Florida Currents
GULF COAST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
SEPTEMBER 2024
GCEC employees, including Tucker Barfield pulling wire and Lane Adkins in the bucket, provid mutual aid to Talquin Electric Cooperative and TriCounty Electric Cooperative following Hurricane Debby. Read more on page 4.
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
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Let’s Talk.
As an electric cooperative, we are not an investor-owned utility. We are member-owned, notfor-profit and exist to serve you.
We work with a wholesale supplier to provide power for our homes and businesses. The fuel sources it uses can come from natural gas, coal, hydro, nuclear—and even the sun! The costs for those sources are influenced by market forces like supply and demand, but we work together to ensure reliability, safety and affordability every time you flip a switch.
That’s teamwork you can count on.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative assists co-ops affected by Hurricane Debby
On Aug. 5, Category 1 Hurricane Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee. The fourth named storm and second hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Debby was slow-moving, causing widespread flooding and approximately 250,000 power outages statewide.
As an electric cooperative, GCEC has mutual aid agreements in place with other electric cooperatives outlining assistance for one another in power restoration efforts following natural disasters. On the afternoon of Aug. 5, a dozen GCEC employees headed to Talquin Electric Cooperative. Once work there was complete, the team went on to Tri-County Electric Cooperative to assist.
At the height of the storm, Talquin Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Quincy, had more than 21,500 meters—39% of their system—without
power. The next day, power had been restored to all members.
Following Hurricane Debby, 19,421 of Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s 20,099 meters were without power, and nine of their 16 substations were without power due to issues with Duke Energy transmission lines feeding electricity into the stations. Tri-County, headquartered in Madison, enlisted the help of more than 500 additional lineworkers, right of way and damage assessment personnel in the power restoration effort.
By Aug. 8, power had been restored to 98% of TCEC meters. The next day, outage numbers continued to decline, and the cooperative’s basecamp was deconstructed.
GCEC’s teamwork and mutual aid agreements highlight the cooperative spirit, ensuring swift power restoration and community recovery following natural disasters.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative sent a team of 12 to help Talquin and Tri-County Electric Cooperatives following damage from Hurricane Debby. From left are Issac Madrid, Logan Richard, Brandon Price, Caleb Flippo, Austin Green, Logan Joiner, Cole Barfield, Tucker Barfield and Lane Adkins. Not pictured are Frankie Bailey, Baylen Price and Braydon Nunnery.
GCEC Director of Operations and Scheduling Brennis Smith, left, addresses the lineworkers before they head to Talquin Electric Cooperative.
Training Program Teaches Construction and Safety
Matthew Fleming, Austin Green, Taylor Hammack and Shane Kriser recently became certified line technicians through the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association’s Line Technician Apprenticeship Training Program.
In addition to four correspondence courses and three on-site climbing, construction and operations laboratories, the training also consists of four years of on-the-job training under a lead line technician.
The correspondence courses consist of independent study of math, electricity and alternating current fundamental principles, which are the groundwork for understanding the hows and whys of the profession.
Students learn the basic tools and equipment used in everyday operations, as well as applications such as stringing and sagging wire, underground distribution systems, transmission and distribution line maintenance, transformer connections, meter applications, substation operations, and phasing and measuring voltage and current.
The three laboratories enable students to apply the knowledge learned from the correspondence units.
Participants learn basic knots and safe climbing techniques, as well as pole-top rescue—skills necessary for overhead line construction. They build and frame lines according to specifications and learn grounding and preparation of stress cones for underground cable. Effective job briefing and basic troubleshooting steps for overhead and underground systems are demonstrated, as well as transformer
banking, bucket truck pre-trip inspection and bucket truck rescue.
The training involves written and physical tests.
Although not all electric cooperatives require their line technicians to be certified, GCEC management believes this training ensures the cooperative’s line technicians use proper construction
techniques and follow safety procedures to prevent harm to themselves, co-workers and consumers.
“Gulf Coast Electric lineworkers are not promoted to the line technician position title until they are certified,” GCEC Chief Operations Officer Francis Hinson says. “Certification enhances not only employee knowledge but also safety practices.”
Matthew Fleming
Austin Green
Shane Kriser
Taylor Hammack
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative provided lunch July 31 for the faculty and staff of Southport Elementary School. Christian Monlezun, Shannon Newsome and Hunter Bailey hand out pencil sharpeners and pens at the Tyndall Air Force Base Back-to-School Jam on July 26. Christian Monlezun, Wes Morgan and Kristin Douglas hand out a variety of patriotic-themed items July 3 at the Tyndall Air Force Base Freedom Fest.
Concern for Community
GCEC supports Tyndall Air Force Base events, local schools
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently sponsored the Freedom Fest and Back-toSchool Jam at Tyndall Air Force Base, as well as back-to-school luncheons for local schools.
Tyndall Air Force Base’s Freedom Fest, held July 3, was attended by 1,200 people. The event featured fireworks, carnival rides, food and music.
The Tyndall Air Force Base
Back-to-School Jam was July 26 and featured snacks, music, face painting, games, a bounce house and school supply giveaways.
Additionally, the cooperative sponsored back-to-school luncheons for Deane Bozeman, Southport Elementary and Gulf District schools..
GCEC is proud to support our local communities. n
Tax Credits and Rebates for the Win
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: How do I use tax credits and rebates to upgrade my home?
A: Tax credits and rebates can help bridge the affordability gap to higherefficiency equipment for your home, allowing you to complete energy-efficiency upgrades that can lower your energy use and save you money in years to come.
home, there’s a tax credit for that, too. You can receive 30% of the cost of the panel upgrade, up to $600.
First, knowing the difference between a rebate and tax credit is important. A rebate is a payment for buying or installing a qualified product or home improvement. Depending on how the rebate program is set up, it may be provided at the time of purchase or applied for and received after installation. Some utilities offer rebates as a credit on your electric bill. Others provide a cash rebate to those who complete eligible projects.
A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar amount taxpayers can report on their tax documents to reduce the amount of taxes owed. You apply for a tax credit when you file your tax documents, so it typically takes longer to reap the benefits than it does with a rebate.
According to Energy Star, homeowners can qualify for up to $3,200 annually in federal tax credits for energy-efficiency upgrades. Federal tax credits are available for heating and cooling system upgrades, including heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners, boilers and geothermal heat pumps. Tax credits for Energy Star heat pump water heaters cover 30% of the project cost, up to $2,000. You can also improve your home’s envelope—the portion of the home that separates the inside from the outside—with tax credits for insulation, windows and skylights.
If an energy-efficiency upgrade requires improving the electrical panel in your
These federal tax credits are available through 2032. You must own the home you’re upgrading, and it must be your primary residence. Federal tax credits only apply to existing homes in the United States, not new construction.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 expanded available funding for home upgrades. The act allocated $8.8 million for home rebate programs to be implemented at the state level. This funding is offered in two different programs. The HOMES program allows up to $8,000 per home for standard-income households. Higher rebates are available for low- to moderateincome households. The HEAR program offers rebates of up to $14,000 per home for qualified, efficient electric equipment for low- to moderate-income households.
These programs are designed to bolster existing programs and should be available in late 2024 or early 2025. Check with your electric utility or state office to find out if they are being offered in your state.
Other energy-efficiency rebates may be available from your state or electric utility. Most states require energy-efficiency programs for residents, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. These programs can help people save money on their electric bills and help states meet climate goals, reduce system costs and improve the electric grid.
I have had the privilege of working in energy-efficiency rebate programs for many years and have seen the benefits of these programs firsthand. Tax credit and rebate programs can make upgrades more affordable—helping people save money and improve the comfort of their homes. n
Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company.
views herein expressed, nor any products or services it
This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its
offers.
Miranda
You can improve your home’s envelope with tax credits for insulation. PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Shane Kriser, with Taylor Hammack looking on, uses a hot dog to demonstrate what happens when something touches an energized car door. From left, Cole Barfield, Shane and Taylor use the demonstration trailer to educate community members of all ages about electrical safety. Taylor answers a question from the crowd.
Commitment to Safety
Live line safety demonstration trailer visits Waller Elementary School
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s live line safety demonstration trailer visited Waller Elementary School on Aug. 10 as part of its Community Day.
The trailer—built by Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative 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 should not walk up and attempt to help someone in a car touching energized lines. Lineworkers demonstrate how to hop away from a car with power lines on it in the event you absolutely must exit the vehicle.
The presentation is available for local schools, fire departments, civic groups and other organizations.
Contact Kristin Douglas at 850-265-3631, ext. 3002 or send an email to kdouglas@gcec.com if you are interested in a safety demonstration. n
9-day/8-night exploration
8 ports of call with guided excursion options at each
onboard
Full enrichment
A Taste of Cuban espresso
Ask Keys residents where to find the best cup of coffee, and you will get multiple answers. Unlike on the mainland, most will not include traditional coffee or coffee shops, such as Starbucks. Instead, locals will recommend Cuban colada or buchi served at small mom-and-pop stores or gas stations. With names like La Niña, DeLuna’s or La Guajira, these stores typically also sell groceries, pastries and Cuban sandwiches.
One of the most recommended stops for Cuban coffee is Five Brothers,
which has locations in Ramrod Key and Key West.
Five Brothers has been a Key West fixture since the first store was opened by Cuban immigrant Heriberto Paez on Southard Street in 1978. After retiring, he realized he wasn’t ready to slow down, so he opened the second location with his two daughters in 2010.
Natalie Becker, Heriberto’s granddaughter, now owns Five Brothers Two in Ramrod Key. The store—tucked in the mangroves and palm trees off U.S. Highway 1—doesn’t look like a coffee shop from the outside. It seems more like a gas station without pumps. Once inside, however, there is no mistaking the alluring smell of strong coffee, pastries and toasting Cuban bread. The store also sells fresh seafood and Cuban specialty groceries.
Natalie is proud of her family’s Cuban roots and how the love of coffee brings diverse people together at her store.
“Our family came from Cuba,” she says. “When my grandfather immigrated, he worked two jobs to support his family and saved enough money for the first store in Key West.”
Both locations are meeting places for locals, celebrities and tourists looking to blend in.
Story and photos by Daniel Eidsmoe
TOP: A colada and the 1958 Havana, Cuba, telephone book.
ABOVE: Turkish coffee is often compared with Cuban colada because of its consistency and potency.
A colada and Cuban sandwich at Dennys Latin Café in Key Largo.
the Keys
Ironically, although coffee beans are grown in Cuba, nearly all is exported elsewhere, leaving Cubans—like Natalie’s relatives still living there—few options for the drink. Natalie says her family regularly sends coffee back to Cuban relatives.
“We send coffee and powdered milk for their coladas or café con leches,” she says. “You would be surprised how innovative the Cuban population can be when it comes to food and drink. They make the best out of a bad situation.”
Due to coffee’s scarcity and cost, many Cuban families brew a ground mixture of coffee beans and split peas—chicharo. The peas function as a cheap filler when combined with the ground coffee bean.
Cuban espresso is known for its sweetness, potency and silky texture. In the Keys, it is typically served in a Styrofoam cup with four to six small
plastic sharing glasses. The sharing concept is a strong Cuban tradition.
“Cuban coffee is all about community, togetherness and sharing,” Natalie says. “You can’t walk through the door of anyone’s house without being offered a cafecito.”
Havana restaurants are famous for images of old men sipping espresso, talking politics, playing dominos and smoking cigars.
“Sipping coladas and playing dominoes is definitely a thing for my family here and in Cuba,” Natalie says. “Teaching my husband the game and the Cuban ways has brought us closer as a family.”
Just more than 100 miles from Cuba, the Keys carries on traditions such as these thanks to the love of coffee and Cuban coffee shops.
It’s All in the Cup
If you were to identify the signature food or drink of the Florida Keys, Key lime pie would be high on the list, along with hogfish, Key West pink shrimp, smoked fish dip and possibly a cocktail such as the Rum Runner or the Hemingway Daiquiri. However, for a large segment of the population, Cuban espresso would be No. 1 on that list.
All along the 113 miles between Key Largo and Key West, motorists on the Overseas Highway will see signs for Cuban coffee.
What makes Cuban coffee special?
Cuban espresso is served sweet, thick and potent. In Cuba, the espresso is typically made on a stove-top pot known as a cafetera moka. While brewing, sugar—raw or white—is whipped into the espresso by hand to create a frothy and delicious foam or espumita. This makes the espresso drink thicker and more fragrant than typical espresso.
Islamorada resident and Cuban immigrant Cesar Bazan may have best described the difference between traditional coffee, served at a place like Starbucks, and Cuban espresso, served at a Keys roadside stop.
“That coffee is like beer; Cuban colada is like moonshine,” he says.
If you were to stop and experience Cuban espresso for yourself, colada, buchi and cafecito are the important menu terms used when ordering the drink. The difference is in the portion size. A colada contains between four and six espresso shots, while buchi and cafecito contain one shot. The telltale sign of Cuban espresso served at these roadside stands is the Styrofoam cup handed to customers and the four to six smaller plastic cups—known as demitasse—meant for sharing.
The Cuban coffee menu at Colada in South Florida.
Natalie Becker, owner of Five Brothers Two in Ramrod Key, prepares a colada.
BACKCOUNTRY FISHING ADVENTURES
Escape the crowds
Brush swayed and rustled across the creek about 20 yards away as I followed a narrow trail wandering through the forest. I couldn’t quite determine the source but spotted a dark splotch moving slowly. Then, a black bear stood up to look over the brush at me.
Black bears can kill people, but they normally detect humans long before people spot them. They try to avoid humans and often disappear without anyone ever knowing they were there. I advise to give them their space.
“We have black bears all over Florida,” says Nikki Maxwell, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson in Tallahassee. “We can’t predict what wildlife will do. It’s up to us to be aware and prepared. Behave responsibly and respectfully. Know what to do, and plan accordingly.”
Fortunately, this one ambled away on its side of the creek I planned to fish. With many other hidden waters to discover, I let the bear keep its territory.
Continuing along the trail on my side of the creek, I soon found a small pond some distance off the path. This remote pond probably saw little human activity, if any.
For wilderness adventures, I like to carry a light fishing rod kit that breaks down into several pieces and fits into a case. I can keep a few lures and other tackle in the case, which easily fits into a backpack. I assembled the rod, tossed out a lure and quickly caught several fish that probably had never seen an artificial enticement in their lives. I continued fishing but only kept what I needed for my next meal back at my campsite.
Florida offers outdoors enthusiasts vast wilderness tracts within an easy drive from anywhere in the state. The U.S. Forest Service
conserves nearly 1.2 million acres for public use in three national forests. In addition, people can visit wildlife management areas, preserves and parks to get a taste of Old Florida, the way it looked centuries ago. In these tracts, visitors can enjoy recreational experiences such as fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, paddling, bird watching and picnicking.
As for predators other than bears, visitors might encounter rattlesnakes anywhere in Florida. In wetter areas, watch for venomous water moccasins. Practically every Florida body of water holds alligators. Usually, alligators don’t bother people, but they won’t hesitate to snatch a dog or other small pets that get too close to the water. Smaller creatures, such as ticks and mosquitoes, could also give people problems.
“Forests are nature,” Nikki says. “All kinds of wildlife will be around. Some are dangerous. Florida wildlife might be unfamiliar to people visiting or new to the state. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Before entering any forest, check the USFS website for any notices and other information: www.fs.usda.gov/main/florida.
Apalachicola National Forest
The largest national forest in Florida spreads across four Panhandle counties from the edge of Tallahassee to Apalachicola Bay and contains two designated wilderness areas.
Hikers can wander through grassy pine savannas or visit Leon Sinks, a geologically unusual region of caverns and sinkholes surrounded by hardwoods. The Florida National Scenic Trail cuts through 74 miles of Apalachicola National Forest, and
Story and photos by John N. Felsher
hikers can use several other trails.
One of the largest streams in the Sunshine State, the Apalachicola River flows through the forest, providing outstanding canoeing and fishing for largemouth bass, giant catfish, crappie, bluegills and other species. The river pours off the Gulf of Mexico into Apalachicola Bay, creating a lush, brackish, marshy system. Many people fish the delta and bay for redfish, flounder, speckled trout, tarpon and many other species.
“Apalachicola Bay gets tremendous freshwater influence from the Apalachicola River and other rivers in the delta,” says Dan Van Treese with Port St. Joe’s Perfect Cast Charters. “That good mix of brackish water creates a very diverse habitat for fish.”
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP CENTER: Florida provides a variety of habitats for many bird species. An anhinga, or snake bird, spreads its wings to dry in the sun after diving into the water to catch a fish.
Numerous streams throughout Florida provide opportunities for paddling canoes or kayaks to observe nature. With small crafts, explorers can get into places inaccessible to larger boats.
Just about every body of water in Florida contains alligators. Watch for the toothy reptiles, but leave them alone.
Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest spreads across Lake, Marion and Putnam counties in Central Florida. More than 600 lakes, ponds and rivers dot the forest. Halfmoon Lake and several other lakes just east of the town of Ocala offer outstanding fishing for crappie and other species.
Countless natural springs create some of the most beautiful waters in the world. Fed by Silver Springs near the town of the same name, the Silver River connects to the Ocklawaha River. Movie companies frequently shoot underwater scenes in its crystal-clear waters. Rodman Reservoir, also called Lake Ocklawaha, sits on the Ocklawaha River, about 15 miles from Palatka.
The Ocklawaha River connects to the St. Johns River system in the eastern part of the forest. Rodman Reservoir and Lake George on the St. Johns River offer fishing for giant bass, crappie and other species. Several clear streams running through this area provide excellent paddling, birdwatching and fishing. During the summer, look for manatees.
“Lake George is well known for producing big bream,” fishing guide Steve Niemoeller says. “The west side of the lake between Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Run is a good area, with lots of hard bottoms for bream bedding. Just above Juniper Springs, the Cabbage Patch is another good area. Right in front of Silver Glen Run, the water is a little deeper. That area can hold some big bream.”
Near Lake City, the Osceola National Forest spreads across Columbia, Baker, Bradford and Hamilton counties. It contains the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness. A section of the Florida National Scenic Trail cuts through the forest.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades dominates South Florida. Everglades National Park in Dade, Monroe and Collier counties covers about 20% of the total original Everglades.
The park preserves one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere. People might also visit the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve and associated public tracts west of the Everglades.
“More than 95% of the park is designated wilderness,” says Allyson Gantt, a park spokesperson in Homestead. “We have freshwater, brackish and marine areas that give anglers many opportunities to catch different types of fish. People must take a free online boater education course before running motorboats in the park.”
Many canals, lakes and natural streams provide homes to more than 300 fish species, including many exotic species. There are peacock bass, clown knifefish, snakeheads, tilapia and more than a dozen different species of cichlids. Florida is the only place in the United States where these exotics can be caught.
“People catch many different types of fish in the Everglades
Dan Van Treese, of Perfect Cast Charters, holds a tripletail Taylor Warren caught while fishing in the Apalachicola River Delta. Tripletails like to sun themselves and hang out near floating objects.
canals, especially oscars and other cichlids,” fishing guide Wayne Fellows says. “Fishing for exotics is similar to fishing for bluegill and crappie. Use crickets or live worms on small hooks under a bobber, and put the bait right next to the lily pads. Flies and beetle spinners also work well for catching exotics.”
Of course, people can still catch popular native species, such as bass, bluegills and many other bream species. Frequently, people catch largemouth, peacock bass, snakeheads and other species in the same places with the same lures.
“To catch snakeheads, use any kind of fast-moving bait that might interest largemouth bass,” Wayne says. “I’ve seen them attack spinnerbaits, plastic worms and other lures we use for bass. These exotics are far more aggressive than native fish. They fight really hard and don’t give up. Some get pretty large.”
Paddlers often venture into Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness, the largest National Wilderness Preservation System unit east of the Rocky Mountains. Permits are required to camp on platforms in the wetlands.
“Many people enjoy paddling through the wilderness,” Allyson says. “We have several marked kayak trails. One of my favorites is Nine-Mile Pond. It’s a 5.2-mile loop, but there’s also a 3.6-mile loop. The loops take people through the transition between the mangroves and open marsh. The Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail leads to some camping platforms.”
At the southern end of the Everglades, Florida Bay takes up
about one-third of the park. People launch at Flamingo or in the Florida Keys to fish. Flamingo Lodge and Restaurant reopened there in 2023.
Including seasonal migrants, more than 350 bird species call the Everglades home. Birders may spot many species they won’t see in other states. Also, visitors could catch a glimpse of a Florida panther—a cougar subspecies—or American crocodiles.
“The beauty of the national park is we have wide-open spaces for animals to come and go as they please,” Allyson says. “People are visiting the animals’ homes and need to give them their space. Alligators are going to be curious or attracted to fish activity.”
Exploring Florida’s backcountry offers a unique adventure where nature’s wonders and challenges are always close at hand. From the hidden ponds of the Apalachicola National Forest to the pristine springs of Ocala and the diverse ecosystems of the Everglades, each destination provides its own slice of wilderness magic.
As you venture into these wild spaces, remember to respect the habitat of Florida’s wildlife and tread lightly to preserve these pristine landscapes for future explorers. Whether you’re fishing, hiking or simply soaking in the beauty, Florida’s backcountry is a reminder of the state’s untamed spirit. n
Visit nps.gov/ever/index.htm for information about Everglades National Park. For fishing guides all over Florida, call 888-412-1117 or visit ioutdoor.com.
Florida is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Anywhere in the Sunshine State, people might spot multitudes of birds, such as this great egret.
The many hiking trails wandering through the abundant public lands of Florida offer countless opportunities to see the backcountry on foot.
Savor the Sea WITH TASTY SHRIMP DISHES
Shrimp Scampi
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon plus 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 pound linguine
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1⁄3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
½ lemon, zest grated
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ lemon, thinly sliced in half-rounds
1⁄8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Drizzle some oil in a large pot of boiling water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the linguine. Cook to al dente.
Meanwhile, in another large, heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter and olive oil over mediumlow heat. Add the garlic. Saute for 1 minute. Add the shrimp, 1½ teaspoons of salt and pepper.
Saute, stirring often, until the shrimp turn pink, about 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat. Add the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
When the pasta is done, drain the cooked linguine and put it back in the pot. Immediately add the shrimp and sauce. Toss well and serve.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY CWP, LLC/STOCKSY
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp
4 slices bacon, diced into ½-inch pieces
2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, light and dark green parts divided
1 stalk celery, finely diced
Grits
4 cups whole milk
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking grits
1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 7 minutes. Add the shrimp to the skillet, and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning and salt. Increase the heat to mediumhigh. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are mostly pink but not quite cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer the shrimp and bacon mixture to a bowl, and set aside. Place the skillet back on the heat. Do not wash it.
Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the light green scallions, celery, bell pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, and mix until incorporated. Whisk in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Set it aside while you make the grits. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring the milk and salt to a boil. Whisking constantly, slowly pour the grits into the bubbling milk. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer, whisking often, until the grits become thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent sputtering.
Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the cheese. Taste. Adjust the salt, if necessary. Remove the pan from the heat. Cover with a lid to keep warm until ready to serve. Place the skillet with the vegetable/sauce mixture back on the stove. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Return the shrimp and bacon, along with any juices that collected in the bowl, to the skillet. Mix well. Cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle dark green scallions over the shrimp.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
1⁄3 cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 pound medium uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 teaspoons olive oil
Green onion, chopped
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger to make a marinade/sauce.
Place shrimp in a large sealable container or zipped-top bag. Pour half of the marinade on top. Shake or stir, then marinate the shrimp in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or up to 12 hours. Cover and refrigerate the remaining sauce.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place shrimp in the skillet. Discard used marinade.
Cook shrimp on one side until pink, about 45 seconds, then flip shrimp over. Pour in remaining marinade/sauce and cook it all until shrimp is cooked through, about 1-2 more minutes.
Serve shrimp with cooked marinade sauce. Garnish with green onions.
Thai Shrimp Curry With Jasmine Rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
1⁄3 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts
2 cloves garlic, minced
2½ tablespoons Thai green curry paste
14-ounce can coconut milk
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons lime juice
Lime wedges for serving ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add the scallions, garlic and green curry paste. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.
Add the coconut milk, water, fish sauce and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil. Add the shrimp. Cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in the lime juice, and sprinkle with the cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Serve with jasmine rice.
In the Autumn of My Life
By Dave LaBelle
I remember photographing an elderly man leaning on a hoe while working in his garden. Watching him through a telephoto lens, I was curious what he was thinking. I may have asked him, but I don’t remember. Later, as I looked at the photograph, I wondered what his life had been like.
What were his dreams or regrets?
Then a year or so later, I was assigned to photograph a philosopher who was in town to speak. He was staying at a luxurious inn. Arriving early, as is my habit, I noticed a man walking slowly down a tree-lined driveway, his hands behind his back. Unnoticed, I stopped and
made a few photographs before approaching him.
I asked him about his morning stroll.
“I take long walks alone,” he answered. “I ask intelligent questions and get intelligent answers.” Then he added, “But my best thoughts usually come to me when I am on the toilet and have nothing else to do.”
Fifty-five years later, I see myself in the posture of both aging men. Either image could be a self-portrait of sorts, of me contemplating life now.
I have often seen glimpses of myself in others, for good and bad. In a quiet, subtle way, I think I have photographed others to express what I was experiencing. In telling their story, I was telling my own.
Someone once wrote and said they had watched my daily newspaper photos for years and felt they knew me. I hadn’t thought much about that before, but reasoned there was some truth in their observation. No doubt those who follow this column or read my blog can say with some accuracy, they know me. The subjects I choose, the personal things I share— they are doors into my life and heart. I feel the same about some authors or sports announcers.
There was a period in my young life when I felt alone and hopeless. I photographed
Reader Challenge
Make a picture that expresses where you are in your life’s journey. Maybe it is something that reveals what you believe or how you see yourself? Or perhaps, like me, it’s something or someone you aspire to be like. This is a tough assignment but one worth trying.
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.
many sad and lonely people, transients and those who had lost loved ones. I think I was crying in my camera, silently asking for help through my photographs.
I believe most of us ask ourselves why we are here on this earth and what plan or purpose we serve. Now, at 73, I have come to realize one of the talents my creator has blessed me with is the gift to give others a voice while serving as a mirror to show others themselves, especially their beauty and value.
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 F2, 300mm lens Tri-X film at ASA 400, f/4.5 at 1/250
This quiet moment captured on film reflects the thoughtful feelings of the photographer.
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
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 1956 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 1956, 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 1956:
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 1956 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 1956 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 1956: You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-330-9423 DEPT. HELP8313
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 1956 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.
PORT ST. JOE
Now through Sept. 20
Members Market Art Exhibit
Free and open to the public, this exhibit features local artists. The Joe is a community art center dedicated to supporting the arts and providing opportunities for artists and art lovers along the Forgotten Coast. thejoecenterforthearts41.wildapricot.org
PORT ST. JOE
Aug. 31 to Sept. 1
Florida Scallop, Music and Arts Festival
Featuring the best arts and crafts vendors from the region and incredible food vendors, the family-friendly festival offers arts, crafts, live music, food and more. A one-day pass is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. A two-day pass is $20 in advance. Children 12 and younger get in free. bit.ly/3Rco6YQ; 350-227-1223
STATEWIDE
Sept. 7
License-Free Freshwater Fishing Day
License-free fishing days allow those who don’t yet have a fishing license to experience the sport, to take youth fishing or for avid anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without having to buy a license. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers—residents and nonresidents. All other rules—such as seasons, bag and size limits—apply. www.myfwc.com; 850-488-4676
ISLAMORADA
Sept. 1
Summer Guided Tours
In honor of Labor Day weekend, the History of Diving Museum offers guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Find out the interesting stories behind all the exhibits. Tours are included in the price of admission—$15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $7 for children ages 6-11 and free for children ages 5 and younger. The museum is located at mile marker 82.9 bayside. divingmuseum.org; 305-664-9737
BRADENTON
Sept. 1
Gentle Yoga with Manatees
Join the fun at The Bishop for views of the manatees being cared for in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat while engaging in yoga poses focused on balance, flexibility and strength. Bring your yoga mat. Discovery Society members’ fee is $15, and nonmember fee is $20. Proceeds support the rehabilitation and return of manatees to the wild. Advance registration is required. Ages 7 and older are welcome. bishopscience.org/yoga; 941-746-4131
PORT ST. JOE
Sept. 7, 21
Salt Air Farmers Market
Treat your family to art pieces and fresh veggies, sweet tupelo honey, and vine-ripened fruit from local farmers and artisans. The market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays. www.saltairmarket.com; 404-906-2637
PENSACOLA
Sept. 14
Rock4Vets
The Rock4Vets 5K Run/Walk is an annual event that combines fitness, music and fun to raise funds and awareness for local homeless veterans. Participants can run or walk a 5K course and then enjoy live music performances, food, drinks and games in a vibrant festival atmosphere. choosepeoples.com/rock4vets; 850-378-5618
FORT WALTON BEACH
Sept. 14
Kids Day at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Join Daniel Tiger and Clifford the Big Red Dog for some PBS KIDS fun at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Along with character meet-and-greets, children can engage in hands-on activities, including arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, the park’s dolphin and sea lion shows, animal exhibits and aquariums. The park is open during regular business hours, and a portion of the day’s admission fees will be donated to the WSRE-TV Foundation. www.gulfarium.com; 850-484-1200
ISLAMORADA
Sept. 19
Third Thursday Art Walk
During the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District’s landmark monthly event, Keys-inspired fine artists, vendors, residents and visitors congregate from 6-9 p.m. on Morada Way to celebrate the arts and culture in the Florida Keys. Enjoy perusing local fine art, imbibing local craft beer and wine, and listening to music—in the area between mile markers 81 and 82. www.moradaway.org; 305-664-2471
MILTON
Sept. 19
Ducks Unlimited Banquet
Join us from 6-10 p.m. for an evening of conservation at the fifth annual Blackwater DU Banquet and Fundraiser at Sowell Farms. Ducks Unlimited is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization that is the world leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. There will be a barbecue dinner with live auctions, silent auctions and raffles. Tickets are $85 per person, and sponsor and corporate tables are also available online. bit.ly/3Yv5qrN; 833-273-8438
PANAMA CITY
Sept. 28
Fall Festival and Market
Bring the family from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to Aaron Bessant Park for a free event. Enjoy fall fun, crafts, music, food and handmade items. Enjoy live music 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first 300 visitors will get a complimentary tote bag upon arrival.
bit.ly/3SA5Jhd; 350-233-5045
ISLAMORADA
Sept. 7
Swim for Alligator Lighthouse
Swimmers have up to seven hours to complete the 8-mile roundtrip course out and back around Alligator Reef Lighthouse, ranked as one of the toughest swimming challenges in the world. The course features an in-water start and a beach finish, ending shoreside during this tropical open-water event. The competition raises funds for the restoration of the 151-year-old Alligator Reef Lighthouse. www.swimalligatorlight.com
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Head online and enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
SOON Church/Government uniting, suppressing RELIGIOUS LIBERTY enforcing NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW. Be informed! TBSM, PO Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. tbsmads@yahoo.com 1-888-211-1715
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY MARK
Introducing the lightest folding power chair in the world
The Journey Air Elite features the latest carbon fiber technology for the ultimate in portability and performance
Mobility issues affect over 1 in 5 Americans. These individuals, and their loved ones, know how decreased mobility can result in loss of independence, pain and falling hazards. They are often stuck at home, missing out on a variety of activities, in a vicious cycle that diminishes their quality of life. In the past, mobility devices like scooters and power chairs were too heavy and bulky to transport easily. Now, carbon fiber material invented for the aerospace program has been used to create the ultimate mobility device. It’s called the Journey Air Elite … and there’s nothing else like it on earth.
At only 26 pounds*, the Journey Air Elite combines lightweight portability with world class performance. It’s simple to use joystick and powerful dual-motor drive system enables you to zip around quickly and safely. It’s easy to maneuver, never tips, fits easily through doorways, and can go right up to a table or desk. Once you are done, just one pull on the seat handle folds it up. There’s a fold-down back to make it even easier to stow and store. It features flatfree tires and rear anti-tippers for added convenience and safety.
•Speedy
•Comfortable
•Pulls
•8-mile
•Perfect
Just imagine how this chair can improve your life and make it easier for loved ones and caregivers to accompany you to activities and events you would have missed in the past. Don’t spend another day stuck at home. Call today, and a helpful, knowledgeable consultant will help you get a Journey Air Elite of your very own. Don’t wait –call now!
Folds flat in seconds
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
Herd dispersal: 100% ABGA registered goats—kids, does and bucks. 850-849-2426.
Miniature donkeys. Jacks and jennies; black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up. Make great pets. Also, standard donkeys. Betty, 850-899-7424.
30-ft. rabbit pens, including feeders and self-watering systems. Located 22 miles south of Chipley. $450. Alan, 229-421-0790.
2014 Bracewell 15 ft. boat with trailer. Custom built with 6 ft. bottom and 3/16” aluminum Tohatsu 50 hp outboard. Minn Kota Riptide Terrova saltwater trolling motor. Garage kept, nearly new. Asking $20,000; will consider all serious offers. 985-205-0664.
Furniture: bedroom, leather love seat and sofa, $300. Tools: new rotor, $75; tiller, new in box, $200; tile saw with diamond blade, used one time, $100; D. R. bushhog, $2,000. 850-326-6907.
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; or 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.
Miscellaneous
Kapua Kleans for your final interior cleanup, deep clean, residences, condos, rental properties. Steph, 850-704-2412.
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.
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.
Rachel’s Facials, Lashes and Brows at 2518C Highway 77 in Lynn Haven. Now offering 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.
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.
Koastal Home Repair LLC. Fencing, decks, painting, light tractor work, repair work and maintenance. Insured. 850-227-5509.
C&2 Electrical Services LLC. Residential and commercial electrician services. 850-899-8218 or 850-899-8217.
SLR Farm & Landscaping. Lawn care, grass cutting, bush hogging, backhoe work. 706-575-4570 or 850-703-5321.
Carter’s Land Clearing and Mulching LLC. 850-527-4715.
Custom fences built on your property. Call David for your free estimate. 850-819-9987.
Tree Be Gone. For all your tree needs, from trimming to complete removal. 850-819-9987.
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.
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.
A state tax relief plan continues to offer savings for Florida shoppers.
sanitizer; and trash bags.
Sales price of $40 or less:
Multiple Tax-Free Categories Still in Effect
Disaster preparedness This sales tax holiday runs Aug. 24 to Sept. 6. During this sales tax holiday, tax is not due on the retail sale of eligible items related to disaster preparedness.
Eligible items include:
Sales price of $10 or less per can or pouch (or the equivalent if sold in a box or case) of wet pet food.
Sales price of $15 or less per item or package:
• Cat litter pans.
• Any portable, self-powered light source (powered by battery, solar, hand-crank or gas) such as candles, flashlights or lanterns.
• Pet beds.
Sales price of $50 or less:
• Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers.
• Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only (excluding automobile and boat batteries): AAAcell, AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt and 9-volt.
Tool Time. Consumers can purchase qualifying tools and equipment exempt from tax Sept. 1-7.
Eligible items include:
Sales price of $25 or less:
• Work gloves.
Sales price of $50 or less:
• Hand tools.
• Safety glasses ($50 or less per pair or the equivalent if sold in sets of more than one pair).
• Protective coveralls.
• Duffle bags or tote bags.
• LED flashlights.
• Shovels and rakes.
• Collapsible or travel-sized food or water bowls.
• Hamster or rabbit substrate.
• Manual can openers.
• Pet waste disposal bags.
Sales price of $20 or less:
• Reusable ice packs.
• Collars.
• Muzzles.
• Leashes.
• Pet pads.
Sales price of $25 or less per item of cat litter weighing 25 pounds or less.
Sales price of $30 or less:
• Portable radios (powered by battery, solar or handcrank): two-way or weather band.
Sales price of $60 or less:
• Coolers and ice chests (food storage; nonelectrical).
• Portable power banks.
Sales price of $70 or less:
• Carbon monoxide detectors.
• Fire extinguishers.
• Smoke detectors or smoke alarms.
• Fuel cans.
Sales price of $75 or less:
• Toolboxes.
• Hearing protection items.
Sales price of $100 or less:
• Tool belts.
• Electrical voltage and testing equipment.
• Shop lights.
• Hard hats and other head protection.
Sales price of $125 or less:
• Industry textbooks and code books.
Sales price of $100 or less:
• Laundry detergent and supplies, including powder, liquid or pod detergents; fabric softener; dryer sheets; stain removers; and bleach.
• Other household supplies, including toilet paper; paper towels; paper napkins and tissues; facial tissues; hand soap, bar soap, and body wash; sunscreen and sunblock; dish soap and detergents, including powder, liquid and pod detergents or rinse agents that can be used in dishwashers; cleaning or disinfecting wipes and sprays; hand
• Bungee cords, ratchet straps and tarps.
• Ground anchor systems.
• Tie-down kits.
• Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible and waterproof sheeting.
• Bags of dry cat or dog food weighing 50 pounds or less.
• Pet carriers and portable kennels.
• Over-the-counter pet medications.
Sales price of $3,000 or less:
• Portable generators used to provide light or communications, or to preserve food in the event of a power outage.
Sales price of $150 or less:
• Power tool batteries.
• Handheld pipe cutters.
• Drain opening tools.
• Plumbing inspection equipment.
Sales price of $175 or less:
• Work boots.
Sales price of $300 or less:
• Power tools.
• Toolboxes for vehicles.
Visit floridarevenue.com/salestaxholidays for more information.
An Alternate Hunt
Often overlooked birds offer exciting sport
While many hunters complain of too much pressure on overcrowded public tracts, Florida outdoorsmen can hunt abundant game with virtually no pressure even on public lands.
Florida hunters can shoot common gallinules from Sept. 1 to Nov. 9 with a daily limit of 15 per person.
Common gallinules look similar to coots with gray to charcoalcolored feathers. Their most striking feature, a chicken-like bright orange bill tinged in yellow, distinguishes them from coots and other waterfowl. Scarlet patches on their foreheads make excellent field marks.
People might see another gallinule species in Florida, but don’t shoot it. Not legal game in Florida, purple gallinules exhibit blue and green feathers, purple heads, long yellow legs, white rumps and red bills with yellow tips. Bright blue forehead patches distinguish purple gallinules—or blue peters—from their common cousins.
Gallinules live in marshes and other areas with thick grasses, such as along the St. Johns River. They inhabit grassy lake or river shorelines and other wetlands where high vegetation grows next to the waterline.
Gallinules prefer to hide in the grass rather than fly to escape danger and frequently use their long toes to deftly walk across grass mats, lily pads or other vegetation.
To stalk gallinules, hunters can walk the marshes flushing birds, but another method is in a kayak or canoe. Federal law prohibits anyone from shooting at migratory birds from boats under motor or sail power until the motor shuts off and all forward momentum
ceases. This includes electric motors. However, people can paddle, drift or pole boats while legally shooting migratory birds.
Hunting in a canoe is one way to introduce youths to the sport. Position the young shooter in the bow while the adult paddles and acts as spotter. The youth can sit in relative comfort. On a good day, hunters might see hundreds of birds and fire quite a few times. In addition, paddlers can carry food, refreshments, and other supplies or equipment to take occasional breaks.
Since gallinules receive very little pressure, hunters can regularly paddle fairly close to them without spooking them. Some birds remain motionless in thick grass even if the boat passes within a few feet of them.
If birds disappear into the reeds, they might reemerge a short time later if they think the danger passed. If not, remember that spot and return to it later.
When hunting gallinules, there’s no need to arrive before dawn. The birds often stay out all day. Since waterfowl fly best at first light, hunters could combine a teal or duck hunt with a gallinule hunt during the season. After hunting waterfowl at first light, spend the rest of the day paddling up gallinules.
You can even cast fishing rods while leisurely paddling and watching for birds.
Shooting a limit of gallinules could turn a humdrum morning into an exciting adventure, especially for a young or novice hunter.
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.
Bright blue forehead patches distinguish purple fallinules from their common cousins. PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER
BACKUP POWER
Is a battery-powered system right for your home during an
By Scott Flood
We depend on reliable electricity more than ever before—even the briefest service interruption can be incredibly frustrating. It’s no wonder many homeowners are taking a closer look at the latest battery-powered systems as backups during an outage.
Battery technology has advanced significantly in recent years, with batteries able to hold more electricity even as they shrink in size and cost. The same innovations that boosted the performance of electric vehicles are being engineered into today’s battery-powered backup systems.
As their name implies, battery backup systems such as Tesla’s Powerwall are essentially high-capacity batteries that store electricity you can use to power your home in the event of an outage. Some are constantly charged by the power grid, and others rely on solar panels for recharging.
Traditional standby generators use small internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas, propane or diesel. They can be connected to your home’s electrical panel and kick on automatically whenever the flow of electricity stops. Assuming you keep them refueled, most can operate for days at a time.
Some standby generators can be noisy, and nearly all produce smelly exhaust containing deadly carbon monoxide gas, so they can’t be operated indoors. Large standby generators are typically installed outdoors on a concrete pad, which may detract from your home’s curb appeal.
Most home battery backups are smaller than comparable generators. Because they
outage?
don’t use combustion to generate electricity, there’s no danger of carbon monoxide exposure. That makes them safer and more environmentally friendly than generators. Most can be installed in a small space indoors. Battery backups are also significantly quieter. When a power outage occurs, battery backups start instantly, unlike generators that may take a few moments to spool up and reach operating speed. Battery backups also don’t need regular maintenance, such as oil changes or spark plug replacement, and there’s no need to store fuel.
Of course, battery-powered generators do present some disadvantages. The amount of power they deliver is limited by the capacity of their batteries. When they’re out of electricity, they may need hours of recharging before being used again, so they’re not as well-suited for lengthy outages. Energyhungry appliances, such as air conditioners and water heaters, may drain the batteries’ capacity more quickly, so you may want to disconnect them during an outage.
Fortunately, some battery backups are modular, allowing you to add capacity as needed. If you only need a few devices powered during an outage, consider a portable battery-powered system. These small, quiet backups can be used indoors to power smaller appliances, such as your laptop, TV or microwave.
Generally, batteries require long charging times. If an initial outage is quickly followed by another, they may not be able to respond. There are fast-charging systems on the market, but they carry substantially higher price tags.
Even for a basic battery backup system, the upfront cost of a battery backup is more than a standby generator—in some cases, twice as much for comparable performance.
Like those in your mobile phones, batteries in these systems can degrade over time. In five to 10 years, they may need to be swapped out with new batteries, adding to the overall cost. Recharging battery backups with solar panels appeals to many homeowners, but the performance depends on the amount and angle of sunlight on your roof.
So, is a battery-powered backup system right for your home? The answer is different for every homeowner, but whether you’re considering a battery system or a traditional standby generator, start by calculating the amount of power you need to keep your home’s systems and conveniences operating efficiently. Once you know that,
you can determine which models are up to the task and calculate how long the device you’re considering can power your home.
If you have a family member whose health depends on devices such as a CPAP machine or supplemental oxygen, be sure to factor that into your decision.
Whether you choose a battery backup or a traditional standby generator, make sure it’s designed to protect your home and all your electronics from power surges and other issues that may damage your TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. That way, you won’t have to worry about remaining without them long after an outage has ended.
Battery backup systems, such as Tesla’s Powerwall, are high-capacity batteries that store a set amount of electricity that powers your home during an outage. PHOTO COURTESY OF TESLA
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
Kinneth Daniels
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 are closed Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor 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.
FL-154
GCEC President’s Message
Are You a Co-op Voter?
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative has again joined America’s electric cooperatives by being a part of the Co-ops Vote program. This collaborative effort provides us the opportunity to educate lawmakers, build awareness about our issues and concerns, and advocate for policies that are important to our co-op and our community.
Federal, state and local elections offer opportunities to vote for leaders who support energy policies that promote reliable, affordable energy. In particular, they allow us to elect public officials who understand and appreciate America’s electric cooperatives and will serve as our champion during policy discussions.
Now is the perfect time to confirm you are registered to vote and encourage new voters to get registered. For voter resources and to learn the five simple steps to being a co-op voter, visit Co-ops Vote at www.vote.coop.
Co-ops Vote is a nonpartisan program developed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives. Co-op voters across 48 states work together to ensure electric co-ops have a powerful voice on national issues with a local impact.
Co-ops are a trusted voice in Washington, D.C. The more our community members turn out to vote, the greater the opportunity we have to elect leaders who understand co-ops and the issues we face.
The co-op voice is powerful, and it starts with you!
Dwight Van Lierop