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Florida Currents
December 2024 • Volume 14, No. 2
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Chasity Anderson, CCC; Valeri Pearon
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
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
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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.
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© 2024 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
Decking the halls? Let’s Talk. GULF
Use LED lights this year and set them on a timer, if possible, so you can have better control of your energy use.
Don’t forget about the nonelectric, traditional ways to decorate for Christmas: ornaments, tinsel, ribbons, wreaths and garland, to name just a few.
Cooperation
Cooperatives Among
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative lends a helping hand to cooperatives affected by Hurricane Milton
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated Florida’s Big Bend region, Category 3 Hurricane Milton made landfall late Oct. 9 near Siesta Key.
The following morning, 13 Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees departed for
Peace River Electric Cooperative in Wauchula, which lost power to 86% of its system following the hurricane.
At the time of Milton, 11 GCEC employees had been out of town since Oct. 5, first assisting Excelsior EMC in Georgia following Hurricane
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative CEO/General Manager John Bartley, left, stands alongside lineworkers Logan Richard, Austin Green, Wesley Newsome, Shane Kriser, Hunter Jenks, Taylor Hammack, Jay Shiver, Jace Tolbert, Mason Moses, Frankie Bailey, Luke Sowell, Hal Walden and Chad Flowers. Matthew Fleming makes repairs to Clay Electric Cooperative’s distribution system following Hurricane Milton. John Bartley addresses the group. Employees from Creamer’s Tree Service, who accompanied GCEC employees, remove trees from lines in CEC’s service territory.
OPPOSITE PAGE: GCEC crews work to remove downed trees from CEC distribution lines.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GULF
COAST ELECTRIC
COOPERATIVE
Helene, then moving to Gainesville on Oct. 8, ahead of Milton, in preparation for assisting Clay Electric Cooperative.
The Keystone Heights-based co-op had about 21,400 outages at the peak of the hurricane.
On Oct. 11, the employees assisting Clay shifted to the service territory of Sumter Electric Cooperative Energy in Sumterville. More than 100,000 of SECO’s members lost power at the worst point after the hurricane hit.
All 24 employees returned home Oct. 15.
We are thankful our service territory was spared from the worst of Hurricane Helene and was spared entirely by Hurricane Milton. We are also thankful to have dedicated and talented employees with the skills and willingness to assist other co-ops and their members following these dangerous storms.
We are proud to do our part to help get the lights back on!
Commitment to Community
Gulf Coast Electric
Cooperative visits area events during Co-op Month
October is National Cooperative Month. With one of the Seven Cooperative Principles being Commitment to Community it only seems fitting that the month was busy with cooperative employees participating in area community events, including
the Tyndall Air Force Base Information Fair, the Harders Park Fall Festival, the Tyndall Air Force Base Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween on Second Street in Wewahitchka.
We are proud to be an active part of the communities we serve. n
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Tina Polk, Sheneka Williams, Jeremy Smith and Angie Morris are ready for the Tyndall Air Force Base Trunk or Treat. Tabitha Lee and Melissa Upchurch pass out Halloween candy on Second Street in Wewahitchka. Harold Ruth, Melissa and Michelle Usery pass out candy at the Harders Park Fall Festival. Tina represents GCEC at the Tyndall Air Force Base Information Fair.
Shining Lights in Southport
Visit the Brown Town Christmas Nights of Lights
Sunny Brown—who works in Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s member services department—and her husband, Freddy, work hard every year to create a tradition the community loves: a winter wonderland of lights at their home, which they lovingly refer to as “Brown Town.”
The couple strings lights and sets up inflatables, figurines and arches. Music adds to the festive environment. The display is most noted for its 25-foot snowman.
Candy canes from Candy Cane Lane are available for children.
The couple start preparing the setup each September by testing lights and sorting decorations, which Freddy has collected throughout his 25-plus years creating the display.
“We have had so many blessings in our life and are so thankful,” Sunny says. “Freddy and I invite you and your family to our Brown Town Christmas Nights of Lights display at our home, beginning
at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving night and continuing until after Christmas.”
The Browns say their display is a labor of love.
“Freddy and I are both very proud to be able to share some Christmas cheer from our family to yours,” Sunny says. “Come celebrate the holidays with us. Please feel free to share our invitation with all of your friends and family. May the joy of the Christmas season stay in your heart all year long.”
For updates, visit the Facebook page “Brown Town Christmas Nights of Lights.” Display times are posted there. The display sometimes must be shut down due to inclement weather, so check the page before visiting. n
Brown Town is at 9304 N. Holland Road in Southport. The Browns ask that you drive their circular driveway to enjoy the display. For safety, please do not exit your vehicle to walk through the lights. There are many wires, and they do not want anyone to trip. Thank you for understanding.
ABOVE: Freddy and Sunny Brown create Brown Town each year.
BELOW: Brown Town lights up at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving and continues each night, weather permitting, until after Christmas.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNNY BROWN
Meet Your Team
Three recently hired to fill openings at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative
James Jensen—Boring Crew
Shyron Green—Boring Crew
Michael Sewell—Water Crew
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Family Fund helps children after a tragic loss
All in the Family Cooperative
By Drew Woolley
Trent and Betsey Smith met at a country two-step event. He saw her from across the room and decided to strike up a conversation once the music faded.
“He came up to me after the dance, and we talked,” Betsey says. “We ended up dating but never actually danced with each other until after we were engaged.”
They married five months later and had five children over 28 years. Then, on Feb. 6, 2023, just more than a month into a new job as a delivery driver with Fall River Propane—a subsidiary of Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative in Ashton, Idaho—Trent had a medical emergency and died on the job. He was 51.
Several months later, the cooperative contacted Betsey about a new program called the Cooperative Family Fund, which provides financial support for the minor children of cooperative employees who have died. While the program had only been in place for a couple of months, Betsey’s youngest son, Coleman, was eligible for a $10,000 trust.
“I feel like I’m very blessed that he worked for them,” Betsey says. “They didn’t have to be as good to us as they were, considering he had worked there for barely 30 days. The fact that they would put my son into this fund, that they would be willing to do that for him, meant a great deal to me.”
The fund has raised $1.2 million in its first two years and provided 78 trusts for the children of 37 employees across 20 states.
A Gift for the Future
For Cooperative Family Fund Board President Tony Anderson,
providing support for each member of the cooperative family—no matter how long they have been part of it—is what the program is all about. The idea for the fund first came to Tony after a series of funerals for lineworkers across the country.
“We’re really good at funerals in our business, but we don’t do anything after,” he says. “We always talk about being a family in the co-op world, and I believe we’ve proven that over the years. But I felt this would make us a stronger family. And member services, engineers, accountants, managers—we’re all part of that family.”
Cooperative Family Fund Board President Tony Anderson meets with Board Member Anne Harvey. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNE HARVEY
The Trent and Betsey Smith family before tragedy struck. PHOTO
Tony discussed the idea with other cooperative leaders and proposed it to the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation in January 2022. While there are no statistics on how many electric co-op employees are lost annually, the program's goal is to continually raise funds so any children younger than 18 who loses a parent employed by an electric co-op would receive a $10,000 trust. That trust accrues interest until the first day of the month after the child’s 18th birthday. At that point, recipients can put the money toward whatever they choose.
“Every child is going to going to take a different path or has different needs,” says Anne Harvey, one of the founding board members. “If college education is something for them, rather than saying this is for books, maybe they need help with housing. The skilled trades are so needed at distribution co-ops, so maybe they want to go that route, or this could give them a gap year. Each child is going to have a different need, and we just can’t wait to see how they use it.”
While many participating co-ops donate through the board or give employees the chance to contribute from their paychecks, others have found ways to involve their communities. Flathead Electric Cooperative in Kalispell, Montana, held a cookie bakeoff contest, and Beltrami Electric Cooperative in Bemidji,
Minnesota, had a rummage sale. Proceeds from both events went to the fund.
Healing Together
The Cooperative Family Fund helps the cooperative put together a memory book of its time with the employee to give to family members.
For cooperatives mourning the loss of one of their own, offering meaningful support to families has been just as important as financial support. Hollee McCormick, general manager of Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative based in Postville, Iowa, recalls her team putting together a memory book for Luke Hackman. An IT broadband technician, Luke died in a car accident the month the Cooperative Family Fund was announced. His two children were the first to receive trusts through the program.
“We were all grieving the loss of Luke, and putting that book together kind of had a healing effect for all of us,” Hollee says. “I always tell Tony there was so little we could do for that family. Being able to talk to his wife and tell her that the nation of co-ops had put this program together and we would be able to help a little bit more was meaningful."
A portion of the memory book for the family of Luke Hackman, an employee of Allamakee-Clayton Electric Co-op in Iowa.
From Bagpipes
Scottish culture thrives in Florida
By Pamela A. Keene
You don’t need a passport to immerse yourself in Scottish culture. There are at least a dozen Scottish Highland Pipe and Drum bands across the Sunshine State, plus many Highland Games and Scottish events.
games events,” says Nicole Delfino, the city’s strategy and sustainability manager. “The city’s name comes from the Scottish Gaelic for Edinburgh, ‘Dùn Èideann.’ It means ‘castle on the hill.’” Streets, parks and neighborhoods have Scottish names, such as Beltrees Street, Louden Avenue, Highland Park, Brae-Moor Estates and many more.
“It’s not unusual to see someone wearing a kilt in Dunedin just about any time of the year,” Nicole says.
Proud Heritage
No Florida town is more Scottish than the City of Dunedin. Founded by two Scotsmen nearly 140 years ago, the city embraces its heritage. It supports a world-class pipe band and is home to The Scottish American Society and The Scottish Arts Foundation. Scottish music is taught in schools, and Dunedin even has its own adopted tartan.
“Scottish heritage and culture are engrained into the community of Dunedin, from the bagpiper on the welcome sign as you enter the city to our public art, music and Highland
American and is bagpiper
The Scottish Cultural Center is home to the Scottish American Society of Dunedin, which hosts musical performances, dinners, Highland dance classes and other events. The Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation supports school bands and presents the Dunedin Highland Games, the Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival, National Tartan Day, and educational programming and cultural seminars.
The City of Dunedin delegation recently visited its sister city, Stirling, Scotland, to celebrate the Scottish town’s 900th anniversary.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF DUNEDIN
Bagpipes to Kilts
The Dunedin Pipe Band travels around the world to represent the city and compete in Highland Games and highlevel championships. The city’s global outreach supports its commitment to its heritage as well. With two sister city relationships—Stirling, Scotland, and Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada—city leaders and community organizations actively participate in cultural exchanges.
“Sister city relationships serve as vital bridges that connect communities across the globe, promoting mutual respect, understanding and cooperation,” Nicole says. “For Dunedin and Stirling, this relationship has led to numerous cultural exchanges, educational programs and economic initiatives that
benefit both communities.”
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dunedin’s sister city relationship with Stirling, nearly 40 city leaders, staff and
community members traveled in August to Scotland, where they met with officials in Stirling and supported the City of Dunedin Pipe Band at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow as well as the European Championships in Perth.
The Glorious Sound of the Pipes
In 1964—the same year the partnership was formed with Stirling— Dunedin began its pipe band to give local students a chance to play. Since then, the band has grown to about 75 to 100 adult members who compete worldwide, represent the city at Highland Games across the Southeast and serve as ambassadors for Dunedin.
“Having our leadership and community members at the two competitions was a great source of pride for our musicians,” says Iain Donaldson, pipe director for the city. “We are proud to have brought home first place in Grade 4A in the European Championships and
The City of Dunedin Pipe Band leads a parade during the Highland Games in March.
Iain moved to Dunedin from Buffalo, New York, in 2011 to become the city’s director of piping. His work includes managing the town’s pipe band program and teaching bagpiping at city schools.
“Students here can choose from many instruments in the schools’ musical education program, including bagpipes or Highland drums,” Iain says.
Bagpipes are among the most difficult instruments to learn, but Iain says students aren’t daunted.
“These students typically take to the bagpipe right away because they don’t analyze things,” he says. “They just do it.”
Iain plays a key role in the annual Dunedin Highland Games, an event showcasing Scottish traditions from bagpiping and Highland dance to athletic events such as tossing the caber, the hammer throw and tug o’ war.
“Highland Games are multifaceted, with pipe bands, Highland dancers, male and female athletes and strong family bonds of the clans that continue to celebrate our ancestry and all things Scottish,” he says. “Not all people who play the bagpipes or compete in the Highland games have Scots blood in their veins. But you can be sure that they celebrate these fine traditions with just as much conviction, loyalty and passion as those of us who do.”
Scots Across the State
Across the state, nearly a dozen bagpipe bands provide music for special events and march in parades when they’re not busy at competitions. Bands include the Space Coast Highlanders in Brevard County; the First Coast Highlanders in Clay County/ Green Cove Springs; Harp & Thistle Pipe Band of Southwest Florida in Naples; Fort Lauderdale Highlanders Pipe Band in Fort Lauderdale; City of St. Augustine Pipe Band; City of Mount Dora Pipe Band; and the Palm Beach Pipes and Drums.
Pipe bands are common among firefighting and police organizations as well. Last June, the Orlando Firefighters Pipes and Drums and the Reedy Creek Pipe Band traveled to Normandy, France, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Other fire and police groups include Coastal Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums in Palm Coast, Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums and Jacksonville Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums.
“We are all proud of our Scottish traditions—whether it be music, dance or athletics,” Iain says. "No matter what clan a Scotsman belongs to or whether someone can trace their roots back to Scotland, the truth is we happily accept all who embrace our culture.” celebrate sure and Fort and
FROM TOP: People coming into Dunedin via Bayshore Boulevard have no doubts about the city’s Scottish heritage. PHOTO COURTESY OF COREY CONROY PHOTOGRAPHY
City of Dunedin Honor Guard presents the colors, marching ahead of the full pipe band.
The city of Dunedin Pipe Band leads a parade during the Highland Games in March.
A piper and drummer perform on the pier at Dunedin Marina at sunset, concluding their tribute with “Amazing Grace.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF DUNEDIN COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
HOLIDAY BREAKFAST Make Ahead
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
Spiced Gingerbread Loaf With Orange Icing
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons ground ginger
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2⁄3 cup dark molasses
¾ cup hot water (about 100 F)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1⁄3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 extra-large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt and pepper. Set aside. In a separate bowl or dish, whisk together the molasses and hot water.
In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar. Beat on high speed for 1 minute until creamed together fairly well.
On medium-high speed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the hot water/molasses and mixing each addition just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing. The batter will be thin. Whisk out any big lumps.
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the loaf is baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs, it is done. Set the pan on a wire rack, allowing the bread to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY ZI3000
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
1 pound mild breakfast sausage
1 can crescent rolls
6 extra-large eggs, beaten
Heat oven to 350 F.
1 block cream cheese, cut into small cubes
2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheese
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Brown sausage in skillet. Drain excess grease. Unroll crescent roll dough and press to cover the bottom of the baking dish. Top with sausage, then pour eggs over sausage. Spread cream cheese cubes evenly. Top with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.
You can prepare the casserole the night before. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
Spinach and Gruyère Breakfast Strata
8 to 10 ½-inch-thick slices
French or Italian bread
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2 large shallots, minced 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste
½ cup white wine
1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
6 extra-large eggs
1¾ cups half-and-half
Heat oven to 225 F. Arrange bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until dry and crisp, about 40 minutes, flipping slices halfway through baking. When cooled, spread one side of slices with 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add spinach, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside.
Add wine to the skillet. Increase heat to mediumhigh, and simmer until reduced to ¼ cup, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with the remaining butter. Arrange half of the bread slices, buttered side up, in a single layer in the dish. Sprinkle half of the spinach mixture and ½ cup Gruyère evenly over bread slices. Repeat layering with remaining bread slices, remaining spinach mixture and ½ cup Gruyère. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk in half-and-half, reduced wine and salt. Season with pepper. Pour mixture over bread layers. Wrap dish tightly in plastic wrap, pressing plastic flush to surface of strata. Weigh down strata with three 16-ounce cans to submerge ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Heat oven to 325 F. Remove dish from refrigerator, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Remove weights and plastic. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top of strata. Bake until edges and center are barely puffed and edges have pulled away slightly from sides of dish, about 50 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Cinnamon Muffins
Paper muffin liners or cooking spray
1 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1 cup whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup canola oil
2 extra-large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 375 F. Line a standard 12-well muffin pan with paper liners, or coat the wells with cooking spray.
Place ¼ packed cup of light brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir to combine, breaking up any lumps.
Place flour, baking powder, the remaining 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
Place milk, the remaining ¾ packed cup light brown sugar, canola oil, eggs and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined and no lumps of sugar remain.
Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until just incorporated and no dry spots remain.
Divide half the batter among the muffin wells, about 2 tablespoons of batter per well. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar evenly over each muffin. Divide the remaining batter among the muffin wells. Sprinkle each muffin with the remaining cinnamon sugar, about 1 teaspoon per muffin.
Bake until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing the muffins from the pan.
Nutella Swirl Banana Bread
Cooking spray
8 tablespoons salted butter
3 medium bananas, very ripe
1 cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs
¼ cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2⁄3 cup Nutella, divided
Heat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, so it hangs off two sides to form a sling. Coat the pan and parchment with cooking spray.
Place 8 tablespoons butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power in 10-second increments until melted. Mash bananas in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the butter, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir with a rubber spatula until no dry spots remain.
Transfer half the batter to the prepared pan. Using a spoon, dollop ⅓ cup of Nutella onto the batter. Swirl Nutella into the batter with a table knife. Top with the remaining batter. Dollop the remaining ⅓ cup Nutella onto the batter. Swirl with a knife.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, 55 to 65 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then flip the bread out of the pan onto a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.
joy to the world
By Dave LaBelle
Every year, I create a folder on my computer desktop titled “Best Of,” where I place copies of my favorite images from the year. If it has been a good year, sometimes I end up with as many as 25 images in the folder, but usually there are 10 to 12. This process allows me to do a quick scan of pictures published or those I might want to do more with.
a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Recently, while looking through one of these folders from 2023, I was thinking about what I wanted to share this Christmas season— something joyful—and came across a photograph I made during a St. Patrick’s Day parade of a young man named Jake Wagner.
You might remember the name from a column I wrote about Special Olympics and giving of one’s time. Jake has Down syndrome. My heart leapt and my eyes watered as I revisited the first time I met this happy man.
Of the thousands I have photographed, few, if any, cause my heart to smile more than Jake.
Intelligent, loving and
caring, he embodies the pure, unpretentious joy I hunger to document and, more importantly, imitate. He is the greatest gift, the living Christmas card that brings me joy beyond description.
His mother, Betty, shared, “He is such a breath of fresh air. He is such a blessing. He has been making this world a better place since 1984.”
Holding his son’s hand, Jake’s father, Nick, agreed.
“He’s a very loving son,” he said. “He knows when you need a hug, too. He’s the best boy a father could have.”
When Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come to me, for such is the Kingdom of God,” I am confident he had Jake in mind.
NIKON D810, 180mm lens ISO 400, f/4.5 at 1/500
Reader Challenge
This Christmas season, see if you can capture a picture that brings you joy. It can be of happy children or grandchildren squealing with delight as they unwrap presents or somebody whose presence just makes you smile.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half
Jake Wagner makes the world a better place thanks to his unrestrained love and joy. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
Charles Koger watches his beagles to see if they pick up a rabbit scent during a hunt. Many hunters use beagles to hunt rabbits because the small dogs can go into the thickest cover where rabbits like to hide. PHOTO
BY JOHN N. FELSHER
Bounding Cottontails
Rabbit hunting provides a social experience
“He’s heading your way,” a hunter shouted shortly after we released the dogs. “Get ready!”
A couple of hundred yards away, beagles announced they flushed a rabbit. With anticipation and adrenaline, I listened to frantic howling reverberating across the pine savanna. Anticipating a quick shot on my first rabbit hunt with dogs, I moved to a small, clear patch between two briar thickets where I knew the rabbit must certainly pass. With dogs doing all the work, all I had to do was wait to pull the trigger.
Soon, I heard something about 40 yards behind me. I turned and looked just fast enough to catch a fleeting glimpse of a speedy brown object with a flashing cottony tail vanishing into a thicket. I never saw it again.
Not long ago, with deer populations at low levels, rabbits ranked as the most popular game animal across the Southeast. Then, deer populations rebounded. Now, deer hold the top spot in popularity among game animals, but rabbits still provide excitement.
Everything with teeth, claws or talons wants to eat the “bread of the forest.”
To avoid predators, rabbits seldom stray far from protective cover, such as briar patches, thickets and other places where people cannot easily go. Therefore, most hunters release dogs—particularly beagles—to flush rabbits from their lairs.
“Hunting rabbits with beagles is not as simple as people think, but it’s a lot of fun,” says James Sealy Jr., an experienced rabbit hunter. “A rabbit is hunted day and night on land and from the air by all kinds of predators much more skilled than humans. They can see a person and disappear without that person ever knowing it.”
When dogs flush a rabbit, find a place with reasonable visibility
near where it first took off running and wait. A rabbit likes its home territory and doesn’t want to leave familiar ground. It knows every briar patch, log pile, weed clump and hole in its section of land.
After flushing, the rabbit might circle back and present a shot. Listen for rustling low to the ground, and watch for any movement. Pay particular attention to little paths making tunnels in thickets, briars or other cover.
Unlike other hunting experiences, sportspeople don’t need to stay still or quiet when hunting cottontails. With the dogs hot on a rabbit’s trail, hunters can talk, joke and even tease each other about who has the best—or worst—dog.
Many enthusiasts enjoy the camaraderie and listening to the dogs howling. This social experience makes rabbit hunting an outstanding way to introduce children or novice sportsmen to the outdoors.
Florida conserves more than 6 million acres in wildlife management areas, plus thousands of acres in national forests, national wildlife refuges and other public properties that allow hunting.
Season dates and regulations on various public properties could differ, so always check before hunting.
For hunting seasons, limits and places, visit myfwc.com/hunting.
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.
Doctor urges seniors to carry medical alert device
Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills
People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren, says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.
“Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home. That’s why seniors and their family members are snapping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said.
Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert systems come with
monthly bills.
To solve these problems Universal Physicians, a U.S. company went to work to develop a new, modern, state-ofthe-art medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“This slick new little device is designed to look like the pagers doctors wear every day. Seniors love them because it actually makes them look important, not old,” Dr. Howren said.
FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special newspaper promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select areas. ■
■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.
Seniors born before 1961 get new medical alert device with no monthly bills ever
The phone lines are ringing off the hook.
That’s because for seniors born before 1961, it’s a deal too good to pass up.
Starting at precisely 8:30am this morning the PreStore Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“It’s not like old style monitored help buttons that make you talk to a call center and only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or anywhere, anytime cell service is available
(Continued on next page)
whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians.
“We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, the instant rebate that practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.
FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever.
Better still, it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free.
And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide.
“So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated or expensive, you’ll want to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device with no monthly bills,” said Lawrence.
The medical alert device slugfest was dominated by two main combatants who both offer old style monitored help buttons that come with a hefty bill every month. But now Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly connecting
you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S. There’s absolutely nothing to hook-up or install. You don’t need a land line and you don’t need a cell phone. Everything is done for you.
“FastHelp is a state of the art medical alert device designed to make you look important, not old. Old style monitored help buttons you wear around your neck, or
require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy,” Lawrence says. “It’s just outdated.”
Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the floor helpless and all alone with no help.
But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and
HOW TO GET IT:
IF BORN BEFORE 1961:
get to STAY living in their own home independently.
Yet millions of seniors are still risking their safety by not having a medical alert device. That’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices.
That’s why seniors born before 1961 are rushing to cash in the whopping $150
instant rebate before the 21 day deadline ends.
So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this year because seniors born before 1961 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s newspaper before the 21 day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■
IF BORN AFTER 1961: You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-330-9423 DEPT. HELP8385
THE BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. FastHelp with the instant rebate is a real steal at just $149 and shipping and there are no monthly bills ever.
PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp OneTouch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal irresistible. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.
CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1961 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.
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.
KEY WEST
Dec. 1
Key West Artisan Market: Red Ribbon Edition
PENSACOLA
Dec. 4
57th Annual Snowball Derby
You’re invited to Rock the Red Ribbon Together from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach. Wear your ribbon or pick up a free ribbon from the volunteers of the Friends of the Memorial Board. Shop a curated outdoor market offering fine crafts, art and jewelry from talented Florida Keys makers. Listen to awesome local musicians, support our featured charity and meet celebrity authors from the Key West Writers Guild. Be sure to tour the Key West Wildlife Center and find out more about its Raise the Roof Capital Campaign. Admission is free. www.keysartisanmarket.com; 305-731-3385
LAKE PLACID
Dec. 3
Tree Lighting and Holiday Evening Market
Celebrate the holidays from 5-8 p.m. at the Journal Plaza with an evening of shopping and festivities. This kicks off the three-week run of Holiday Evening markets and will feature extra special guests. Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by to help the town usher in the Christmas spirit with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Meet the festive pair as you enjoy food and drinks from local businesses, vendors and knock out some Christmas shopping as you browse the market vendors and downtown shops. bit.ly/3O09mu6; 863-440-7657
The Snowball Derby presented by Bayou Fox Hooters is a 300-lap super late model stock car race held annually at the Five Flags Speedway, a half-mile paved oval track in Pensacola, Florida. The race has been contested every year since 1968 and is typically run on the first weekend in December. The Snowball Derby has a reputation for attracting some of the bigger names in short tract racing, including top series NASCAR drivers because it is run after most tracks and touring series have concluded their season.
www.5flagsspeedway.com/schedules/event/498876; 850-944-8400
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 6
20th Anniversary Holiday Fest
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 7
Lignumvitae Christmas
Friend Raiser
Friends of the Islamorada Area
State Parks offer this annual community event from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. Tickets are available online, but space is limited. This event takes place rain or shine. Proceeds help Friends of the Islamorada Area
State Parks, a volunteer nonprofit, citizens’ support organization to generate public awareness, education, financial support, preservation and maintenance of local state parks.
friendsofkeysparks.org; 305-664-4339
Kick off the holiday season from 4-10 p.m. at this annual festival and parade at Founders Park, MM 87. Bring the family and experience magical snow blowing from a 35-foot tree, slide down snow mountain, enjoy live stage performances, visit with Santa in the children’s activity tent, shop for unique gifts, and savor delicious food and wine. Admission is free. Help keep the festival plastic free by bringing your own reusable nonglass drink container.
islamoradachamber.com/holiday-fest; 305-644-4503
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDAKEYSPHOTO.COM
PENSACOLA
Dec. 7
Full Afternoon Tea
This is a festive selection of tea sandwiches, sage and lemon sausage rolls, scones, clotted cream and preserves, mini Victoria sponges, pavlova with fresh cream and fruit, seasonal mousse plus a pot of loose leaf tea, all served on a three-tiered plate and beautiful fine bone china. Reserve a time online to have tea. Tickets start at $50. www.theoldeenglishcreamery.com; 850-542-7969
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 14
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
This event opens at 8 a.m. with the ceremony at 9 a.m. The Florida Keys Community walk begins at 9:30 a.m. at Founders Park, 87000 Overseas Hwy. act.alz.org/FloridaKeys; 305-394-0643
SEBRING
Dec. 14
Fourth Annual Craft and Fun Fair
Start your holiday shopping early from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while perusing 40 local vendors, Kids Create Corner, Toy Drive for Ag Angels, music and food. This event is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Admission is free. 863-271-9506
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 14
Florida Keys Community Concert Band
The community band presents Holiday Harmony featuring Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa music joined by the Burton Handbell Ringers from 4-5 p.m. at the ICR Amphitheater in Founders Park. Activities include Santa and his elves passing out sweet treats and snowball games. Bring your lawn chairs or just sit on the benches at the venue. The concert is sure to brighten your holiday spirit. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; 503-970-2014
SEBRING
Dec. 14
Santa Dog 5K Run/Walk
Put on your running shoes for a fast, flat and scenic course. Proceeds from this event support the Sebring Angels Animal Shelter. Join us at 8 a.m. for an exciting and fun event. With awesome swag for all dog lovers and runners, this race is a sure thing for a great doggy good time. The race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sebring/SantaDogSebring
KEY LARGO
Dec. 14
Christmas Boat Parade
Join us at dusk for this holiday celebration of decorated and lighted boats starting as they cruise the canals of Key Colony Beach. Boat entries are free. Light up your vessel for the season to win $5,000 in cash and prizes.
www.keylargoboatparade.com; 305-766-0643
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 KEY LARGO BOAT PARADE
GARDENING 5
Herbs to Plant in December
With the holiday season in full swing, it’s easy to forget about updating the garden. However, your herb garden can help you spice up your holiday meals and provide some health benefits. These five herbs are easy to plant, thrive in cool weather and make delicious additions to holiday recipes.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an excellent winter herb to grow in Florida because it waits to flower until the warmer weather of spring. You should plant this herb somewhere that gets full to partial sun and has excellent soil drainage.
Harvesting begins once it’s 6 inches tall and continues until it dies. Although the leaves of cilantro are most highly valued, all of the plant is useful. The roots can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable, and you can dry the seeds to make your own spice: coriander.
For more information about cilantro, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/cilantro.
Parsley
Like cilantro, parsley loves cool weather and doesn’t bloom until spring. You can plant parsley in your garden beds or in containers. Parsley enjoys afternoon shade, so it grows well in partial sun or on a windowsill.
If you grow your plants from seed, you should soak them in water overnight before planting to help speed the process. Once the seeds are in the ground, be sure to keep the soil moist and remove any weeds that sprout.
Parsley root has an even stronger flavor than the leaves, and it works well in holiday recipes. Parsley is also beneficial to your health, containing vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins, calcium and iron. For more information about parsley, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/parsley.
Fennel
Fennel’s shoots, leaves and seeds are all useful in cooking. This cool-season herb needs full sun and moist soil to thrive. Do not plant this herb near dill or cilantro; it will cross-pollinate and reduce seed production. Black swallowtail caterpillars, too, will love your fennel and use it as a host plant.
After about three months, your herb will be ready for harvest. Fennel works as an addition to sauces, fish, bread and salads. A tea is often made of the leaves that people drink for digestive health.
For more information about fennel, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/fennel.
Thyme
Thyme is another herb that enjoys full sun. It’s extremely drought
Tips for Cooking
When gathering herbs for a recipe, choose the youngest and most tender leaves for the best flavor.
If you want to preserve your herbs, harvest them as soon as they begin flowering, then dry or freeze them. To dry them, leave them in a dark, well-ventilated room until they are completely dry. Store your dried herbs in tightly closed containers. To freeze them, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Transfer to air-tight plastic bags once completely frozen.
Dried herbs can be used to make herbal vinegars that will add extra flavor to your holiday marinades and dressings.
tolerant and does best in well-drained soil.
Like parsley, thyme can be added to your windowsill herb garden or garden beds. You can also grow thyme in a hydroponic unit.
If you are interested in beekeeping, bees are highly attracted to thyme and it creates a delicious honey.
For more information about thyme, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/thyme.
Chives
Chives grow well in winter months and are harvested at any time. They prefer plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, and they tend to grow in clumps of multiple plants. You will need to divide them every couple of years to give them enough space to grow.
Depending on the variety you choose, your chives can add subtle onion or garlic flavor to a dish. Unlike most other herbs, chives are not often used dried. Simply chop the fresh leaves and add them to any recipe. Mix this herb into butter or cream cheese to make a flavorful spread.
Natasha Atlas graduated from the University of Florida’s Agricultural Education and Communication Program in 2021. She loves writing about unique and new varieties of flowers and plants for the Neighborhood Gardener Newsletter and its 10,000 subscribers. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys tending her own garden.
Parsley grows well in partial sun or on a windowsill. PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
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.
For Sale
New durable medical equipment: walker, shower chair, high potty and grab kit. $25 each. 850-773-1970.
Entire herd of 100% fullblood registered ABGA Boer goats, plus lots of extras. Dispersing for health reasons. 850-849-2426.
30-ft. rabbit pens, including feeders and self-watering systems. Located 22 miles south of Chipley. $450. Alan, 229-421-0790.
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.
Antique curio cabinet. $250. 850-900-7171
Where imagination becomes a reality: woodworking, candles and collector wands. www.alivans.com.
Miscellaneous
Carter’s Land Clearing and Mulching LLC. 850-527-4715.
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.
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.
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.
Custom fences built on your property. Call David for your free estimate. 850-819-9987.
C&2 Electrical Services LLC. Residential and commercial electrician services. 850-899-8218 or 850-899-8217.
Tree Be Gone. For all your tree needs, from trimming to complete removal. 850-819-9987.
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 the BBB. Schedule your demo, 850-747-0664.
Koastal Home Repair LLC. Fencing, decks, painting, light tractor work, repair work and maintenance. Insured. 850-227-5509.
Handyman services. Painting, flooring, building repair, odds and ends. Free estimates and fully insured. TJ, 207-612-8255 or 207-578-1830.
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.
The 850 Stump Grinder LLC. Free estimates, multistump discount, residential and commercial. Veteran-owned and -operated. 850-814-0720.
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
Need six fairly good used golf cart batteries, and I have a golf cart for sale. Will need batteries and charger. $200 OBO. 850-447-2117.
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.
Get Ready for Youth Tour 2025
Attention, high school juniors: Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is recruiting students for the 2025 Washington Youth Tour competition.
High school juniors whose parents or guardians are members of the cooperative are eligible to participate.
Each student nominated for the competition receives a T-shirt and a two-day trip to Tallahassee to tour the state capital. Applicants participate in a 10-minute interview with three judges who choose two students to take an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June.
After the judging, students and their families are invited to a banquet, where the winners are revealed.
Applications are available from the high schools and civic organizations listed at right.
For more information, see your school’s guidance counselor, call GCEC at 800-568-3667, ext. 3002 or email kdouglas@gcec. com.
Hurry! The application deadline is January 10.
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
Dalkeith Volunteer Fire Department
Ebro Volunteer Fire Department
Greenhead Volunteer Fire Department
Gulf County Emergency Medical Services
Howard Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Kinard Volunteer Fire Department
Overstreet Volunteer Fire Department
Sand Hills Volunteer Fire Department
Scotts Ferry Volunteer Fire Department
Stone Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Wetappo Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Wewahitchka Search and Rescue
Wewahitchka Volunteer Fire Department
Wewahitchka Woman’s Club
White City Volunteer Fire Department
HIGH SCHOOLS
A. Crawford Mosley High School
Altha Public School
Bay High School
Blountstown High School
Chipley High School
Deane Bozeman School
North Bay Haven Charter Academy Port St. Joe High School
Rutherford High School
Vernon High School
Wewahitchka High School
Emily Rollins, left, of Bay High School, and Taylor Schreiber, of Deane Bozeman School, represent Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative during Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., this summer. PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY ROLLINS
Forest Through the Trees
WMighty Conifer Knife at an Impossible Price!
What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives
“Outstanding knife of high quality and a great price. I now have a number of your great cutlery in my growing collection!”
— Robert F.,
Richardson, TX
e know you. You’re not interested in everyday, run-of-themill, common cutlery. You want something with a story, a unique feature that you can brag about. We’ve got just the thing for you. Our Mighty Conifer Knife is a unique tool with a Damascus steel blade and a handle crafted from an enhanced and stabilized natural pinecone. While our competitors are charging hundreds for similar knives, we’re offering the Mighty Conifer for JUST $99! at’s what we call our Stauer Impossible Price.
Join more than 389,000 sharp people who collect stauer knives
Each pinecone — and therefore, each knife — has its own unique characteristics. And the back of the handle features hand tooling, a further demonstration of each piece’s individual nature.
e blade is nothing to scoff at either. Constructed of Damascus steel, a modern reworking of the legendary steel forged by ancient swordsmiths, this nearly 5-inch blade features 256 layers of steel that have been folded on top of each other to increase its durability. Our competitors are charging hundreds for boring, run-of-themill knives with no features worth bragging about. We’re asking JUST $99 for a knife unlike any you’ve seen before!
With its full-tang construction and high-quality genuine leather sheath, the Mighty Conifer Knife is the perfect blade for the
person who wants to stand out. CALL NOW! If you’re one of the first 700 587 callers for this ad, we’ll throw in a pair of Stauer 8x21 Compact Binoculars — a $99 value — ABSOLUTELY FREE!
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!
Knife Speci cations:
• 9 ½" overall length. Full-tang construction
• Damascus steel blade and natural pinecone handle
• Genuine leather sheath
Mighty Conifer Knife
$299 $99* + S&P Save $200
*You must use Insider Offer Code: MCK229-01 to get this price.
Stauer 8x21 Compact Binoculars a $99 value with your purchase
California residents please call regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: MCK229-01
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).
to own, with never a
D
When Two Hearts Join
“Gift
iscover the enchanting allure of our Two Heart Necklace, where love’s symphony unfolds in timeless elegance. Inspired by that moment, when it all clicks and you realize you have found the one…. and where two become one, this exquisite piece captures the essence of two hearts entwined in a dance of destiny. Crafted with precision and passion and encased in 14k gold, it embodies the essence of your enduring love, echoing the sentiments of Shakespeare’s sonnets and the romances of Jane Austen. Our client’s favorite, it is now priced at its lowest ever even as gold reaches a record high, awarding it a stellar 4.9-star rating in reviews making it the Gift of the Year. Embrace the magic of shared dreams and whispered promises with the Two Heart Necklace, a treasure to cherish for generations to come. Let this necklace be your own love story, a testament to the beauty of companionship and the joy of finding
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Falling in love costs nothing but the value is priceless. Showing your love with this two hearts set costs next to nothing and the feeling you will get when wearing it or giving it to your love will certainly be priceless.
Two Hearts Collection
A. #57505 Bracelet (13 2/5 ctw) $299 $39* + S&P Save $260
B. #57507 Necklace (2 ⅛ ctw) $199 $39* + S&P Save $160
C. #56877 Earrings (4 ¼ ctw) $229 $39* + S&P Save $190
#57508 Necklace, Bracelet & Earrings $727 $79* + S&P Save $648
*Special
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
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.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative offices close at noon on Monday, Dec. 2. The co-op offices are also closed all day, beginning Tuesday, Dec. 24, through Thursday, Dec.26.
As a reminder, you may access your account and report power outages at any time by using our app, logging on to www.gcec.com or calling any of the office numbers listed above.
FL-154
GCEC President’s Message
How Can Co-op Members Become Politically Engaged?
The new year ushers in a new president, Congress, and state legislators and governors. It also provides electric cooperative members like you more opportunities to demonstrate our collective political strength.
Grassroots advocacy and political engagement are essential for a healthy democracy. From communicating directly with policymakers and signing petitions to posting on social media and attending town halls, there are many ways to ensure your voice is heard as lawmakers shape policies that affect your communities. When you are politically engaged, you are actively participating in the democratic process.
Political engagement starts with understanding which policies are important to your family, community and co-op and how those policies can affect your way of life. As a member of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, you know your community best. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions—especially about candidates running for political office.
Elected officials work for us, and they want to hear from you. When you engage directly with a policymaker, you hold them accountable for their decisions. When you send emails and letters, attend town hall meetings or meet with policymakers or their staff, you are sharing your co-op story and reinforcing what matters to you and your family. Your voice matters. The electric co-op voice matters.
Political engagement helps tell the co-op story and educates policymakers on the value co-ops bring to local communities. It reinforces your co-op’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, affordable power, and it helps create valuable relationships built on trust and understanding.
How can you tell your co-op story?
Voices for Cooperative Power can help you become more politically engaged. VCP is a national network of more than 1 million Americans dedicated to transforming co-op communities like ours. VCP members communicate with policymakers on the localized, communitybased approach electric co-ops take to keep the lights on.
We take a stand when policy decisions threaten our access to safe, reliable, affordable power. As job creators, economic drivers and, most importantly, community members, co-ops play a key role in the future of rural and suburban America. More than 42 million Americans rely on electric co-ops to power their homes, farms, businesses, industries and schools. VCP helps ensure these voices are heard.
By becoming a member of VCP, you will receive regular updates on key issues that affect your electric cooperative and your community. As a member, you will have opportunities to communicate with your policymakers on those key issues. VCP members also have access to voter resources, including guidance on how to be a co-op voter.
Are you a member of VCP? If not, now is the time to join. Tell your friends and family about VCP and encourage them to join. Share your co-op story. Be a co-op voter. Together, we can make a difference.
For more information about VCP, visit voicesforcooperativepower.com.
Dwight Van Lierop