GCEC experiences historic snowfall, Page 8
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March 2025 • Volume 14, No. 5
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
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Follow these safety and prepara on ps during spring and summer storm season.
• Create an emergency kit with power outage essen als: ba eries, power banks, ashlights, nonperishable foods, water, medical supplies and prescrip ons.
• Develop an emergency family plan with mee ng points, communica on methods and evacua on routes. Share your plan with all family members.
• Monitor weather for important updates that could impact your emergency plan.
• Ensure a safe shelter. Stay away from windows and doors. In tornadoes, move to a basement or an interior room without windows.
• Use portable generators safely: Operate outdoors in well-ven lated areas, place on a at, dry surface, do not overload and always read the opera ng manual before use.
• Severe storms can bring down tree limbs and power lines. If you encounter a downed line, stay back. Always assume a downed line is live and dangerous.
Magnet fishing attracts enthusiasts Up Close, Page 10
Blue Spring State Park begins its annual Firefly Nights Spotlight, Page 12
Kitchen, Page 16
Dwight Van Lierop represents Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative members residing in Calhoun County, east of the Chipola River.
Dwight earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from Auburn University in 1985. From 2001 to 2018, he served as president of Van Lierop Insurance Services. Since 2018, he has been vice president of Acentria Insurance Co. He is also a member of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents.
He has held leadership roles in several organizations, including serving as president of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Insurance Agents of Florida. A Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative member and Calhoun County resident since 1996, Dwight has been actively involved in the cooperative and his community.
three credentials within his first two years as a director.
In 2022, he earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certification. The following year, he obtained the Board Leadership Certificate and the Director Gold Certificate, recognizing his commitment to ongoing education. He earned all
Dwight serves as president of the Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative board.
He and his wife, Sheree, have three children and one grandchild. They attend First Baptist Church of Blountstown. In his free time, he enjoys bird hunting and deep-sea fishing.
9 A.M. CST, SATURDAY, MAY 3
Wewahitchka Headquarters, 722 W. Hwy. 22
In addition to electing directors and hearing reports about your cooperative, watch informational presentations— such as the co-op’s safety trailer—and have a chance to win prizes, all while enjoying good food and entertainment. Bring the family, meet and greet your neighbors and friends, and make your annual meeting a memorable moment. We look forward to seeing you there.
Bob Logan recently retired from Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative after joining the co-op in July 2011 as part of the GIS mapping team.
In 2013, he became a GIS locator, and in 2022 he moved into the role of GIS technician until his retirement.
Before joining Gulf Coast Electric, Bob
was a radiation protection manager at Houston Lighting & Power for 10 years and worked for UtiliQuest for 13 years in various roles. He also served in the U.S. Navy as a machinist’s mate for nearly four years.
Congratulations, Bob! We wish you well in retirement.
Join the Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association for the 24th annual Death by Chocolate event Tuesday, March 4, from 5-8 p.m. CST at the Boardwalk Beach Hotel and Convention Center in Panama City Beach.
The theme this year is “A Night Among the Stars.”
The benefit features an array of desserts from local restaurants, caterers and culinary programs, plus a silent auction.
The revenue funds scholarships for Bay County women, ages 23 and over.
Visit emeraldcoastbwa.clubexpress.com for more details.
GCEC returns $600,000 to members
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is a memberowned, nonprofit organization. At the end of each year—after all operating expenses have been paid—a prorated portion of its margins, known as capital credits, are allocated to members based on the amount they paid for electricity during the year.
Each year, the board of trustees decides whether to refund capital credits and how much to refund, guided by the co-op’s overall financial health.
Recently, GCEC refunded $600,000 in capital credits. Of that total, $287,000 went to the estates of deceased members. The remaining $313,000 was split, with 25% going to those who were members in 1984 and 75% going to those who were members in 2023.
Capital credits are one of the many ways GCEC strives to serve and reward its members. It’s your co-op—and we’re proud to return these margins to you.
District I, Group 1 Trustee and Vice President Betty Moore, second from left, presents a capital credit check to Beth Biddle, left, Nichole Kennedy, third from left, Rick Hess, third from right, Amy Anderson, second from right, and Stocky
A winter storm arrived Jan. 21, blanketing Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s service area in snow by the next morning. In Calhoun County, the snowfall total was 6 inches, easily topping the state record of 4 inches set in 1954. Our employees captured these photos to document the historic event—a sight we won’t soon forget.
By John N. Felsher
Nick Wilson tossed a line into the water and soon felt a tug. However, he hadn’t caught a fish. Instead, he pulled up a 12-pound anchor.
That would greatly disappoint most anglers, but not Nick, who moved from North Carolina to Melbourne 16 years ago. He wasn’t fishing with hooks, bait or lures. Instead, he used a magnet.
“I saw some videos on YouTube about magnet fishing and got interested in it,” Nick says. “My wife, Courtney, and I wanted to be able to take our young daughter out of the house and go to parks. In Florida, especially on the Space Coast, almost all parks are on the water. I thought magnet fishing could be something fun we could do.”
Magnet fishing consists of tossing a magnet on a rope into any body of water to see what it attracts. One good catch could prove valuable.
“I’ll never forget the first one,” he says. “We were at Lake Washington Park in Melbourne. The first magnet I bought was a little cheap one. When it hit something, I felt it go thump, kind of like a fish bite. I was hooked. To me, magnet fishing is
Objects in saltwater corrode quickly and attract “concretions” that attach to objects, like this video player. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICK WILSON
almost like scratching off a lottery ticket. We never know what we’re going to find. I still have that anchor.”
Nick became so interested in magnet fishing that he started posting videos on YouTube under the name Magnet Junkie.
“Every time I go magnet fishing, I find something,” he says. “I found 13 guns, six safes and many other things. One safe had some old coins in it. Another had a bunch of items stolen from a business. We traced it to the original owner by its contents. I was able to get all of it back to him. He was very thankful.”
The oldest item? Nick once found a small .25-caliber Alkar semiautomatic pistol dating to 1914. He discovered that World War I era firearm where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tore down an old railroad to build a new one and left part of it as a fishing pier. He also found a Colt Combat Target Model 1911 handgun worth about $2,200.
“Any metal under saltwater for a long time accumulates a ton of things,” he says. “It just becomes a big mass. I had no idea what it was until I got home and carefully tried to take some things off it. I now have it in a shadow box hung on my wall.”
In a state teeming with water, people can find unlimited spots to drop a magnet
with little regulation. Where safety allows, people can drop magnets off bridges, docks and other structures. Some people go out in boats. Even something small such as a kayak can open vast sections of territory for magnet fishing.
“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission does not have authority over magnet fishing since magnet fishing does not involve fish,” Commission spokesperson Michelle Kerr says..
Boat ramps and fishing piers also make excellent places to go magnet fishing. People always drop things when boarding or exiting boats. Even small bodies of water, such as drainage ditches and water runoffs, could yield treasures.
Saltwater quickly corrodes metals, especially iron, but many cool, clear, freshwater springs flow through the Sunshine State. If someone finds a tool, pocketknife or other objects in a spring, they could probably clean it off and use it.
“Magnet fishing is a good way to clean our waterways and find interesting things,” Nick says. “If I can take it out of the water, I will. Because of the salt water, much of what I find is ruined, so I scrap it. In the past five years, we’ve turned in more than 6 tons of scrap metal.”
Magnet fishing provides fun for the entire family. As an inexpensive hobby, it’s open to anyone willing to explore Florida’s abundant waterways.There’s no telling what treasures you might catch.
A strong rope and magnet are the basics for magnet fishing.
“Anyone can buy starter kits online with everything they need,” says Nick Wilson, a fan of the pastime. “It comes in a box with a small magnet, rope and gloves for about $60. People can buy more expensive items if they want. Just the magnet I use costs $285.”
Magnets vary by pull force, which is the energy needed to detach a magnet once it’s connected.
A few other handy items to have include thick gloves, pliers and a tool such as a chisel or flathead screwdriver to break accumulated corrosion and other material off your finds. A grappling hook on a rope can also help retrieve particularly large items. Also, don’t forget a container to carry home your catch.
Story and photos by Cheré Coen
As a child, Gina McClain chased fireflies on a farm in Central Florida. That farmland is now part of The Villages, an area devoid of the flashing insects. So, when she spotted fireflies emerging in March at Blue Spring State Park, it brought back happy memories.
“When I was at the park, I thought, ‘This is part of my childhood!’” Gina says.
Gina is secretary of the Friends of Blue Spring State Park board. She helps organize the park’s annual Firefly Nights, an event that allows visitors to enter the park after dark and view thousands of fireflies flashing among the trees. Fireflies need undisturbed land, which the park has in acreage, so the fireflies are unusually abundant there.
Gina says they make an appearance as part of their life cycle.
The fireflies at Blue Spring live underground for one to two years, then emerge as adults. The males flash to attract females, and once they mate, the end is near.
Just enjoy it. A photo’s not as majestic as seeing it in person.
— Gina McClain, secretary for the Friends of Blue Spring
State Park
“They only live long enough to mate and lay eggs,” Gina says.
But what a show they perform in their mating ritual.
“It looks like twinkling lights,” she says. “It’s beautiful to see—truly magical. It’s an incredible experience.”
Ruth Sykes, a media relations professional in nearby Orange City, remembers the lure of fireflies in her youth.
“I remember chasing lightning bugs around our Georgia backyard as kids, but never in my life have I seen anything like this, especially as the firefly population diminishes throughout the country due to light pollution, pesticides and other environmental effects,” she
Blue Spring State Park’s hardwood hammock is easily accessible via a boardwalk. An all-terrain tracked chair is also available for free use, but reservations are required.
During the spring, fireflies may be spotted in many locales, including near historic Thursby House at the park.
says. “Strolling along the spring run boardwalk, you’d think someone has strung millions of twinkling Christmas lights through the woods. Firefly Nights at Blue Spring State Park is an absolutely magical experience.
“I really can’t stress how very surreal the whole thing was,” Ruth adds. “And still is, year after year, even now as a local resident.”
Firefly Nights has grown exponentially over the years, attracting visitors from around the world.
“It has taken on a life of its own,” Gina says.
are fireflies?
There are around 2,000 species of fireflies in the world, although what we call fireflies aren’t actually flies. These lightning bugs, of which there are 56 species in Florida, belong to the taxonomic group Coleoptera, commonly known as beetles. Each species prefers its own unique habitat, and they range in color and flashing styles.
The region surrounding Blue Spring State Park is rich in species diversity, says Lynn Frierson Faust, author of “Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs: Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada.”
“The junction of different climate zones makes for an ideal environment,” she writes.
The predominant resident species at Blue Spring State Park is the Photuris congener, known in layperson’s terms as the Florida single snappy. It’s primarily found in Florida and southern Georgia. They produce “rapid, snappy, single flashing just under twice per second at 82 degrees Fahrenheit,” Lynn says in her book. “At 76 degrees Fahrenheit, they flash about every 0.75 seconds.”
When temperatures warm in spring, the Florida single snappy emerges from the shrubby underbrush growing beneath and around Spanish moss-draped trees of Florida hammocks earlier than other species—typically late February through May. This timing is why Blue Spring offers its event from mid-March through mid-April.
“They’re everywhere in the park where there are woods,” Gina says.
This includes along the accessible boardwalk through a lush hammock to Blue Spring, the woods behind the historic Thursby House and near the state park’s campground and cabins.
The park closes daily at sunset but stays open until 9 p.m. on Firefly Nights. The event is run by volunteers—mainly members of the Friends organization and Stetson University students.
Glow Talks are offered twice nightly by trained volunteers whose 20-minute presentations provide facts about fireflies, inform visitors on what they can expect to see and establish viewing rules. Visitors may not use artificial light of any kind, and flashlights and cellphone lights must be in red mode. Many people apply red cellophane to the end of their flashlights, Gina says. The boardwalk along the St. Johns River is marked with glow-in-the-dark paint to provide visitors with a roadmap, but there are no lights in the park.
“It’s pitch black,” Gina says. “It’s kinda spooky, like Halloween.”
Visitors adhere to the rules, reveling in the darkness lit up by nature.
“If people use a flash or light, it will ruin it for everyone,” Gina says. “The crowd will turn on you quickly.”
Even if cameras can capture the event in such low light, they don’t do the experience justice.
“I tell them to put the fireflies in their mind palace,” Gina says. “Just enjoy it. A photo’s not as majestic as seeing it in person.”
This year’s event kicks off March 14 with Nights of Lights, featuring live music and food and drink for an additional fee at the pavilion where the park rents canoes. That area is wet and devoid of woods, so there are no fireflies.
“It won’t disturb anything because it’s very separate from the fireflies,” Gina says.
By Cheré Coen
Fireflies, or lightning bugs, used to appear as twinkling lights in backyards across Florida and much of the United States. Today, most people catch this lightning show only in pristine woody areas or nature preserves, such as Blue Spring State Park.
“Recent light pollution, habitat destruction, widespread insect fogging and agricultural pesticides and biological treatments might be affecting the widespread area now,” says Lynn Frierson Faust, the author of “Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs: Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada.”
But individuals can remedy that dire outlook. If you’d like to encourage fireflies to visit your backyard, here are a few tips that can help:
Let your yard go fallow, and let fallen leaves remain. If that’s not possible for the entire yard, dedicate an area—especially one away from foot traffic and lights, even those from passing cars.
Mow less often and plant native Florida plants, such as grasses, shrubs and trees. Common milkweed is a good source for fireflies and may double as food for endangered monarch butterflies.
Do not use pesticides and herbicides. Fireflies live underground, and these chemicals seep into the ground where they live.
Turn off outside lights during their active season.
Do not catch and keep fireflies when they emerge.
Parking for Firefly Nights is available in the state park’s lot.
“We try to maximize everything we can so people can come into the park,” says Gina McClain, secretary for the Friends of Blue Spring State Park. “It’s rare when we have to turn people away.”
Tickets may be bought online before the event and at the gate. Admission to Firefly Nights is $14 per car, per night, and benefits the Friends of Blue Spring State Park, which provides financial assistance to the park.
“Our entire purpose is to support the park financially,” Gina says. “Everything we do benefits the park.”
Visitors must also pay an entrance fee to the park, which is $6 per vehicle with up to eight people in the car or $4 for a single-occupant vehicle. Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers and passengers in a vehicle with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance Pass may enter for $2.
Campers with reservations at the state park campground and cabins may enjoy the experience without paying another fee.
Guinness Braised Beef
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2½ pounds beef (crosscut shanks, chuck short ribs or beef for stew)
Salt and pepper
6 medium shallots, sliced thin
4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
¼ cup all-purpose flour
16 to 32 ounces Irish stout, depending on how much liquid you want
Heat oven to 300 F.
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 bay leaves
Rosemary sprigs
¼ cup tomato paste
2 to 3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 cups baby carrots
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut into cubes. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Gently dust with a bit of flour, and reserve the rest of the flour. If working with crosscut beef shanks, leave whole and skip flour-dusting.
Add the cooking oil to a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef, then remove it from the pot. Lower the heat to medium. Sauté the onions with the thyme. If needed, add a little more cooking oil.
When the onions are translucent, stir in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute. Deglaze with some of the stout, scraping off brown bits from the bottom. Add the remaining stout, brown sugar, garlic, tomato paste, rosemary sprigs, carrots and bay leaves. Increase the heat and stir. Return the beef to the pot, and bring to a boil. Cover, then transfer to the oven.
Cook for 2½ to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender. Check on the meat around the 2-hour mark. Remove from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and rosemary sprigs. Serve as is, or over mashed potatoes or rice.
1½ cups vanilla ice cream
¾ cup whole milk
1 drop green gel food coloring
½ teaspoon mint extract
Whipped cream
1 tablespoon green sprinkles
2 maraschino cherries
In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, food coloring and extract. Blend until smooth. Divide into two glasses. Top each with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry.
1 medium head cabbage, about 2 pounds, shredded
4 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 cups whole milk
1 cup chopped green onions
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup butter, melted
Minced fresh parsley
Cooked bacon, crumbled
Place cabbage and 2 cups of water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving cooking liquid. Keep cabbage warm in a separate dish.
In the same pan, combine potatoes and reserved cooking liquid. Add additional water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cook, uncovered, until potatoes are tender about 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, place milk, green onions, salt and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Drain potatoes. Place them in a large bowl and mash. Add milk mixture, and beat just until blended. Stir in cabbage. To serve, drizzle with butter, and top with parsley and bacon.
2 to 3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
4 cups beef broth
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 pounds small red potatoes
2 pounds baby carrots
1 large head green cabbage, cut into wedges
½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper
Place corned beef into a large pot with lid. Pour beef broth over brisket to cover. Add Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle spice packet over brisket.
Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 50 minutes per pound of brisket, until the meat shreds easily with a fork.
Add potatoes. Cover and cook until potatoes start to get tender, about 15 minutes.
Add carrots and cabbage wedges. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, with lid on, for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Cooking time depends on the size of the carrots and potatoes.
Remove meat from the pot. Let rest for 15 minutes. Slice against the grain, then shred. Serve vegetables with liquid. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup butter, softened
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1¼ cup buttermilk, divided
1 egg
¼ cup butter, melted
Heat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
Mix flour, softened butter, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead slightly. Form dough into a round, and place on prepared baking sheet.
Combine melted butter with ¼ cup buttermilk in a small bowl. Brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an ‘x’ into the top of the loaf.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.
Shepherd’s Pie
Mashed potato topping
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 tablespoons butter
Filling
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups frozen peas, carrots and corn medley
2 tablespoons flour
½ cup beef broth
Heat oven to 350 F.
¼ cup sour cream
¼ to ½ cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon rosemary
½ teaspoon thyme
1 bay leaf
Boil the potatoes until fork tender. Drain. Add butter, sour cream, milk, salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes until desired consistency. Set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onions and garlic. Drain excess grease. In the same skillet, add the frozen vegetables. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle flour over the meat and veggies. Stir to mix. Add tomato paste; mix. Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce to low heat. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, adding additional broth if necessary to prevent the meat from drying out.
Remove from heat. Remove the bay leaf, then spread the meat mixture in an even layer in a 9-by-13-inch dish that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Top the meat with the mashed potatoes, making an even layer of potatoes. Bake for 30 minutes until brown and bubbly. If desired, place the dish under broiler to brown further.
Story and photo by Dave LaBelle
When I began teaching at Western Kentucky University in the 1980s, thenProgram Director Mike Morse gave a first assignment titled, “The Egg,” to students in the basic photo class. At first, I was a little taken aback by the frivolity of the assignment. We were a photojournalism program, not an art photography school. However, I quickly saw the genius of the exercise.
Designed to encourage students to recognize how light and shadow can reveal texture and shape, a chicken egg was the perfect model. Eggs are readily available and relatively inexpensive as props, and you can eat them after a photo session if you like.
Eggs are also easy to transport and, unlike living models, don’t talk back or whine about the environment being too cold or too hot. And they don’t expect payment.
The goal was not to see what a student could do to an egg or how many locations they could photograph it in. Rather, it was to recognize how light in different forms, intensity and direction influenced the way the camera saw the egg. When light illuminates the shell from the side, it reveals the egg’s texture, and from behind, its shape.
Some of the photos turned in cracked me up, and there were some egg-cellent results.
A few students took their eggs into the studio, opting for a controlled environment. Others got egg-cited and carried their models outdoors, camping or hiking, preferring a natural backdrop. Eggs were photographed in unexpected and precarious places. Others hatched a plan to boil their eggs first before carrying them out into the world to be exposed to the elements.
NIKON D810 56mm lens ISO: 640 f/2.8 at 1/200
One woman carefully broke her egg and photographed each half. Another dressed an egg in clothing as if a relative of Humpty Dumpty. No doubt some tenderhearted students talked to their eggs, reassuring they were not breaking up with them.
Some students chose not to put all their eggs in one basket and tried a variety of environments and lighting, eggs-hausting every angle. I remember a resourceful student photographed his egg with light coming through it rather than falling on it.
Still others chose multiple egg compositions, upwards of a dozen in some cases, to show repetition of form and pattern.
As with any class, there were some who missed the point of the assignment and received lower grades. They weren’t bad eggs, as such, they just didn’t listen or grasp
the point of the lesson. They splattered eggs with baseball bats, dropped them from tall buildings, took them to the beach and dressed them as a family of Smurfs.
One student placed an egg next to nursing puppies as if was the runt of the litter. The mother didn’t seem to mind, but the light was less than flattering.
Needless to say, it was a fun assignment, revealing the creativity, resourcefulness and potential of first-year students. n
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels. wordpress.com.
This is an exercise to help us notice how light and shadow influence the way we see things. When we think about it, all of life is about light and shadow. Consider sidelight to show texture or backlight to reveal shape. Watch how shadows falling on your egg follow the egg’s shape. As with any challenge, have fun with this exercise and take your time; you don’t have to scramble to find an unusual environment. In fact, you don’t need to leave your home. However, if you do go outdoors, you might get a few odd looks from folks curious why you are carrying or making pictures of an egg. But this might be a great way to bring you out of your shell and start a conversation with a stranger. As a photographer, I know I am a shell of my former self. I cannot move as easily or as quickly as in my youth, but I can still see and appreciate how light falls upon and nourishes every corner of our world.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER
According to legend, Ponce de Leon searched for the Fountain of Youth in Florida early in the 16th century. He never discovered it but found some of the clearest water on Earth.
Rain falling across about 100,000 square miles of the southeastern United States soaks into the soil, creating the Floridian aquifer. This water filters down into Florida, where it emerges clear and pristine after passing through tons of limestone.
More than 700 freshwater springs, the largest concentration on Earth, bubble up in Florida. Sparkling springs of incredibly clear water look gorgeous and often hold great fish populations, but frequently prove extremely difficult to fish.
In spring, bass move to shallow water to spawn. People can often see huge bass on the beds, where they become particularly alert to any possible threats. Keep stealthy. If people can see fish, bass can see people. Avoid making any unnecessary noise or vibrations.
“Bass are very conscious of movement above the surface because they must watch for birds of prey looking to eat them,” says Shaw Grigsby, a professional bass angler from Gainesville and longtime host of a nationally syndicated TV show. “If a shadow falls on a bass, it might spook.”
Use smaller, more realistic baits that mimic natural prey, such as crawfish, minnows or other small creatures. Soft-plastic flukes, tubes, frogs, or worms in natural shad-colored or translucent hues can tempt bass in clear water. Slim jerkbaits resemble natural baitfish
and simulate the movements of crippled minnows. Bass can detect them from far away and might home in on an easy meal.
“When I’m going down the banks, I like to throw jerkbaits that fish can see for long distances,” Shaw says. “They think it’s a real minnow. If I see a fish and don’t catch it, I switch to a tube. If I see a big vegetation mat blown against the bank or a fallen tree, I fish a tube around that cover. I let it sink to the bottom and sit for a couple seconds. Then, I barely lift my rod and crawl it along the bottom.”
Use the lightest line possible. Fluorocarbon line sinks and virtually disappears in the water, making it a better choice than monofilament. Make the longest casts possible to keep out of sight.
“When I’m fishing clear water, I try to put the sun behind me off one shoulder,” Shaw says. “That allows me to see a fish with polarized sunglasses. I make a low sidearm cast just over the water. Like skipping a stone, the bait skips across the surface as if another bass was chasing it. Bass are extremely competitive. If they don’t beat their fellow fish to forage, they don’t eat.”
Fishing extremely clear waters in a scenic setting can prove challenging but rewarding, because anglers can see the action. Anglers won’t find many places more beautiful than Florida’s springs, and they might catch some monster largemouths.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,500 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoor topics. He also hosts an outdoor tips show for WAVH-FM Talk 106.5 in Mobile, Alabama. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
Ready! Set! Go!”
e starting gate opened and 19 horses galloped o , each jockeying for the lead. While Apache, the horse I bet on, was the odds-on favorite, his rival Napoleon pulled ahead in the race’s nal seconds.
In less than a minute I lost a fortune at the Paris horse races.
After a brief moment of disbelief, something caught my eye. It seemed like every woman in Paris was carrying the same classic handbag! I had to have one for my own, so I had our handbag designers interpret this classic o er. Presenting the Parisian Chic Claire Handbag.
I Lost a Fortune at the French Races, but Fortunately I Found is Bag
Backed by our satisfaction guarantee, you can revel in its sophistication risk-free for 30 days. Should it fail to dazzle, return it for a full refund of the item price.
Handbag Speci cations:
• Brown vegan leather.
• 8 1/2”x 4” D x 6 1/2” H, 9 1/2” H w/handle.
• Two interior open pockets, two interior zipped pockets, one outside zipped pocket.
Parisian Chic Claire Handbag
$299 $39* + S&P Save $260
*You must use Insider Offer Code PCH161-01 to get this price.
Inspired by the equestrian gear I encountered in the stables after the race, the Claire Bag is the color of saddle leather with metal adornments that recall horse bits and stirrups. Sturdy and chic, the Claire Bag is ideal for the woman on the go. See for yourself why the Parisian Chic Claire Handbag is the toast of France!
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.
March 1
San Pedro Church Huge Annual Yard Sale
New, gently used and vintage items are featured at the San Pedro Women’s Guild event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at San Pedro Catholic Church, 89500 Overseas Hwy. Come early and take advantage of the bargains. 305-852-5372
March 1
Hometown Heroes 5K Run/Walk
Lace up your sneakers and get ready to hit the pavement for a great cause. This in-person event is 9:30 a.m. to noon at Highlands Hammock State Park. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just want to enjoy a leisurely stroll, this event is for you. Join us as we celebrate our local heroes and raise mental health awareness for our first responders and veterans. Grab your friends, family and neighbors, and let’s make a difference together. Registration is $15. runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sebring/HometownHeroesK; 305-852-5372
March 6-27
March Exhibitions at the Studios
Join us for the First Thursday Open House, where art, conversation and community come alive after hours. Wander through our galleries showcasing the newest exhibitions, sip wine under the stars on our rooftop terrace and explore the creativity in the third-floor artist studios. Take in vibrant energy, connect with fellow art lovers and discover hidden gems at Books & Books.
tskw.org/march-first-thursday; 305-296-0458
March 8
Sun Belt Dribble Drive
The 2025 Sun Belt Conference Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Dribble Drive begins at 2 p.m. at Pensacola Bay Center. Children ages 3-12 are welcome to dribble their basketballs around the venue grounds and into the Bay Center, where games take place. Each participant receives a T-shirt, a basketball and two tickets to the women’s quarterfinal games, slated for 2:30 p.m. the same day. Registration closes once there are 750 participants.
https://bit.ly/40LTW2B; 850-432-0800
March 8
GFWC Wewahitchka Woman’s Club 2025 Duck Derby Community Event
The event kicks off with a Duck Dash 5K benefiting WEWA crosscounty team and WEWA schools. Following the run are music, food, and activities provided by school clubs and nonprofit groups in Gulf County. The highlight of this event is the “releasing of the rubber ducks.” Adopt a duck for $5 and cheer as it races across Lake Alice to the finish line. The person with the matching winning duck number wins $500. There are runnerup prizes, too. All proceeds benefit the needs of the community. gfwcwewahitchkawomansclub.com; 850-832-9670
March 8-9
Seafood Festival
The Marathon Seafood Festival is the second-largest Keys event, with more than 15,000 attendees expected. The festival is the premier event for fresh seafood and entertainment in the Florida Keys. Bring the whole family for two days and enjoy great cuisine, entertainment and fun. Marathonseafoodfestival.com; 305-743-5417
March 8-29
Wildlife of the Keys Art Show
The Art Guild of the Purple Isles presents a show featuring original artwork of feathered, furry and scaly wildlife found in the Keys at Our Place in Paradise Gallery, 88.7 Overseas Hwy. (oceanside). The shows hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays with an opening reception open to everyone from 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 8. Admission is free. agpi.us
March 15
Quarter Auction
The Quarter Auction is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Caladium Arts & Crafts Cooperative, 132 East Interlake Blvd. Tickets are available for $10, cash or check only. With limited seating, tickets are going fast. Refreshments are available for sale during the auction. www.facebook.com/CaladiumArtsCrafts; 863-699-5940
March 22
Main Street Market at Lakewood Ranch
This uniquely curated outdoor shopping experience features the best local makers and retailers. Vendor items include hand-poured candles, sweets and handcrafted jewelry, alongside live entertainment. www.bradentongulfislands.com/event/main-street-market-at-lakewood-ranch-2
March 22-23
Latin Festival
Visitors can indulge in a diverse array of authentic Latin cuisine from various food vendors, enjoy dynamic live performances featuring talented musicians and dancers, and explore captivating cultural exhibits that showcase the rich heritage of Latin America. The festival caters to all ages and interests, offering energetic dance workshops, interactive art displays, family-friendly activities and vibrant marketplaces highlighting local artisans. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id-=61569511232972; 305-304-1188
March 29
21st Annual Pioneer Day and Barbecue
The DeSoto County Historical Society’s Pioneer Day and Barbecue showcases the history and heritage of southwest Florida from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Turner Agri-Civic Center, 2250 NE Roan St. This year’s festival commemorates the centennial anniversary of the West Elementary School building and the semi-centennial anniversary of the Vietnam War. Posters of those who served in Vietnam are on display. Other offerings and activities include tasty treats; demonstrations of old-fashioned skills and crafts; musical entertainment; traditional Florida Cracker cow camp and whip crackers; a classic 1924 LaFrance firetruck and fire hose demonstration with an exhibit about the 1905 fire that destroyed downtown Arcadia; Florida authors and artists; and a hands-on history area with time-honored tasks, vintage games and fossil dig. historicdesoto.org; 863-266-5774
March 29
Books By the Bay
Books By the Bay is a free, family-friendly outdoor festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in historic downtown at Museum Plaza, Bowden and Voices of Pensacola buildings. The event features bestselling authors, book vendors, nonprofit groups, publishers, literary exhibitors, stage performances, children’s activities, author signings and readings. www.booksbythebay.info; 850-270-8806
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Head online and enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents or use the QR Code for easy access. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
What do we really lose when we lose a tree? A thousand silent voices removed from the universal chorus.
The tree is not a standalone unit, a single entity, a monument of stony bark. The tree is a connected symbiosis of lichens, fungi, epiphytes, ferns, mammals, birds, reptiles and multitudes of insects. A mature, long-lived tree becomes even more. A tiny, bustling microcosm of activity, it is a sentinel to time, a connection to what is, was and will be as it stands for hundreds of years.
How many times has someone stopped beneath the lofty branches to dawdle in the shade, to gaze up at the patterned light and contemplate existence, children climbing, their laughter drifting on passing clouds?
Unfurling leaves of resurrection fern, vibrant in the challenge to mortality, remind us of the promise of life, the patient arrangement of time and opportunity. Every tree planted is a tangible expression of hope, a time capsule for a future we will never see.
As we traverse the rhythms of human life, we take for granted the grasping branches breathing, cooling and providing refuge above us.
How often do we walk with our eyes captured by the screen of a tiny computer, ignoring the miracle of evolved genius that towers over and protects us from the harsh glare of the afternoon sun?
Even in decay, past the primordial curtain of death, trees continue to provide refuge. Cavities are home to screech owls, bats, woodpeckers, countless insects and fungi. As the tree gives in to the entropy of decomposition, its nutrients feed the next generation of young trees. In old-growth forests, nurse logs provide the necessary fertility for mosses, lichens, young trees and understory plants.
As we have developed the natural world, surrounding ourselves
Landscaping Backyards for Wildlife: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW175
Dead Wood: Key to Enhancing Wildlife Diversity in Forests: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW277
Managing Urban Forests for Birds: https://fufc.org/downloads/councilquarterly22v1.pdf
with straight lines and right angles, we shunt the decaying richness of nature to the local landfill.
If you have the space and inclination, rather than remove a tree entirely, consider leaving a snag in its place. Pruned for safety and monitored, dead trees can be attractive refuges in our home landscapes. As unlikely as it seems, our landscapes interact with the landscapes nearby, forming a mosaic of potential diversity.
Draped over and intertwined between our right-angled structures and hard surfaces lies a remnant of the ecosystem that was. Leaving snags in place, when safe and appropriate, can reap fruitful rewards for diversity in our urban forests.
Alyssa Vinson is the Urban Forestry Extension agent in Hillsborough County. Alyssa has lived in and explored Florida for almost 20 years. She serves residents and professionals of southwest Florida with programs on all things “tree.”
Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. 740-334-0341. 12 acres coastal Bermuda pasture. Irrigation available. 850-814-7015 or 850-814-6078.
Two or three bedrooms, two bath waterfront home in a quiet area of Southport (2636 Clark Road). It has computer room, large deck overlooking bayou, and large storage. Attached to one bedroom, one bath mother-in-law apartment has a private entrance and large living room. No pets. $1,850 a month, plus deposit. 850-960-8933.
2021 Dexter D70 trailer axle, 7K lbs. capacity, E-Z Lube hubs and NEV-R-Adjust electric brakes, complete with hubs/drums and leaf springs. Minor manufacturer defect with E-Z Lube feature. Axle assembly in good condition and fully operational, less one grease fitting for the E-Z Lube. $500. Dan, 863-464-7993.
Book available through Amazon by a local author: “A Guide Through the Ages of Childhood” by Audrey S. Brigman. Full of ideas for baby items needed, birthday gifts, senior year, etc.
Where imagination becomes a
reality: woodworking, candles and collector wands. www.alivans.com.
Miniature donkeys. Jacks and jennies; black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up. Make great pets. Also, standard donkeys. Betty, 850-899-7424.
Miscellaneous
Eco-X LLC. Guided kayak/ paddleboard eco-tours on clear freshwater springs. Hike Florida trail segment #36. Private, primitive camping. Paddle, hike, camp. Your local guide to adventure. 850-326-9116.
WJ Land Management. Florida licensed and insured. Forestry mulching, land clearing, culverts, fencing. Fast, free and reliable estimates. William, 850-628-4714; Tabatha, 850-628-4713.
Tree Be Gone. For all your tree needs, from trimming to complete removal. 850-819-9987.
Custom fences built on your property. Call David for your free estimate. 850-819-9987.
Kapua Kleans for your final interior cleanup, deep clean, residences, condos, rental properties. Steph, 850-704-2412.
SLR Farm & Landscaping. Lawn care, grass cutting, bush hogging, backhoe work. 706-575-4570 or 850-703-5321.
Koastal Home Repair LLC. Fencing, decks, painting, light
tractor work, repair work and maintenance. Insured. 850-227-5509.
C&2 Electrical Services LLC. Residential and commercial electrician services. 850-899-8218 or 850-899-8217.
Merchant Management Group is a local payments technology company based in Panama City, working with quickservice restaurants, full-service restaurants and retail shops and specializing in the latest point-of-sale systems, including Tabit, OrderCounter and Clover. Have worked with hundreds of Gulf Coast businesses since 2004 and have an A+ rating with BBB. Schedule your demo, 850-747-0664.
The 850 Stump Grinder LLC. Free estimates, multistump discount, residential and commercial. Veteran-owned and -operated. 850-814-0720.
Carter’s Land Clearing and Mulching LLC. 850-527-4715.
Hamco Business Solutions is conveniently located in downtown Panama City with its warehouse in Lynn Haven. Hundreds of products at discounted prices, including receipt paper, ink cartridges, deli paper, kitchen paper and copy paper. Free, same-day delivery on most products. Shop local
Trading Post is a FREE service to Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative members. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE.
Please circle the category that applies: For Rent For Sale Real Estate Free Miscellaneous Trade Wanted
Items:
Name: Phone:
Address:
Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; 9434 Highway 77; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com.
** Due to press deadlines, please expect up to 60 days from submission for your advertisement to appear.
and save. Call for a free quote, 850-942-5600.
Handyman services. Painting, flooring, building repair, odds and ends. Free estimates and fully insured. TJ, 207-612-8255 or 207-578-1830.
Rachel’s Facials, Lashes and Brows at 2518C Highway 77 in Lynn Haven offers full body waxing and esthetician services, including back facials, extractions, chemical peels, eyelash extensions, brow and lash tinting, and makeup artist services. Rachelsflb.com or call 850-896-4855.
FSBO: Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Border the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build. Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Underground utilities, deep well, many fruit trees. $69,900. 850-648-4214.
Three-bedroom, two-bath home on 1-acre lot on the Choctawhatchee River at Cedar Log Boat Ramp, 80 Old Creek Road, Ponce de Leon, FL 32455. Wayne, 850-373-7944; Jason, 850-258-1085.
2.5 acres lakefront on Deerpoint Lake, 30 to 45 minutes from Panama City. Paved road, electricity, septic, close to schools, quiet and peaceful. Can be divided. 850-265-5554.
Half-acre corner lot. 850-639-2220. Wanted
Someone to do inside and outside odd jobs for a disabled senior. $15/hour. Dalkeith area. 448-205-9053.
tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!
The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.
The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.
The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.
This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.
But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
Your Insider Offer Code: HBK264-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
Afford the Extraordinary ®
Clients Are Saying About Our Knives
knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN
“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO
Dear Student:
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is proud to offer an exciting opportunity for high school seniors in its service area: the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship!
High school seniors graduating at the end of the 2024-2025 school year including homeschooled students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) are members of GCEC and who are attending a college, university or technical school for the Fall 2025 semester are eligible to apply.
All eligible applications will be numbered. On Friday, May 2, 2025, we will utilize a random number generator to select 20 scholarship winners. The winners will be notified. In order to receive a scholarship, you must agree to attend our 77th Annual Members’ Meeting on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at our office headquarters in Wewahitchka. The winners will be recognized during the program.
Upon proof of enrollment in a college, university or technical school, scholarship checks will be made payable to the college, university or technical school for first-semester expenses.
To enter, eligible students need to complete the GCEC 2025 Scholarship Application and submit it to the co-op by the deadline of Friday, March 28, 2025.
If you or your parent/guardian have any questions, please feel free to call me at (850) 913 -3731 or email kdouglas@gcec.com.
Sincerely,
Kristin Douglas Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Please read letter on opposite page for qualifications/terms before applying.
Student Name:
Parent/Guardian: GCEC Account Number:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Telephone No.: Email Address:
Education Information
High School: GPA:
College/Technical School (attending fall 2025):
Major (if known):
List all unpaid volunteer community service activities in which you have been involved that have improved your community and/or made a difference in the lives of others. Include all service activities you have participated in to help your school, friends, church and community. Use additional sheets of paper, if necessary. Include your name at the top of each additional page.
Student Signature:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
By you and your parent/guardian signing this application, you are certifying that the information you have provided is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. In addition, you are authorizing GCEC to release your name, photo and educational information if you are selected as a winner.
Applications are due no later than Friday, March 28, 2025, to: Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, Attention: Kristin Douglas, 9434 Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32409 For more information, email kdouglas@gcec.com or call 850-913-3731 (fax 850-265-3634).
Florida’s geography is vast and beautiful, from lakes to oceans and parks to beaches. Some of you have views from your homes that rival the views of national parks.
From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space. If we use
your photo here, we will send your choice of a $25 gift card to REI or Amazon. To submit your photo, email a JPEG file to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
– Jackie Cooper,
aids, return them within 45 days for a
722 W. Highway 22
P.O. Box 220
Wewahitchka, FL 32465
850-639-2216 or 800-333-9392
9434 Highway 77
Southport, FL 32409
850-265-3631
Outages: 800-568-3667
6243 E. Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404
850-481-1188
www.gcec.com
CEO/GENERAL MANAGER
John Bartley
President Dwight Van Lierop
Vice President Betty Moore
Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Black
Rupert Brown
Robert Byrd
Carl Goodson
Eddie Jones
Pat Patterson
Patrick Pitts
Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday each month at 12:30 p.m. CST.
The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing costeffective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce.
FL-154
Your ballot for the 2025 Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative annual meeting will arrive in your mailbox soon. The meeting is Saturday, May 3, at our headquarters in Wewahitchka.
To ensure every GCEC member has a voice in the democratic process, you may vote by mail or online. When your ballot arrives, please choose one of the following methods:
• Online. Follow the instructions provided to place your vote on our secure website. Be sure to have your voting PIN ready. You’ll find it on the paper ballot enclosed in your election packet.
• Mail. Complete the ballot in your packet and return it in the postagepaid envelope provided. Your ballot is mailed to a third party, which counts the votes on behalf of the cooperative. GCEC does not have access to completed ballots.
In appreciation of your time, we credit $5 to your electric bill for participating. We also work with the third party handling the election to randomly select 40 ballot PINs. Those members receive $50 gift cards by mail. Additionally, we select 10 members at random to receive $100 electric bill credits.
The election closes April 23—10 days before the annual meeting.
I encourage you to take part. Each member has a voice in the operations of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, and those voices need to be heard. If you have questions, please contact us. We are happy to help at any of our locations listed on the lefthand side of the page.
As always, it is a pleasure to serve you.
