FloridaCurrents
Taking Flight
Pro disc golf season launches in Florida
Ricky Wysocki, a two-time world champion, is among the many professional disc golfers who compete at Olympus Disc Golf Course. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN HUVER/DISC GOLF PRO TOUR
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Florida Currents
February 2025 • Volume 14, No. 4
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Valeri Pearon; Sable Riley, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.49 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
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© 2025 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
EFFECTIVE WAYS to Lower Home Energy Use
Outside factors, such as fuel and equipment costs and extreme weather, can affect electricity prices. But you have the power to control home energy consumption by taking proactive steps to reduce energy use.
Thermostat Management
The thermostat is one of the best places to lower your energy use because heating and cooling account for a significant portion of home energy consumption. During winter months, adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting to reduce energy use. The Department of Energy recommends 68 F or lower.
Use Off-Peak Energy Times
Plan energy-intensive chores and tasks, such as running the dishwasher or washing clothing, during off-peak energy hours—when the demand for electricity is lower. Off-peak times are early in the morning or late evening. By scheduling these activities during off-peak periods, you can help keep rates lower, reduce demand and relieve pressure on the grid.
Seal Your Home
According to Energy Star, about 20% of heated or cooled air that moves through a home is lost due to lack of proper insulation and air leaks. Ensure your home has sufficient insulation levels, and seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulk and weatherstripping. This is a simple, effective way to lower energy use and improve indoor comfort.
Maintain Equipment
The health of your heating and cooling system is essential for comfort and can greatly affect energy bills. Maintain your system by regularly replacing dirty filters and scheduling annual inspections for maintenance and necessary repairs.
Taking Flight
Pro disc golf season launches in Florida Up Close, Page 10
Page 12
Page 16
Spreading Holiday Cheer
Toy Drive to Benefit Children’s Home Society
For many years, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees and trustees have incorporated a drive to benefit the Children’s Home Society into their annual Christmas party. This year was no exception. Toys were collected to help children in our community.
Presenting the donations on behalf of GCEC are Chad Brackin, left, Kristin Douglas, third from left, and Brennis Smith, right. Accepting on behalf of the CHS are Ashleigh Grooms and Arleen Chilton (behind the counter) and Juli Melara, Joann Melvin and Natasha Junearick (in front).
Holiday Beach Run and Walk
GCEC sponsored Tyndall Air Force Base’s Holiday Beach Run and Walk on Dec. 18. The event included 1K, 2K and 5K races. Tocarra Robinson and Tina Polk handed out koozies, water bottles, granola bars and trail mix to participants.
Wewahitchka Christmas Parade
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative joined the 2024 Wewahitchka Christmas Parade on Dec. 21. Employees decorated a truck and trailer and, along with family members, passed out candy to spectators.
Operation Jolly Jingle
On Dec. 14, GCEC sponsored Tyndall Air Force Base’s Operation Jolly Jingle. The event featured inflatables, crafts, breakfast and special appearances by Santa and The Grinch.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGES BY IRINA UKRAINETS, NUFA STUDIO AND STUDIO910.
Caring for Community
GCEC hosts successful blood drive, collects 27 units
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s heart beats for its community, evidenced by its recent blood drive with OneBlood. Held at GCEC’s Southport and Wewahitchka offices, the event brought in 27 units of blood: 10 in Southport and 17 in Wewahitchka.
According to OneBlood, each donation can potentially save up to three lives. The drive’s success highlights GCEC’s ongoing mission of neighbors helping neighbors. Blood donations are vital year-round, but they take on added significance during the holiday season when donation levels sometimes drop.
By partnering with OneBlood, GCEC provides an easy way for community members to give back and help those in need. If you were unable to donate in December, mark your calendar for May 20, when OneBlood and GCEC host another drive. Until then, GCEC expresses its sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make this blood drive a life-saving success.
GCEC helps bring The Wall That Heals to Bay County
In November, GCEC sponsored The Wall That Heals, a traveling, three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Hosted by Bay County Veterans Council at Callaway Recreational Complex, the free exhibit was 375 feet long and stood 7-and-a-half feet at its highest point. It honored 58,281 service members who died during the Vietnam War, including 23 from Bay County and six from Gulf County. Among those inscribed was Clifford Chester Sims, a Medal of Honor recipient from Port St. Joe, and namesake for the state veterans nursing home in Callaway.
The exhibit was open around the clock from Nov. 14 until its closing Nov. 17. School tours gave students a guided look at the mobile education center before they viewed the memorial. Pop-up tours, which don’t require registration, were also available, making it easier for individuals and families to learn about the war’s history and its local impact.
By sponsoring this tribute, GCEC joined more than 200 volunteers who helped ensure The Wall That Heals was a meaningful experience for all who attended.
ABOVE: A donor gets his blood drawn by a OneBlood team member during a recent blood drive in Wewahitchka.
BELOW: DeCody Brad Marble, president of the Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution Panama City Chapter, greets guests at The Wall That Heals in Panama City. PHOTO COURTESY OF WES MORGAN
M t Your Team
Two employees join Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, one team member promoted
Madison Churchwell, mechanic shop assistant
Misty Waddleton, promoted to head member services representative
Victoria Logan, cashier at Southport office
Don’t Miss the Annual Meeting
Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 3, and plan to attend Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s 77th Annual Members’ Meeting at the co-op headquarters in Wewahitchka.
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.
The meeting agenda reflects what keeps your electric cooperative in business serving the community. Your vote, voice and participation all go into making your cooperative a unique entity. The cooperative way of doing business is truly democracy in action.
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.
Meet Your Trustee
Betty Moore represents members living in Jackson, Walton and Washington counties. Betty began serving on the Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees in 2013 as the co-op’s first female board member.
Betty graduated from Bay High School and attended Gulf Coast State College. She has more than 40 years of banking experience, primarily in lending operations, and has worked in Bay, Franklin, Gulf, Jackson, Okaloosa and Washington counties. She is vice president of her community homeowners association.
In 2014, Betty earned her Credentialed Cooperative Director Certification, and in 2016, she obtained her Board Leadership Certificate, as well as her Director Gold Certificate. She earned all three credentials within the first three years of her term as director. The Director Gold Credential recognizes directors who have earned their Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and Board Leadership Certificate and are committed to continuing their education throughout their service on the board.
Betty currently services as vice president of GCEC”s board and has served previously as treasurer and secretary.
MAY
3
District I Trustees Up for Election
As Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative celebrates its 77th Annual Members’ Meeting, it also is time to elect your representatives.
According to the co-op’s bylaws, the board must name the Nominating Committee at least 90 days before the meeting.
The Nominating Committee must meet and nominate candidates for open trustee positions at least 60 days before the annual meeting.
Those not selected by the Nominating Committee—but who are interested in serving—have until Feb. 28 to present a nomination by petition to have their names on the ballot. A petition needs the signature of at least 25 cooperative members.
District I trustees are up for election this year. The incumbents are Betty Moore, Patrick Pitts and Dwight Van Lierop. The 77th Annual Members’ Meeting is Saturday, May 3.
Copies of the bylaws and the nominating procedures are available in GCEC’s main office in Wewahitchka and district offices in Panama City and Southport.
You also may view the cooperative’s bylaws at www.gcec.com.
Betty Moore
ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD PICT
District I map
Taking
Pro disc golf season launches in Florida Flight
By Drew Woolley
For more than a decade, Brooksville resident Mike Barnett hosted a fan-favorite disc golf tournament at a spot called Gran Canyon. Named Throw Down the Mountain, the tournament became a standout attraction for local hobbyists and professionals alike, thanks to the course’s unusually hilly terrain. Then, once the four-week tournament wrapped up, it was time for the cows to come home. Literally.
“There’s a cattle ranch right across the street from it,” says Dwight Powell, disc golf project manager for Ledgestone, a company that supports the sport in many
ways, including managing tournaments and disc sales. “When the tournament was not running, they would let the cattle roam. Then, when the tournament was coming to town, they would herd the cattle back behind the fence.”
Two years ago, the Gran Canyon property went up for sale, putting Throw Down the Mountain’s future at risk. That’s when six-time Professional Disc Golf Association World Champion Paul McBeth and San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease swooped in to revitalize the popular course.
“They basically rescued the course,” Dwight says. “They decided to buy it, and
they have invested in improvements and upgrades over the last couple of years to make it more suitable for modern play and for top-level professionals so that it can be a destination for years to come.”
A New Spin
Paul and Dylan didn’t just keep the course at Gran Canyon alive; they transformed it into Olympus Disc Golf Course, which they hope can become the disc golf equivalent of golf’s top-class country clubs. Last season, Olympus hosted the Professional Disc Golf Association’s kickoff pro tour event, and it hosts the start of the 2025 season with the Supreme Flight Open
Eveliina Salonen, from Finland, won the 2024 event at Olympus Disc Golf Course. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN HUVER/DISC GOLF PRO TOUR
in February.
“Courses like this just look great on coverage,” Dwight says of video on the Disc Golf Pro Tour streaming service or platforms like YouTube. “People want to come watch it, and the best players in the world want the best challenges. It’s just a unique course, unique location, and it’s a great fit for the Pro Tour.”
With the help of the Ledgestone events team, this year’s open is expanding to include an amateur tournament alongside the Pro Tour. The hope is the temporary course set up for the amateur event sets the foundation for another permanent course to support the growing disc golf community in Florida.
“Disc golf has definitely boomed in the last four years,” Dwight says. “In 2020, people were trying to find things they could do safely outside, and we were starting to get more videos on YouTube
Get Throwing!
and the Disc Golf Network. Huge numbers of people have been joining the sport casually and getting into competitive settings. It’s just been amazing.”
For longtime fans, Mike will still put on Throw Down the Mountain each year. This year’s tournament is expected to draw as many as 800 competitors to its distinctive hills. But Olympus Disc Golf Course is a far cry from the cow pastures of the past.
“We just want to increase access to our sport,” Dwight says. “It’s a great recreational opportunity and, unlike many, it’s mostly free. You can buy one disc that you love, get off work and just go to the local park and play.”
As may be guessed from the name, disc golf works much like traditional golf. Instead of hitting a ball, players throw Frisbee-like discs from a tee area with the goal of reaching the target—a raised metal basket—in as few throws as possible.
Beginners can often get by with just a single disc, but serious players use different types of discs for different situations:
Drivers—The fastest and sharpest discs, drivers are ideal for covering a lot of ground but require advanced technique to throw properly.
Midrangers—A midrange disc has a slightly rounder edge than a driver, which provides a good balance of control, speed and distance.
The Pro Tour
Putters—The most similar to a traditional Frisbee, these discs have a round edge and dome shape that helps them fly at slower, more controllable speeds, perfect for accurate shots around the green.
Just like the Professional Golfers’ Association for traditional golf, disc golf has its own Professional Disc Golf Association. Founded by the inventor of the modern disc golf basket, “Steady” Ed Hendrick, in 1976, the PDGA had its own national tour starting in 2003 that existed alongside the rival Disc Golf Pro Tour beginning in 2016.
In 2021, with interest in disc golf exploding, the two joined forces to make the Disc Golf Pro Tour the official professional circuit for the PDGA and the premier tour for the sport’s top athletes.
Since then, nearly 50,000 fans have subscribed to the tour’s Disc Golf Network, event coverage has received more than 50 million views from fans around the world, and top athletes have competed in tournaments that routinely feature prize pools of more than $100,000.
Professional Disc Golf Association World Champion Paul McBeth, above, is co-owner of Olympus Disc Golf Course near Brooksville. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROB BANDEN
BELOW RIGHT: Professional disc golfer, Chris Dickerson, from Tennessee, is among the competitors expected to compete in Florida this year.
scholarships Beach A Boat Show With a
Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Market nets a
treasure
By Cheré Coen
chest
for
It sounds like a tagline from a Superman comic: It’s a boat show, it’s a nautical market, it’s a food truck rally! But Frank J. Derfler, an organizer of the Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Nautical Market, has an easier way to describe the annual fundraiser that attracts thousands.
“It’s a boat show with a beach,” he says.
The event celebrates its 30th year Feb. 22-23 at Founders Park in Islamorada. The market gives visitors the opportunity to peruse new and used boats and nautical supplies ranging from scuba gear and fishing nets to artwork and clothing. The popular market also offers a bevy of food trucks serving everything from rum punch to gourmet doughnuts. Children can also enjoy the festivities because Founders Park fronts Florida Bay with a sandy beach and a new playground, not to mention arts and crafts.
“All the things from boat supplies to beachwear” Frank says. “It’s definitely a family activity.”
All proceeds from the annual event—hosted by the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation, with Key Largo Rotary as a junior partner and Florida Keys Electric Cooperative as a sponsor—benefit scholarships for students graduating from Upper Keys high schools and others continuing their studies.
Humble Origins
Although the event has grown exponentially in 30 years—today, about 15,000 visitors attend Saturday, and 5,000 to 10,000 come Sunday—its origins were much more conservative.
“It started out as a flea market, typically a marine flea market, as in, ‘Sell your used boat stuff,’ ” Frank says.
As word spread about the nautical market, it quickly turned into something much larger, resulting in organizers adding “gigantic” to its name. The Rotarians hold the annual event the weekend after the Miami Boat Show to allow vendors to patronize both markets. This scheduling strategy adds to the market’s growth as well.
use for any college or university in the country—they may reapply yearly. Judges access their academic records to continue the scholarship.
“Because of this event, we follow them through four to five years of college,” Frank says. “We help them all the way through.”
Today, the market completely fills Islamorada’s Founders Park— Mile Marker 87 bayside—with more than 300 vendors. Visitors park at Coral Shores High School and are shuttled 2 miles to the
Scholarship winners volunteer at the festival. Many help with transportation, acting as guides and riding the shuttle with visitors. They discuss the Rotary Foundation scholarships, where they attend college and what they’re studying.
“We’ve reached all we can, as the saying goes, to move down the highway,” says Frank, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, author and longtime Rotarian. “We are limited only by the physical space.”
“They give a little spiel about how they got the scholarship from the Upper Keys Rotary,” Frank says. “And they say, ‘Gee, thanks for being here today.’ When people get off the bus, their feet aren’t even touching the ground. They are so happy.”
It Takes an Island
Scholarships
Money raised by the Rotary Club provides about 100 scholarships to Upper Keys high school students, amounting to about $200,000 annually. Once a graduate receives the funds—which they may
An event this size takes many volunteers, sponsors and organizers. Contractors offer free labor, surveyors lay out spaces for vendors’ booths “to the inch,” Frank says, and sheriff’s department officers and first responders work the day of the event, among so many others. event.
ABOVE: The Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Nautical Market is Feb. 22-23 at Founders Park in Islamorada. OPPOSITE PAGE: Thousands attend the event each year. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE UPPER KEYS ROTARY CLUB
“It literally does take a very large support base of dedicated resources,” Frank says.
FKEC has played a large role in the market over the years, from members serving on the scholarship committee to volunteers working the beer booth and facilitating parking.
“We have played a huge role,” says Maria Jones, FKEC director of member services and government relations. “The cooperative is 100% behind it. Anything we can do to help the community.”
Maria volunteers as a FKEC employee and a member of the Upper Key Rotary Club. She organizes the event’s vendors in what she calls a year-round job. She says organizers could easily increase the size of the market if they had the room. It’s that popular.
“I could double the vendors on my waiting list,” Maria says. “There’s so much stuff to do setting up in the park before the event begins. It takes an army to run the event.”
“FKEC is a tremendous resource for this community,” Frank says of the electric cooperative’s importance to the event and its ongoing work giving back to the community. “It is clear that they have a strong sense of responsibility. They are a real resource that goes beyond the power to the community. I can’t say enough.”
The Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Nautical Market remains one of the cooperative’s favorite community events.
“I’m very proud of the event,” Maria says. “The fact that we can be part of this event is pretty cool.”
If You Go
February in the Keys usually means balmy weather and sunny skies, perfect for an outdoor market.
“It’s such a beautiful time to be there,” Maria says.
Visitors should plan to park at Coral Shores High School and ride the free shuttle to Founders Park. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 daily for ages 17 and older, cash only. ATMs are on the park grounds at the great lawn’s front and back areas. Organizers say ATMs often run out of cash, so visitors should try to bring their own.
This year’s market includes 18 food trucks and drink stations found throughout the park. Dogs are welcome at the market, but if it’s a hot day, the blacktop can turn steamy.
Saturday is the busiest day of the market, so Frank recommends anyone hoping for a smaller crowd choose Sunday instead. Around closing time on Sunday, vendors may be willing to haggle, he adds.
Student volunteers distribute bags and event guides that include maps, vendor lists and food truck locations. A map detailing the 300-plus vendors and other useful information on the event can be found at rotarynauticalmarket.com.
For more information about the Upper Keys Rotary Club, visit keysrotary.org.
ABOVE: Rotarian Frank Derfler discusses the deployment of student volunteers at last year’s event with Rotarian and Florida Keys Electric Cooperative employee Maria Jones, who coordinates the show’s hundreds of booth spaces. BELOW: Market visitors can peruse new and used boats, as well as nautical supplies, artwork, clothing and more.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UPPER KEYS ROTARY CLUB
ABOVE RIGHT: Stationed throughout the event, 18 food trucks and drink stations serve visitors. BELOW: Student volunteers greet arriving guests with bags and event guides that include maps, vendor lists and food truck locations. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELINA MILLER AND FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
IN THE NEW YEAR Eat More Greens
Collard Greens With Bacon
2 pounds collard greens
4 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
4 cups chicken stock
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Trim thick stems from collard greens, and coarsely chop leaves. In a Dutch oven, saute bacon for 3 minutes. Add onion. Cook until onion is tender and bacon is crisp, about 8 to 9 minutes. Add greens. Cook just until wilted. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and cover. Simmer until greens are tender, about 45 to 50 minutes.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY NATALIA
Cheese Tortellini and Kale Soup
3 Italian mild or hot sausage links, sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ teaspoons minced fresh thyme
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
64 ounces chicken broth
1 cup water
4 cups chopped fresh kale
15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
In a large saucepan, cook the sausage, onion, garlic, thyme and pepper flakes in oil until sausage is no longer pink. Drain. Add broth and water, then bring to a boil.
Stir in kale and beans. Return to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, until kale is tender. Add tortellini. Simmer, uncovered, for 7 to 9 minutes or until tender.
Serve drizzled with olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Broccoli and Kale Salad
2 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, at room temperature
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
10 anchovy fillets
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, at room temperature
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1½ cups good-quality mild olive oil
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
1 tablespoon salt
8 cups broccoli florets, stems removed
1 bunch baby kale
5-ounce bag croutons
Place the egg yolks, mustard, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon pepper and 2 teaspoons salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process until smooth. With the food processor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube, and process until thick. Add the cheese, and pulse three times to combine. Bring a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. Add the broccoli to the boiling water, and cook for 4 minutes. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon, and transfer to the bowl of ice water. When it is cool, drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Remove and discard any hard ribs from the kale. Stack the leaves on top of each other, and thinly julienne them crosswise. Add to the bowl with the broccoli. Add enough dressing to moisten the broccoli and kale. Toss well. Add the croutons, and garnish with extra Parmesan.
Chicken Thighs With Shallots and Spinach
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds)
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1½ teaspoons olive oil
4 shallots, thinly sliced
1⁄3 cup white wine or chicken broth
10 ounces fresh spinach
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup sour cream
Sprinkle chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken. Cook until a thermometer reads 170 F, about 6 minutes on each side. Remove from pan, and keep warm.
In the same pan, cook and stir shallots until tender. Add wine, and bring to a boil. Cook until wine is reduced by half. Add spinach and salt. Cook and stir just until spinach is wilted. Stir in sour cream. Serve mixture with chicken.
White Bean Arugula Salad
4 slices pancetta, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup chopped onion
2⁄3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 cups torn fresh arugula
¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
In a small skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.
In the same pan, heat oil and pancetta drippings over medium heat. Add onion. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until tender. Add tomatoes, rosemary, salt and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until tomatoes are softened. Cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine beans, tomato mixture, pancetta, vinegar and basil. Add arugula and cheese. Toss to coat.
D810 85mm lens ISO 400 f/5 at 1/250
The Power of Contrast
By Dave LaBelle
Without darkness, I would never know light.
I have heard variations of this truth since my youth. Though we often speak about contrast—the degree of difference between the darkest and lightest parts of a photograph—there is another form of contrast that emphasizes the variances between subjects in a composition. And while, generally, we want a photograph to have good tonal range, compositionally,
contrasting subjects can also be important for storytelling impact.
For instance, positioning someone tall next to someone short in the same frame helps show the height differential. The same goes for the contrast of a man dressed in an expensive, tailored suit passing by a man partially clothed in soiled rags, communicating the different place in life each occupies.
Henry Cartier-Bresson’s photographs of children playing in war-torn ruins or children pushing a steel
hoop down the street as a hearse passes behind them and Margaret Bourke-White’s 1937 Great Depression image of dozens of hungry people in a breadline as a billboard behind them shows a smiling family in a nice car are examples of iconic photographs employing the concept of contrast.
Of the tools in a writer’s and photographer’s toolbox, the use of contrast can be a powerful and effective device to quickly communicate ideas and concepts. n
Reader Challenge
See if you can capture or make a photograph that tells a story by using a contrast of subjects. Consider a still-life composition of objects, such as your child’s baby shoes arranged next to their grown-up shoes. It’s a way of revealing time passed. Or illustrate aging with a photograph of a frisky new puppy crawling over a tired, old dog.
century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a
While working on a story about a vaquero who rode bulls, horses and roped until he was 91, I shot this picture of Bob Yanez, 98, with his 4-month-old great-grandson, John, who was visiting from another country. It is a way of showing and connecting the cowboy’s legacy.
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
NIKON
Night Bites
Sometimes the best fishing comes after sundown
A slight breeze cooled the night air on Lake Diaz, a 695-acre lake with a mostly forested shoreline in Volusia County northeast of De Leon Springs.
Most people go looking for crappie, but Jack Smith calls them to him. Off the bow of his pontoon boat, he dropped two 4-foot-long fluorescent pole lights of his own design into the water. Just the tops floated above the surface. He powered the lights with a small generator. Each light glowing in the clear water illuminated a green column of fish-attracting brightness.
“I’ve caught some good fish in this spot,” Jack says. “I found that fluorescent lights attract fish better. When we put lights out, that pulls in the plankton. Plankton attracts minnows and other tiny creatures. The minnows attract bigger fish, especially crappie.”
Jack set eight spinning rods in holders off the bow, four for each of us. He rigged each line with a ½-ounce sinker and a Size 1 Eagle Claw rotating hook. Finally, he hooked on a live minnow for bait and set the depth so the baitfish swam just below the deepest penetration of the light.
“On each side, I use a 12-foot, 10-foot, 8-foot and 6-foot rod with 6-pound test line,” he says. “I barely hook the minnows under the dorsal fin. They will stay alive a lot longer when hooked that way. At night, put the bait down about 8 to 10 feet.”
We waited, watching the lights of aircraft taking off and landing at Daytona Beach International Airport due east of us. Before long, a few minnows began to swim around the lights, and we caught our first crappie. A while later, clouds of minnows and other small creatures congregated around the lights. Soon, the bites came more frequently and the crappie much larger.
and restrooms.
“The minnows were everywhere,” Jack says. “When we had minnows all around the lights, that’s when we started catching the most fish. We always catch bigger fish at night than during the day.”
At night, with so many minnows in the water, we had to pay strict attention to our lines for any contrary movements. The biggest crappie commonly bite softly at night. Perhaps, the line subtly moves in a way it should not naturally move, or the rod tip bends slightly. That’s when we set the hook.
We launched at Candace Strawn Lake Dias Park on State Road 11 in De Leon Springs. Besides a boat launch into Lake Diaz, the 36-acre facility offers a playground, pavilions, grills, picnic tables
ABOVE: Minnows and other small creatures gather around a floating underwater light. Crappie gather where they find food, such as small fish.
LEFT: Jack Smith shows off two crappie he caught at night with the help of boat lights and floating underwater lights. The lights attract minnows and baitfish, which attract larger fish, such as crappie.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN N. FELSHER
With little other human activity on the landlocked lake other than at the park, Lake Dias creates an excellent place for canoeing or kayaking. Besides large crappie, the lake holds huge largemouth bass, with some exceeding 10 pounds. The lake also contains bluegills, catfish and redear sunfish, among other fish species.
For more information on the area, call 386-736-2700 or visit www.volusia.org.
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.
Blades ofaFeather
As one of the largest purveyors of collectible knives in the country, you can trust Stauer to give you the best knife for your money.
Case in point: The Blades of a Feather Knife –– a remarkable hunting and adventure knife with an even more remarkable price. This is the kind of knife people flock to.
This stick tang knife boasts a stainless steel blade with a scalloped edge that gives it a distinct feathered appearance.
This “feathered” edge is more than a striking aesthetic touch; it enhances the knife’s performance by creating air pockets in the spaces. These air pockets prevent shredding and allow for a cleaner, smoother cut. Consider it your edge up.
Recalling the days of the great American frontier, this knife’s artisan handle is crafted of natural bone, redwood and brown Pakkawood. It’s a great addition to your collection, and will prove a trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures from hunting and fishing to camping and hiking. It also makes one heck of a letter opener. Plus, by making the call today, you are guaranteed to receive a genuine leather sheath in the deal.
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.
We invite you to join the hundreds of thousands of Stauer knife collectors who appreciate a fine blade along with a fine deal. We assure you, you’ll be in good company. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
Knife Speci cations:
Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!
• Stainless steel stick tang blade; 12” overall length
• Natural bone, redwood & brown Pakkawood handle
Blades of a Feather Knife $249 $49* + S&P Save $200
California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
*Special price only for customers using the offer code. 1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: BFK149-02
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
PENSACOLA
Feb. 1
Double Bridge Run
The Publix Pensacola Double Bridge Run is back. One of the premier 15K races in the country, the course carries runners over two bridges—across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. For the first time this year, the run goes over the fully completed Pensacola Bay Bridge. www.pensacolasports.org/double-bridge-run; 850-434-2800
SEBRING
Feb. 8
38th Annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival
All are invited to attend this festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Highlands Hammock State Park to celebrate Florida’s history, culture and legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Commonly referred to as the CCC Festival, it’s the park’s signature event. “Corridors” is the theme of speaker programs and include wildlife biologist Joe Guthrie, CCC Museum Curator David Schmidt and archaeologist John Goss. Other activities are blacksmith forging, a silent auction, artists, a reenactment, live entertainment, a car show, children’s events and refreshments. https://floridastateparks.org/park/highlands-hammock; 863-386-6094
SEBRING
Feb. 22
Highlands County Cattlewomen Run the Ranch 5K/Walk
The 10th annual 5K Light Trail Run is 7:30-10 a.m. at Rafter T Ranch and benefits Highlands County scholarships for graduating seniors. The course is fenced off away from livestock, and winners in each age category receive medals. The venue used for this race allows families and children to participate at their own pace once racers clear the starting line. To promote youth and family participation, anyone younger than 18 years receives a discounted registration price of $20. Onsite registration is available for $40 beginning at 6:30 a.m. the day of the race. Only cash or checks are accepted for onsite registration. https://bit.ly/3W6RGRS
OKEECHOBEE
Feb. 8-9
Top of the Lake Art Fest
This juried art show takes place in Flagler Park and brings talented artists to the community. The festival features the annual Top of the Lake Chalk Walk (street painting), sand sculpture, local adult and student artists, food, entertainment, art demonstrations and children’s art programs. The Taste of Okeechobee also takes place on the first night. www.okeechobeearts.org/p/23/art-fest#.XKTSI_57mUk; 863-357-6246
MARATHON
Feb. 11-March 30
59th Annual AGPI Show
As the largest art exhibit in the northern Keys, the Art Guild of the Purple Isles’ annual judged show has diverse categories, such as acrylic, watercolor, oil paintings, pastels, colored pencil, pen and ink, sculpture, mixed media, photography and digital art. The show is held at the museum at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center, which is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is an opening reception at 4:45 p.m. Feb. 18. agpi.us
PHOTO BY JAN SHOOP
PANAMA CITY
Feb. 14-15
Quilts From the Heart Quilt Show
St. Andrew Bay Quilters Guild presents its annual quilt show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Panhandle Fairgrounds, 2230 15th St. The event includes quilt displays, a silent auction, a quilters boutique and several vendors. The group looks forward to sharing the projects its members have been hard at work completing.
sabqg.org/quilt-show-2025; 350-258-1046
TAVERNIER
Feb. 15
Garden Walk 2025
The Garden Club of the Upper Keys invites you to stroll through spectacular private gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are available on the club’s website, and complimentary clubhouse activities include food trucks, vendors, artisans and plant sales. The art show is sponsored by Art Guild of the Purple Isles. www.gardenclubupperkeys.org; 786-752-6562
PENSACOLA
Feb. 16
Paw-di Gras
WolfGang LLC hosts Pensacola’s fourth annual Paw-di Gras from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is a dog-focused Mardi Gras block party that ends with everyone paw-rading down Palafox Street. Join the Pensacola community for a family and furry event. It is free and open to the public. www.wolfgangparkandbrews.com/pawdigras-registration; 318-451-8477
ISLAMORADA
Feb. 22
Keys Community Concert Band
Kokomo Key features island and international music with special guests Mangrove Swamp Band and R.E.E.F. Touch Tank from 4-5 p.m. at Key Largo Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway. There is also a steel drum demonstration and conch-blowing contest. keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-394-1123
BLOUNTSTOWN
Feb. 22
Florida River Fest
River Fest is a one-day outdoor sporting and recreation festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the heart of the Florida panhandle at Neal Landing on the south end of River Street. Presented by the Calhoun County Community Foundation, the event draws visitors from across the Southeast and features live music, vendors, a children’s zone, a classic car show, demos on three stages, the Big River Classic Catfish Tournament, food and fun for the whole family. http://www.riverfestfl.com; calhouncountycf@gmail.com
PARISH
Feb. 22-March 2
Murder Mystery Dinner Train Show
Get on board with Florida Railroad Museum and Parrish Playworks as they present “The Curse of the Hopeless Diamond.” Experience a train ride to an evening of suspense and zany action and a delectable meal as you try to solve this wacky mystery. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Will Reggie Potter, heir to the infamous diamond, survive or succumb to the curse? He has hired four expert detectives to protect him, but things aren’t going as planned. www.frrm.org; 941-776-0906
OKEECHOBEE
Feb. 22-23
Reenactment of the Battle of Okeechobee
This reenactment honoring the Second Seminole War takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a 55-acre parcel of the original 640-acre battlefield site at Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park. Additional activities include a colors presentation, artisan exhibits, Battle of Okeechobee narration, Seminole and other exhibitors, an alligator demonstration, children’s horse rides, living history, 1800s Irish folk music, a Seminole jacket raffle and powwow dancing. https://bit.ly/4j8SqzX; 863-763-3959
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Head online and enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents or use the QR Code for easy access. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PARRISH PLAYWORKS
What is a nativar?
A nativar is a cultivated variety of a native plant. Nativars have the same droughttolerance and local adaptations as straight natives but may also have improved form or other traits desirable for urban landscapes. For example, dwarf firebush (Hamelia patens “Compacta”) provides a tighter compact form than the native firebush.
A drawback of using nativar is that they may not provide as much food for wildlife. Still, nativars may be a better option than non-native, Florida-friendly plants in the landscape because of their lowmaintenance requirements and ecological benefits.
Nativars are good to supplement native and Florida-friendly plants in the landscape because they are adapted to the local soil and climatic conditions with added benefits of longer flowering time, disease resistance and aesthetically pleasing form.
You can buy nativars at Florida native plant nurseries. For more information, visit www.plantrealflorida.org.
Let’s review some definitions of how we determine a plant’s status.
A native plant has been documented to be in a region without human intervention. The term cultivar refers to plants that are naturally mutated and selected by humans or intentionally bred for specific traits. A nativar is a cultivar of a native plant, so a native plant selected from nature for certain plant traits or bred to have improved traits.
To determine plant status, check several resources including the UF/IFAS FloridaFriendly Landscaping Plant Guide, the Florida Native Plant Society website, the Florida Wildflower Foundation website and Atlas of Florida Plants.
There are mostly positive impacts of selecting nativars but also a few concerns.
Nativars often have traits desirable in urban landscapes, such as a compact form, heat-tolerance, and seed or flower modifications. Like straight native plants, they are adapted to local environments and often can thrive with minimal inputs of water, fertilizer and pesticides.
While some natives are bred to be more floriferous or heavy fruiting, critics of nativars argue they do not provide the same benefits to wildlife and pollinators. For example, compact cultivars may have shorter flower tubes and less nectar for pollinators.
Others are bred to be male cultivars or sterile females and produce no fruit. For
example, the dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria “Schillings”) has a slow-growing compact form ideal for urban landscapes but produces no berries for wildlife. More research is needed to examine the benefits and drawbacks of using nativars in the landscape.
Examples of nativars commonly planted in Florida include a dwarf variety of the native firebush, several varieties of yaupon holly, such as the weeping yaupon Ilex vomitoria “Pendula,” and dwarf yaupon Ilex vomitoria “Schillings.”
There are many cultivars of our native southern magnolia. Magnolia grandiflora “Little Gem” has a narrow compact form ideal for planting in city homes with small lots. n
Tia Silvasy is a residential horticulture and Master Gardner Volunteer Program coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension Hillborough County.
Nativars commonly planted in Florida include a dwarf variety of the native firebush. PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
GULF COAST ELECTRIC
Trading Post
For Rent
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.
Land in Wewahitchka area during Tupelo honey harvest for 100 bee houses. March to July 2025. 240-848-8682.
For Sale
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.
30-ft. rabbit pens, including feeders and self-watering systems. Located 22 miles south of Chipley. $450. Alan, 229-421-0790.
From 2006 VW Beetle hatchback: Kelly edge all-season tires, less than 5,000 miles, 205/55r 16, $45/ each or all five for $200. Four original rims $40/each or all four for $100. Steel spare, $25. Left and right tail light assembly, $50. Assorted backup, running and brake lights, interior door handles, switches, etc., all $20. Two 8-in. speakers, $10. Two rear seat belt assemblies, tan, $50. Like new, beige, rear back and seat, with both head rests, $150. John, 850-387-5536.
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.
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.
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 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.
Real Estate
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
Golf cart tires, 280x65x8 and/or 22x1100x8. 850-272-2691.
PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND
Fireplace Efficiency
Maximize Warmth and Minimize Waste
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: I heard fireplaces make your home colder. How do I keep my home comfortable while enjoying cozy fires?
A: When I was a little girl growing up in North Carolina, I remember my dad telling me that some nights were too cold to have a fire. That always seemed crazy to me, but like many other things he said, he was right.
A heat pump heated our home. We had an open fireplace that was more suited for ambiance than creating heat. When you have a fire, warm air rises and draws the smoke out through the chimney. This also draws the warm air out of the house. This invisible force is called the stack effect.
The impact is exacerbated in drafty homes. When warm air escapes through the chimney, it is replaced by cool air leaking in through gaps and cracks in the home. The greater the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the greater the stack effect, hence Dad’s rule of no fires on the coldest nights.
Wood fireplaces are not efficient at heating homes. Most of the heat leaves through the chimney. If you enjoy the ambiance and curling up in front of the fireplace during colder months, here are some tips to efficiently operate a fireplace in your home.
Because it’s out of sight, it can be easy to forget to close the chimney damper. The damper should be open when you have a fire going or when hot ashes are in the fireplace to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide don’t come into your home.
Once the fire and ashes are fully extinguished, close the damper. Leaving the damper open allows warm air to escape, wasting energy. It’s like leaving a window open when your heating system is turned on in the winter.
If your damper doesn’t close properly or your chimney doesn’t have one, buy a product designed for the task. There are a variety of chimney plugs, including inflatable options designed to fit in place.
While you’re at the hardware store, pick up caulking and weatherstripping to seal air leaks around windows, doors and pipes along exterior walls.
Fireplaces with gas logs are required to be installed with a mechanism that keeps the damper open. This safety feature allows gases from the pilot light to escape. Glass doors can reduce the impact of air leakage. Consider installing glass doors on open fireplaces and keep them closed to minimize drafts.
Sealed-combustion gas fireplaces are fully enclosed systems that draw the air needed for combustion from the outside. When properly installed, you get the benefit of the warmth of the fire without worrying about heat loss from drafts.
If you have gas logs and enjoy the ease of a gas fireplace, consider upgrading to a sealed-combustion unit.
Turning the pilot light off in the summer can reduce wasted gas. If you plan to turn the pilot light off, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to avoid any possible safety issues.
Woodstoves and pellet stoves also provide more heat than wood or gas fireplaces. Federal tax credits are available for high-efficiency biomass stoves. A credit of 30% of the project cost—including the cost of installation up to a maximum of $2,000—is available for products purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2032. The unit must have a thermal efficiency rating of 75% or more. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.
If you have a woodstove, fireplace or any fuel-burning appliance in your home, be sure to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be harmful or deadly if not detected.
Use my dad’s sage advice and these tips to keep your home warm while gathering your loved ones around a glowing fire this winter season.
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 energyefficiency company.
Once the fire and ashes are fully extinguished, close the damper to keep warm air from escaping.
“So much sparkle and the play of light on DiamondAura® beats any diamond!” — D.D. from Columbus, OH
How to Win at Love
It was the jewelry piece that made the world stop and take notice. In the middle of a long volley during the big American tennis tournament, the chic blonde athlete had to stop play because her delicate diamond bracelet had broken and she had to nd it. e tennis star recovered her beloved bracelet, but the world would never be the same.
From that moment on, the tennis bracelet has been on the lips and on the wrists of women in the know. Once called eternity bracelets, these bands of diamonds were known from then on as tennis bracelets, and remain the hot ticket item with jewelers.
from another company that costs $57,000!
Want to look like a million bucks without stressing over losing or damaging something that cost you a fortune? e
Love Wins Tennis Bracelet is a simple strand of glittering gems in precious sterling that epitomizes elegance.
A classic tennis bracelet serves up over 10 carats of sparkle for a guaranteed win
FREE earrings with your purchase of the Love Wins Bracelet.
We’ve captured this timeless classic with over 10 total carats of DiamondAura®, our signature diamond alternative stone. is sparkling marvel rivals even the nest diamonds (D Flawless) with its transparent color and clarity, and both are so hard they can cut glass. Don’t believe me? e book “Jewelry and Gems – e Buying Guide,” praised the technique used in our diamond alternative DiamondAura®: “ e best diamond simulation to date, and even some jewelers have mistaken these stones for mined diamonds,” it raved. For comparison, we found a similarly designed 10 carat tennis bracelet with D Flawless diamonds
e rst time we o ered this bracelet, we sold out literally in minutes. It was our fastest selling product of 2021. It took six months to get it back in stock — Get yours before we run out! And there’s more... we will also include our Ultimate Diamond Alternative™ DiamondAura® stud earrings for FREE!
Jewelry Speci cations:
• 10 ¾ ctw of the Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura®
• Rhodium- nished .925 sterling silver settings
• Bracelet: Fits wrists to 7 ½". Earrings: 1 ctw with post backs
Love Wins Tennis Bracelet (10 ¾ ctw) $399 $39* + S&P
FREE stud earrings (1 ctw) with your purchase of the Love Wins Bracelet — a $99 value!
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
Your Offer Code: LWB330-02
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
2025 Scholarship Application
Please read letter on opposite page for qualifications/terms before applying.
Contact Information
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):
Community Service Activity List
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).
BEFORE YOU GO
Back to the Sea
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.
Photo © David Schrichte
A sea turtle is excitedly released in Port St. Joe after being rehabilitated. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM FLOWERS
Stay in the home you love with a Stiltz Homelift
Our home elevators can �it just about anywhere in your house
THE MODERN SOLUTION
A Stiltz Homelift is a safe, attractive, & affordable alternative to stairlifts. It requires no special machine room, and no supporting walls.
ECONOMICAL & FLEXIBLE
A Stiltz Homelift can �it just about anywhere in your house. It has a compact footprint, similar in size to a small armchair. A Stiltz Homelift plugs into a standard home electrical outlet, using less power than a coffee maker.
YOUR FOREVER HOME
Avoid the expense and distress of relocating, or the disruption of adapting
Did you know?
your home for downstairs living. A Stiltz Homelift helps you live safely and independently in the home you love.
IT’S NEVER TOO SOON
Some Stiltz customers need a Homelift immediately. But others want to “futureproof” their homes for when the stairs become a challenge.
HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS
Stiltz is a world leading Homelift manufacturer, so you’ll be in good hands. Your elevator will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals - who truly care about your freedom.
AARP survey data shows that 77% of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term. At Stiltz, we’re here to help you stay in your home you love. It’s easy.
“I can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”
– Mr. James, Roanoke, VA
Why choose Stiltz?
• Affordable
• Small Footprint
• Full Safety Features
• Clean, Quiet Operation
• Low Power Consumption
• Freestanding Design
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Carry Laundry or Pets
• Fast Installation
• Full Warranty
OFFICES
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
TRUSTEES
President Dwight Van Lierop
Vice President Betty Moore
Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Black
Doug Birmingham
Rupert Brown
Robert Byrd
Carl Goodson
Eddie Jones
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.
GCEC President’s Message
Understanding Factors That Impact Your Energy Bill
February often brings some of the coldest weather of the year. As home heating systems work harder to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.
When you receive your monthly bill from Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, you’ll see a summary of how much electricity you used during that billing cycle. You may notice spikes in daily use on especially cold days or when guests stay over. But you might be surprised to learn that, beyond your monthly energy consumption, external factors can also affect the cost of electricity.
Fuel Prices
GCEC buys electricity from our generation partner, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, at a wholesale cost and delivers that power to our communities.
Generating and transmitting electricity accounts for a major portion of the cost to provide service, and the price of fuels used to generate power—such as natural gas and coal—rises and falls with supply and demand. While these shifts can influence electricity costs, we work closely with PowerSouth to plan ahead and stabilize prices for members.
Extreme Weather
Although we can’t control the weather, we review weather patterns and forecasts to prepare for times of extreme cold or heat, when demand for electricity is highest. But when temperatures plummet, demand spikes, and prices may increase.
Infrastructure and Equipment
To cover the cost of delivering electricity to your home or business, GCEC members pay a monthly charge. This fee ensures the costs of equipment, materials, labor and operations are covered across our service area. To deliver reliable service, we must maintain the local grid, including lines, substations and other key infrastructure.
Energy Policy and Regulations
Federal energy policies and regulations can greatly influence electricity costs. As more power is generated from renewable sources and stricter regulations are placed on traditional fuels—such as natural gas and coal—costly upgrades and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These added expenses eventually reach consumers.
U.S. power consumption is expected to double by 2050. Across the country, electric cooperatives are working with members of Congress to advocate for responsible energy policies that reliably power our local communities. We are urging the Trump administration to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency’s power plant rule and bolster the nation’s grid reliability.
You Have Control
While many external factors are outside our control, we all have the power to manage energy use at home. Thermostat management is the most effective way to reduce consumption. Because heating and cooling account for the largest share of home energy use, setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature in winter can help you save. Remember to schedule regular service for your heating and cooling system and replace filters as needed.
Consider scheduling energy-intensive chores during off-peak periods—such as early mornings or evenings —when demand is lower. These small changes can add up to big savings.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is your local energy partner. To learn more about our efficiency programs, visit gcec.com. As always, we continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an affordable cost.
Dwight Van Lierop