Florida Currents
GULF COAST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
JANUARY 2024
Veterans Day Flag Raising
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative was honored to participate in Waller Elementary School’s Veterans Day program. GCEC lineworkers climbed a pole and passed the American flag to the top.
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Florida Currents
2024 • Volume 13, No. 3
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 MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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Reflections From 2023
By John Bartley, CEO/General Manager Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative
As we begin a new year, I want to reflect on some of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s milestones and accomplishments in 2023.
Community Involvement
We worked with our generation and transmission cooperative, PowerSouth, and fellow distribution cooperatives CHELCO and West Florida to host appreciation lunches for WJHG/WECP, WMBB, WPGX and iHeartMedia.
Other ways we have been involved in local communities include:
• Hosting regular blood drives.
• Collecting items to benefit the Children’s Home Society.
• Sponsoring the Warrior Beach Retreats.
• Participating in the Junior Service League Chili Cookoff.
• Participating in the Ronald McDonald House Casual for Kids Day.
• Sponsoring the Taunton Festival.
• Donating to United Way.
• Sponsoring the Honey Festival.
• Participating in R.E.D. Fridays (Remember Everyone Deployed) by buying red T-shirts for employees.
• Wearing pink T-shirts and pink hard hats for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
• Joining CHELCO and West Florida Electric with a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
• Continuing to be involved in organizations such as area chambers of commerce, Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association and Elevate Bay.
• Sponsoring Eastern Shipbuilding’s Freshwater Classic.
• Having a booth on Second Street in Wewahitchka on Halloween night.
• Entering in the Blountstown and Wewahitchka Christmas parades.
Hurricane Michael Recovery
We are still actively working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to recoup the costs associated with rebuilding our electric distribution system following Hurricane Michael.
Facilities and Growth
Plans to remodel or build a new GCEC headquarters are in the works.
The Southport remodel and addition is complete.
Approximately 10,000 homes are expected to be added to our system during the next few years, thanks to the expansion of Cedar Creek, Fanning Bayou, Hodges Bayou, Lake Merial and several other planned subdivisions in Bay and Gulf counties.
We participated in PowerSouth Energy Cooperative’s Residential End-Use survey.
System Maintenance and Upgrades
The Highway 22 project was completed, allowing GCEC to transfer load from East Callaway to Wewahitchka to serve Wewahitchka better if the local substation were to go down.
Rights-of-way are on track. This has prevented outages systemwide.
Tyndall Air Base
GCEC sponsors several Tyndall events each year, and have more planned for 2024.
We continued to add fleet and personnel to meet the growing needs of Tyndall Air Force Base.
A three-person lighting crew, led by Jason Curry, continues to add and replace lights on the base. Once this project is completed, there will be approximately 8,000 lights on base.
We received an excellent Contractor Performance Assessment Report.
Products, Services and Technology
GCEC offers a $100 rebate to electric vehicle owners who log on to our website and provide information about their EVs and charging habits. This will help us plan our system and rates.
GenerLink’s transfer switch continues to sell well. Meter poles are also selling well.
The co-op participated in a manufactured home digital marketing campaign to promote rebates.
New IT policies have been put into place to further enhance cybersecurity.
Youth Programs
High school juniors participated in the Youth Tour program this year, and two winners from that group—Andrew Pliscofsky, of Mosley High School, and Noah Taunton, of Wewahitchka High School—traveled to Washington, D.C. Other ways we have contributed to our youth include:
• Participating in the Empower Energy Education Workshop for local teachers.
• Participating in Career Day at Deane Bozeman School.
• Awarding $10,000 in scholarships to high school seniors.
• Sponsoring back-to-school luncheons for Gulf County teachers at Deane Bozeman School, Southport Elementary School and Waller Elementary School, and teacher appreciation luncheons at Southport Elementary schools.
• Participating in a flag-raising ceremony at Waller Elementary School.
• Sponsoring Wewahitchka High School’s awards day.
• Participating in Palm Bay Academy’s Truck Day.
• Supporting Gulf County 4-H at the livestock sale.
• Participating in Port St. Joe High School Career Day.
• Sponsoring hygiene items for Waller Elementary School students.
Live Line Safety Demonstration Trailer
We continue to educate the public about
John Bartley
safety around power lines. This year, our safety trailer made appearances at:
• Honey Festival.
• Florida River Fest.
• Southport Elementary.
• Farm Bureau Women’s Conference.
• West Florida Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting.
• Bay Haven Charter Academy.
• Wewahitchka High School.
• Community Day at Waller Elementary School.
• GCEC’s 82nd annual meeting.
• Deseret Cattle Company.
• Gulf County Emergency Operations Center.
• Charles Whitehead Public Library.
• Fall Festival at Lake Alice Park.
Employees
The co-op added 13 employees to its workforce. Sixteen earned promotions.
We held an Employee Appreciation Luncheon, a Lineworker Appreciation Luncheon and a Christmas party. Other fun days included College Colors Day and our annual Halloween chili feed.
We held apprentice training at our office.
We are proud to offer a wellness program and incentives to our employees.
Safety training is held at least once a month for all GCEC employees. Topics include CPR, active shooting, pole-top rescue, fire extinguisher operation and slips, trips and falls.
Trustees
Dwight Van Lierop earned the Director Gold credential.
Doug Birmingham, Jimmy Black, Rupert Brown, Robert Byrd and Betty Moore renewed their Director Gold credentials.
Voter Engagement
GCEC continues to meet the requirements of a Five-Star Co-op.
We have 100% participation by our employees, management and trustees in the Action Committee for Rural Electrification.
We participated in the state legislative cookout in Tallahassee. n
On behalf of everyone at GCEC, I wish you a happy and prosperous 2024.
Gulf Coast Electric Crews traveled to help Talquin Electric Cooperative when severe weather caused damage and multiple power outages.
Van Lierop Earns Director Gold Credential
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative District I, Group 1 Trustee Dwight Van Lierop recently earned the Director Gold credential.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Director Certificate programs are designed to help electric cooperative directors, at every stage of their service, understand their roles and responsibilities, stay updated on the key issues and trends in the industry and prepare them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives now and in the future. The Director Certificate Programs are offered in three parts, progressing from fundamental to advanced.
First is the NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director certification. The certification requires completion of five courses that focus on basic governance knowledge and the essential skills required of cooperative directors. The CCD prepares directors to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their membership.
Next is the NRECA Board Leadership Director certification. The second part of the director education program consists of a series of courses focusing in greater depth on specific industry and governance issues. These include risk management, power supply, parliamentary procedure, technology and policy development.
Lastly, the Director Gold credential recognizes directors who are committed to continuing their education beyond the CCD and BLC and desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability. n
Notify Local County Agencies of Special Response Needs
Do you or someone you know have a condition that requires extra help during an emergency? Local agencies need that information for a resource planning registry.
According to Chapter 252, Section 355 of the Florida statutes, “In order to meet the special needs of persons who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment or sensory disabilities, the division, in coordination with each local emergency management agency in the state, shall maintain a registry of persons with special needs located within the jurisdiction of the local agency.”
This registry allows local emergency management agencies to plan resource allocation to meet the needs of those requiring help.
Those with special needs may preauthorize emergency response personnel to, if necessary, enter their homes during search-and-rescue operations to ensure their safety and welfare following disasters.
This registration must be updated annually. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative helps local emergency management agencies get the word out about this program.
If you or someone you know has a special condition affecting eyesight, hearing, speech, walking, breathing or an emotional condition—and would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering—please contact your local emergency management agency.
The level of care given in special needs shelters goes above basic first aid available at shelters open to the general population.
All information provided is kept strictly confidential. n
Bay County Phone: 850-784-4000
Fax: 850-784-4010
Calhoun County Phone: 850-674-8075 Fax: 850-674-4667
Gulf County Phone: 850-229-9110
Fax: 850-229-9115
Jackson County Phone: 850-482-9678
Fax: 850-482-9683
Walton County Phone: 850-892-8065
Fax: 850-254-9638
Washington County Phone: 850-638-6203
Fax: 850-638-6316
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Trustee Dwight Van Lierop, left, accepts his Director Gold certificate from CEO/General Manager John Bartley.
GCEC Demonstrates Electrical Safety
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s live line safety demonstration trailer recently visited Wewahitchka High School.
The trailer—which was built by GCEC employees—features working electrical equipment.
The presentation begins with an overview of the safety equipment lineworkers are required to wear and use. Lineworkers then demonstrate what happens when vegetation, squirrels, balloons, kite strings, a ladder, a fire hose and a rubber boot come into contact with an energized line.
An energized car door offers a powerful lesson on why you do not walk up and attempt to help someone in a car that has energized lines on it. Lineworkers demonstrate how to hop away from a car with power lines on it in the event you absolutely must exit the vehicle.
The demonstration is available for local schools, fire departments, civic groups and other organizations. If you are interested in booking it, contact Kristin Douglas at 850-265-3631, ext. 3002, or send an email to kdouglas@gcec.com. n
Baylen Price explains some of the safety equipment Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative lineworkers use to work safely on power lines.
HARBOR HOPPING
From the rich maritime heritage of whaling towns to quaint island villages and grand seaside mansions of the Gilded Age, our small, comfortable ships can take you to the heart of New England’s most treasured destinations. Be welcomed back to your home away from home, where you can delight in the warm camaraderie of fellow guests and crew.
Florida Keys research may help protect Caribbean reefs
By Dan Eidsmoe
Beachcombers, scuba divers and snorkelers typically avoid urchins. If you step on one or accidentally bump into it, your skin can be punctured by the creature’s needle-like spines. Once under the skin, the spines are difficult to remove.
Florida Keys marine biologist Jim Brittsan, however, is excited by the round spiny creatures. As he explains, a healthy urchin population in the Caribbean is vital to the health of coral reefs.
Jim, 27, works with multiple coral restoration organizations throughout the Keys. Beginning as a selffunded project, he now has financial support from the state of Florida and is raising urchins in the wild with hopes of reintroducing them to Florida’s coral reef.
Urchins are important to the reefs because they eat algae. Out-of-control algae growth kills coral reefs by cutting off room for growth and diminishing the amount of sunlight and oxygen reaching the coral.
Jim says urchins are like underwater gardeners.
“When sea urchins consume
Marine biologist Jim Brittsan holds a long-spined urchin—or Diadema antillarum—being raised in his urchin nursery near Tavernier.
Jim displays a palate of coral encrusted with algae. While in captivity, these sea urchins feed on algae that kills coral.
Jim Brittsan
algae, they create open spaces on the reef that can be colonized by new coral babies,” he says.
Algae growth and coral bleaching have decimated coral reefs. The Keys have lost 80% of their coral in the past 30 years. Many factors are believed to contribute to coral bleaching worldwide, including pollution, climate change, warming oceans and overfishing. In the Keys, water temperatures are frequently over 85 degrees in the summer. That high water temperature prompts algae growth that can smother coral and inhibit the settlement of coral larvae.
Jim, a Columbus, Ohio, native, is so optimistic about the prospects for raising sea urchins that he turned down scholarship opportunities for graduate studies in Puerto Rico and at Bowling Green University in Ohio.
Jim’s father, Mike, was the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium curator. As a student at Bowling Green University, Jim learned that everything in nature is interconnected.
“If our oceans die, life in Ohio and landlocked states would also be adversely affected,” Jim says. “I knew coral reefs were in trouble, and I learned how important urchins were to the entire equation.”
Jim says the well-being of sea urchins has never been more important than now. Although once seen as a nuisance, the long-spined urchins are known as the greatest grazers of the Caribbean and caretakers of coral reefs.
The problem is, they are dying throughout the Caribbean. According to the National Park Service, long-spined sea urchins commonly live between the shoreline to depths over 100 feet. At low tide, they take shelter from waves in rock cavities. Although protected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, their numbers throughout the Keys have never been lower. Some scientists blame a microscopic, single-cell parasite for the die-off, which took hold in early 2022, but the resarch continues.
Jim describes one sea urchin species, Diadema antillarum, as a keystone species for Caribbean coral reefs. Before 1983, it was the most prevalent herbivore in the Caribbean. Today, it is nearly nonexistent.
“A diverse population of herbivores is important for maintaining a healthy balance between algae and coral on the reef and for supporting the many other organisms that rely on this ecosystem,” he says. “By restoring populations of different herbivorous species, we can help to support the health and resilience of Caribbean coral reefs.”
and crevices of the reef. They also eat everything in their path, not just the algae.
“The dead coral has many things growing on it,” Jim says. “In this setting, the urchins get a much more diverse diet of alga types. They also get bits of calcium carbonate from the rocks, which makes their spines hardier and increases spine density.”
In Jim’s nursery—the first of its kind in the Keys—coral trees and urchin shelters hang on monofilament lines tethered to the ocean floor and are held upright in the water by a buoy. The nursery integrates repurposed materials such as ice cream buckets, crates, ceiling tiles and Gatorade bottles. The cages, which Jim designs, are made from vinyl-coated wire and PVC frames. Sea water can pass through the boxes while protecting the growing urchins from fish predators.
“We hope to create a low-cost method to rear thousands of these herbivores,” he says. “A mariculture system like ours could be a game changer.”
With hopes high for the success of his urchin family, Jim is optimistic he may be able to leave coral reefs in a healthier place.
“With this project, I get the strong sense that I can be part of the solution rather than the problem,” he says.
Virtually visit the nursery in this three-minute video: bit.ly/sea_urchin_nursery. were to
Sea Urchin Facts
Jim hopes his urchin “babies” growing in an environment closely replicating the coral reef learn to eat algae off coral before being placed permanently into the wild. Every 15 to 30 days, he collects coral rubble covered in algae from the coral nurseries and puts it into the nursery with the baby urchins.
By grazing on the rubble, the young urchins learn to hide in the nooks
in the game
Esports growth offers Florida students community and opportunity
By Drew Woolley
When Ryley Griffin arrived at the Florida Institute of Technology in 2018, he was excited to pursue a chemical engineering degree while playing lacrosse for the Division II school. It wasn’t long, however, before he discovered the rigor of his studies and the time he needed to dedicate to the team weren’t a good mix.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY LIMITLESS VISIONS
Still, Ryley knew he was competitive by nature. In 2019, another game captured his imagination.
“I realized I was going to go insane if I wasn’t part of a team or doing some kind of competition,” he says. “I was very in love with a game called League of Legends. I had played in internet cafe tournaments with my friends in high school. I decided to try and start a team with Florida Tech, who at the time was actually looking at doing esports.”
Florida Tech had just begun consulting
with Dana Hustedt, the director of esports at Grand View University in Iowa who helped build one of the country’s first collegiate esports programs in 2017. She provided a checklist of tasks that needed to be completed if Florida Tech wanted to create a robust program of its own.
In 2021, Florida Tech hired Dana as director of its esports program.
Since then, the program has assembled varsity and junior varsity teams for games such as League of Legends, Super Smash Bros., Rocket League and Valorant, while also building a welcoming community for noncompetitive gamers and establishing a two-story Esports Center on campus.
“Being a tech school, there’s always going to be that overlap of STEM students and video games,” Dana says. “It’s a way to engage their student population if you aren’t excited about regular sports or debate or other extracurriculars. This is a way that many students now relate with
gaming as a community factor.”
Leveling Up
As a former student-athlete, Dana—who played varsity softball at Grand View University—often describes esports to newcomers in traditional sports terms. The playing field might differ, but many of the skills required are the same, from highlevel communication to rapid-fire decision making.
“Take a game where there are five players on a team,” she says. “Like basketball, they all have a position or a lane. Every one of them has their own unique skill set and fundamentals they need to do during the game. And the preparation that takes is very similar.”
Ryley found the same to be true when he first discovered League of Legends. In high school, he entered weekend competitions with friends at a local Microsoft store, where they played for
prizes, such as a new computer mouse.
“That’s where I fell in love with the competition,” he says. “I remember one day, we actually got to the finals, but we lost. None of us had any idea what we were doing, but we had a great time. I was there until 9:30 at night, so I got home, and my parents were like, ‘Where have you been?’ And I was like, ‘But I almost won.’”
After those amateur adventures, the Florida Tech team’s play was a harsh but welcome change of pace. Ryley says the
and there’s a software update for League of Legends. Now, my strategy is gone. Whatever champion I was going to play is out the window, and I have to figure something out in 30 minutes before we get into the game.”
Game Theory
transition to learning how to play a more organized game against far better players taught him the value of persistence. It also highlighted the importance of thinking on his feet, sometimes even more than when playing lacrosse.
“With traditional sports, you have all this training, and it almost becomes who can stick to a routine the longest and become the strongest from it,” he says. “But in esports, it’s so volatile. There are times when I’ve shown up to game day
In addition to cultivating adaptability, Florida Tech’s esports program is also designed to overlap with some of the university’s academic programs. The school’s Esports Center doubles as a home for the cybersecurity department, hosting classes, competitions and visits from prospective employers.
The esports program also works closely with the School of Behavior Analysis, with students observing verbal and nonverbal player behavior to monitor teams and offer workshops that help players develop as competitors and people.
“We don’t actually have a game design program or game animation as a major with us,” Dana says. “But we’ve used currently existing departments to see how can they also come into the gaming space with us. With the School of Behavior Analysis, the data that we’ve been collecting over the last three years hasn’t been taken anywhere else. So that’s really exciting in itself.”
Dana is excited to see the esports program serve as a gateway for visiting students who might not have known about the opportunities available at Florida
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Even for players who don’t compete on a team, the esports program can be an outlet for relieving the stresses of school and life. Florida Tech invested in a two-story, 5,800-squarefoot esports facility to give the program room to grow. A group of students gathers for a round of Super Smash Bros. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA TECH ESPORTS
Tech. Drawn in by their interest in gaming, they might discover behavioral analysis only to find they also enjoy working in the same field with kids.
“Instead of working at a hospital, you might be able to get your research hours here through esports,” she says. “So that’s one really cool aspect that we can start to recruit people with. And it’s the same with cybersecurity. If your classes are taking place in a really cool gaming facility, that’s also a plus.”
Achievement Unlocked
Now a graduate student in Florida Tech’s chemical engineering program, Ryley says he routinely draws on his esports experiences as motivation in his academic work. As a researcher, esports has taught him to look for new solutions to a problem, even if everyone else approaches it the same way.
“You’re not going to get it right
the first time, and you’re probably not going to get it right the fifth time,” he says. “Even if someone else is doing it better than you right now, you can do it better than them later. It’s the same in school. You’ve got to allow yourself to not be thinking so rigidly about the world around you.”
Even if students don’t want to compete, participating in a robust esports program allows them to share their passion, connect with others and discover new opportunities, whether on campus or remotely.
“I think it gives those kids who don’t necessarily relate to traditional sports—who maybe don’t like watching football or soccer—it gives them something to be invested in and to have school spirit about that they might not normally have,” Ryley says. “I have Dana to thank because I’ve had some amazing years of my life because of the hard work she’s put in.”
The Big Five
While there are thousands of video game titles out there, a competitive game needs to have a certain amount of publisher backing so players know it will be around even as popular trends change. If you’re not game-savvy, the lineup can be confusing. Here are a few of the most popular:
League of Legends
League of Legends is a strategic multiplayer online battle set in a virtual arena. It’s a gaming staple, complete with diverse champions, complex strategies and a global following. The annual world championship keeps interest and participation high.
Rocket League
Combining soccer with rocket-powered cars, Rocket League has carved an esports niche. Gameplay is fast-paced and requires skill, with tournaments showcasing acrobatics and precise teamwork.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo’s iconic brawler features a roster of well-known gaming characters for competitors to use. Its gameplay is accessible for newcomers, but it has the depth needed to keep the attention of longtime players.
Valorant
This tactical first-person shooter challenge requires precise gunplay and unique strategies. Its team-based action is great for tournaments and is an esports favorite.
Overwatch 2
Building on the success of its predecessor, Overwatch 2 includes diverse heroes and focused gameplay. It continues to be a favorite in esports. The game highlights the collaboration and skills of five-person competitive teams. The Overwatch League has franchises worldwide.
Snacking Fun WITH A POP
Graham Cracker Picnic Mix
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup sugar
5 to 6 drops pink neon liquid food color
½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1 package mini pastel marshmallows
1 cup bear-shaped graham crackers
1 package white fudge-covered pretzels
1 cup mini cookies
In a large pot over medium heat, stir oil, sugar and food coloring. Stir in the popcorn kernels. Cover. Cook until popcorn begins to pop. Shake pot over heat until popping slows.
Remove pan from heat. Pour popcorn into a large bowl. Add marshmallows, graham crackers, pretzels and cookies. Toss lightly.
RECIPES AND PHOTO
BY POPCORN BOARD
Peanut Butter and Jelly Popcorn
8 cups popped popcorn
2 tablespoons raspberry jam
3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
½ cup white chocolate chips
¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries
¼ cup dried cranberries
In a large bowl, stir together popcorn and jam until evenly coated. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, add peanut butter and white chocolate chips. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until smooth and melted.
Drizzle peanut butter mixture over the popcorn mixture. Sprinkle with strawberries and cranberries.
Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until the peanut butter mixture is set. Break into pieces to serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Grab-and-Go Pizza Popcorn
6 quarts popped popcorn
Olive oil cooking spray
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Place popcorn in a large, sealable plastic container or a 2½-gallon plastic sealable bag.
Spray popcorn lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle cheese, garlic salt, paprika and Italian seasoning over popcorn. Shake to distribute evenly.
Minty Green Popcorn Clusters
12 cups unsalted, unbuttered, popped popcorn
4 cups mini marshmallows
2 tablespoons butter or light olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon green food coloring
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup green candy-coated chocolate candies
Place popcorn in a large mixing bowl. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt marshmallows, butter and salt. Stir occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in food coloring and peppermint extract.
Toss marshmallow mixture with popcorn. Cool for 2 to 3 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Toss with chocolate candies.
Shape 3 tablespoons of popcorn mixture into a small cluster. Place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining popcorn mixture. Cool completely.
Strawberries and Cream Popcorn
¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, ground
6 cups popped popcorn
1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
In a small food processor or spice grinder, pulse freezedried strawberries until finely ground.
Place popcorn in a large bowl. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Toss until well-coated. Sprinkle evenly with ground strawberries. Toss until well-coated.
Scrape popcorn onto a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spreading into an even layer.
Let stand at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, or until chocolate is set and hardened. To serve, break into pieces.
White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark
5 cups popped popcorn
12 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints
Cover a baking sheet with foil or wax paper. Set aside. Place popcorn in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth. Stir in crushed peppermints.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the popcorn mixture. Stir to coat. Spread onto prepared sheet. Cool completely.
When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Old-Fashioned Bourbon Maple Popcorn With Pecans
8 cups popped popcorn
½ cup chopped toasted pecans
1⁄3 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon bourbon
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 dash bitters
Place popcorn and pecans in a large bowl.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon and butter. Bring to a boil. Cook, swirling pan, for 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture thickens to corn syrup consistency. Stir in orange zest and bitters.
Drizzle maple syrup mixture over popcorn. Toss to evenly coat. Cool completely before serving.
Options: Substitute bourbon with rye or whiskey. For mocktail popcorn, substitute with nonalcoholic bourbon or whiskey.
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
The Voice of Light
My heart is heavy.
One of the true blessings of writing a column is the opportunity to share with you, my readers, not only what I see but what is on my heart. The two are often interconnected. As trite as it sounds, I feel like we are family.
In the wake of the most recent war atrocities, it’s challenging to keep my attention on things like photography and positive storytelling. Yet, even as I wade through the
emotions of these conflicts, I am reminded what a lifelong gift photography is, distracting me from deep and painful events while acting as a vehicle to share what I see and feel. For this, I am forever grateful.
Armed with a purpose, photography has always been a powerful communication tool. With it, we can shine light in dark places or quietly applaud acts of love and goodness. I believe both are necessary. While I truly admire the courage of my friends who risk their lives to show us the injustices and atrocities of war, I have chosen to celebrate light and those who reflect it.
Where there is light, there is hope. The new year is the perfect time to talk about seeing and being light. Whether
literal or metaphoric, light reveals and heals. Each of us chooses how we use light. With our cameras, as with our words, we can choose to focus on the good and lovely in our world or dwell on the dark, ugly and evil.
I attended a seminar where the speaker reminded his audience of the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat. One reads the temperature, and the other changes it, he challenged.
The late Agnes Baker Pilgrim—also known as Grandma Aggie, a Native American spiritual elder I wrote about a few years ago— said she talked to water, thanking it often. She insisted water hears us. I think light is similar. I know it has a voice. n
Reader Challenge
Show me the goodness of light, as it falls on mountains, fields, streams, rooftops, bedsheets or kitchen sinks. Or, as it springs forth from the heart in acts of kindness.
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 a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
NIKON D800180mm lens ISO 3200, f/2.8 at 1/500
On senior night, a football player embraces his father on the field before the game.
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
How can rechargeable hearing aids that t inside your ear costs only $297 and be every bit as good as those that sell for $4,800 or more?
The answer: The MDHearing™ NEO uses the same kind of technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price. Satis ed MDHearing customers agree: High-quality, digital, FDA-registered rechargeable hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. NEO is a medical-grade, digital, rechargeable hearing aid offering sophistication and high performance; and works right out of the box with no time consuming “adjustment” appointments. You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. Now that you know... why pay more? PLUS... It fits inside your ear.
Canines engage fierce beasts in paw-to-tusk combat
Looking like a miniature aircraft carrier riding on massive tires, the swamp buggy crawls along a field edge smashing through brush and high weeds near Lake Okeechobee in south Florida.
Instead of jets, this flattop carries a deck festooned with old automobile seats where hunters sit in comfort. One deck below, crates contain excited dogs.
A 250-pound feral boar erupts from cover. Wanting to trap the animal alive, we release dogs to chase this tusked mammal through briar thickets and dense underbrush.
Domestic hogs first came to North America with early European explorers. In 1539, Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto landed near Tampa, bringing a large herd of pigs to feed his troops. Some pigs escaped into the wild and multiplied.
Today, the pigs’ descendants number in the millions and populate more than 35 states, with the highest concentrations of feral hogs found in Texas, Florida, Louisiana and California.
Many people consider feral hogs among the most dangerous mammals in North America.
Bristling with razor-sharp tusks up to 3 inches long, a wild boar can inflict serious injuries. Leaner and more muscled than barnyard pigs, boars can weigh more than 500 pounds, but average between 100 and 300 pounds. A coarse hide covering a thick shield of hardened scar tissue draped over its head and bony shoulders protects its vital organs.
With armor, a bad disposition and few natural enemies, adult boars fear nothing—except dogs.
In a good spot, hunters release one to three strike dogs, such as curs, redbones or walker hounds. They alternate dogs during a hunting day. Strike dogs sniff out the pigs and chase them, nipping the hogs’ tail or back legs to make them stop, face the pack and fight.
Once strike dogs bay a pig, hunters send in a catch dog, typically a strong-jawed pit bull, often wearing a spiked collar and Kevlar vest for protection. The catch dog grabs an ear, snout, other
Dogging Hogs
sensitive organ or whatever it can on an angry pig to immobilize it until the humans arrive.
After an exhilarating chase behind howling hounds and an adrenaline-pumping brawl at the bay, one or more hunters grabs the pig by its hind legs. This keeps it from moving and angles the porker’s head downward to prevent it from slashing people or dogs with its tusks.
With the pig held securely, someone kills it, customarily stabbing it with a large pig-sticker knife to avoid injuring any humans or dogs. Some people shoot the pigs with handguns.
Hogs populate every Florida county. The state allows hunters to hunt feral hogs all year on private lands. Some public properties allow people to shoot wild hogs as bonus game during other open seasons. The state even offers special hog-hunting opportunities on certain lands.
Because the highly prolific nonnative animals frequently destroy fences, eat crops and tear up wildlife habitat, many landowners welcome hog hunters onto their properties.
For more on Florida hog hunting, visit myfwc.com/hunting/ wild-hog.
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.
Hunters load a hunted wild hog onto a swamp buggy during a hunt near Lakeport, Florida. PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER
See the Forest Through the Trees
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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
January 1-16
First City Lights Festival
Navigate the eclectic historic district voted Florida’s Greatest Place as you experience live street performances, caroling in the streets and Winterfest Trolley Tours.
www.downtownpensacola.com; 850-434-5371
PENSACOLA
January 6 and 20
An Evening Under the Stars
Big Lagoon State Park, along with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association, invites you to spend an evening gazing at the skies. Clear skies permitting, telescopes and binoculars are set up to capture views of the moon, planets and other celestial objects. All participants must enter the park before sunset.
www.floridastateparks.org; 850-492-1595
MARATHON
January 13
Paws for a Cause
This dog walk to Pigeon Key benefits the Domestic Abuse Shelter of the Florida Keys. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. at the beginning of the old 7-Mile Bridge. The walk starts at 9 a.m. Brunch is served on Pigeon Key. Bring your family and dog for a beautiful 4.4-mile walk.
305-849-6236
PLANTATION KEY
January 13
40th Annual Art Under the Oaks
MARATHON
January 6-7
Florida Keys Celtic Festival
This festival brings the rich cultural heritage of the Celtic nations to the heart of the Florida Keys. This family-friendly event features world-class musicians, performers, athletes, food, beer, and Celtic and Keys vendors. Children can enjoy arts and crafts, along with Highland Games events. This event is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
floridakeyscelticfestival.com; 850-529-0699
View fine art, original crafts and live entertainment in the San Pedro Church gardens. Enjoy refreshments, homemade bake sale goodies and raffles from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but onsite parking is $5. www.artundertheoaks.com; 305-852-5372, ext. 3
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA KEYS CELTIC FESTIVAL
KEY WEST
January 13-14
18th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival
Seafood and music combine yet again for this year’s festival at Bayview Park. From stone crabs and conch fritters to classic rock, this year’s festival brings timeless tunes and classic hits to the outdoor stage. Vendors are available for shopping, and a children’s area includes bounce houses and face painting. The $10 admission is good for both days. Children younger than 12 get in free.
floridakeysseafoodfestival.com; 305-743-0294
PENSACOLA
January 20
Kids and Kritters Mardi Gras Parade
This family-friendly Mardi Gras event is a walking procession for people and pets. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Casino Beach parking lot with a pre-parade dance show. The parade begins at 2 p.m. www.pensacolabeachmardigras.com; 850-748-6878
LAKE PLACID
January 21
12th Annual Tea
Enjoy an afternoon of dining on tea sandwiches, fruit breads and decadent desserts. Join the fun with the Country Girl Dress Up contest. Doors open at 1 p.m. and tea hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be bought at the Caladium Arts and Crafts Co-Operative, 123 Interlake Blvd. www.caladiumarts.org; 863-699-5940
LAKE PLACID
January 26-27
Trash and Treasure Sale
The St. James Council of Catholic Women sponsors its annual Trash and Treasure Sale at the church’s Social Hall, 3380 Placid View Drive. The sale is one of the largest in the area with clothing, housewares, furniture, tools and fishing equipment included. Doors open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday. www.stjameschurchlp.com; 863-465-3215
KEY LARGO
January 27
Pops in the Park
The Florida Keys Community Concert Band invites you to attend this free band concert in Peace Park. January’s event is Looney Tunes—Heroes and Villains. Pack a picnic basket and blanket or chairs, and load up the family and furry friends for this night of music. keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-294-1123
MARATHON
January 15, 22 and 29
Florida Keys Concert Series
Delirium Musicum is a self-conducted, ethnically diverse chamber orchestra from Los Angeles composed of some of classical music’s top up-and-coming young artists. Other dates include January 22 with cellist Zlatomir Fung and January 29 with Shelest Piano Duo. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. in the Marathon High School auditorium. www.floridakeysconcerts.com; 800-324-6982
WAUCHULA
January 27-28
Peace River Pro Rodeo Classic
Rodeo fans come to the Heartland of Florida and watch professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation compete. Gates open at 5 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday at Hardee County Cattlemen’s Arena. Food and clothing vendors are onsite. www.peaceriverprorodeo.com; 863-773-4132
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Send details in an attached Word document (no PDFs, please)—in the format shown on this page—to info@floridacurrents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to register or get more information. 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— perhaps from a past year—include it with photo credit information.
Pruning CRAPEMYRTLE
Crapemyrtle is a versatile, drought-tolerant tree that produces dazzling blooms all summer long.
The tree is also a living sculpture during the winter, adding form and texture to the landscape. Late winter is the optimal time to prune crapemyrtles.
It’s important you know how to prune correctly so you can avoid topping—a practice commonly known as “crape murder.”
How to Prune Crapemyrtles
To properly prune crapemyrtles, use the following techniques:
• Remove suckers (small sprouts that develop along main stems or roots).
• Remove crossed, damaged or diseased branches. For crossed branches, remove the weaker of the two limbs that are crossing or rubbing.
Consequences of Severe Pruning
Unfortunately, many homeowners and landscape professionals prune crapemyrtle trees too severely.
Topping can damage the tree and results in a “witch’s broom” appearance. Following this, the tree is no longer in proportion. Although topping may result in larger blooms, the flowers grow on thinner, weaker branches that droop and may even break. Topping can also shorten the life of the tree.
Rehabilitation
If you want to rehabilitate a “murdered” crapemyrtle, try one of the following options:
• Choose the strongest two sprouts from each stub, and remove the rest. This encourages remaining sprouts to grow stronger and opens the canopy of the tree. If you follow this procedure for a few seasons, the tree should improve in health and appearance.
• Cut the tree back to between 1 to 2 inches of the ground while the tree is dormant. After two to three weeks of growth, select three to five of the most vigorous new shoots on each trunk and remove all others. Remove any new shoots that emerge later. Within three to five years, you should again have a natural-looking crapemyrtle.
Help Stop Crape Murder
Spread the word to help eliminate crape murder. Use proper pruning techniques on your own trees or ask your yard maintenance professionals about their pruning techniques. Choose an appropriately sized plant for your site and prune sparingly to maintain beautiful crapemyrtles in your yard.
The UF/IFAS Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program focuses on educating citizens about the science-based landscape and gardening information developed by the University of Florida. These volunteers share this knowledge with people in their communities to help conserve water, protect natural resources, and improve the lives of Florida residents. Visit UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions at gardeningsolutions.ifas. ufl.edu for more information on gardening in Florida.
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
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.
20’1” Bayliner boat with 120 motor. Needs flywheel. $900. 850-227-4713.
Real Estate
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. Asking $299,900. 850-265-5554.
Half-acre corner lot. 850-639-2220.
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; or Jason, 850-258-1085.
Miscellaneous
Carter’s Land Clearing and Mulching LLC. 850-527-4715.
Kapua Kleans for your final interior cleanup, deep clean, residential, condo, rental property. Steph, 850-704-2412.
Rachel’s Facials, Lashes and Brows, located at 2918C Highway 77 in Lynn Haven. Florida licensed esthetician for facial and skincare services, including eyelash extensions, simple waxing, brow shaping and tinting, and makeup services. 850-896-4855.
WJ Land Management. Florida licensed and insured. Forestry mulching, land clearing, culverts, fencing. Fast, free and reliable estimates. William, 850-628-4714; or Tabatha, 850-628-4713.
SLR Farm & Landscaping. Lawn care, grass cutting, bush hogging, backhoe work. 706-575-4570 or 850-703-5321.
Tree Be Gone. For all your tree needs, from trimming to complete removal. 850-819-9987.
Hamco Business Solutions is conveniently located in downtown Panama City with our warehouse in Lynn Haven. We offer hundreds of products at discounted prices including POS paper, ink cartridges, deli paper, kitchen paper and copy paper. We have free, same-day delivery on most products. Shop local and save.
Merchant Management Group is a local payments technology company based in Panama City, working with quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants and retail shops and specializing in the latest point-ofsale 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. Wanted 14” and 15” wagon spoke trailer rims. Need approximately one dozen of each. Salvage yard pays approximately $2 each; I will pay $10 each. Help me with my hobby. 850-303-1460.
Towing straps for rafting. Text only, 850-257-3056.
Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. 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:
Address:
City:
Phone:
Mail your ad to: 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 ad to appear.
Commitment to Community
GCEC supports Fall 2023 Warrior Beach Retreat: Where Heroes Gather
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative proudly sponsored the Fall 2023 Warrior Beach Retreat, held November 7-13. Several veterans traveled from across the country to attend this year’s fall retreat.
Warrior Beach Retreat: Where Heroes Gather is a 501(c)(3) local, nonprofit organization founded 13 years ago by Linda Cope. Linda is the mother of Army Sgt. Joshua Cope, who lost both legs above the knee and wounded his right hand in a bombing in Baghdad, Iraq. Linda believes when a soldier goes to war, a family goes to war. Her personal experience led her to form these retreats not only for the combat-wounded warriors but for their spouses and caregivers as well.
These retreats are a time of healing, relaxation and connection, saving marriages and lives. Linda’s immediate family is heavily involved in the organization: Linda as president and her husband, Philip, as vice president are joined by their son Jonathan— Joshua’s brother. The family works tirelessly with area organizations to have accommodations (provided by St. Joe Co.), gifts, meals and activities provided for the retreat attendees.
These activities include a spa day for the caregivers while the veterans fish on the 78-foot Jubilee, captained by Charles Paprocki. The fish caught are later enjoyed at a fish fry. The retreat includes a parade and a ceremony. n
Warrior Beach Retreat is held twice a year in Bay County. Currently, the waiting list of veterans extends into 2027. For more information, visit warriorbeachretreat.org.
The Gift of Life
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently held blood drives at its Southport and Wewahitchka offices.
Twenty-three people donated blood. Because each donation can save up to three lives, 69 patients will benefit from the lifesaving efforts of these blood donors.
Thank you to everyone who made time to donate.
After veterans flew into the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Warrior Beach Retreat volunteers drove them to Panama City for lunch. GCEC displays its large American flag in front of its Southport office to welcome these veterans to Bay County.
GCEC’s Justin Barnes donates blood.
Photo © Cora Berchem
Meet Your Trustee
Rupert Brown is the District III, Group 1 trustee representing members residing in the Southport area. The district is bounded on the east side by the centerline of North Bay, Deer Point Lake and Econfina Creek, on the north by the Bay County line, on the west by the extremities of the cooperative lines and on the south by the Gulf of Mexico.
Rupert is retired from his familyowned business, Rupert’s Cleaners, and is a member of the International Fabricare Institute.
He began serving on the Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees in 2002.
Rupert earned the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director certification. The program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of basic competencies in five core courses related to governance and skills required of cooperative directors.
He also earned the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board Leadership Certificate. That program consists of 10 courses focusing in greater depth on specific industry and governance issues. Courses provide advanced study in areas such as risk management, ratemaking and policy development.
More than 62% of eligible directors nationwide have earned Credentialed Cooperative Director status. Just more than 25% have Board Leadership Certificates.
In recognition of his commitment to continuing education throughout his service on GCEC’s board, Rupert also earned NRECA’s Director Gold Certificate. The designation recognizes directors who have earned both their Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership certificates.
Rupert served as GCEC’s representative on the PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
GULF COAST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
76th Annual Members’ Meeting
9 a.m. Central
Saturday, April 27
Wewahitchka headquarters, 722 W. Hwy. 22
Flag Raising | Presentation of Colors
Informative Booths | Children’s Activities
Bucket Truck Rides | Safety Demonstration
Complimentary Refreshments | Live Music | Prizes
Election packets will be mailed in March. Ballots (electronic or mailed) are due by April 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Central. Don’t forget to bring the prize ticket from your packet with you to the meeting.
board from 2003 until 2006. He was a member of the engineering and operations committee and the member relations and strategic planning committee.
He currently serves on the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board of Directors.
He has previously served as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of GCEC’s board.
Rupert and his wife, Cindy, have three children and four grandchildren. They are members of Emerald Coast Fellowship Baptist Church. n
Rupert Brown
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: To access the portal, go to www.gcec.com. You can report and view outages, review billing and payment histories, explore daily energy use and more.
GCEC Introduces New Member Portal
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is excited to introduce a new member portal.
To get started, visit www.gcec.com and click the blue “Member Portal Login” button at the top right-hand corner of your screen.
From there, click the green “Sign In” button at the top right-hand corner of your screen. Enter your username and password, or create a new account if you haven’t had previous online access.
Once signed in, you will see an overview of your account, including your account and meter number, bill amount and due date, billing and payment history, and recent energy use.
By using the menus near the top of the screen, you can manage notifications about your account and payment methods.
The “Outage” tab allows you to view the current status of your power, report an outage and view the outage map and outage history for your account.
We hope members find the new portal convenient for managing their GCEC accounts. n
BEFORE YOU GO
Visualizing a new Year
Sometimes, there are no words to describe your day—good or bad. Other times, days are long and tiring, so who wants to spend energy writing at the end of the night?
However, if you’re set on journaling in 2024, there are still options that can turn that dread into excitement.
Try taking writing out of the mix. Journaling doesn’t have to include words. Focus on visuals: drawing or doodles, graphs, daily Polaroids or creating pixels.
Documenting the year in pixels has been a favorite among bullet journaling in the past few years. Follow these six steps to set yourself up for an easy year of journaling:
• Find a piece of paper. This could be within a journal or a standalone piece. Keep it where you can find it at the end of the day.
• Choose five to 10 colors from your set of colored pencils, pens or markers. The medium you choose depends on how vibrant you want your pixels to be. Pens and markers tend to be brighter.
• On your piece of paper, draw a horizontal line at the top of the paper and a vertical line along the left side. Draw an additional 31 horizontal lines going down the page and 12 vertical lines across the page, creating little squares that become pixels as they
month above the columns. Along the left side, number the rows one to 31 downward.
• To the right side of the page, create a key. Match a color with an emotion or state of mind you were in that day.
• List emotions or states of mind you might feel throughout the year. Some useful ones are: good, happy, normal, routine, productive, lazy, unmotivated, angry and sad. To the left of these words, assign a color. You can choose as few or as many colors as you would like for your year.
SHE FOUGHT FOR
HER
COUNTRY. IT’S OUR DUTY TO FIGHT FOR HER.
Wounded Warrior Project ® long-term support programs provide these brave men and women whatever they need to continue their fight for independence. At no cost. For life. Help us help more of these warriors in their new life-long battle. Find out what you can do at fi ndWWP.org.
Creating pixels to document your year is one way to journal without words. PHOTO BY VALERI PEARON
ANGIE HAHN, WOUNDED VETERAN
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 Jimmy Black
Vice President Carl Goodson
Secretary Betty Moore
Treasurer Doug Birmingham
Rupert Brown
Robert Byrd
Kinneth Daniels
Eddie Jones
Dwight Van Lierop
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 are closed Monday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s Day. Access your account and report power outages 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by using our app (available on the App Store or Google Play), calling any of our offices or logging on to www.gcec.com. Happy New Year from all of us at GCEC!
“Energy efficient” is a phrase we often see on product labels or advertisements, but being more energy efficient is something we all can do to manage use and keep costs low.
How Your Cooperative Keeps Energy Costs Low Looking for the most efficient way to power your home or business is part of what we do daily at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. To keep your energy rates low, we examine a variety of wholesale generation resources to serve our members, and we look far ahead to ensure members will have the reliable, low-cost energy they need for the future. This means contracting for long-term power purchases and buying power from the market to meet members’ energy needs at the lowest cost possible. We also provide members with information and materials to guide them on steps to maximize energy efficiency.
Cooperatives also provide members with resources such as rebates. Members can take advantage of programs such as these to achieve greater energy efficiency and savings. Contact GCEC today to find out more about programs available to you.
What You Can Do As a member, you have control over improving the energy efficiency of your home or business. Taking a few easy steps allows you to carry out daily routines while consuming less energy. Here are a few tips to increase efficiency and reduce your monthly electricity cost:
• Switch to LED lightbulbs and modern Energy-Star-rated appliances—they use less energy to provide light or complete a task. LED bulbs save you money and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• If you are building or renovating, the construction phase is a great opportunity to maximize insulation in walls, install energy-efficient windows, and use modern building materials that can save energy and money.
• Our summers are long and hot, so small decisions such as a lighter roofing color can improve your energy efficiency.
• According to the IRS, if you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home, you can qualify for a tax credit of up to $3,200. This includes such improvements as replacing exterior doors, windows and skylights or upgrading insulation. This program is available through the year 2032. Find out more at irs.gov.
• Improve your power management. Whether it’s a computer set to go to sleep after a period of time or using programmable thermostats to control your HVAC, managing your power use is critical to lowering energy use. The emergence of smart devices allows homeowners even greater control, such as lights that can be turned off from anywhere using a smartphone.
• Nothing can save you more than choosing an energy-efficient heat pump. A heat pump saves money, and some providers offer rebates or discounts. Find out more about improving your home’s energy efficiency at energy.gov.
Jimmy Black