GLADES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
JULY 2024
Florida Currents
Student Shines in Engineering Internship
Safety Manager Kyle Altman and Engineering Intern Aly Smyth inspect Glades Electric’s Morgan Henderson Substation. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS Page 29 ALSO INSIDE >>
GEEF Scholarship
Banquet Pages 4-6
iTECH Glades Scholarship Graduates Page 7
Florida Currents
July 2024 • Volume 13, No. 9
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
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GEEF Empowers Futures
$49K granted to scholars
The Glades Electric Educational Foundation awarded $49,000 in scholarships in spring 2024 to 17 graduating high school seniors.
The foundation granted eight scholarships for $5,000 each and nine scholarships for $1,000 each. Since its establishment in 2000, the foundation has provided more than $702,000 in college scholarships to exceptional students.
The GEEF banquet recognized the 2024 $5,000 scholarship recipients and the 2024 Washington, D.C., Youth Tour winners May 14 at the Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center.
Glades Electric trustees, family of recipients and school administrators attended to celebrate the students’ academic achievements.
To be eligible for these college scholarships, a student’s legal permanent residence must be served directly by Glades Electric. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, a submitted essay and financial need.
GEC looks forward to awarding hardworking students with these scholarships every year. We are dedicated to the academic excellence of future generations to come.
Congratulations to all our winners!
$1K scholarship winners
Clayton Campbell – Lake Placid High School
Rylee Culbertson – Sebring High School
Ryleigh Flynn – Clewiston Christian School
Savanna Green – Clewiston Christian School
Mallory Leve – Florida Virtual School
Aubrey Louque – Lake Placid High School
Melany Martinez – Clewiston High School
Blake Patterson – Moore Haven MiddleHigh School
Camilla Perez – Clewiston Christian School
TOP: 2024 Glades Electric Educational Foundation $5,000 college scholarship recipients are, back from left, Luke Llossas, Luke Larson and Gavin Johnson; front from left, Caydence Cisneros, Salome Ortiz and Reagan Lenihan. Not pictured are George Sebring and Chester Underhill. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
Gavin Johnson
Labelle High
$5,000 Scholarship Winner
Gavin Johnson plans to study premed at Florida State University and become a physical therapist.
He participated in football, weightlifting, tutoring, Labelle Youth Softball, Upward Youth Flag Football and Community Cleanup.
Gavin was on the Honor Roll and received the Scholar-Athlete Award.
He envisions working with athletes, veterans, and everyday individuals to help them with recovery, restoring mobility and alleviating pain.
George Sebring
Sebring High
$5,000 Scholarship Winner
George Sebring, a dual-enrollment student, has signed to play collegiate baseball for South Florida State College while studying for a finance and business degree.
He was a member of the National Honor Society, Bible Club, Swim and Dive team, and varsity baseball.
He was awarded Defensive Player of the Year in baseball and volunteered at Max Long Baseball fields.
George won the Thakkar Civic Award, Principal’s List Award, multiple perfect attendance awards, Straight A’s Certificate of Excellence Award and Certificate of Achievement Award in Algebra 2.
Caydence Cisneros
Moore Haven Middle High
$5,000 Scholarship Winner
Caydence Cisneros plans to attend the University of Florida to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nutritional science. She plans to become a pediatrician and to one day open a pediatric practice.
Caydence graduated from high school with her associate degree from Florida SouthWestern College, where she was on the dean’s list.
Caydence was active in student government and served as the 2023 Chalo Nitka Queen. She was a student ambassador for the Glades County Season of Fine Arts, an FFA officer, co-captain of the football cheer squad, president of the Glades County 4-H Rooters Club, and participated in the spring musical every year since the third grade.
She was also involved in the Beta Club, Crops and Scholars, SWAT, Debate Club, and Incubate Debate.
Luke Larson
Okeechobee High
$5,000 Scholarship Winner
Luke Larson plans to attend Warner University and study agricultural and animal sciences with a concentration in dairy management.
Luke grew up on a dairy and beef operation where he helped with calving, vaccinating and weaning.
He is also interested in the livestock marketing and crop industry. He enjoys learning about how cattle are sold and wants to produce forage for his future herd’s feeding program.
He hopes to own and operate a ranch or dairy farm in the future.
Chester Underhill
Okeechobee
High
$5,000 Scholarship Winner
Chester Underhill, a dual-enrollment student, plans to attend the University of South Florida to pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering with a focus in sustainability and forest management.
He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Beta Club. He was on Honor Roll and a Top 20 Academic, winning Student of the Month and Star Student honors. He won first place in the County Science Fair Microbiology Division.
He is a dedicated volunteer, delivery captain and treasurer of End the Hunger Backpack Program.
Scholarship recipient Luke Larson receives his award during the ceremony. PHOTO BY MCKENZIE MILLER
Scholarship recipient Gavin Johnson, middle is pictured with his family. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
Scholarship recipient Caydence Cisneros, second from left, is pictured with her family. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
Luke Llossas
Clewiston High
$5,000 Scholarship Winner
Luke Llossas plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University and pursue civil or biomedical engineering in hopes to one day open his own engineering firm.
Luke graduated from high school with his associate degree from Florida SouthWestern College as an honors student and a member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. He was on the CHS Honor Roll and FSW Dean’s List.
He worked for Hendry School IT Repair/Maintenance, repairing damaged chromebooks, updating software and taking tech inventory.
Luke also volunteered as Clewiston High’s mascot and the football team videographer.
He tutored at Westside Elementary and worked there as custodian doing landscaping, deep cleaning, pressure washing and rearranging classrooms.
Luke participated in Senior Class Executive Council, Clewiston High Student Council, the National FFA Organization, CHS STEM Club, Hendry County Economic Development Program, FGCU College Reach Out Program and Life Ministries Church of LaBelle.
Reagan Lenihan
Sebring High
$5,000 Scholarship Winner
Reagan Lenihan was in the collegiate program at South Florida State College and graduated from high school with an associates degree. She plans to attend the University of Central Florida to study radiation oncology.
She plans to pursue a master’s degree in radiology and attend medical school at UCF or the University of Miami.
Reagan’s academic awards include Principal’s List Honor Roll, the Perfect Attendance Award, Academic Honor Award for Pre-IB Inquiry Skills and Excellent Performance on Assessments.
She was active in the Mason G. Smoak Foundation Youth Leadership Highlands program in 2022, Youth Leadership Highlands Ambassadors in 2023, Bible Club, Key Club, the National Honor Society, cross country and tennis teams, and officer for Young Americans for Freedom and Teenage Republicans of Highlands County.
She was awarded Most Valuable Runner for the cross country team, and Most Valuable Player for tennis where she advanced to the state championship in the No. 1 position for Sebring High School.
Salome Ortiz
Clewiston High
$5,000 Scholarship Winner
Salome Ortiz plans to attend the University of Alabama where she will major in kinesiology and minor in business and marketing. She hopes to become a physician and open a medical practice.
Salome is a Certified Nurse’s Assistant and has a Basic Life Support License.
She has been involved with the National Honor Society, Student Council, the National FFA Organization, Health Occupation Student Association, College Reach Out Program, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Clewiston Performing Arts Center, Miss Latina and Miss Teen Latina of the Glades, Miss Hendry County, Kids for Colombia, Clewiston Cougars, varsity cheer, soccer, cross country, and rrack and field.
She was a class officer, a graduate of the Hendry/Glades Youth Leadership Program, started the International Key Club at her high school and was a 2023 Glades Electric Washington, D.C, Youth Tour delegate.
2024 Youth Tour winner Eduardo Ortiz, left, and scholarship winner Salome Ortiz, far right, are pictured with their parents. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
Scholarship recipient Luke Llossas, middle, is pictured with his parents.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
Scholarship recipient Reagan Lenihan, middle, is pictured with her parents.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
“The Glades Electric scholarship was key in opening the door to nursing school for me. I am thankful to the generous community of members, board and staff for this funding that aided me to secure a nursing license. Before receiving this scholarship, there were many expenses that I thought I would have to cover with student loans. Thanks to the hardworking team at iTECH and Glades Electric, I was able to graduate debt free.”
GEC iTECH Glades Scholarship Students Graduate From the Practical Nursing Program
By McKenzie Miller
Three Glades Electric scholarship students graduated in September 2023 from iTECH Glades with the opportunity to earn their Licensed Practical Nursing certifications. There were 16 students total in the first cohort of Practical Nursing students to complete this program at iTECH Glades.
Completion of the program requires three semesters—or 1,350 hours—of education. After they finish their schooling and training hours to receive their pins and certificates of completion, they can take the NCLEX to earn their LPN certification.
The Glades Electric Educational Foundation was pleased to provide scholarships to Briana Leavy, Bailey Raulerson and Sara Watts, knowing education would help pave the way for brighter futures.
These scholarships help break the barrier that might have prevented them from completing their certifications. Supporting the educational success of students in our communities is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles guiding Glades Electric.
“A student coming out of high school with no other training can go out and get a job, but it’s hard to live off that basic starting rate,” iTECH Glades Adviser Jennifer Cosby says. “The pay increase and benefits that come with completing this program and passing the NCLEX helps give them the ability to better provide for themselves and their families, and that’s what these scholarships accomplish.”
GEEF is once again offering six $2,000 iTECH Glades scholarships in 2024 to students served by GEC. For more information, visit www.gladeselectric.com/community/studentprograms-information. n
– SARA WATTS, LPN
Operation Round Up
What is it?
Operation Round Up is a program that allows members to round up their monthly bills to fund projects benefiting community members in need.
Nine members serve on the board of directors for Glades Electric Charitable Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Directors review applications and approve grants.
$1,511,249.93 of Operation Round Up funds have distributed to support individuals and nonprofit organizations since inception in 1999.
How does it work?
$138 55 cents to your neighbor in need. The average yearly contribution is $6 per member.
Funds from Operation Round Up go right back into the communities we serve.
raised through Operation Round Up and Round Up Plus in April 2024.
8,274 accounts participate in Operation Round Up or Operation Round Up Plus. Round Up Plus allows members to give even more, adding any set amount, $1 or more, to their bills each month.
45%
How can I help?
Sign up for Operation Round Up in the SmartHub app, stop by the office or call Member Services at 863-946-6200.
Did you know?
$4,328.92
How can I get help?
The participation rate it would take to raise more than $70,000 annually to support our communities. 75%
If you or a member you know needs financial assistance, please complete an application at: www.gladeselectric.com/community/operation-round-up.
Ardis Hammock Moore Haven District 1
Beverly Eaves Hendry County District 2
Kelly Brantley Ortona/Palmdale District 3
Dori Evans Lakeport District 4 Vacant Venus/Hicoria District 5
Lee Andrus Highlands Park District 6
Candace North Lorida District 7
Vicki Pontius Lake Josephine District 8
Paula Byars Okeechobee District 9
Highlands
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Hendry
Okeechobee
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A Wildlife Wonderland
Despite more than a million alligators calling Florida home, encountering the predators in a city’s business district is a rarity—and residents openly embracing their presence is even more unexpected. Yet in Inverness, the county seat of Citrus County, the waters and marshes of Cooter Pond harbor an abundance of scaly reptiles that coexist with local humans.
Just a few yards from the sheriff’s office and across from the local McDonald’s and Family Dollar Store, this wildlife sanctuary adds charm to the urban landscape. Alligators 4-to-7-feet long freely roam Cooter Pond Park and may be seen from a quarter-mile-long elevated boardwalk built in the early 2000s spanning the southeastern side of the 25-acre pond.
“The boardwalk has been a huge
benefit in attracting tourists to Inverness,” says Ken Marotte, a retired cybersecurity specialist and Citrus County Historical Society member. “It allows people to view and interact with nature in the pond in a safe and controlled manner.”
Originally an open cove joining the much larger 422-acre Henderson Lake to the north, Cooter Pond’s eastern bank was filled in during the early 1900s to create the landlocked pond. This enabled the regional Atlantic Coast Line railroad to relocate track along the new embankment, avoiding a sharp curve on the western shore.
“I found a map that showed the ACL line traveling on the new path in the 1920s,” Ken says.
Today, that stretch includes part of the 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, one of Florida’s longest paved rail trails.
In addition to the free-range alligators, waterfowl—including egrets and colorful
common moorhens—are regular pond visitors. They feed among thriving aquatic plants like duckweed, cattail and spatterdock. Plant growth can be so rapid in the warm, nutrient-rich water, an ecofriendly aquatic weed harvester sits by an entrance to periodically battle the flora encroachment from species, such as water hyacinth, which threaten to choke the water.
“It’s an invasive plant that reproduces at an impressive pace,” Ken says. “Not only does it block sunlight at the surface level, but as the old plants die, they form a thick level of sediment on the bottom.”
Contamination of Cooter Pond water proved challenging over the years. At one time, even human waste flowed into the water from the town septic system. Ken says that even after the city upgraded its sanitary facilities, overflow sewage was still pumped into the pond.
“The opening of a new shopping center
BACKGROUND:
Cooter Pond and its boardwalk give visitors an elevated view of nature.
Story and photos by Nick Thomas
Wonderland in Inverness
in the 1970s, where the current WinnDixie is located, created a new challenge since their runoff flowed into the pond as well,” he says. “The situation was rectified when Inverness stopped using the pond for that purpose.”
Decaying plants and untreated stormwater runoff clouded the pond with organic sludge. In the 1980s, plans to beautify the downtown business district included Cooter Pond and the surrounding area. Stormwater was routed away from the pond, the boardwalk was constructed and a striking decorative fountain was added to provide water aeration. Since 2002, the floating mechanical harvester—which the Tampa Bay Times called “a giant underwater lawnmower”—has helped keep plant growth in check.
“The boat moves along the surface and
cuts or funnels plants into the holding area,” Ken says. “The plants are then removed from the boat and destroyed. The pond has had its share of ups and downs over the years and gone from the polluted Rodney Dangerfield of local water bodies—that is, got no respect—to a gem offering inspiring views of nature.”
Now a source of local pride, Cooter Pond Park is a center of Inverness activities. The Citrus County Historical Society even offers children’s programs.
“One of those sessions is called the Turtle Walk, where the children are led across the boardwalk as part of a guided tour and encouraged to find as many resources on their checklist as they can,” Ken says.
While unaware of alligator attacks in the pond area, he still advises, “I would not be inclined to walk close to the banks of the pond.”
Local Legends— True or False?
Is Cooter Pond named after a turtle?
True. Seen gracefully swimming through the pond water or basking in the sun on its banks, the docile Florida Cooter grows up to 12 inches and sports a yellow or orange shell pattern on a dark background.
Is Inverness named after a Scottish town?
That is probably true, but who first suggested the name has been open to speculation for many years. Ken Marotte of the Citrus County Historical Society says the name dates from the late 1800s and “a preponderance of evidence points to the Florida Orange Canal & Transit Company—specifically Director/Secretary Alexander B. Campbell—as the most likely source.” His parents were Scottish, with maternal ancestors coming from Inverness, Scotland, where Campbell was known to visit.
Is there a 1930s train wreck at the bottom of Cooter Pond?
Probably false. For some five decades, stories have circulated suggesting several railroad cars rested on the bottom of Cooter Pond from an earlier derailment. None have been found to date.
“I view this story as another fascinating legend in Citrus County history,” Ken says. “The turtles know the real story— and they aren’t talking.”
FROM LEFT: Alligators, some as big as 7 feet long, call Cooter Pond home.
An aquatic weed harvester helps keep the pond’s plant growth in check. PHOTO BY KEN MAROTTE
Ken Marotte, a Citrus County Historical Society member, stands by a statue of Cooter Pond’s namesake turtles at the park in Inverness.
A sign welcomes visitors at the entrance to Cooter Pond Park.
Florida Inspiration Artists capture wonder of the state
By Theresa Sterling
Florida’s wild beauty has always inspired, captivated and attracted artists. Orange sherbet sunsets, dark forests dappled with pops of bright blooms and coasts where liquid emerald meets sugar-white sand have long been the focus of the artistic eye.
Those who have seen works by the Florida Highwaymen landscape artists or heard English composer Frederick Delius’ 1887 “Florida Suite” understand. Delius composed his orchestral work three years after his unforgettable time in Florida managing his family’s orange groves by the St. John’s River. Though the composer’s time in the Sunshine State was brief, the magic of the landscape and culture lingered into his old age.
If there is a common theme among creatives who attempt to capture the essence of rural Florida, it is a combination of awe over the state's unique beauty and concern for preservation of natural spaces and history.
Following a historic painting tradition, High Springs artist Karen LeMonnier is a plein-air artist, painting on location and outdoors. She is usually the first to put brush to canvas during outdoor “paint out” events or when gathering with colleagues, rushing to capture the changing morning light.
“I set up and jump in—I don’t do a lot of prelims,” she says, referring to sketches and small studies some artists do before deciding the final composition of a scene. “I do take photos to help me finish a piece in the studio, but I do 90% of a painting plein-air.”
French for “open air,” plein-air painting dates to early-1800s Britain. It was the hallmark of impressionism by around 1860 and boomed in popularity a decade later when oil paint became available premixed in tubes. Plein-air painting has always been physically demanding, with 19th-century artists lugging boxes of pigments, canvases, wooden easels and other supplies with human or animal assistance in the days before automobiles.
“It still is demanding now,” Karen says. “Some painters don’t like working outside because there are too many variables, and it is physically exhausting. But it’s what I love to do.”
Karen focuses on Florida’s natural beauty and historic architecture. Her favorite location is Blue Springs at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park—roughly one-third of her paintings feature the spot. Her paintings’ Prussian-blue depths,
A shrimp boat rests aground on Cape San Blas under the night sky. PHOTO BY JIMMY DANIELS
horizon lines of cypress knees, water oaks and golden grass marshes convey an intimate understanding of the natural surroundings only possible through close observation.
The springs are near the historic High Springs home Karen shares with her husband, Larry. They met at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota in 1968 and celebrate 53 years of marriage this year.
They chose High Springs for their home because of its rural backdrop and the easy drive to places that inspire Karen’s painting, including Cedar Key, St.
Augustine, Paynes Prairie and Evinston.
She paints four or five days a week, and studio time is spent finishing off work she started outdoors. An award-winning painter, her work is shown in galleries in High Springs and Gainesville and at culminating plein-air receptions where paintings are often hung while still wet.
“I Iike to work instinctively, and I love to paint outdoors,” Karen says. “We are in the heart of gold here in Florida, with our springs and rivers. I can’t go to Blue Springs without getting inspired. I can’t not paint here. It’s like magic.”
Preserving History
The images captured by photographer Jimmy Daniels, mostly around North Florida, bring history to the forefront in captivating ways—an abandoned plantation home, a tree canopy above clay road banks, a half-sunken oyster boat battered by the Gulf Coast sun.
“There are no more old oyster boats around," Jimmy says. "At one time, Apalachicola Bay provided almost all of America’s oysters. Rural America is being lost, culture is changing in front of our eyes, and people aren’t seeing it. It’s important to remember what we had.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Karen LeMonnier relaxes in her studio in High Springs. PHOTO BY THERESA STERLING Photographer Jimmy Daniels sets up a self-portrait deep within a Florida swamp. PHOTO BY JIMMY DANIELS Painter Linda Blondheim welcomes visitors to her gallery and studio. PHOTO BY THERESA STERLING
Rural Florida has always drawn Jimmy. The Panhandle’s coastal areas juxtapose unique features—old plantations, rustic fishing villages and working farms. There is so much in this place where Jimmy grew up that he wants to share.
“Some places in America just don’t have what we have in North Florida,” he says. “I want to see wilderness and nature, and I want others to see it, too.”
Jimmy has taught workshops, shown his work in galleries and won several awards, including from arts organizations such as LeMoyne Arts in Tallahassee and the Florida Council on Culture & Arts. The accolades, while appreciated, do not outshine his mission of wanting viewers to feel a scene.
“I spend 20 minutes tops on postediting per photo,” Jimmy says. “I don’t want my images to look overcooked, and I stay true to single exposures except in rare situations, such as panoramic photos or an occasional overlay of two images. I want a true picture. That’s the best outcome.”
Rural America is being lost, culture is changing in front of our eyes, and people aren’t seeing it. It’s important to remember what we had.”
—Jimmy Daniels, photographer
His focus has not changed, even though his work as a travel nurse has taken him away from Florida. He rides back roads for inspiration wherever he’s working. The area looks very different now, but when he comes home, he always brings his camera and heads straight out to St. George Island or Apalachicola.
Preserving Natural Resources
Linda Blondheim has many titles: Certified upland and wetlands naturalist. Landowner. Arts educator. Conservationist. Nonprofit volunteer. Nature lover. Artist.
The Alachua County native lives on family land, tucked into the northern part of the county—a stark contrast to the city center, home to the University of Florida. Her studio backs up to woods behind her home, oil paintings stretching from floor to ceiling.
“I have been around wild and natural old Florida for a long time—forever,” Linda says. “I wouldn’t trade my rural existence for anything.”
Linda paints natural subjects, the Florida light captured in palms, prairies and citrus, which occupy that indelible place in Florida’s memory.
“As a naturalist and a painter, wildlife and land stewardship are very important to me,” she says. “Stewardship is all we have. We don’t own the land.”
Linda says she is a better studio than plein-air painter, and she paints every morning and late afternoon. She drives along back roads and takes photos to inform her work in the studio.
“I am always looking, looking, looking," she says. "Even when I have a private artist residency, mostly I just look,” she says.
Linda’s talent emerged early. At age 8, she took drawing classes with a group of friends. At 13, her parents bought her an adult easel and a set of oil paints. She raided her mother’s kitchen for still-life subjects—eggs, peppers, fruit—and stole upstairs to her attic bedroom-studio to paint. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tampa and her Master of Fine Arts from the University of South Florida.
Linda’s art is part of her work trying to preserve Florida’s natural resources. She volunteers with the Fair Oaks Foundation, a nonprofit committed to “encouraging the Florida culture of arts, music and agriculture.” She helps organize fundraising events, such as the annual Summer Solstice Soirée, highlighting a few select Florida artists each June. As a Certified Master Naturalist, Linda guides individuals and groups interested in making good decisions for conservation.
“Every day, I wake up and think, ‘Oh my gosh. How lucky I am to have this in my life?’” Linda says. “Every piece I have painted is always about a place that is important to me or to the person I am painting it for.”
To find out more about Karen’s art, visit www.karenlemonnier.com. More of Jimmy’s photos can be found at backroadsphotographyllc.com. Linda’s art can be found at www.lindablondheim.com.
A rare site nowadays—an old oyster boat, Topaz—still sits in the gulf at Eastpoint.
PHOTO BY JIMMY DANIELS
Serve Tasty SUMMER SALADS
Orzo Salad With Shrimp and Lemon Dressing
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked orzo
8 ounces fresh asparagus, trimmed and diagonally sliced into 1-inch pieces
4 ounces fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 cup fresh or frozen English peas, thawed if frozen
12 ounces medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh chives
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Whisk together oil, zest, juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside. Prepare orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Transfer orzo to a bowl. Cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes. While orzo cooks, bring a large saucepan of water to boil over high heat. Add asparagus and sugar snap peas to boiling water. Cook until bright green and tender-crisp, about 2 minutes. Add English peas. Stir until softened, about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to an ice bath, reserving boiling water in saucepan. Add shrimp to boiling water. Cook until opaque, about 3 minutes. Drain. Transfer shrimp to ice bath with vegetables. Let stand until chilled, about 3 minutes. Drain. Toss together shrimp-vegetable mixture with orzo, and drizzle with dressing. Add chives and parsley. Toss to combine. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX
Fresh Peach Salad
Salad
¼ cup slivered almonds
6 to 8 cups mixed butter lettuce
3 small ripe peaches, sliced
Dressing
1½ tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup canned corn, drained
4 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
¼ cup olive oil
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Place the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat, shaking the pan and stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the nuts are fragrant and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove immediately from the heat and transfer to a plate.
To make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, kosher salt and several grinds of fresh ground black pepper until thick and emulsified.
To serve, top the greens with almonds, peaches, red onion, corn and goat cheese. Drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately.
Southwestern Salad
Dressing
1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salad
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
½ jalapeno, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup olive oil
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
4 green onions, sliced
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
½ cup crushed tortilla chips or strips
To make the dressing, add the avocado, red wine vinegar, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, salt and pepper to a food processor. Blend or pulse until almost smooth. There should still be bits of cilantro. Add the oil. Blend until incorporated.
To make the salad, add the lettuce, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, cheese, green onions, cilantro, avocado and tortilla chips to a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Ranch Potato Salad
24 ounces baby red potatoes, scrubbed and halved
10 cups water
1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
4 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1½ teaspoons fresh dill
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon grated garlic
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Place potatoes, water and 1 tablespoon salt in a large pot. Cover pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Uncover pot and reduce heat to medium-high to maintain a moderate boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender, about 12 minutes. Drain potatoes. Cool for 20 minutes.
While potatoes boil, cook bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium, stirring often until crisp, about 9 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside until ready to use.
In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, chives, parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic, black pepper and ½ teaspoon salt.
Add sour cream mixture, bacon and cheese to cooled potatoes in bowl. Toss to combine. Serve immediately, or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
Greek Salad With Feta Salad
1 cucumber, unpeeled, seeded and sliced ¼-inch thick
1 red bell pepper, large-diced
1 yellow bell pepper, large-diced
1 green bell pepper, large-diced
Vinaigrette
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, sliced in half-rounds
½ pound feta cheese, ½-inch diced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup olive oil
Place the cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables. Add the feta and olives. Toss lightly. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature.
Capturing the Joy of Summer
By Dave LaBelle
As a school-age child, I could hardly wait for the last day of school and the beginning of summer vacation, where freedom, sunshine, time with my dogs, fishing in the creeks, baseball games, watermelons, swimming pools and working with my grandfather on his fishing boat awaited.
As an adult, those carefree summer memories still bring me joy and serve me faithfully in storytelling, whether with words or photographs. In fact, beginning writers, unsure what to write about, are often encouraged to start with their childhood, a treasure chest rich with stories.
While childhood memories are a good source of inspiration for activities, making photographs that capture the essence of summer requires thought.
“Don’t just show me what something looks like,”
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer
Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Reader Challenge
I often admonished my photojournalism students.
“Show me what it feels like.”
That was a common theme in all of my classes, and it remains sound advice for anybody using photography to communicate. If you want to reach people with your photographs, aim high. Those images connect us and make us smile or remember.
Consider what is in the frame when you press the shutter. Being patient and watching for storytelling moments is critical. The act of fishing might not be nearly
as storytelling as the reaction of the angler once the fish is caught.
Conversely, an overall scene of a fisherman in a beautiful stream might best evoke the serenity of the moment. Sometimes the liberal use of negative space—that which is not occupied by people or objects—helps humble us and wrap us in wonder.
Finally, consider the angle from which you photograph. A child’s perspective is different than an adult’s, and subtly helps take us back to those long, carefree summer days. n
See if you can make a photograph that captures the joy or the essence of summer. Reach into your memory bank and consider what you loved most about summers. Chances are the places and activities that brought you joy in the past—lakes, campgrounds, fishing villages or swimming pools—will lead you to where you find the best pictures today.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
I spent about 30 minutes folded beneath a diving board on a hot and muggy summer day watching and waiting for the right moment, the right gesture and composition. I knew I wanted a picture that felt like the joy of summer. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
NIKON D800, 24mm lens ISO 100, f/10 at 1/800
Make the Switch to a Heat Pump Water Heater
By Victoria Hampton
Advancements in technology have increased efficiency and lowered energy use for many home appliances. While smart thermostats and refrigerators are common home upgrades that help people save on electricity bills, one of the most efficient upgrades homeowners can make is to an appliance many haven’t touched in months—the water heater.
A standard electric water heater accounts for nearly 20% of the energy use in a home, which is more than a refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer combined, says Bonneville Power Administration Program Manager David Murphy.
Learn about the technology and potential energy savings for switching to an energy-efficient heat pump water heater.
Savings and Features
Heat pump water heaters can save up to $450 a year, or $4,500 over the system’s lifetime, David says. Savings are dependent on each home’s utility rates and hot water use. Systems come with a 10-year warranty.
David says heat pump water heaters can provide more hot water than similarly sized standard systems. Many tanks also have leak detection that can warn homeowners if an issue arises.
Systems have several automated settings, including maximum hot water generation when guests stay the night, high-efficiency eco mode and advanced vacation mode settings, allowing homeowners to program their return—so they come home to hot water.
“Automation, like many things we see in the technology realm, increases control of your settings,” David says. “[You]
Heat pump water heaters use about one-third of the energy of a standard electric water heater. This increases efficiency and can lead to lower electric bills. PHOTO COURTESY OF BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
get the benefits you need while still using less energy.”
Although the upfront cost of a heat pump water heater is typically more than a standard system, homeowners can save with rebates and incentives. Electric utilities can provide information on available savings for heat pump water heater upgrades.
“Always talk to your local utility to see what they have available,” David says.
Heat Pump Efficiency
Think of a heat pump water heater as a refrigerator in reverse. A refrigerator pulls heat from inside the box and sends it outside the appliance. A heat pump water heater pulls heat from the surrounding air.
“It is a unit driven by a compressor that harvests heat from the air and puts it into your water tank,” David says.
What is the importance of this state-of-the-art heat pump technology? It uses about one-third of the energy of a standard electric water heater. This increased efficiency can lead to lower electric bills.
Installation Considerations
Heat pump water heaters are ideal for garage and basement placement. When installing in a closet, consider the compressor noise and cold air released when it is running. The compressor can also be vented outside.
Pulling heat from the air creates moisture. Each system has a condensate line pipe—a plastic tube using gravity to draw out excess condensation from the unit. This feature does require a small amount of space near the heat pump water heater for the condensate removal pump or drain piping to the outside of the house.
Also, as with any water heater, homeowners should choose a tank size that matches the number of people in the home. Tanks vary in price.
Heat Pump Water Heater Maintenance
Heat pump water heaters add a few more simple tasks to your quarterly home maintenance check. When changing the HVAC air filter every three months, clean the heat pump water heater filter as well. Use a vacuum or rinse it with water to remove any debris.
Check the condensate line pipe for clogs and dirt when cleaning the filter. The line can be cleaned with a brush or rag.
When it is time to upgrade the household water heater, make the switch to an efficient, energy-saving heat pump water heater.
Watch a video about how to use and maintain a heat pump water heater at comfortreadyhome.com/guides/ hpwh-user-guide
Mini-Split Systems Are Gaining Traction
By Leslie Tate
A ductless air conditioner, also called a mini-split system or air-source heat pump, offers a variety of options for heating and cooling, particularly for older homes and buildings.
A mini-split system can provide several benefits, but the most attractive feature is the capability to regulate temperatures in specific rooms or areas of the home.
An indoor air-handling unit, or evaporator, and an outdoor compressor/condenser comprise the two major components of a mini-split system. In many ways, mini-split air conditioners operate like conventional air-conditioning systems. In cooling mode, the system transfers heat from inside the home to the outside. With a central air system, cold air is blasted throughout all the ducts in the house from a single air handler, such as a large fan in an attic or basement. Because a mini-split can blow air from up to six independent air handlers, it can regulate temperatures for different rooms or areas inside a home or business.
Mini-splits are a viable alternative to duct systems for home additions or homes where a duct system may not be practical. When a duct system is too expensive to install, a mini-split system can efficiently heat and cool a space while keeping installation costs down.
Compared to conventional heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, minisplits can save up to 30% on cooling costs and 50% on heating costs. Additionally, inverter technology, which enables variable-speed operation in most mini-split systems, increases energy efficiency and is cheaper to operate.
In addition to greater control over heating and cooling, mini-splits can often be managed with a mobile app, smart thermostat or remote control. They provide better air quality, and homeowners can easily replace filters themselves and save on duct cleanings needed for conventional systems. Reheat dehumidification is a common feature of minisplit systems to maintain a steady room temperature while lowering humidity.
A few factors should be considered before installing a mini-split system. Determine the right size and quantity of units. Mini-split placement should consider how to best distribute air throughout the home or business. A qualified contractor can offer advice on these factors. Additionally, your home should be properly air sealed for the minisplit system to operate efficiently.
For many homeowners, a mini-split ductless heating and cooling system can be a fantastic alternative for heating and cooling. Contact your local electric utility if you have questions about mini-split systems.
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
FORT MYERS
July 1-3
Space and Rockets Summer Camp
Travel to the galaxy at Space and Rockets Summer Camp. Campers learn about our place in the universe as they design and launch their own waterpowered rocket. Experience is not required, but the laws of motion are. Register online.
https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/education/camps; 239-334-7419
PANAMA CITY BEACH
July 3
Freedom Rocks! Fireworks
Come early and dine at any Freedom Rocks participating waterfront restaurants rock a spot with the glorious sunset washed colors painting the skies above the Grand Lagoon Bridge or bring your chair/blanket to the grassy lawn at Treasure Island Marina. Come early and shop, dine and have fun.
www.panamacitybeach.com; 850-233-5070
KEY WEST
July 3-7
The Key Lime Festival
Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival celebrates the world’s most sensational citrus with an array of festivities across the island where Key lime pie was conceived. Over five days, lovers of the lime can indulge in a full menu of activities including a gravity-defying Key lime pie drop competition from the top of the Key West Lighthouse, brunches and dinners, and the world famous Key lime pie eating championship.
www.keylimefestival.com
PORT ST. JOE
July 6
Salt Air Farmers Market
Treat your family to art pieces and fresh veggies, sweet tupelo honey and vine-ripened fruit from local farmers and artisans. This market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first and third Saturdays.
http://saltairmarket.com; 404-906-2637
PENSACOLA
July 6
Flora-Bama Freedom Run
This annual run features two courses: The 4-Mile Run/Walk Course or the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. From ribbons and bows to flags, socks & T-shirts, break out your best red, white and blue attire.
https://florabama.com/freedom-run; 850-492-0611
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY SDBOWER
PHOTO COURTESY OF SALT AIR FARMERS MARKET
PANAMA CITY BEACH
July 6
History Tour at Camp Helen
Join park ranger staff for a guided history tour of the grounds at Camp Helen. Follow along as staff share park history from the Hicks family building the historic structures that still stand on the grounds, all the way through the colorful history of Avondale Textile Mill’s use of the property for its employee summer retreat. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring water and insect repellent.
https://floridastateparks.org/events/history-tour-camp-helen-3; 850-245-2157
PORT ST. JOE
July 11
All About Sea Turtles
Why do sea turtles cry salt? How long do they really live? Where do they lay their eggs? Get the answers to these questions and any others you may have during this indoor presentation all about sea turtles. Florida Coastal Conservancy Director Jessica Swindall will lead the presentation and pass around interesting items such as shells, skulls and more. https://floridastateparks.org/events/all-about-sea-turtles-7; 850-245-2157
PENSACOLA
July 12
Blue Beachside Bazaar
The Pensacola Beach Chamber is delighted to offer attendees of the Red, White & Blues Pensacola Beach Airshow the opportunity to visit the Blue Beachside Bazaar. Ten vendors will be set up at show center. www.visitpensacolabeach.com; 850-932-1500
KEY WEST
July 14-16
12th Annual VFW Fishing Tournament
Cash prizes will be awarded for the heaviest catch of five target species—mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), wahoo, tuna, snapper and grouper, with a first-place prize of $5,000 for the heaviest mahi-mahi. Anglers fish in seven divisions: pee-wee, junior, lady, first responder, veteran, senior and active duty. Captains and anglers can choose to fish either Saturday or Sunday, or both if they register separately for each day. All proceeds benefit veterans with disabilities of Monroe County.
https://vfw3911.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=143668; 305-294-9968
PENSACOLA
July 16
Library Concert
Join us for an afternoon of music at the Pensacola library. Local singers present favorite arias and musical theater tunes for a free concert for the whole family. Performing artists include soprano Sheila Dunn, soprano Bizhou Chang, baritone Jack Chandler and pianist Cody Martin. www.pensacolaopera.com/event/library-concert; 850-433-6737
KEY WEST
July 17-21
Hemingway Days
Ernest Hemingway look-alikes, writers, anglers and fans gather for the annual Hemingway Days celebration. The festival honors the legacy of the American literary giant who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s. Events include the legendary Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, the wacky Running of the Bulls, presentations, prose and poetry readings, a commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Hemingway’s July 21 birth, a museum exhibit, a 5K run and paddleboard race, and a street fair. https://fla-keys.com/hemingway-days; 800-352-5397
PORT ST. JOE
July 20
The Owls of Florida
Although they are birds of prey, owls are not related to other raptors such as hawks, and the evolution of the owl group is something of a mystery. Learn all about our local owls, including how they hunt, what they eat, their unique sensory organs and their peculiar behaviors. You’ll want to glove up toward the end of this session when we explore owl “pellets.” www.visitgulf.com
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Head online and enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
PHOTO BY LAURA BALLARD
BEDDING Summer Plants
Even during the oppressive heat of summer, your Florida landscape can be home to a variety of bedding plants.
Before you jump into planting, think about the specific growing conditions in your landscape. For example, consider how much sun or shade your yard receives and how well-drained the site might be. Those with coastal landscapes should look for plants that can tolerate high winds and at least some level of salt—be it from sea spray or irrigation from wells that contain high levels of salt.
After you’ve considered your site’s conditions, think about colors and forms of the plants. Limit the varieties and colors you choose to create a cohesive look and prevent visual confusion.
Annuals
Annuals are plants that last one season, and there are lots of warm-season annuals that can bring color into your garden as the temperature rises. Gardeners love using annuals in the landscape because they allow them to change out plants and try new configurations year after year.
If you like plants with cool-colored blooms, try torenia—also known as the wishbone flower. This plant does well in the shade or the sun. Flowers can be white, yellow, pink, violet or purple, depending on the cultivar.
For eye-catching color, try the cora and nirvana series vincas. They have big flowers and are resistant to heat, drought and pests.
Zinnias have long-lasting flowers ideal for a cutting garden. This heat-loving flower comes in many colors.
If you’re looking for standout foliage, coleus and caladiums add nonstop summer color to your sun or shade garden.
Perennials
When other plants are fading in the heat, perennials such as Pentas lanceolata truly shine. These attractive plants produce red, pink or white flowers throughout the summer, and are a great source of food for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Scarlet salvia is a native of the Southeast. Its red flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This Florida-friendly perennial looks especially attractive as a border or in mass plantings.
Lantana exhibits outstanding heat tolerance and can stand up to wind and salt as well, making it a good choice for people who live near the coast. Nectar-laden blossoms make it a natural choice for butterfly gardens. That said, many species are highly invasive, so choose lantanas safe for your landscape.
Melampodium is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that produces a mound of small yellow flowers throughout the summer. Several varieties are available, such as the compact million gold, lemon delight and derby. These varieties top out at about 10 inches.
Showstar and medallion are taller varieties that reach 24 to 36 inches tall. Melampodium is impressively resistant to disease and insects. It is self-cleaning, so deadheading—removing old blooms— is not needed.
Planting
Make sure you select healthy plants to start. Look for unblemished leaves, good green color and lots of flower buds.
Once you select the right plants for your area, make sure you start out with a properly prepared planting bed. For best results, clear a section of your landscape for the bed by removing grass and weeds. A few weeks before you plant, till at least 6 inches down and add organic matter—such as compost—to enrich the soil.
Fertilize your flower beds before you plant or at planting time with a controlled-release complete fertilizer.
Before taking the plants out of the containers, water the pots, then gently loosen and spread the roots out. Once they are in the ground, add mulch to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.
A border around your planting bed helps keep your grass from invading the area.
Many annuals, such as marigolds, coleus and annual salvia, require deadheading to keep them blooming and looking neat.
Others, such as vinca, wax begonias, portulaca and impatiens, continue to flower without removing spent blooms. Tender annuals are damaged by cold weather, so you can leave them in your landscape until the first frost or freeze, or you can pull them out and replace them with hardier cool-season annuals to give your landscape some winter color. n
Natasha Atlas graduated from the University of Florida’s Agricultural Education and Communication Program in 2021. She loves writing about unique and new varieties of flowers and plants for the Neighborhood Gardener Newsletter and its 10,000 subscribers. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys tending her own garden on her balcony.
Before you jump into planting, think about the specific growing conditions in your landscape. PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
GLADES ELECTRIC
Solar Is Not Free
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: I often hear claims you’ll never pay an electric bill again if you go solar. Is that true?
A: The ability to generate renewable energy at home is an amazing thing. It’s pretty cool that the technology is accessible to home and property owners across the country. The concept of free energy from the sun is appealing, but solar power isn’t actually free. There are costs associated with capturing that energy for use in your home.
Installing a residential solar system doesn’t equate to $0 energy bills. Prices for the solar system and installation vary, yet adding solar commonly comes with a fivefigure price tag.
Solar systems only provide power when the sun is shining. You still rely on your electric utility for power at night and when the skies are cloudy. Most electric utility rate structures include a set monthly service fee. Unless you plan to disconnect from local electric service completely, you will still have a monthly electric bill.
Solar might be a good investment for you, or it might not. Several factors impact how well the investment pencils out, including where you live, home orientation and shading, electric bill rate structure and cost, available incentives and tax credits, your budget, and credit rating.
If you are considering solar for your home, I suggest taking these three steps:
First, make your home as energy efficient as possible. You wouldn’t put a new motor on a boat with holes in it, so why would you put a solar system on an energy-wasting home? Invest in reducing wasted energy before investing in creating new energy.
The efficiency updates I recommend before installing solar include insulating and air-sealing your home and upgrading to efficient appliances—especially the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
If your HVAC system is older than 10 years or malfunctioning, start budgeting for its replacement. Remember, energyefficiency upgrades might have a better return on investment than installing solar.
A more efficient home means a smaller— and lower-cost—solar energy system. Solar systems are typically designed to produce the amount of energy a home uses in a year, so if you complete energy-efficiency improvements before installing a solar system, make sure the solar contractor accounts for those energy savings.
Second, email solar@gladeselectric.com about the requirements to install solar and how it will impact your bill.
Third, get at least three quotes to compare each contractor’s recommended system design, equipment and cost. It’s a significant investment, so you want to know your options.
There are several ways to pay for a solar system and installation. It can be bought outright with cash or financed by a loan. This allows you to own the system immediately or at the end of the loan term. State and federal tax incentives can help offset the costs.
Installing a solar system through a lease or power purchase agreement is also an option. In this structure, a third party—usually the solar installer—owns the system. They install the system on your property and then sell you the energy produced at a predetermined rate. They are responsible for maintaining the system and own it at the end of the agreement term.
Loans, leases and power purchase agreements can impact the sale of a home. Although a solar system may increase the value of your home, some buyers—or their lenders—are not interested in taking on leases or power purchase agreements.
Investing in solar is one way to support the transition to renewable energy. Before you make the leap, improve your home’s energy efficiency and empower yourself by weighing the costs and benefits. n
This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, nor any products or services it offers.
Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast.
Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company.
Make your home as energy efficient as possible before buying a solar system. A more efficient home means a smaller—and lower-cost—solar system. PHOTO BY AMY CARLSON/VALLEY ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION
Old, But Effective
Popping-cork rigs can work when other techniques fail
Among the oldest, simplest and still most effective techniques for catching many saltwater species, a popping-cork rig can put redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder and other fish in the boat quickly.
In brackish areas, anglers might also catch largemouth bass.
A popping-cork rig essentially consists of a float holding up an enticement. Some corks somewhat resemble an old topwater popper. When jerked, the concave shape gurgles the water, simulating a fish striking prey on the surface.
Other corks take a more traditional round or oblong shape but slide up and down a wire stem to create the same type of commotion.
Attach a float directly to the line—18 to 36 inches above a hook, depending upon the depth. For added casting heft, attach a small, split-shot sinker to the line between the hook and the cork.
Some companies sell pre-rigged packages that come equipped with a cork, leader, weight, rattles, and plastic or metal beads that create additional noise and vibration.
Cast to a likely spot and let it sit for a
few moments. Periodically, jerk the rod to make the cork pop the surface. When the cork goes down, set the hook.
With popping corks, most anglers use live shrimp for bait. Hook a shrimp under the horn. Carefully avoid hitting the black spot in its head, which could kill it. Alternatively, try hooking the shrimp through the meaty part just above its tail.
Other live or cut baits also work, depending upon what anglers want to catch. Some people use live minnows, small mullets, croakers, menhaden and fish chunks. For redfish and black drum, use small whole blue crabs or crab pieces.
Various artificial temptations can also work, such as soft-plastic shrimp or minnow imitations or flies.
With artificial baits, pop the cork more frequently. When spooked, a live shrimp naturally flicks its tail to escape and rises to the surface. When an angler pops a cork dangling a plastic shrimp, the lure flies upward and then sinks again, exactly like a live shrimp.
Fish hear the commotion and think one of their cousins took a shot at a shrimp and missed. Then, they see the morsel
sinking and dash in to grab it before another fish eats it.
Popping corks generally work best in shallow water. Set the depth so the bait hangs just above the bottom. Cast so the corks drift along weedy shorelines or over oyster reefs and other structures. Let the wind or tide carry the cork along naturally.
Many fish gather on the downstream side of points. They look into the flow waiting to ambush anything rounding the point. Toss the rig so the prevailing wind or tidal flow carries the cork across the point.
During a falling tide, fish often congregate at the mouths of tiny drains. Throw the cork as far as possible upstream in any marshy drain. Let the current carry the temptation downstream naturally. Pop the cork occasionally. In the right spot, action can come fast. n
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. He’s written more than 3,500 articles on a wide variety of outdoor topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
A redfish comes to the boat, drawn by a popping-cork rig. The rig essentially consists of a float holding up natural or artificial bait. It can be a great technique for catching many fish species.
PHOTO
BY JOHN N. FELSHER
GEC Promotes Team Building by Giving Back
Nine Glades Electric member service and communications department employees participated in a team building day May 17 in service to their community.
They painted the interior walls of a Habitat for Humanity home under construction in Mason’s Ridge in Sebring. Afterward, they scraped the floors of several rooms to prepare for flooring installation.
The team contributed 27 hours of labor, and it showed through the sweatand paint-stained clothing at the end of the morning. They traveled from Highlands, Glades and Hendry counties to take part in this day of bonding and volunteering.
“They were a group of all women, and they really did a great job,” construction
manager Frank Nelson says.
The home they helped with is sponsored by Coca-Cola and will belong to Mark and Cecelia Alley and their two young children, Calliope and Madilyn.
“Bonding with my co-workers while doing something so meaningful for a family was the best experience ever,” GEC Communications Specialist McKenzie Miller says. “Although I was super sore when I got home, the soreness was a reminder of the kindness that we offered a deserving family. We made some great memories in that house, and I can’t wait for the Alley family to make their own inside of it, too.”
GEC employees left that afternoon with full hearts and sore backs. They look forward to their next day of giving and growing as a team. n
From left, GEC employees Ana Salgado, Darcy Green, Brittany Rowan, Jennifer Koukos, Jessica Stafford, Kate Hurtado, Veronica Brown, Kara Hoffer and McKenzie Miller volunteered to help a Habitat for Humanity house in Sebring.
PHOTO BY FRANK NELSON
ABOVE: GEC member service representatives Veronica, left, and Darcy paint the first coat on the walls of one of three bedrooms in the Habitat for Humanity home. BELOW: GEC Senior Member Service Representative Brittany smiles while painting around a window inside of the home. PHOTOS BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
ELECTRIFYING EXPERIENCES
By McKenzie Miller
Glades Electric Cooperative is committed to supporting students through a variety of programs. Most recently, GEC had the honor of hosting Aly Smyth as an engineering intern this spring.
GEC became aware of Aly as a standout student in 2021 when she was selected to be a Washington, D.C., Youth Tour winner. The following year, she rose to the top again as a $5,000 Glades Electric Educational Foundation college scholarship recipient.
“When Aly reached out to us looking for an internship, we were thrilled,” Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Koukos says. “As a past Youth Tour winner and scholarship recipient, we knew she was an excellent student. We agreed to help her succeed in any way we could.”
This internship has helped Aly decide which avenue of engineering is right for her and gain hands-on experience in her field of choice.
“I wanted to feel out different disciplines, such as civil and electric engineering, which I got to do during my internship,” Aly says. “I had a great time getting to experience different jobs and
spending time with the Stakers Jeremy Hoffer and Justin Jackson, Engineering Staking Manager Colin Evans, and Chief Operations Officer Mike Roberge. I have wholeheartedly decided on electrical engineering thanks to this opportunity.”
Her first and most memorable staking job was with Jeremy, where she participated in a three-phase line design.
“Jeremy gave me a GPS that I used to go to each point, as it calculated and plotted.” she says. “There is so much technology that I did not realize went into doing this job. I enjoyed the hands-on involvement.”
After her internship, Aly plans to attend Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland or the University of Florida in Gainesville. She will finish her engineering degree with a concentration in energy in 2026.
Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree in engineering, Aly hopes to work at an electric cooperative where she will then work toward a master’s degree.
GEC employees were pleased to help Aly have a first-hand glimpse into her future career opportunities. She has a bright future ahead. n
“As a Youth Tour winner and GEEF scholarship recipient, I decided to pursue an internship at Glades. GEC is super involved in the youth, helping them figure out what they want to do with their lives and supporting them. I knew if anyone was going to support my decision to look into the engineering field it would be Glades.” -ALY
From left, Engineering Project Coordinator Nate Pratt, Engineering Intern Aly Smyth and Staking Engineer Trainee Travis Smith visit a job site in Hendry County for a new service installation. PHOTO BY MCKENZIE MILLER
BEFORE YOU GO
Share the Beauty In Your Backyard
Florida’s geography is vast and beautiful, from lakes to oceans and parks to beaches. Some of you have views from your homes that rival the views of national parks.
From time to time, we share some of readers’ photos in this space. If we use your photo here, we will send your choice of a $25 gift card to REI or Amazon.
To submit your photo, email a JPEG file to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
A lizard rests on a leaf in Sonya Casasnovas’ garden in Parrish. At one point, the lizard stopped to look her in the eye. By the expression, Sonya believes it was a bit annoyed. PHOTO BY
SONYA CASASNOVAS
TheSUN Runs My
Washer
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CONTACT US
863-946-6200 (member services) 844-201-7203 (24-hour phone payments) www.gladeselectric.com
OFFICES
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday
26733 U.S. Hwy. 27
P.O. Box 519
Moore Haven, FL 33471
214 SR 70 W.
Lake Placid, FL 33852
REPORT AN OUTAGE
~ Via the SmartHub app ~ 863-946-6200 (24/7 outage reporting)
Please have your account number ready.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
John “Jack” Coxe, President, District 8 Lake Josephine, 863-414-3833
Lee Henderson, Vice President, District 6 Highlands Park, 863-633-9281
Shannon Hall, Secretary/Treasurer, District 4 Lakeport and Brighton, 863-946-3242
Donnie Lundy, Trustee, District 1 Moore Haven, 863-946-0402
Barney Goodman, Trustee, District 2 Hendry County, 561-414-8737
Mike Pressley, Trustee, District 3 Ortona and Palmdale, 863-673-9158
Brad Oxer, Trustee, District 5 Venus and Hicoria, 863-441-1866
Fred Tagtmeier, Trustee, District 7 Lorida, 863-214-4994
Angela Hodges, Trustee, District 9 Okeechobee, 863-801-3140
The Board’s next meeting is at 9 a.m. July 23 at Moore Haven Headquarters Office. Any changes are posted in the lobby of both district offices.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Jeff Brewington, CEO
Courtney Brown, Chief Personnel Officer
Jennifer Koukos, Chief Communications Officer
Jennifer Manning, Chief Financial Officer
Michael Roberge, Chief Operations Officer
CEO Message
Improving Restoration Efforts
In our continued labors to improve upon hurricane restoration efforts, all Florida electric cooperatives, through the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, have commissioned two working groups—Storm Response and Joint Procurement Agreement—to develop a better way to collectively help the association’s members, from the Florida Keys to the end of the state’s panhandle.
Lee County Electric Cooperative CEO Denise Vidal leads the Storm Response group. LCEC experienced destruction from Hurricane Ian. The forces required for recovery were immense, and the co-op learned a lot during its restoration efforts. Denise’s team is identifying types of mutual aid response teams we haven’t considered in the past.
We’ve always put together teams of lineworkers to rebuild the electric distribution systems. Through the effort required to recover from Hurricane Ian, we now see the need for teams of responders specializing in damage assessment, engineering, warehousing, safety and back-office assistance, to name a few.
The Joint Procurement Agreement group is tasked with developing a Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved contract that allows the association’s cooperatives to share in the cost and use of such things as a storm team staging site that we could all call upon if affected by a storm. Although that sort of cooperation makes sense, FEMA does not yet approve of reimbursement for such initiatives.
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative CEO Scott Newberry is charged with leading this team.
The fruits of these team efforts will likely not be finalized until the 2025 hurricane season, especially with the Joint Procurement Agreement. Still, there will be many developments we can use to battle any storm that comes our way this season.
In addition to moving deeper into the hurricane season, we celebrate our nation’s independence this month, moving closer to that 250-year mark.
History shows that is a long time for a government to exist, and with all we see in the media, I wonder sometimes if we’ll make that birthday. I have to keep reminding myself that what the media portrays is the fringe, the salacious. I remember a college professor saying that when the news starts reporting good things, that’s the time to truly worry. That which isn’t sensational enough to warrant coverage will quietly continue on and prevail.
Continue your part to ensure we see that milestone birthday. Make sure you are registered to vote and more importantly, do so.
Happy birthday, America!
Jeff Brewington
This map represents Florida Electric Cooperatives Association member co-ops. COURTESY OF FECA