending on its size. Each light contains a photocell that automatically turns on at dusk and off at dawn.
New outdoor lights are installed on existing FKEC distribution facilities only (no meter poles); however, the presence of a pole does not guarantee it is capable of a light installation. Our engineering personnel will make the determination.
For more information on obtaining an outdoor lighting fixture, visit the Account section of www.FKEC.com or call 305-852-2431.
Notice of...
Have a problem with an outdoor light?
If you are aware of an inoperative or malfunctioning outdoor light operated by FKEC, please call the co-op at 305-852-2431 or 800-858-8845 to report it. Printed in compliance with Florida Statute 768.1382. When reporting the problem, please have the following information available:
• The specific street address where the light is located.
• A description of where the light is located on the property.
• A description of the problem.
• Your contact information, including name, address, and telephone number.
Monroe County Special Needs Registry
Pursuant to Section 252.355(2)(d), F.S. each electric utility, on or before May 31 must annually notify residential customers in its service area of the availability of the special needs registration program available through their local emergency management agency.
The registry is a planning tool to allow citizens with special needs the opportunity to provide information to local emergency response agencies, so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster.
FKEC wants to make sure all our members are aware of this service and encourages you to learn more about the registry before a storm strikes. Learn more about this county service by calling 305-292-4591 or visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/148/Special-Needs-Registry.
Please note, this service is offered through Monroe County Emergency Management and is independent of FKEC.
AFFORDABLE LIFE INSURANCE
Under the Surface
Know the dangers lurking in the water before you take the plunge
By Nina Todea
inspect boats and stay up to date on maintenance.
With the long-awaited warmth of summer arriving soon comes the desire to spend our days outside, whether swimming, boating or camping. Although we’re far more unplugged outdoors, many electrical hazards still accompany these leisurely summer activities—and they often lurk beneath the surface.
paralysis and drowning. Even the best swimmers will feel their bodies freeze as they lose muscular control.
Water safety is more than just boating speeds and life jackets. Electric shock drowning, dubbed the “silent killer,” occurs when faulty wiring sends electric current into a body of water. The current then passes through the body and causes paralysis, which can ultimately result in drowning.
This current isn’t nearly as visible as a bolt of lightning. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, as little as 10 milliamps of current—1⁄50 the amount used by a 60-watt lightbulb—can cause
Often misclassified as drowning, ESD injures and kills people every year, whether it happens around a dock, or in a pool or hot tub. Unfortunately, there is no ESD statistics database, and—partly due to inaccuracies in reporting—many people are still unaware of the threat.
“Most people are unaware because there is no visible warning to electrified water,” says ESFI President Brett Brenner. “Without that visual, they are unaware of the dangers of electrified water.”
Boating and Marina
Just like your home, having your boat inspected regularly by a licensed electrician is critical. Familiarize yourself with the electrical system so you can identify and correct any potential hazards.
ESFI encourages boat owners to routinely
Ground fault and equipment leakage circuit interrupters—both safety devices required at marinas—should be tested monthly. A leakage test determines if electrical current is escaping the vessel.
In an emergency, an informed owner who knows where the main breakers are on the boat and the shore power source can respond quickly and effectively.
Alongside the safety of your boat’s electrical system, make sure all boat operators and swimmers understand the hazards so everyone works to keep them at bay. Never allow swimming near the boat, marina or launching ramp. Residual current could flow into the water from the boat or the marina’s wiring, potentially putting anyone in the water at risk of ESD.
Marina owners should do their part, too.
“Plan annual safety events at your marina where owners can learn about boat and
dock electrical safety and have their boats inspected by licensed electricians,” Brett says.
Home Recreation
Pools and hot tubs can be just as dangerous.
In 2020, a 15-year-old boy was electrocuted after touching exposed wire in a Texas hotel pool that had failed multiple inspections, according to news reports from the Harris County area.
Faulty pool lights, old wiring or even electrical equipment—such as pool heaters, vacuums, pumps or extension cords—can cause electricity to flood a pool or hot tub, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
You suspect a swimmer has been shocked. What do you do?
A telltale sign of electric shock drowning is the tingling that occurs when current passes through the body. But how can you tell if a swimmer is a victim of ESD if you’re not in the water with them?
within 10 feet of a swimming pool. When practical, use battery-operated appliances near swimming pools.
• When you leave the pool, don’t touch any electrical appliances until you are dry. Never touch any electrical appliances when you are wet or standing in water.
Camping
Water safety outdoors isn’t just about bodies of water—natural or artificial. Campers should also be cautious of rain when packing electric camping materials or traveling in RVs that hook up to power poles.
A swimmer exhibiting signs of ESD can be visibly panicked and attempting to swim away from the electrified area, or they may be motionless. If you suspect someone is being shocked, do not jump in. Chances are you will be shocked, too. Instead, follow these tips to bring everyone to safety:
Cut off all electrical power to the area. Knowing where the circuit breakers are is important to act quickly in an emergency.
Call 911 immediately. You want a medical professional to assess the situation and administer CPR if necessary.
Electric shock drowning at home often results from failing to install the correct protective devices. All underwater lighting circuits and lighting around pools, hot tubs and spas should have GCFI protection, as should all electrical outlets within 20 feet of a pool.
Safe Electricity recommends pools and decks be built at least 5 feet from all underground electric lines and at least 25 feet from overhead electric lines. To locate underground electric lines, call 811 before you dig.
Follow these tips from Safe Electricity to keep your family and friends safe:
• Do not put electric appliances
Always err on the safe side, whether you’re experiencing a light rain or a torrential downpour. Before connecting to or disconnecting an RV from a power pole, switch off the breaker. When you’re hooked up, make sure to use a dry, nonconductive item to turn the breaker back on. Doing so can also protect circuits within your camper.
If you’re unsure, ask a fellow traveler. If you’re parked in an RV park, there could be another camper willing to help.
The 2017 National Electrical Code requires marinas and boat docks to post electric shock warning signs where electricity is used near water; many campgrounds also have warning signs.
If the swimmer is still mobile and can swim toward land or exit the pool, make sure there is an area where they can exit the water without using a metal ladder. If the swimmer cannot swim to safety, throw them a life ring or extend a carbon fiber rod, such as a fiberglass rescue hook. Any lifesaving efforts should be made with an insulated device.
“While you cannot prevent individuals from acting on their own accord, posting signs prohibiting swimming, as required by the 2017 NEC, is an easy way to help prevent ESD,” Brett says.
However, the responsibility does not solely fall on these signs, Brett says.
Swimmers, boat operators and marina owners should all be aware of electric shock hazards and how to prevent them.
“Unknowingly, many swimmers and boat and marina operators place themselves in the face of danger,” he says. “This innocent act of fun can turn tragic. Raising awareness among swimmers and marina and boat operators can help prevent ESD or other electrical injuries while out on the water.”
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY LUGOSTOCK
BEFORE YOU GO
Summer: Where Adventures Abound
Everyone takes advantage of summer in different ways. Some spend time outdoors, while others prefer to relax inside with a good book or even catch up on household chores.
Outdoors
You may already spend time in your nearest park, so load up the family this summer and experience a new site just a couple hours from home or even out of state.
If your family enjoys camping, many parks offer camping spots to rest your head during a weekend of fun. Make sure to book your spot early though, since summer is prime time to camp and spots tend to fill up faster.
Surrounded on three sides by water, Florida offers beaches for swimming, piers for fishing and boat rentals for adventuring on the water.
Indoors
Summer in the south can be extremely humid, and not everyone enjoys spending time in the heat.
If this is you, grab a book to take you into another world, but don’t limit yourself to the four walls of your home. Head to a cafe every once in a while to treat yourself to new surroundings, sounds and treats.
If instead you use summertime to catch up on household chores, make sure
to organize your to-do list before diving in. Batch your tasks into cleaning and less time. Whatever you decide to do this summer,
Summer adventures can include hiking new trails, visiting new parks, camping or spending time on the beach. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY SARAH RYPMA
Summer is the season we’ve all been waiting for. It’s 100 days of high dives, ball games and barbecues. It’s 100 ways to dress a burger, catch some shade or get out of town. It’s 100 chances to clear the calendar for what’s most important.
Every two seconds this summer, someone like you will need blood. Donating is quick and easy and,. like all good things this time of year, it’s worth celebrating.
What are your summer plans?
This summer, there are 100 chances to give hope. Choose your day to help save three lives. Donate blood.
Choose your day to give hope. redcrossblood.org
Being Part of a Bigger Network
FKEC directors attend National Legislative Conference to represent Co-op Members’ interests.
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Board Directors David Ritz and Craig Belcher traveled to Washington, D.C., the week of April 22 for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference.
The FKEC directors joined cooperative leaders from across the country to educate our elected officials in Congress about current issues impacting our members.
“Our goal is to provide safe, reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost,” explained David. “As FKEC board directors, we need to make sure Congress makes our job easier, not more difficult.”
While in the capital, David and Craig met with staff from Senators Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, and Congressman Carlos Gimenez offices. The pair also met with team members from the offices of Senator Mark Kelly (Arizona) and Representative Daniel Webster (Orlando) and thanked each official for their help in reducing the impact of unusually strict controls on electrical transformers.
Transformers, a vital component to power delivery, have already been difficult and expensive to acquire and proposed regulations threatened to make this worse. Thankfully, standing united our nation’s electric cooperatives were able to modify the
proposed regulations to maintain our power grids reliability.
Cooperative utility leaders, including David and Craig, also talked to our elected officials about the importance of receiving FEMA reimbursements quickly after a storm and the need to maintain a diverse power generation system throughout the country.
“Power demand is constantly increasing. Reducing the supply of electricity doesn’t make any sense. We need to have a wide range of electrical generation options,” said Craig.
FKEC Board of Directors are elected by you, our valued cooperative members, to represent your interests in the Upper and Middle Keys, Florida and the country. They are dedicated to serving you and guiding FKEC to provide reliable, safe and affordable electricity now and long into the future.
To learn more about the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Board, upcoming meetings, minutes and agendas, visit www. FKEC.com/news-and-info/board-meetings/ n
FKEC Directors Craig Belcher and David Ritz joined National Rural Electric Cooperative Association officials in Washington, DC to meet with staff from the offices of Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott and Congressman Carlos Gimenez, as well as and other senate and congressional officials.