Myakka Elementary’s Karen Washington is among 57
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Florida Currents
February 2025 • Volume 14, No. 4
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Valeri Pearon; Sable Riley, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.49 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave. Ste. 504 Austin, TX 78704-1714; 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200; amp.coop.
© 2025 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
You’re Invited!
PRECO District Meetings Set for February
Peace River Electric Cooperative members in Districts 3, 6 and 9 are invited to attend their respective district meeting this month:
District 3
Thursday, Feb. 6
Kenansville Community Center
Kenansville
District 6
Monday, Feb. 10
Oasis Church Bradenton
District 9
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Athens Baptist Church Bereah
Members of these districts will receive a flyer with additional details.
The membership meetings include door prize drawings and light refreshments.
Registered members each receive a $10 electric bill credit and entry into the grand-prize drawing for the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. One winner will be randomly selected during a drawing on Feb. 12. n
District Meeting Reminders
You must have photo ID to register.
Your district number is listed on your bill.
Only authorized individuals designated on the account may register on behalf of a business.
No smoking, alcohol or pets (certified service animals only) are allowed at meetings.
Photos may be taken and used for publications and social media.
SAVE THE DATE
Peace River Electric Cooperative
Annual Membership Meeting
PRECO members are invited SATURDAY, MARCH 22.
Registration opens at 10 a.m. PRECO Park, 220 Knight Road, Wauchula
ENJOY FOR FREE:
• Hot dogs and corn dogs
• Soft drinks
• Ice cream
• Fries
• Kettle corn
Hailing from Largo, Simple Faith has a passion for sharing Southern gospel music. This men’s quartet makes the most of their God-given talents by inspiring their listeners.
• Funnel cake
• Kids play area
• Educational booths
• Live music
• Antique car show
Plus, great door prize drawings for registered PRECO members.
For faster registration, bring your PRECO electric bill, which includes a scannable QR code!
Please note: No smoking or alcohol permitted. No pets, except service animals, are allowed. Photos may be taken and used for publications and social media.
Back by popular demand, antique car enthusiasts and owners will once again display their classic vehicles for your enjoyment. Have a classic car? Come join the fun and fellowship—no registration is needed! For any questions, call 800-282-3824 ext. 4636.
Made up of six multitalented musicians, this band is an annual meeting fan favorite. Your whole family will enjoy the band’s unique blend of bluegrass, gospel and country music.
Antique Car Show
Southern Express Bluegrass Band
Simple Faith
Increasing need for power affects electric utilities and their consumers
By Scott Flood
When rural electric utilities first strung power lines from farm to farm, across waterways and through remote forests less than a century ago, most consumers had but a handful of light bulbs to power. With time, they added appliances like refrigerators, but they surely couldn’t imagine the number and variety of electrical devices in today’s homes and garages.
Across the United States, consumers use a growing amount of electricity at work, at home and, with the growth of electric vehicles, on the road.
The demand for electricity increased by 2.5% in 2024 and is expected to grow by 3.2% this year. This comes after many utilities saw a 4.8% increase in 2022. Through 2029, the nation’s peak demand is projected to grow by 38 gigawatts. That would be like adding another Californiasized state to our nation’s power grid.
Driving this surge are advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and cloud computing, which rely on energy-intensive data centers. These facilities, often located in rural areas due to affordable land and fewer neighbors, require massive amounts of electricity.
According to the U.S. Department of
Energy, data centers consume up to 50 times more energy per square foot than traditional commercial buildings. By 2030, these centers are expected to account for 9% of the nation’s electricity use, up from nearly 2% today. A single large data center may demand more than 100 megawatts of power, enough to supply 80,000 homes.
At the same time, baseload power—the always-available energy typically generated by coal and nuclear plants—is being retired at a rapid pace. More than 110 gigawatts of this reliable power are slated to disappear by 2033. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind grow, they cannot fully replace baseload generation due to their intermittent nature. Without sufficient baseload power, the risk of rolling brownouts and blackouts increases, a scenario experts warn could affect 19 states by 2028.
This growth in demand is unprecedented. A decade ago, a huge commercial project might boost a utility’s total load by 20 or 30 megawatts.
“Now, they’re getting requests for projects in the hundreds of megawatts,” says Stephanie Crawford, regulatory affairs director for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
This growth places immense pressure to expand capacity and upgrade infrastructure.
To address these challenges, the efforts fall into two categories: increasing knowledge and building relationships. A generation ago, power supply discussions were fairly straightforward for utility directors, given the widespread availability of baseload generation. Today’s directors increasingly find themselves learning about
sophisticated and challenging issues as they weigh decisions affecting operations and financial viability for years to come.
They must grapple with complex energy issues, from ensuring sufficient transmission capacity to understanding regulatory hurdles. Supply chain constraints also pose significant barriers, with delays for critical components like transformers stretching up to two years.
Relationship-building is equally crucial. Utilities must engage early and often with companies planning large energy projects to ensure alignment on costs, timelines and infrastructure needs. For instance, phased development of a data center can give them more time to prepare for peak loads. Partnerships to develop on-site generation assets may also alleviate transmission challenges.
While these tech companies are often willing to invest in infrastructure upgrades, their focus is on reliability rather than cost. Utilities must balance these demands with their obligation to maintain affordability and reliability for all consumers.
In addition to preparing for new projects, Stephanie notes the importance of leaders keeping their fingers on the pulse of their existing commercial accounts.
“Being proactive and reaching out to understand how a commercial account’s energy needs may be changing in the coming years will inform conversations and decisions about timing, rate design and other factors, even if they’re not making specific requests yet,” she says.
Stephanie says this improved communication helps utilities serve emerging needs while protecting reliability for all consumers.
4 Major Reasons for Increasing Demand
After decades of flat or declining electricity demand, the United States is in the midst of a boom in power use. Recent government data shows power consumption nationwide is set to increase by at least 38 gigawatts between now and 2029. This trend would ordinarily be great news for the power industry. But government policies aimed at shutting down fossil fuel-based generation and yearslong delays in permitting and siting for new transmission lines are turning this power boon into a capacity crisis. Here are the primary demand drivers:
Electrification
Electric vehicle adoption, electrification of home heating and industrial electrification are expected to increase overall U.S. energy consumption by 1% per year through 2026.
Economic Growth 65%
Data Centers
Driven by explosions in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and cloud computing, total U.S. data center load is projected to increase by 65% by 2050.
Residential power consumption is expected to increase by 14% to 22% through 2050 due to increases in population and steady economic growth.
Manufacturing Growth/Onshoring
New, expanding and “onshored/reshored” manufacturing capacity driven by federal incentives is expected to increase industrial demand by 13,000 GWh per year. Key products: EVs, batteries, semiconductors, solar power components
Total Demand
Analysts predicted in 2023 that U.S. peak demand will increase by at least 38 GW over the next five years, nearly double the growth rate predicted in 2022.
Make Your College Dreams a Reality
Apply today for a PRECO Operation Round Up Scholarship
Hey, college-bound students: Don’t let the financial burden of pursuing your education hold you back. Peace River Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Scholarship is here to help.
Here’s what you need to know:
• ORU’s board of directors set aside a generous $130,000 to help deserving students like you.
• Scholarships are open to PRECO members and their dependents. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, a technical trade enthusiast, already rocking college life or an adult looking to change career paths, we encourage you to apply.
Here’s what you can win:
• A four-year scholarship worth up to $8,000. That covers a chunk of your tuition.
• A two-year scholarship worth up to $4,000 to help ease your financial worries.
Ready to take the next step?
Head over to PRECO.coop/community/scholarships and complete the online application. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28, so don’t hesitate. Transcripts must be recieved by March 7.
Some restrictions apply. See the scholarship application for details.
OPERATION ROUND UP SCHOLARSHIP RESULTS
PRECO launched Operation Round Up in 2005.
As of 2024, the charitable foundation has granted $1,341,500 in scholarships to 289 area students.
Taking
Pro disc golf season launches in Florida Flight
By Drew Woolley
For more than a decade, Brooksville resident Mike Barnett hosted a fan-favorite disc golf tournament at a spot called Gran Canyon. Named Throw Down the Mountain, the tournament became a standout attraction for local hobbyists and professionals alike, thanks to the course’s unusually hilly terrain. Then, once the four-week tournament wrapped up, it was time for the cows to come home. Literally.
“There’s a cattle ranch right across the street from it,” says Dwight Powell, disc golf project manager for Ledgestone, a company that supports the sport in many
ways, including managing tournaments and disc sales. “When the tournament was not running, they would let the cattle roam. Then, when the tournament was coming to town, they would herd the cattle back behind the fence.”
Two years ago, the Gran Canyon property went up for sale, putting Throw Down the Mountain’s future at risk. That’s when six-time Professional Disc Golf Association World Champion Paul McBeth and San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease swooped in to revitalize the popular course.
“They basically rescued the course,” Dwight says. “They decided to buy it, and
they have invested in improvements and upgrades over the last couple of years to make it more suitable for modern play and for top-level professionals so that it can be a destination for years to come.”
A New Spin
Paul and Dylan didn’t just keep the course at Gran Canyon alive; they transformed it into Olympus Disc Golf Course, which they hope can become the disc golf equivalent of golf’s top-class country clubs. Last season, Olympus hosted the Professional Disc Golf Association’s kickoff pro tour event, and it hosts the start of the 2025 season with the Supreme Flight Open
Eveliina Salonen, from Finland, won the 2024 event at Olympus Disc Golf Course. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN HUVER/DISC GOLF PRO TOUR
in February.
“Courses like this just look great on coverage,” Dwight says of video on the Disc Golf Pro Tour streaming service or platforms like YouTube. “People want to come watch it, and the best players in the world want the best challenges. It’s just a unique course, unique location, and it’s a great fit for the Pro Tour.”
With the help of the Ledgestone events team, this year’s open is expanding to include an amateur tournament alongside the Pro Tour. The hope is the temporary course set up for the amateur event sets the foundation for another permanent course to support the growing disc golf community in Florida.
“Disc golf has definitely boomed in the last four years,” Dwight says. “In 2020, people were trying to find things they could do safely outside, and we were starting to get more videos on YouTube
Get Throwing!
and the Disc Golf Network. Huge numbers of people have been joining the sport casually and getting into competitive settings. It’s just been amazing.”
For longtime fans, Mike will still put on Throw Down the Mountain each year. This year’s tournament is expected to draw as many as 800 competitors to its distinctive hills. But Olympus Disc Golf Course is a far cry from the cow pastures of the past.
“We just want to increase access to our sport,” Dwight says. “It’s a great recreational opportunity and, unlike many, it’s mostly free. You can buy one disc that you love, get off work and just go to the local park and play.”
As may be guessed from the name, disc golf works much like traditional golf. Instead of hitting a ball, players throw Frisbee-like discs from a tee area with the goal of reaching the target—a raised metal basket—in as few throws as possible.
Beginners can often get by with just a single disc, but serious players use different types of discs for different situations:
Drivers—The fastest and sharpest discs, drivers are ideal for covering a lot of ground but require advanced technique to throw properly.
Midrangers—A midrange disc has a slightly rounder edge than a driver, which provides a good balance of control, speed and distance.
The Pro Tour
Putters—The most similar to a traditional Frisbee, these discs have a round edge and dome shape that helps them fly at slower, more controllable speeds, perfect for accurate shots around the green.
Just like the Professional Golfers’ Association for traditional golf, disc golf has its own Professional Disc Golf Association. Founded by the inventor of the modern disc golf basket, “Steady” Ed Hendrick, in 1976, the PDGA had its own national tour starting in 2003 that existed alongside the rival Disc Golf Pro Tour beginning in 2016.
In 2021, with interest in disc golf exploding, the two joined forces to make the Disc Golf Pro Tour the official professional circuit for the PDGA and the premier tour for the sport’s top athletes.
Since then, nearly 50,000 fans have subscribed to the tour’s Disc Golf Network, event coverage has received more than 50 million views from fans around the world, and top athletes have competed in tournaments that routinely feature prize pools of more than $100,000.
Professional Disc Golf Association World Champion Paul McBeth, above, is co-owner of Olympus Disc Golf Course near Brooksville. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROB BANDEN
BELOW RIGHT: Professional disc golfer, Chris Dickerson, from Tennessee, is among the competitors expected to compete in Florida this year.
Beach A Boat Show With a
Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Market nets a treasure chest for scholarships
By Cheré Coen
It sounds like a tagline from a Superman comic: It’s a boat show, it’s a nautical market, it’s a food truck rally! But Frank J. Derfler, an organizer of the Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Nautical Market, has an easier way to describe the annual fundraiser that attracts thousands.
“It’s a boat show with a beach,” he says.
The event celebrates its 30th year Feb. 22-23 at Founders Park in Islamorada. The market gives visitors the opportunity to peruse new and used boats and nautical supplies ranging from scuba gear and fishing nets to artwork and clothing. The popular market also offers a bevy of food trucks serving everything from rum punch to gourmet doughnuts. Children can also enjoy the festivities because Founders Park fronts Florida Bay with a sandy beach and a new playground, not to mention arts and crafts.
“All the things from boat supplies to beachwear” Frank says. “It’s definitely a family activity.”
All proceeds from the annual event—hosted by the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation, with Key Largo Rotary as a junior partner and Florida Keys Electric Cooperative as a sponsor—benefit scholarships for students graduating from Upper Keys high schools and others continuing their studies.
Humble Origins
Although the event has grown exponentially in 30 years—today, about 15,000 visitors attend Saturday, and 5,000 to 10,000 come Sunday—its origins were much more conservative.
“It started out as a flea market, typically a marine flea market, as in, ‘Sell your used boat stuff,’ ” Frank says.
As word spread about the nautical market, it quickly turned into something much larger, resulting in organizers adding “gigantic” to its name. The Rotarians hold the annual event the weekend after the Miami Boat Show to allow vendors to patronize both markets. This scheduling strategy adds to the market’s growth as well.
use for any college or university in the country—they may reapply yearly. Judges access their academic records to continue the scholarship.
“Because of this event, we follow them through four to five years of college,” Frank says. “We help them all the way through.”
Today, the market completely fills Islamorada’s Founders Park— Mile Marker 87 bayside—with more than 300 vendors. Visitors park at Coral Shores High School and are shuttled 2 miles to the
Scholarship winners volunteer at the festival. Many help with transportation, acting as guides and riding the shuttle with visitors. They discuss the Rotary Foundation scholarships, where they attend college and what they’re studying.
event.
“We’ve reached all we can, as the saying goes, to move down the highway,” says Frank, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, author and longtime Rotarian. “We are limited only by the physical space.”
“They give a little spiel about how they got the scholarship from the Upper Keys Rotary,” Frank says. “And they say, ‘Gee, thanks for being here today.’ When people get off the bus, their feet aren’t even touching the ground. They are so happy.”
It Takes an Island
Scholarships
Money raised by the Rotary Club provides about 100 scholarships to Upper Keys high school students, amounting to about $200,000 annually. Once a graduate receives the funds—which they may
An event this size takes many volunteers, sponsors and organizers. Contractors offer free labor, surveyors lay out spaces for vendors’ booths “to the inch,” Frank says, and sheriff’s department officers and first responders work the day of the event, among so many others.
ABOVE: The Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Nautical Market is Feb. 22-23 at Founders Park in Islamorada. OPPOSITE PAGE: Thousands attend the event each year. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE UPPER KEYS ROTARY CLUB
“It literally does take a very large support base of dedicated resources,” Frank says.
FKEC has played a large role in the market over the years, from members serving on the scholarship committee to volunteers working the beer booth and facilitating parking.
“We have played a huge role,” says Maria Jones, FKEC director of member services and government relations. “The cooperative is 100% behind it. Anything we can do to help the community.”
Maria volunteers as a FKEC employee and a member of the Upper Key Rotary Club. She organizes the event’s vendors in what she calls a year-round job. She says organizers could easily increase the size of the market if they had the room. It’s that popular.
“I could double the vendors on my waiting list,” Maria says. “There’s so much stuff to do setting up in the park before the event begins. It takes an army to run the event.”
“FKEC is a tremendous resource for this community,” Frank says of the electric cooperative’s importance to the event and its ongoing work giving back to the community. “It is clear that they have a strong sense of responsibility. They are a real resource that goes beyond the power to the community. I can’t say enough.”
The Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Nautical Market remains one of the cooperative’s favorite community events.
“I’m very proud of the event,” Maria says. “The fact that we can be part of this event is pretty cool.”
If You Go
February in the Keys usually means balmy weather and sunny skies, perfect for an outdoor market.
“It’s such a beautiful time to be there,” Maria says.
Visitors should plan to park at Coral Shores High School and ride the free shuttle to Founders Park. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 daily for ages 17 and older, cash only. ATMs are on the park grounds at the great lawn’s front and back areas. Organizers say ATMs often run out of cash, so visitors should try to bring their own.
This year’s market includes 18 food trucks and drink stations found throughout the park. Dogs are welcome at the market, but if it’s a hot day, the blacktop can turn steamy.
Saturday is the busiest day of the market, so Frank recommends anyone hoping for a smaller crowd choose Sunday instead. Around closing time on Sunday, vendors may be willing to haggle, he adds.
Student volunteers distribute bags and event guides that include maps, vendor lists and food truck locations. A map detailing the 300-plus vendors and other useful information on the event can be found at rotarynauticalmarket.com.
For more information about the Upper Keys Rotary Club, visit keysrotary.org.
ABOVE: Rotarian Frank Derfler discusses the deployment of student volunteers at last year’s event with Rotarian and Florida Keys Electric Cooperative employee Maria Jones, who coordinates the show’s hundreds of booth spaces. BELOW: Market visitors can peruse new and used boats, as well as nautical supplies, artwork, clothing and more.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UPPER KEYS ROTARY CLUB
ABOVE RIGHT: Stationed throughout the event, 18 food trucks and drink stations serve visitors. BELOW: Student volunteers greet arriving guests with bags and event guides that include maps, vendor lists and food truck locations. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELINA MILLER AND FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
IN THE NEW YEAR Eat More Greens
BY NATALIA
Collard Greens With Bacon
2 pounds collard greens
4 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
4 cups chicken stock
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Trim thick stems from collard greens, and coarsely chop leaves. In a Dutch oven, saute bacon for 3 minutes. Add onion. Cook until onion is tender and bacon is crisp, about 8 to 9 minutes. Add greens. Cook just until wilted. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and cover. Simmer until greens are tender, about 45 to 50 minutes.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
Cheese Tortellini and Kale Soup
3 Italian mild or hot sausage links, sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ teaspoons minced fresh thyme
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
64 ounces chicken broth
1 cup water
4 cups chopped fresh kale
15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
In a large saucepan, cook the sausage, onion, garlic, thyme and pepper flakes in oil until sausage is no longer pink. Drain. Add broth and water, then bring to a boil.
Stir in kale and beans. Return to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, until kale is tender. Add tortellini. Simmer, uncovered, for 7 to 9 minutes or until tender.
Serve drizzled with olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Broccoli and Kale Salad
2 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, at room temperature
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
10 anchovy fillets
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, at room temperature
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1½ cups good-quality mild olive oil
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
1 tablespoon salt
8 cups broccoli florets, stems removed
1 bunch baby kale
5-ounce bag croutons
Place the egg yolks, mustard, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon pepper and 2 teaspoons salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process until smooth. With the food processor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube, and process until thick. Add the cheese, and pulse three times to combine. Bring a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. Add the broccoli to the boiling water, and cook for 4 minutes. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon, and transfer to the bowl of ice water. When it is cool, drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Remove and discard any hard ribs from the kale. Stack the leaves on top of each other, and thinly julienne them crosswise. Add to the bowl with the broccoli. Add enough dressing to moisten the broccoli and kale. Toss well. Add the croutons, and garnish with extra Parmesan.
Chicken Thighs With Shallots and Spinach
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds)
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1½ teaspoons olive oil
4 shallots, thinly sliced
1⁄3 cup white wine or chicken broth
10 ounces fresh spinach
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup sour cream
Sprinkle chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken. Cook until a thermometer reads 170 F, about 6 minutes on each side. Remove from pan, and keep warm.
In the same pan, cook and stir shallots until tender. Add wine, and bring to a boil. Cook until wine is reduced by half. Add spinach and salt. Cook and stir just until spinach is wilted. Stir in sour cream. Serve mixture with chicken.
White Bean Arugula Salad
4 slices pancetta, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup chopped onion
2⁄3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 cups torn fresh arugula
¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
In a small skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.
In the same pan, heat oil and pancetta drippings over medium heat. Add onion. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until tender. Add tomatoes, rosemary, salt and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until tomatoes are softened. Cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine beans, tomato mixture, pancetta, vinegar and basil. Add arugula and cheese. Toss to coat.
NIKON D810 85mm lens ISO 400 f/5 at 1/250
The Power of Contrast
By Dave LaBelle
Without darkness, I would never know light.
I have heard variations of this truth since my youth. Though we often speak about contrast—the degree of difference between the darkest and lightest parts of a photograph—there is another form of contrast that emphasizes the variances between subjects in a composition. And while, generally, we want a photograph to have good tonal range, compositionally,
contrasting subjects can also be important for storytelling impact.
For instance, positioning someone tall next to someone short in the same frame helps show the height differential. The same goes for the contrast of a man dressed in an expensive, tailored suit passing by a man partially clothed in soiled rags, communicating the different place in life each occupies.
Henry Cartier-Bresson’s photographs of children playing in war-torn ruins or children pushing a steel
hoop down the street as a hearse passes behind them and Margaret Bourke-White’s 1937 Great Depression image of dozens of hungry people in a breadline as a billboard behind them shows a smiling family in a nice car are examples of iconic photographs employing the concept of contrast.
Of the tools in a writer’s and photographer’s toolbox, the use of contrast can be a powerful and effective device to quickly communicate ideas and concepts. n
Reader Challenge
See if you can capture or make a photograph that tells a story by using a contrast of subjects. Consider a still-life composition of objects, such as your child’s baby shoes arranged next to their grown-up shoes. It’s a way of revealing time passed. Or illustrate aging with a photograph of a frisky new puppy crawling over a tired, old dog.
half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than
While working on a story about a vaquero who rode bulls, horses and roped until he was 91, I shot this picture of Bob Yanez, 98, with his 4-month-old great-grandson, John, who was visiting from another country. It is a way of showing and connecting the cowboy’s legacy.
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
Night Bites
Sometimes the best fishing comes after sundown
A slight breeze cooled the night air on Lake Diaz, a 695-acre lake with a mostly forested shoreline in Volusia County northeast of De Leon Springs.
Most people go looking for crappie, but Jack Smith calls them to him. Off the bow of his pontoon boat, he dropped two 4-foot-long fluorescent pole lights of his own design into the water. Just the tops floated above the surface. He powered the lights with a small generator. Each light glowing in the clear water illuminated a green column of fish-attracting brightness.
“I’ve caught some good fish in this spot,” Jack says. “I found that fluorescent lights attract fish better. When we put lights out, that pulls in the plankton. Plankton attracts minnows and other tiny creatures. The minnows attract bigger fish, especially crappie.”
Jack set eight spinning rods in holders off the bow, four for each of us. He rigged each line with a ½-ounce sinker and a Size 1 Eagle Claw rotating hook. Finally, he hooked on a live minnow for bait and set the depth so the baitfish swam just below the deepest penetration of the light.
“On each side, I use a 12-foot, 10-foot, 8-foot and 6-foot rod with 6-pound test line,” he says. “I barely hook the minnows under the dorsal fin. They will stay alive a lot longer when hooked that way. At night, put the bait down about 8 to 10 feet.”
We waited, watching the lights of aircraft taking off and landing at Daytona Beach International Airport due east of us. Before long, a few minnows began to swim around the lights, and we caught our first crappie. A while later, clouds of minnows and other small creatures congregated around the lights. Soon, the bites came more frequently and the crappie much larger.
and restrooms.
“The minnows were everywhere,” Jack says. “When we had minnows all around the lights, that’s when we started catching the most fish. We always catch bigger fish at night than during the day.”
At night, with so many minnows in the water, we had to pay strict attention to our lines for any contrary movements. The biggest crappie commonly bite softly at night. Perhaps, the line subtly moves in a way it should not naturally move, or the rod tip bends slightly. That’s when we set the hook.
We launched at Candace Strawn Lake Dias Park on State Road 11 in De Leon Springs. Besides a boat launch into Lake Diaz, the 36-acre facility offers a playground, pavilions, grills, picnic tables
ABOVE: Minnows and other small creatures gather around a floating underwater light. Crappie gather where they find food, such as small fish.
LEFT: Jack Smith shows off two crappie he caught at night with the help of boat lights and floating underwater lights. The lights attract minnows and baitfish, which attract larger fish, such as crappie.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN N. FELSHER
With little other human activity on the landlocked lake other than at the park, Lake Dias creates an excellent place for canoeing or kayaking. Besides large crappie, the lake holds huge largemouth bass, with some exceeding 10 pounds. The lake also contains bluegills, catfish and redear sunfish, among other fish species.
For more information on the area, call 386-736-2700 or visit www.volusia.org.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,500 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoor topics. He also hosts an outdoor tips show for WAVH-FM Talk 106.5 in Mobile, Alabama. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
Blades ofaFeather
As one of the largest purveyors of collectible knives in the country, you can trust Stauer to give you the best knife for your money.
Case in point: The Blades of a Feather Knife –– a remarkable hunting and adventure knife with an even more remarkable price. This is the kind of knife people flock to.
This stick tang knife boasts a stainless steel blade with a scalloped edge that gives it a distinct feathered appearance. This “feathered” edge is more than a striking aesthetic touch; it enhances the knife’s performance by creating air pockets in the spaces. These air pockets prevent shredding and allow for a cleaner, smoother cut. Consider it your edge up.
Recalling the days of the great American frontier, this knife’s artisan handle is crafted of natural bone, redwood and brown Pakkawood. It’s a great addition to your collection, and will prove a trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures from hunting and fishing to camping and hiking. It also makes one heck of a letter opener. Plus, by making the call today, you are guaranteed to receive a genuine leather sheath in the deal.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
We invite you to join the hundreds of thousands of Stauer knife collectors who appreciate a fine blade along with a fine deal. We assure you, you’ll be in good company. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
Knife Speci cations:
Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!
• Stainless steel stick tang blade; 12” overall length
• Natural bone, redwood & brown Pakkawood handle
Blades of a Feather Knife $249 $49* + S&P Save $200 California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: BFK149-02
“The feel of this knife is unbelievable... this is an incredibly fine instrument.”
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
PENSACOLA
Feb. 1
Double Bridge Run
The Publix Pensacola Double Bridge Run is back. One of the premier 15K races in the country, the course carries runners over two bridges—across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. For the first time this year, the run goes over the fully completed Pensacola Bay Bridge. www.pensacolasports.org/double-bridge-run; 850-434-2800
SEBRING
Feb. 8
38th Annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival
All are invited to attend this festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Highlands Hammock State Park to celebrate Florida’s history, culture and legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Commonly referred to as the CCC Festival, it’s the park’s signature event. “Corridors” is the theme of speaker programs and include wildlife biologist Joe Guthrie, CCC Museum Curator David Schmidt and archaeologist John Goss. Other activities are blacksmith forging, a silent auction, artists, a reenactment, live entertainment, a car show, children’s events and refreshments. https://floridastateparks.org/park/highlands-hammock; 863-386-6094
SEBRING
Feb. 22
Highlands County Cattlewomen Run the Ranch 5K/Walk
The 10th annual 5K Light Trail Run is 7:30-10 a.m. at Rafter T Ranch and benefits Highlands County scholarships for graduating seniors. The course is fenced off away from livestock, and winners in each age category receive medals. The venue used for this race allows families and children to participate at their own pace once racers clear the starting line. To promote youth and family participation, anyone younger than 18 years receives a discounted registration price of $20. Onsite registration is available for $40 beginning at 6:30 a.m. the day of the race. Only cash or checks are accepted for onsite registration. https://bit.ly/3W6RGRS
OKEECHOBEE
Feb. 8-9
Top of the Lake Art Fest
This juried art show takes place in Flagler Park and brings talented artists to the community. The festival features the annual Top of the Lake Chalk Walk (street painting), sand sculpture, local adult and student artists, food, entertainment, art demonstrations and children’s art programs. The Taste of Okeechobee also takes place on the first night. www.okeechobeearts.org/p/23/art-fest#.XKTSI_57mUk; 863-357-6246
MARATHON
Feb. 11-March 30
59th Annual AGPI Show
As the largest art exhibit in the northern Keys, the Art Guild of the Purple Isles’ annual judged show has diverse categories, such as acrylic, watercolor, oil paintings, pastels, colored pencil, pen and ink, sculpture, mixed media, photography and digital art. The show is held at the museum at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center, which is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There is an opening reception at 4:45 p.m. Feb. 18. agpi.us
PHOTO BY JAN SHOOP
PANAMA CITY
Feb. 14-15
Quilts From the Heart Quilt Show
St. Andrew Bay Quilters Guild presents its annual quilt show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Panhandle Fairgrounds, 2230 15th St. The event includes quilt displays, a silent auction, a quilters boutique and several vendors. The group looks forward to sharing the projects its members have been hard at work completing.
sabqg.org/quilt-show-2025; 350-258-1046
TAVERNIER
Feb. 15
Garden Walk 2025
The Garden Club of the Upper Keys invites you to stroll through spectacular private gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are available on the club’s website, and complimentary clubhouse activities include food trucks, vendors, artisans and plant sales. The art show is sponsored by Art Guild of the Purple Isles. www.gardenclubupperkeys.org; 786-752-6562
PENSACOLA
Feb. 16
Paw-di Gras
WolfGang LLC hosts Pensacola’s fourth annual Paw-di Gras from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is a dog-focused Mardi Gras block party that ends with everyone paw-rading down Palafox Street. Join the Pensacola community for a family and furry event. It is free and open to the public. www.wolfgangparkandbrews.com/pawdigras-registration; 318-451-8477
ISLAMORADA
Feb. 22
Keys Community Concert Band
Kokomo Key features island and international music with special guests Mangrove Swamp Band and R.E.E.F. Touch Tank from 4-5 p.m. at Key Largo Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway. There is also a steel drum demonstration and conch-blowing contest. keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-394-1123
BLOUNTSTOWN
Feb. 22
Florida River Fest
River Fest is a one-day outdoor sporting and recreation festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the heart of the Florida panhandle at Neal Landing on the south end of River Street. Presented by the Calhoun County Community Foundation, the event draws visitors from across the Southeast and features live music, vendors, a children’s zone, a classic car show, demos on three stages, the Big River Classic Catfish Tournament, food and fun for the whole family. http://www.riverfestfl.com; calhouncountycf@gmail.com
PARISH
Feb. 22-March 2
Murder Mystery Dinner Train Show
Get on board with Florida Railroad Museum and Parrish Playworks as they present “The Curse of the Hopeless Diamond.” Experience a train ride to an evening of suspense and zany action and a delectable meal as you try to solve this wacky mystery. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Will Reggie Potter, heir to the infamous diamond, survive or succumb to the curse? He has hired four expert detectives to protect him, but things aren’t going as planned. www.frrm.org; 941-776-0906
OKEECHOBEE
Feb. 22-23
Reenactment of the Battle of Okeechobee
This reenactment honoring the Second Seminole War takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a 55-acre parcel of the original 640-acre battlefield site at Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park. Additional activities include a colors presentation, artisan exhibits, Battle of Okeechobee narration, Seminole and other exhibitors, an alligator demonstration, children’s horse rides, living history, 1800s Irish folk music, a Seminole jacket raffle and powwow dancing. https://bit.ly/4j8SqzX; 863-763-3959
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Head online and enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents or use the QR Code for easy access. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PARRISH PLAYWORKS
What is a nativar?
A nativar is a cultivated variety of a native plant. Nativars have the same droughttolerance and local adaptations as straight natives but may also have improved form or other traits desirable for urban landscapes. For example, dwarf firebush (Hamelia patens “Compacta”) provides a tighter compact form than the native firebush.
A drawback of using nativar is that they may not provide as much food for wildlife. Still, nativars may be a better option than non-native, Florida-friendly plants in the landscape because of their lowmaintenance requirements and ecological benefits.
Nativars are good to supplement native and Florida-friendly plants in the landscape because they are adapted to the local soil and climatic conditions with added benefits of longer flowering time, disease resistance and aesthetically pleasing form.
You can buy nativars at Florida native plant nurseries. For more information, visit www.plantrealflorida.org.
Let’s review some definitions of how we determine a plant’s status.
A native plant has been documented to be in a region without human intervention. The term cultivar refers to plants that are naturally mutated and selected by humans or intentionally bred for specific traits. A nativar is a cultivar of a native plant, so a native plant selected from nature for certain plant traits or bred to have improved traits.
To determine plant status, check several resources including the UF/IFAS FloridaFriendly Landscaping Plant Guide, the Florida Native Plant Society website, the Florida Wildflower Foundation website and Atlas of Florida Plants.
There are mostly positive impacts of selecting nativars but also a few concerns.
Nativars often have traits desirable in urban landscapes, such as a compact form, heat-tolerance, and seed or flower modifications. Like straight native plants, they are adapted to local environments and often can thrive with minimal inputs of water, fertilizer and pesticides.
While some natives are bred to be more floriferous or heavy fruiting, critics of nativars argue they do not provide the same benefits to wildlife and pollinators. For example, compact cultivars may have shorter flower tubes and less nectar for pollinators.
Others are bred to be male cultivars or sterile females and produce no fruit. For
example, the dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria “Schillings”) has a slow-growing compact form ideal for urban landscapes but produces no berries for wildlife. More research is needed to examine the benefits and drawbacks of using nativars in the landscape.
Examples of nativars commonly planted in Florida include a dwarf variety of the native firebush, several varieties of yaupon holly, such as the weeping yaupon Ilex vomitoria “Pendula,” and dwarf yaupon Ilex vomitoria “Schillings.”
There are many cultivars of our native southern magnolia. Magnolia grandiflora “Little Gem” has a narrow compact form ideal for planting in city homes with small lots. n
Tia Silvasy is a residential horticulture and Master Gardner Volunteer Program coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension Hillborough County.
Nativars commonly planted in Florida include a dwarf variety of the native firebush. PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
EFFECTIVE WAYS TO LOWER HOME ENERGY USE
Outside factors, such as fuel and equipment costs and extreme weather, can affect electricity prices. But you have the power to control home energy consumption by taking proactive steps to reduce energy use.
Thermostat Management
The thermostat is one of the best places to lower your energy use, because heating and cooling account for a significant portion of home energy consumption. During winter months, adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting to reduce energy use. The Department of Energy recommends 68 F or lower.
Use Off-Peak Energy Times
Plan energy-intensive chores and tasks, such as running the dishwasher or washing clothing, during off-peak energy hours, when the demand for electricity is lower. Off-peak times are early in the morning or late evenings. By scheduling these activities during off-peak periods, you can help keep rates lower, reduce demand and relieve pressure on the grid.
Seal Your Home
According to Energy Star, about 20% of heated or cooled air that moves through a home is lost due to lack of proper insulation and air leaks. Ensure your home has sufficient insulation levels, and seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulk and weatherstripping. This is a simple, effective way to lower energy use and improve indoor comfort.
Maintain Equipment
The health of your heating and cooling system is essential for comfort and can greatly impact energy bills. Maintain your system by regularly replacing dirty filters and scheduling annual inspections for maintenance and necessary repairs.
ro the rchives
Archives
Re h sh a th o
fl cting on Our Ro ts: Take a walk down memory lane each month as we ho ca e im ges rom our coope ati e’ ic i tory. Join us as we celebrate the milestones and memories that have shaped who we are today.
LEFT d B r e t v u ms from years past— f
EFT and BELOW: Peace River Electric Cooperative has a longstanding tradition of supporting youth baseball teams, reflecting our dedication to the next generation. For decades, we’ve proudly invested in the youth of our communities. Take a look at hese teams from how many familiar faces do you see?
It“So much sparkle and the play of light on DiamondAura® beats any diamond!” — D.D. from Columbus, OH
How to Win at Love
was the jewelry piece that made the world stop and take notice. In the middle of a long volley during the big American tennis tournament, the chic blonde athlete had to stop play because her delicate diamond bracelet had broken and she had to nd it. e tennis star recovered her beloved bracelet, but the world would never be the same.
From that moment on, the tennis bracelet has been on the lips and on the wrists of women in the know. Once called eternity bracelets, these bands of diamonds were known from then on as tennis bracelets, and remain the hot ticket item with jewelers.
from another company that costs $57,000!
Want to look like a million bucks without stressing over losing or damaging something that cost you a fortune? e
Love Wins Tennis Bracelet is a simple strand of glittering gems in precious sterling that epitomizes elegance.
A classic tennis bracelet serves up over 10 carats of sparkle for a guaranteed win
FREE earrings with your purchase of the Love Wins Bracelet.
We’ve captured this timeless classic with over 10 total carats of DiamondAura®, our signature diamond alternative stone. is sparkling marvel rivals even the nest diamonds (D Flawless) with its transparent color and clarity, and both are so hard they can cut glass. Don’t believe me? e book “Jewelry and Gems – e Buying Guide,” praised the technique used in our diamond alternative DiamondAura®: “ e best diamond simulation to date, and even some jewelers have mistaken these stones for mined diamonds,” it raved. For comparison, we found a similarly designed 10 carat tennis bracelet with D Flawless diamonds
e rst time we o ered this bracelet, we sold out literally in minutes. It was our fastest selling product of 2021. It took six months to get it back in stock — Get yours before we run out! And there’s more... we will also include our Ultimate Diamond Alternative™ DiamondAura® stud earrings for FREE!
Jewelry Speci cations:
• 10 ¾ ctw of the Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura®
• Rhodium- nished .925 sterling silver settings
• Bracelet: Fits wrists to 7 ½". Earrings: 1 ctw with post backs
Love Wins Tennis Bracelet (10 ¾ ctw) $399 $39* + S&P
FREE stud earrings (1 ctw) with your purchase of the Love Wins Bracelet — a $99 value!
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
Your Offer Code: LWB330-02
Giving Back Giving Back
PRECO’s Operation Round Up Foundation supports hurricane relief efforts with $20K donation to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
Peace River Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Charitable Foundation proudly presented a $20,000 donation to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee to aid hurricane relief efforts. The check presentation, held at the organization’s Daybreak Adult Day Center in Lakewood Ranch, highlighted the incredible work Meals on Wheels PLUS has accomplished during its 52 years of serving the community.
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is more than a meal delivery service. It’s a lifeline. Through its PLUS program, the organization’s Food Bank of Manatee operates as the largest hunger relief service in Manatee County. Entirely reliant on community support, the food bank provides essential supplies to those in need, especially in the wake of natural disasters.
After the recent hurricanes, Meals on Wheels PLUS delivered meals, as well as toiletries, cleaning supplies, fresh produce and even pet food to impacted areas. This commitment to the community reflects the values PRECO members uphold through their participation in Operation Round Up.
By simply rounding up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar, PRECO members collectively create a powerful force for good. These small contributions add up to provide significant assistance to organizations like Meals on Wheels PLUS, helping continue its vital work.
We are grateful to our members for making donations like this possible and to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee for its tireless efforts supporting our neighbors in need. Together, we make a meaningful impact in our communities.
To join Operation Round Up and help support organizations like Meals on Wheels PLUS, visit PRECO.coop./community/ operation-round-up.
Every penny truly makes a difference. n
From left, Richard Illch, District 7 Operation Round Up director and board chair; Claire Thomas, PRECO’s communications coordinator; Maribeth Phillips, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee president and CEO; and Willie King, District 8 Operation Round Up director; gather for a check presentation.
PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC
PRECO PRIVACY POLICY
At Peace River Electric Cooperative, confidentiality is important to us. As we strive to improve and expand our services, we recognize our members’ need and desire to preserve their privacy and confidentiality. PRECO recognizes the trust members place in us and is committed to safeguarding member information. The following policy affirms our continued commitment to preserving member confidentiality.
The Information We Collect. We receive and retain information about our members through many sources:
• Information we receive on member applications or other forms.
• Information on use and data gathered by our metering systems.
• Information through member transactions with us, our affiliates or others.
• Information we receive from consumer-reporting agencies.
The Way We Use Information. We limit the use and collection of nonpublic personal information to that which is necessary to maintain and administer financial services. We do not share this information with outside parties unless:
• The information is provided to help complete a member-initiated transaction (such as credit reporting agencies, document processing companies, etc.).
• The member has requested it.
• The disclosure is required by law (e.g., subpoena, investigation of fraudulent activity, etc.).
• The disclosure is required by banking regulation (e.g., Fair Lending Reporting Act, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, etc.).
When member information is provided to any of the third parties mentioned above, that third party must agree to adhere to privacy principles that provide for keeping such information confidential.
Limiting Employee Access to Information. PRECO limits employee access to member information to those with a business reason for knowing such information. All of our employees are educated on the importance of confidentiality and member privacy. Any employee who violates the financial privacy of our members is subject to appropriate disciplinary measures and possible termination.
Protection of Information Via Established Security Procedures. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information.
Maintaining Accurate Information. We have established procedures so our members’ financial information is accurate, current and complete in accordance with reasonable commercial standards. PRECO will respond to requests to correct inaccurate information in a timely manner.
Questions? At PRECO, we value our member relationships. We want you to understand how we use the information you provide and our commitment to ensuring your personal privacy. If you have questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us at 800-282-3824.
LANGUAGE ACCESS POLICY
Peace River Electric Cooperative is committed to providing meaningful access to its programs and services to persons who, as a result of their national origin, are identified as having Limited English Proficiency (LEP). We offer translation services, at no cost, to individuals belonging to identified LEP groups based on current demographics.
POLITICA DE ACCESSO A IDIOMAS
La Cooperativa Eléctrica Peace River se compromete a brindar un acceso significativo a sus programas y servicios a las personas que, como resultado de su origen nacional, se identifican como personas con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP). Ofrecemos servicios de traducción, sin algun costo, a personas que pertenecen a grupos LEP identificados según la demografía actual.
Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Peace River Electric Cooperative Inc. not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or because he or she is a protected veteran. It is also the policy of PRECO to take affirmative action to employ, and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.
Employees and applicants of PRECO will not be subject to harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or because he or she is a protected veteran. Additionally, retaliation, including intimidation, threats or coercion, because an employee or applicant has objected to discrimination, engaged or may engage in filing a complaint, assisted in a review, investigation or hearing, or have otherwise sought to obtain their legal rights under any federal, state, or local EEO law is prohibited.
The general manager/CEO of PRECO is committed to the principles of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity. In order to ensure dissemination and implementation of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action throughout all levels of the company, the manager of human resources has been designated as the EEO manager for PRECO. One of the EEO manager’s duties will be to establish and maintain internal audit and reporting systems to allow for effective measurement of PRECO’s programs.
In furtherance of PRECO’s policy regarding affirmative action and equal employment opportunity, PRECO has developed a written affirmative action program which sets forth the policies, practices and procedures that PRECO is committed to in order to ensure its policy of nondiscrimination and affirmative action is accomplished. This affirmative action program is available in the human resources office for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment upon request, during normal business hours. Interested persons should contact the manager of human resources for assistance.
BEFORE YOU GO
Back to the Sea
Florida’s geography is vast and beautiful, from lakes to oceans and parks to beaches. Some of you have views from your homes that rival the views of national parks.
From time to time, we share some of readers’ photos in this space. If we use your photo here, we will send your choice of a $25 gift card to REI or Amazon.
To submit your photo, email a JPEG file to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
Stay in the home you love with a Stiltz Homelift
Our home elevators can �it just about anywhere in your house
THE MODERN SOLUTION
A Stiltz Homelift is a safe, attractive, & affordable alternative to stairlifts. It requires no special machine room, and no supporting walls.
ECONOMICAL & FLEXIBLE
A Stiltz Homelift can �it just about anywhere in your house. It has a compact footprint, similar in size to a small armchair. A Stiltz Homelift plugs into a standard home electrical outlet, using less power than a coffee maker.
YOUR FOREVER HOME
Avoid the expense and distress of relocating, or the disruption of adapting
Did you know?
your home for downstairs living. A Stiltz Homelift helps you live safely and independently in the home you love.
IT’S NEVER TOO SOON
Some Stiltz customers need a Homelift immediately. But others want to “futureproof” their homes for when the stairs become a challenge.
HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS
Stiltz is a world leading Homelift manufacturer, so you’ll be in good hands. Your elevator will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals - who truly care about your freedom.
AARP survey data shows that 77% of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term. At Stiltz, we’re here to help you stay in your home you love. It’s easy.
“I can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”
– Mr. James, Roanoke, VA
Why choose Stiltz?
• Affordable
• Small Footprint
• Full Safety Features
• Clean, Quiet Operation
• Low Power Consumption
• Freestanding Design
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Carry Laundry or Pets
• Fast Installation
• Full Warranty
PRECO.coop
800-282-3824
TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE
Use the SmartHub app.
Text OUT to 800-282-3824.
Call 800-282-3824.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
210 Metheny Road
Wauchula, FL 33873
MANATEE SERVICE CENTER
14505 Arbor Green Trail
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1
LEONARD CRAWLEY
District 2
KENNETH ODEN
District 3
BRUCE VICKERS
District 4
HOLLIS ALBRITTON
District 5
MARIE DASHER
District 6
VACANT
District 7
CHRIS PORTALE
District 8
ELLEN BACHMAN
District 9
WILLIE DAWES
BOARD MEETINGS
February 25
March 25
April 22
Any PRECO member may attend board meetings. Due to building security requirements and to facilitate attendance, members should contact the cooperative in a timely manner for logistical information regarding meetings.
ONLINE E-ZINE
Prefer to receive Florida Currents online? Sign up through your online account or call us at 800-282-3824
Understanding Factors That Impact Your Energy Bills
February often brings some of the coldest weather of the year, causing home heating systems to work harder—and leading to higher energy bills. When you receive your bill from Peace River Electric Cooperative, you’ll notice a summary of your energy use during the billing cycle, including spikes in use on especially chilly days or during visits from guests. However, beyond energy consumption, several external factors can affect electricity costs.
Fuel Prices
PRECO purchases electricity wholesale from Seminole Electric Cooperative, which generates and transmits power using natural gas.
Fuel prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, directly influencing electricity costs. PRECO works closely with Seminole Electric to plan ahead and stabilize prices for our members whenever possible.
Extreme Weather
Cold snaps or heat waves can drive up demand for electricity, which in turn can increase prices. While PRECO cannot control the weather, we monitor patterns and prepare for these demand spikes to help minimize effects on members.
Energy Policies and Regulations
Federal energy policies and regulations significantly influence electricity costs. The shift toward stricter regulations for
traditional fuels such as natural gas and coal increases power costs, which consumers pay each month in their power bills.
With United States power consumption expected to double by 2050, electric cooperatives are working with Congress to advocate for policies that balance reliability and affordability.
You Have Control
While external factors may affect electricity prices, you can manage energy use at home to save money.
Heating and cooling account for a major portion of energy use, so set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting and schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system. Replace dirty filters and seal air leaks around windows and doors to reduce strain on your system.
Consider scheduling energy-intensive chores during off-peak periods—such as early mornings or evenings—when demand is lower. These small changes can add up to big savings.
At PRECO, we are committed to providing safe, affordable and reliable power. By understanding the factors that influence your energy bills and making simple adjustments, you can take control of your energy costs. Stay warm this winter and know we’re here to help every step of the way.
