Florida Currents
A young boy proudly holds a heartfelt sign of gratitude—welcoming crews back home during a celebratory parade honoring tireless restoration efforts following Hurricane Milton. PHOTO COURTESY OF PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
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Florida Currents
December 2024 • Volume 14, No. 2
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Chasity Anderson, CCC; Valeri Pearon
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.49 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
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.
© 2024 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
We’re thankful for the gift of your membership! PRECO’s members are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to power your holiday season. Our offices are closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, as we share this special time with our families.
PRECO Members to Receive $2.7 Million in Capital Credits
Peace River Electric Cooperative is retiring more than $2,767,000 in capital credits to members who received electric service during 2004 and 2005.
Qualifying members with active PRECO accounts and capital credit retirements less than $50 receive a credit on their November or December electric bills. All other retirements are disbursed by check in December.
Because PRECO is a not-for-profit electric distribution utility, members share in the ownership and prosperity of the cooperative. Your participation in capital credits is one of the benefits of being a PRECO member.
Allocation and Retirement of Capital Credits
Capital Credit Facts
All electric co-ops operate at cost, so any excess revenues—called margins— are allocated and retired to members in the form of capital credits.
Since Peace River Electric Cooperative was founded in 1940, $34 million in capital credits have been returned to members.
PRECO returns capital credits through a two-step process.
X Step 1: Allocation
The cooperative allocates capital credits to each member’s account in the year margins are received. Margins are the revenues collected over expenses incurred for the year. PRECO prorates margins to its members according to each member’s total annual billing for that year.
X Step 2: Retirement
When it is financially feasible, PRECO completes the process by retiring—paying— these capital credits to the members who contributed to the patronage capital. n For questions regarding capital credits, call PRECO at 800-282-3824.
1. Members pay their electric bills, and we track their business with us each month.
How Capital Credits Work
Electric co-ops are not-for-profit and operate at cost. Capital credits are a financial benefit of co-op membership.
2. The co-op pays operating expenses throughout the year and allocates any leftover operating revenue as capital credits.
3. When financial conditions permit, the co-op board votes to retire (pay) capital credits to the members.
4. We send members their share of capital credits as a bill credit or check.
What Are Capital Credits?
Understanding this unique co-op benefit
Capital credits make PRECO different from investor-owned utilities. As a member-owned co-op, PRECO does not earn profits.
While all utilities must collect revenue to cover expenses and plan for future investments, investor-owned utilities design rates to maximize profits, allowing them to pay dividends to stockholders. PRECO sets rates to cover costs, plan for growth, maintain good financial parameters and provide stability.
When revenues exceed the cost of doing business, the co-op earns net margins, which are allocated to active members in a ratio proportionate to each member’s total annual billing during the year the net margins were earned. Those are called capital credits.n
Is a Ductless Mini-Split System Right for Your Home?
By Anne Prince
How would you like a personalized comfort zone within your home? What if you could customize the temperature to your liking and it may be different than the temperature in the shared living areas or other rooms in the house? This flexibility and customization are precisely why mini-split systems, also known as ductless air-source heat pumps, and their energy-efficiency aspects are so popular.
Let’s unpack some mini-split basics and explore whether this type of system is a good choice for your home heating and cooling needs.
A mini-split system is a type of HVAC equipment used for heating and cooling, allowing you to control the temperature in individual rooms or spaces. Similar to central heating and cooling, mini-split systems have two main components—an outdoor compressor and an indoor airhandling unit(s). A narrow conduit links the indoor unit(s) to the outdoor compressor.
While central heating and cooling systems feature an indoor unit connected by long lengths of ductwork, mini-splits are typically ductless. This means energy is not lost traveling through
long stretches of ductwork. Installing the air-handling unit in a desired room or area enables you to control the temperature more precisely, reducing energy consumption. That’s because you’re adjusting the temperature to a single room or space rather than the whole home.
Is a mini-split system right for you?
Mini-split systems are a popular option in home additions, or to supplement heating and cooling in a space that may be farthest away from the main living area, such as a finished attic or basement. In these instances, it may not be feasible to install or extend the ductwork required in traditional central cooling and heating systems.
In contrast, mini-splits are relatively easy to install, requiring a small hole for the conduit connecting the indoor and outdoor units. Most systems can handle up to four indoor rooms or zones connected to one outdoor unit. Each of the zones can be customized because each includes a thermostat that enables you to heat or cool the space as needed, saving energy and money over time.
Cool Solutions
Mini-split systems bring additional benefits. They are quiet, improve indoor air quality and are typically easy to install. Many come with remotes to make
LEFT: Most mini-split systems can handle up to four indoor rooms, or zones, connected to one outdoor unit. GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
temperature control even easier. Their small size allows for many placement options for indoor and outdoor units.
One of the greatest benefits of minisplits is that they typically have a higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating than traditional central heating and cooling systems. The higher the unit’s SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is.
Additional Considerations
However, according to the Department of Energy, mini-splits cost $1,500 to $2,000 per ton of cooling capacity, which is about 30% more than central systems
(not including ductwork) and may cost twice as much as window units of similar capacity.
While the technology is improving and evolving, those in particularly colder climates may need a fuel backup to run a mini-split system. Aesthetics are another factor to consider. Some homeowners don’t like the appearance of the indoor units, which are more visible than central air conditioning vents.
If you’re considering an upgrade or additional heating and cooling equipment, talk to a qualified technician to learn if a ductless mini-split system could work for your home. n
From the Archives
Reflecting on Our Roots: Walk down memory lane each month as we showcase images from our cooperative’s rich history. Join us as we celebrate the milestones and memories that have shaped who we are today.
ABOVE: Today, automated meter readings have transformed how we track energy use. But here’s a look at our dedicated meter readers from the late 1980s, who did it the old-fashioned way.
From left are Joe Mackay, Kenny Iiames, Gary Sheffield, Mike Rouse, Dale Southwell and Karen Mong.
Thank you for paving the way!
BELOW: An Indian Lake Estates line crew from yesteryear takes a break to catch a photo with man’s best friend.
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Cooperative Family Fund helps children after a tragic loss
All in the Family
By Drew Woolley
Trent and Betsey Smith met at a country two-step event. He saw her from across the room and decided to strike up a conversation once the music faded.
“He came up to me after the dance, and we talked,” Betsey says. “We ended up dating but never actually danced with each other until after we were engaged.”
They married five months later and had five children over 28 years. Then, on Feb. 6, 2023, just more than a month into a new job as a delivery driver with Fall River Propane—a subsidiary of Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative in Ashton, Idaho—Trent had a medical emergency and died on the job. He was 51.
Several months later, the cooperative contacted Betsey about a new program called the Cooperative Family Fund, which provides financial support for the minor children of cooperative employees who have died. While the program had only been in place for a couple of months, Betsey’s youngest son, Coleman, was eligible for a $10,000 trust.
“I feel like I’m very blessed that he worked for them,” Betsey says. “They didn’t have to be as good to us as they were, considering he had worked there for barely 30 days. The fact that they would put my son into this fund, that they would be willing to do that for him, meant a great deal to me.”
The fund has raised $1.2 million in its first two years and provided 78 trusts for the children of 37 employees across 20 states.
A Gift for the Future
For Cooperative Family Fund Board President Tony Anderson,
providing support for each member of the cooperative family—no matter how long they have been part of it—is what the program is all about. The idea for the fund first came to Tony after a series of funerals for lineworkers across the country.
“We’re really good at funerals in our business, but we don’t do anything after,” he says. “We always talk about being a family in the co-op world, and I believe we’ve proven that over the years. But I felt this would make us a stronger family. And member services, engineers, accountants, managers—we’re all part of that family.”
Cooperative Family Fund Board President Tony Anderson meets with Board Member Anne Harvey. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNE HARVEY
The Trent and Betsey Smith family before tragedy struck. PHOTO
Tony discussed the idea with other cooperative leaders and proposed it to the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation in January 2022. While there are no statistics on how many electric co-op employees are lost annually, the program's goal is to continually raise funds so any children younger than 18 who loses a parent employed by an electric co-op would receive a $10,000 trust. That trust accrues interest until the first day of the month after the child’s 18th birthday. At that point, recipients can put the money toward whatever they choose.
“Every child is going to going to take a different path or has different needs,” says Anne Harvey, one of the founding board members. “If college education is something for them, rather than saying this is for books, maybe they need help with housing. The skilled trades are so needed at distribution co-ops, so maybe they want to go that route, or this could give them a gap year. Each child is going to have a different need, and we just can’t wait to see how they use it.”
While many participating co-ops donate through the board or give employees the chance to contribute from their paychecks, others have found ways to involve their communities. Flathead Electric Cooperative in Kalispell, Montana, held a cookie bakeoff contest, and Beltrami Electric Cooperative in Bemidji,
Minnesota, had a rummage sale. Proceeds from both events went to the fund.
Healing Together
The Cooperative Family Fund helps the cooperative put together a memory book of its time with the employee to give to family members.
For cooperatives mourning the loss of one of their own, offering meaningful support to families has been just as important as financial support. Hollee McCormick, general manager of Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative based in Postville, Iowa, recalls her team putting together a memory book for Luke Hackman. An IT broadband technician, Luke died in a car accident the month the Cooperative Family Fund was announced. His two children were the first to receive trusts through the program.
“We were all grieving the loss of Luke, and putting that book together kind of had a healing effect for all of us,” Hollee says. “I always tell Tony there was so little we could do for that family. Being able to talk to his wife and tell her that the nation of co-ops had put this program together and we would be able to help a little bit more was meaningful."
A portion of the memory book for the family of Luke Hackman, an employee of Allamakee-Clayton Electric Co-op in Iowa.
From Bagpipes
Scottish culture thrives in Florida
By Pamela A. Keene
You don’t need a passport to immerse yourself in Scottish culture. There are at least a dozen Scottish Highland Pipe and Drum bands across the Sunshine State, plus many Highland Games and Scottish events.
games events,” says Nicole Delfino, the city’s strategy and sustainability manager. “The city’s name comes from the Scottish Gaelic for Edinburgh, ‘Dùn Èideann.’ It means ‘castle on the hill.’” Streets, parks and neighborhoods have Scottish names, such as Beltrees Street, Louden Avenue, Highland Park, Brae-Moor Estates and many more.
“It’s not unusual to see someone wearing a kilt in Dunedin just about any time of the year,” Nicole says.
home
Proud Heritage
No Florida town is more Scottish than the City of Dunedin. Founded by two Scotsmen nearly 140 years ago, the city embraces its heritage. It supports a world-class pipe band and is home to The Scottish American Society and The Scottish Arts Foundation. Scottish music is taught in schools, and Dunedin even has its own adopted tartan.
“Scottish heritage and culture are engrained into the community of Dunedin, from the bagpiper on the welcome sign as you enter the city to our public art, music and Highland
The Scottish Cultural Center is home to the Scottish American Society of Dunedin, which hosts musical performances, dinners, Highland dance classes and other events. The Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation supports school bands and presents the Dunedin Highland Games, the Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival, National Tartan Day, and educational programming and cultural seminars.
The City of Dunedin delegation recently visited its sister city, Stirling, Scotland, to celebrate the Scottish town’s 900th anniversary.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF DUNEDIN
Bagpipes to Kilts
The Dunedin Pipe Band travels around the world to represent the city and compete in Highland Games and highlevel championships. The city’s global outreach supports its commitment to its heritage as well. With two sister city relationships—Stirling, Scotland, and Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada—city leaders and community organizations actively participate in cultural exchanges.
“Sister city relationships serve as vital bridges that connect communities across the globe, promoting mutual respect, understanding and cooperation,” Nicole says. “For Dunedin and Stirling, this relationship has led to numerous cultural exchanges, educational programs and economic initiatives that
benefit both communities.”
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dunedin’s sister city relationship with Stirling, nearly 40 city leaders, staff and
community members traveled in August to Scotland, where they met with officials in Stirling and supported the City of Dunedin Pipe Band at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow as well as the European Championships in Perth.
The Glorious Sound of the Pipes
In 1964—the same year the partnership was formed with Stirling— Dunedin began its pipe band to give local students a chance to play. Since then, the band has grown to about 75 to 100 adult members who compete worldwide, represent the city at Highland Games across the Southeast and serve as ambassadors for Dunedin.
“Having our leadership and community members at the two competitions was a great source of pride for our musicians,” says Iain Donaldson, pipe director for the city. “We are proud to have brought home first place in Grade 4A in the European Championships and
The City of Dunedin Pipe Band leads a parade during the Highland Games in March.
Iain moved to Dunedin from Buffalo, New York, in 2011 to become the city’s director of piping. His work includes managing the town’s pipe band program and teaching bagpiping at city schools.
“Students here can choose from many instruments in the schools’ musical education program, including bagpipes or Highland drums,” Iain says.
Bagpipes are among the most difficult instruments to learn, but Iain says students aren’t daunted.
“These students typically take to the bagpipe right away because they don’t analyze things,” he says. “They just do it.”
Iain plays a key role in the annual Dunedin Highland Games, an event showcasing Scottish traditions from bagpiping and Highland dance to athletic events such as tossing the caber, the hammer throw and tug o’ war.
“Highland Games are multifaceted, with pipe bands, Highland dancers, male and female athletes and strong family bonds of the clans that continue to celebrate our ancestry and all things Scottish,” he says. “Not all people who play the bagpipes or compete in the Highland games have Scots blood in their veins. But you can be sure that they celebrate these fine traditions with just as much conviction, loyalty and passion as those of us who do.”
Scots Across the State
Across the state, nearly a dozen bagpipe bands provide music for special events and march in parades when they’re not busy at competitions. Bands include the Space Coast Highlanders in Brevard County; the First Coast Highlanders in Clay County/ Green Cove Springs; Harp & Thistle Pipe Band of Southwest Florida in Naples; Fort Lauderdale Highlanders Pipe Band in Fort Lauderdale; City of St. Augustine Pipe Band; City of Mount Dora Pipe Band; and the Palm Beach Pipes and Drums.
Pipe bands are common among firefighting and police organizations as well. Last June, the Orlando Firefighters Pipes and Drums and the Reedy Creek Pipe Band traveled to Normandy, France, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Other fire and police groups include Coastal Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums in Palm Coast, Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums and Jacksonville Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums.
“We are all proud of our Scottish traditions—whether it be music, dance or athletics,” Iain says. "No matter what clan a Scotsman belongs to or whether someone can trace their roots back to Scotland, the truth is we happily accept all who embrace our culture.” City in the Band and Jacksonville
FROM TOP: People coming into Dunedin via Bayshore Boulevard have no doubts about the city’s Scottish heritage. PHOTO COURTESY OF COREY CONROY PHOTOGRAPHY
City of Dunedin Honor Guard presents the colors, marching ahead of the full pipe band.
The city of Dunedin Pipe Band leads a parade during the Highland Games in March.
A piper and drummer perform on the pier at Dunedin Marina at sunset, concluding their tribute with “Amazing Grace.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF DUNEDIN COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
HOLIDAY BREAKFAST Make Ahead
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
Spiced Gingerbread Loaf With Orange Icing
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons ground ginger
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2⁄3 cup dark molasses
¾ cup hot water (about 100 F)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1⁄3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 extra-large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt and pepper. Set aside. In a separate bowl or dish, whisk together the molasses and hot water.
In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar. Beat on high speed for 1 minute until creamed together fairly well.
On medium-high speed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the hot water/molasses and mixing each addition just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing. The batter will be thin. Whisk out any big lumps.
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the loaf is baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs, it is done. Set the pan on a wire rack, allowing the bread to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY ZI3000
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
1 pound mild breakfast sausage
1 can crescent rolls
6 extra-large eggs, beaten
Heat oven to 350 F.
1 block cream cheese, cut into small cubes
2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheese
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Brown sausage in skillet. Drain excess grease. Unroll crescent roll dough and press to cover the bottom of the baking dish. Top with sausage, then pour eggs over sausage. Spread cream cheese cubes evenly. Top with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.
You can prepare the casserole the night before. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
Spinach and Gruyère Breakfast Strata
8 to 10 ½-inch-thick slices
French or Italian bread
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2 large shallots, minced 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste
½ cup white wine
1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
6 extra-large eggs
1¾ cups half-and-half
Heat oven to 225 F. Arrange bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until dry and crisp, about 40 minutes, flipping slices halfway through baking. When cooled, spread one side of slices with 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add spinach, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside.
Add wine to the skillet. Increase heat to mediumhigh, and simmer until reduced to ¼ cup, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with the remaining butter. Arrange half of the bread slices, buttered side up, in a single layer in the dish. Sprinkle half of the spinach mixture and ½ cup Gruyère evenly over bread slices. Repeat layering with remaining bread slices, remaining spinach mixture and ½ cup Gruyère. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk in half-and-half, reduced wine and salt. Season with pepper. Pour mixture over bread layers. Wrap dish tightly in plastic wrap, pressing plastic flush to surface of strata. Weigh down strata with three 16-ounce cans to submerge ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Heat oven to 325 F. Remove dish from refrigerator, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Remove weights and plastic. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top of strata. Bake until edges and center are barely puffed and edges have pulled away slightly from sides of dish, about 50 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Cinnamon Muffins
Paper muffin liners or cooking spray
1 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1 cup whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup canola oil
2 extra-large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 375 F. Line a standard 12-well muffin pan with paper liners, or coat the wells with cooking spray.
Place ¼ packed cup of light brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir to combine, breaking up any lumps.
Place flour, baking powder, the remaining 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
Place milk, the remaining ¾ packed cup light brown sugar, canola oil, eggs and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined and no lumps of sugar remain.
Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until just incorporated and no dry spots remain.
Divide half the batter among the muffin wells, about 2 tablespoons of batter per well. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar evenly over each muffin. Divide the remaining batter among the muffin wells. Sprinkle each muffin with the remaining cinnamon sugar, about 1 teaspoon per muffin.
Bake until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing the muffins from the pan.
Nutella Swirl Banana Bread
Cooking spray
8 tablespoons salted butter
3 medium bananas, very ripe
1 cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs
¼ cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2⁄3 cup Nutella, divided
Heat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, so it hangs off two sides to form a sling. Coat the pan and parchment with cooking spray.
Place 8 tablespoons butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power in 10-second increments until melted. Mash bananas in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the butter, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir with a rubber spatula until no dry spots remain.
Transfer half the batter to the prepared pan. Using a spoon, dollop ⅓ cup of Nutella onto the batter. Swirl Nutella into the batter with a table knife. Top with the remaining batter. Dollop the remaining ⅓ cup Nutella onto the batter. Swirl with a knife.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, 55 to 65 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then flip the bread out of the pan onto a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.
joy to the world
By Dave LaBelle
Every year, I create a folder on my computer desktop titled “Best Of,” where I place copies of my favorite images from the year. If it has been a good year, sometimes I end up with as many as 25 images in the folder, but usually there are 10 to 12. This process allows me to do a quick scan of pictures published or those I might want to do more with.
a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Recently, while looking through one of these folders from 2023, I was thinking about what I wanted to share this Christmas season— something joyful—and came across a photograph I made during a St. Patrick’s Day parade of a young man named Jake Wagner.
You might remember the name from a column I wrote about Special Olympics and giving of one’s time. Jake has Down syndrome. My heart leapt and my eyes watered as I revisited the first time I met this happy man.
Of the thousands I have photographed, few, if any, cause my heart to smile more than Jake.
Intelligent, loving and
caring, he embodies the pure, unpretentious joy I hunger to document and, more importantly, imitate. He is the greatest gift, the living Christmas card that brings me joy beyond description.
His mother, Betty, shared, “He is such a breath of fresh air. He is such a blessing. He has been making this world a better place since 1984.”
Holding his son’s hand, Jake’s father, Nick, agreed.
“He’s a very loving son,” he said. “He knows when you need a hug, too. He’s the best boy a father could have.”
When Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come to me, for such is the Kingdom of God,” I am confident he had Jake in mind.
NIKON D810, 180mm lens ISO 400, f/4.5 at 1/500
Reader Challenge
This Christmas season, see if you can capture a picture that brings you joy. It can be of happy children or grandchildren squealing with delight as they unwrap presents or somebody whose presence just makes you smile.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half
Jake Wagner makes the world a better place thanks to his unrestrained love and joy. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
Charles Koger watches his beagles to see if they pick up a rabbit scent during a hunt. Many hunters use beagles to hunt rabbits because the small dogs can go into the thickest cover where rabbits like to hide. PHOTO
BY JOHN N. FELSHER
Bounding Cottontails
Rabbit
hunting
provides a social experience
“He’s heading your way,” a hunter shouted shortly after we released the dogs. “Get ready!”
A couple of hundred yards away, beagles announced they flushed a rabbit. With anticipation and adrenaline, I listened to frantic howling reverberating across the pine savanna. Anticipating a quick shot on my first rabbit hunt with dogs, I moved to a small, clear patch between two briar thickets where I knew the rabbit must certainly pass. With dogs doing all the work, all I had to do was wait to pull the trigger.
Soon, I heard something about 40 yards behind me. I turned and looked just fast enough to catch a fleeting glimpse of a speedy brown object with a flashing cottony tail vanishing into a thicket. I never saw it again.
Not long ago, with deer populations at low levels, rabbits ranked as the most popular game animal across the Southeast. Then, deer populations rebounded. Now, deer hold the top spot in popularity among game animals, but rabbits still provide excitement.
Everything with teeth, claws or talons wants to eat the “bread of the forest.”
To avoid predators, rabbits seldom stray far from protective cover, such as briar patches, thickets and other places where people cannot easily go. Therefore, most hunters release dogs—particularly beagles—to flush rabbits from their lairs.
“Hunting rabbits with beagles is not as simple as people think, but it’s a lot of fun,” says James Sealy Jr., an experienced rabbit hunter. “A rabbit is hunted day and night on land and from the air by all kinds of predators much more skilled than humans. They can see a person and disappear without that person ever knowing it.”
When dogs flush a rabbit, find a place with reasonable visibility
near where it first took off running and wait. A rabbit likes its home territory and doesn’t want to leave familiar ground. It knows every briar patch, log pile, weed clump and hole in its section of land.
After flushing, the rabbit might circle back and present a shot. Listen for rustling low to the ground, and watch for any movement. Pay particular attention to little paths making tunnels in thickets, briars or other cover.
Unlike other hunting experiences, sportspeople don’t need to stay still or quiet when hunting cottontails. With the dogs hot on a rabbit’s trail, hunters can talk, joke and even tease each other about who has the best—or worst—dog.
Many enthusiasts enjoy the camaraderie and listening to the dogs howling. This social experience makes rabbit hunting an outstanding way to introduce children or novice sportsmen to the outdoors.
Florida conserves more than 6 million acres in wildlife management areas, plus thousands of acres in national forests, national wildlife refuges and other public properties that allow hunting.
Season dates and regulations on various public properties could differ, so always check before hunting.
For hunting seasons, limits and places, visit myfwc.com/hunting.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,500 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoor topics. He also hosts an outdoor tips show for WAVH-FM Talk 106.5 in Mobile, Alabama. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
Doctor urges seniors to carry medical alert device
Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills
People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren, says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.
“Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home. That’s why seniors and their family members are snapping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said.
Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert systems come with
monthly bills.
To solve these problems Universal Physicians, a U.S. company went to work to develop a new, modern, state-ofthe-art medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“This slick new little device is designed to look like the pagers doctors wear every day. Seniors love them because it actually makes them look important, not old,” Dr. Howren said.
FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special newspaper promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select areas. ■
■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.
Seniors born before 1961 get new medical alert device with no monthly bills ever
The phone lines are ringing off the hook.
That’s because for seniors born before 1961, it’s a deal too good to pass up.
Starting at precisely 8:30am this morning the PreStore Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“It’s not like old style monitored help buttons that make you talk to a call center and only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or anywhere, anytime cell service is available
(Continued on next page)
whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians.
“We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, the instant rebate that practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.
FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever.
Better still, it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free.
And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide.
“So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated or expensive, you’ll want to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device with no monthly bills,” said Lawrence.
The medical alert device slugfest was dominated by two main combatants who both offer old style monitored help buttons that come with a hefty bill every month. But now Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly connecting
you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S. There’s absolutely nothing to hook-up or install. You don’t need a land line and you don’t need a cell phone. Everything is done for you.
“FastHelp is a state of the art medical alert device designed to make you look important, not old. Old style monitored help buttons you wear around your neck, or
require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy,” Lawrence says. “It’s just outdated.”
Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the floor helpless and all alone with no help.
But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and
HOW TO GET IT:
IF BORN BEFORE 1961:
get to STAY living in their own home independently.
Yet millions of seniors are still risking their safety by not having a medical alert device. That’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices.
That’s why seniors born before 1961 are rushing to cash in the whopping $150
instant rebate before the 21 day deadline ends.
So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this year because seniors born before 1961 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s newspaper before the 21 day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■
IF BORN AFTER 1961: You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-330-9423 DEPT. HELP8385
THE BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. FastHelp with the instant rebate is a real steal at just $149 and shipping and there are no monthly bills ever.
PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp OneTouch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal irresistible. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.
CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1961 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
KEY WEST
Dec. 1
Key West Artisan Market: Red Ribbon Edition
PENSACOLA
Dec. 4
57th Annual Snowball Derby
You’re invited to Rock the Red Ribbon Together from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach. Wear your ribbon or pick up a free ribbon from the volunteers of the Friends of the Memorial Board. Shop a curated outdoor market offering fine crafts, art and jewelry from talented Florida Keys makers. Listen to awesome local musicians, support our featured charity and meet celebrity authors from the Key West Writers Guild. Be sure to tour the Key West Wildlife Center and find out more about its Raise the Roof Capital Campaign. Admission is free. www.keysartisanmarket.com; 305-731-3385
LAKE PLACID
Dec. 3
Tree Lighting and Holiday Evening Market
Celebrate the holidays from 5-8 p.m. at the Journal Plaza with an evening of shopping and festivities. This kicks off the three-week run of Holiday Evening markets and will feature extra special guests. Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by to help the town usher in the Christmas spirit with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Meet the festive pair as you enjoy food and drinks from local businesses, vendors and knock out some Christmas shopping as you browse the market vendors and downtown shops. bit.ly/3O09mu6; 863-440-7657
The Snowball Derby presented by Bayou Fox Hooters is a 300-lap super late model stock car race held annually at the Five Flags Speedway, a half-mile paved oval track in Pensacola, Florida. The race has been contested every year since 1968 and is typically run on the first weekend in December. The Snowball Derby has a reputation for attracting some of the bigger names in short tract racing, including top series NASCAR drivers because it is run after most tracks and touring series have concluded their season.
www.5flagsspeedway.com/schedules/event/498876; 850-944-8400
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 6
20th Anniversary Holiday Fest
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 7
Lignumvitae Christmas
Friend Raiser
Friends of the Islamorada Area
State Parks offer this annual community event from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. Tickets are available online, but space is limited. This event takes place rain or shine. Proceeds help Friends of the Islamorada Area
State Parks, a volunteer nonprofit, citizens’ support organization to generate public awareness, education, financial support, preservation and maintenance of local state parks.
friendsofkeysparks.org; 305-664-4339
Kick off the holiday season from 4-10 p.m. at this annual festival and parade at Founders Park, MM 87. Bring the family and experience magical snow blowing from a 35-foot tree, slide down snow mountain, enjoy live stage performances, visit with Santa in the children’s activity tent, shop for unique gifts, and savor delicious food and wine. Admission is free. Help keep the festival plastic free by bringing your own reusable nonglass drink container.
islamoradachamber.com/holiday-fest; 305-644-4503
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDAKEYSPHOTO.COM
PENSACOLA
Dec. 7
Full Afternoon Tea
This is a festive selection of tea sandwiches, sage and lemon sausage rolls, scones, clotted cream and preserves, mini Victoria sponges, pavlova with fresh cream and fruit, seasonal mousse plus a pot of loose leaf tea, all served on a three-tiered plate and beautiful fine bone china. Reserve a time online to have tea. Tickets start at $50. www.theoldeenglishcreamery.com; 850-542-7969
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 14
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
This event opens at 8 a.m. with the ceremony at 9 a.m. The Florida Keys Community walk begins at 9:30 a.m. at Founders Park, 87000 Overseas Hwy. act.alz.org/FloridaKeys; 305-394-0643
SEBRING
Dec. 14
Fourth Annual Craft and Fun Fair
Start your holiday shopping early from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while perusing 40 local vendors, Kids Create Corner, Toy Drive for Ag Angels, music and food. This event is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Admission is free. 863-271-9506
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 14
Florida Keys Community Concert Band
The community band presents Holiday Harmony featuring Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa music joined by the Burton Handbell Ringers from 4-5 p.m. at the ICR Amphitheater in Founders Park. Activities include Santa and his elves passing out sweet treats and snowball games. Bring your lawn chairs or just sit on the benches at the venue. The concert is sure to brighten your holiday spirit. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; 503-970-2014
SEBRING
Dec. 14
Santa Dog 5K Run/Walk
Put on your running shoes for a fast, flat and scenic course. Proceeds from this event support the Sebring Angels Animal Shelter. Join us at 8 a.m. for an exciting and fun event. With awesome swag for all dog lovers and runners, this race is a sure thing for a great doggy good time. The race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sebring/SantaDogSebring
KEY LARGO
Dec. 14
Christmas Boat Parade
Join us at dusk for this holiday celebration of decorated and lighted boats starting as they cruise the canals of Key Colony Beach. Boat entries are free. Light up your vessel for the season to win $5,000 in cash and prizes.
www.keylargoboatparade.com; 305-766-0643
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Head online and enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents or use the QR Code for easy access. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KEY LARGO BOAT PARADE
GARDENING 5
Herbs to Plant in December
With the holiday season in full swing, it’s easy to forget about updating the garden. However, your herb garden can help you spice up your holiday meals and provide some health benefits. These five herbs are easy to plant, thrive in cool weather and make delicious additions to holiday recipes.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an excellent winter herb to grow in Florida because it waits to flower until the warmer weather of spring. You should plant this herb somewhere that gets full to partial sun and has excellent soil drainage.
Harvesting begins once it’s 6 inches tall and continues until it dies. Although the leaves of cilantro are most highly valued, all of the plant is useful. The roots can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable, and you can dry the seeds to make your own spice: coriander.
For more information about cilantro, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/cilantro.
Parsley
Like cilantro, parsley loves cool weather and doesn’t bloom until spring. You can plant parsley in your garden beds or in containers. Parsley enjoys afternoon shade, so it grows well in partial sun or on a windowsill.
If you grow your plants from seed, you should soak them in water overnight before planting to help speed the process. Once the seeds are in the ground, be sure to keep the soil moist and remove any weeds that sprout.
Parsley root has an even stronger flavor than the leaves, and it works well in holiday recipes. Parsley is also beneficial to your health, containing vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins, calcium and iron. For more information about parsley, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/parsley.
Fennel
Fennel’s shoots, leaves and seeds are all useful in cooking. This cool-season herb needs full sun and moist soil to thrive. Do not plant this herb near dill or cilantro; it will cross-pollinate and reduce seed production. Black swallowtail caterpillars, too, will love your fennel and use it as a host plant.
After about three months, your herb will be ready for harvest. Fennel works as an addition to sauces, fish, bread and salads. A tea is often made of the leaves that people drink for digestive health.
For more information about fennel, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/fennel.
Thyme
Thyme is another herb that enjoys full sun. It’s extremely drought
Tips for Cooking
When gathering herbs for a recipe, choose the youngest and most tender leaves for the best flavor.
If you want to preserve your herbs, harvest them as soon as they begin flowering, then dry or freeze them. To dry them, leave them in a dark, well-ventilated room until they are completely dry. Store your dried herbs in tightly closed containers. To freeze them, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Transfer to air-tight plastic bags once completely frozen.
Dried herbs can be used to make herbal vinegars that will add extra flavor to your holiday marinades and dressings.
tolerant and does best in well-drained soil.
Like parsley, thyme can be added to your windowsill herb garden or garden beds. You can also grow thyme in a hydroponic unit.
If you are interested in beekeeping, bees are highly attracted to thyme and it creates a delicious honey.
For more information about thyme, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/thyme.
Chives
Chives grow well in winter months and are harvested at any time. They prefer plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, and they tend to grow in clumps of multiple plants. You will need to divide them every couple of years to give them enough space to grow.
Depending on the variety you choose, your chives can add subtle onion or garlic flavor to a dish. Unlike most other herbs, chives are not often used dried. Simply chop the fresh leaves and add them to any recipe. Mix this herb into butter or cream cheese to make a flavorful spread.
Natasha Atlas graduated from the University of Florida’s Agricultural Education and Communication Program in 2021. She loves writing about unique and new varieties of flowers and plants for the Neighborhood Gardener Newsletter and its 10,000 subscribers. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys tending her own garden.
Parsley grows well in partial sun or on a windowsill. PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
Board of Directors Election Process
Peace River Electric is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative. As part owner of the co-op, you have a voice in who serves on PRECO’s board of directors.
December 2024 Nominating committee selects director candidates.
February 2025 District meetings are held, and members elect directors.
January 2025 Nominations by member petition must be submitted by Jan. 2. District meeting and candidate information is mailed to voters in each district.
To ensure strong local leadership, members elect directors on a rotating basis from each of PRECO’s nine districts. In 2025, terms are expiring for districts 3, 6 and 9. Your district number is printed on your electric bill. See the map below.
Terms expiring in 2025 Districts 3, 6 and 9.
Board Qualifications
If you are interested in serving on the board of directors and would like more information, please contact Ashleigh Hayes at 800-282-3824 or Ashleigh.Hayes@preco.coop
Any person who meets the qualifications in the bylaws is eligible to serve as a director. For a list of director qualifications, refer to Article IV, Section 2, of the cooperative’s bylaws. Copies are available at any PRECO office or online at www.PRECO.coop/about/bylaws
March 2025 Newly elected directors are seated at the Annual Membership Meeting.
Vacant District 6
Bruce Vickers District 3
Willie Dawes District 9
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: How can I save in the kitchen during the most expensive time of the year?
A: The holiday season brings opportunities to enjoy meals with friends and family, leading to more time spent in the kitchen. Whether hosting a few or a crowd, consider making new energyefficiency traditions this year with these tips to manage your energy use.
Let’s start with cooking your meal. Your electric oven is typically the highestwattage appliance in the kitchen. Yet, people usually don’t turn their ovens on for long periods of time. Assuming an average oven wattage of 3,000 and an average cost of $0.16 per kilowatt-hour, according to the United States Energy Information Administration, running your oven costs 48 cents an hour.
Let’s say you use your oven for four hours to make a special meal. That’s less than $2 of electricity. While that may not seem like a big deal now, operating your oven for four hours every day is $700 a year.
Using smaller appliances instead of your oven can help you save. A slow cooker uses between 100 and 450 watts, which is significantly less than an electric oven at 2,000 to 5,000 watts. That means you can use a slow cooker for a longer period and still use less energy.
Opt for your microwave or toaster oven to reheat or cook smaller items. The microwave uses significantly less energy than the oven. A toaster oven uses about half the energy of a conventional oven, according to Energy Star.
Do not turn on your oven and leave the door open to heat your home. This can break your oven and be a safety hazard, especially with gas ovens that can cause carbon monoxide buildup.
When cooking on the stovetop, match
Before you start cooking on your stovetop, clean the burners to ensure the appliance heats evenly, which can help you save energy. Match pots to appropriately sized burners to avoid wasting energy.
the pot or pan size to the burner. Lids help your pots retain heat, which cooks food faster and wastes less heat. Keep your stovetop clean to ensure the appliance heats evenly.
If you’re looking to upgrade your stovetop, consider switching to an induction cooktop. It uses an electromagnetic field below the surface to heat pots and pans directly. This provides more precise heat, faster cook times and higher efficiency. It can also improve the air quality in your home compared to a gas cooktop.
In my experience, people like to gather in the kitchen during parties. To avoid overheating your guests in a room that has a hot oven, turn down your thermostat a few degrees before guests arrive.
Ways to Save in the Kitchen
Next, let’s look for refrigerator savings. The gaskets on your refrigerator doors should make a tight seal to keep in cold air. Make sure you clean and maintain them or replace them if necessary. Don’t let frost build up in the freezer, which can decrease efficiency and make your freezer work harder to maintain a balanced temperature. Wait until food cools before putting leftovers in the fridge. Putting hot food in the refrigerator results in more energy used to cool it down. Aim for about 30 minutes of cool time. Perishable food should be refrigerated within two hours after it is cooked, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Setting your refrigerator colder than needed wastes energy. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 37 degrees for the refrigerator and 0 degrees for the freezer. Use an appliance thermometer to monitor the temperature. When it comes to cleanup, run full loads of dishes in the dishwasher, being careful not to block any moving parts. Use eco mode if your dishwasher has that setting. If you are in the market for new appliances, select Energy Star models.
Whatever you choose to cook or how you cook it, keep in mind these simple tips to make your kitchen more efficient and save energy this holiday season.
Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company.
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 views herein expressed, nor any products or services it offers.
PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND
Forest Through the Trees
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Strength Through the Storm
Teamwork and resilience powered Hurricane Milton recovery
When Hurricane Milton swept through Peace River Electric Cooperative service area in October, it left behind widespread destruction and power outages, presenting one of the most difficult challenges in recent memory. What happened in the days that followed was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of our communities, the resilience of our members and the unwavering dedication of our team, who worked around the clock to restore power.
The support received from across the country was incredible. More than 1,100 mutual aid workers from other cooperatives and contractors joined forces with the PRECO team, stepping in to assist with the massive relief efforts. These hardworking men and women battled extreme conditions, often putting in 16-hour shifts, all with one shared goal: restoring power to our members as quickly and safely as possible.
Because of this remarkable team effort and PRECO’s solid preparedness plan, we were able to restore power to 30,000 members within just 24 hours of the storm clearing—an amazing feat. This kind of success requires the collaboration of every department within the cooperative, working
seamlessly together to get the job done.
The base camp, established to house and feed lineworkers and support crews, became a place of pause during the long days of restoration work. The 800-bed camp served as a home away from home for crews, offering rest and 12,000 total meals prepared during the restoration period.
Behind the scenes, the logistics of managing supplies, fuel and equipment were meticulously coordinated to keep crews moving and minimize delays. It was a true team effort, with every department playing a vital role in our collective success.
None of this could have been possible without the patience and understanding of members. It is difficult to be without power, especially when also dealing with damage to your home and uncertainty in the aftermath of a major storm. Yet, throughout the recovery process, members displayed incredible resilience and kindness. Countless messages of encouragement and gratitude were received—another reminder of the closeknit, caring communities PRECO serves.
One particularly touching moment came when SendMeMissions, a local nonprofit, organized a spontaneous act
of appreciation. As lineworkers and mutual aid crews returned to camp at the end of a long day, they were met by residents lining the streets, waving signs and cheering them on. It was a simple but powerful reminder of the deep, personal impact of the work. Restoring power is always about more than electricity—it is about restoring hope, security and a sense of normalcy.
The core values of service and community drive Peace River Electric Cooperative. When the lights go out, life becomes far more difficult. We take the responsibility of restoring power seriously. Every decision made in times like these is guided by the commitment to you, our members. Your patience and support throughout this recovery effort did not go unnoticed, and it inspired the team to keep pushing forward.
Hurricane Milton tested us all, but it also showcased the strength of our cooperative family. Together, we faced the challenges head-on—with determination, grit and an unbreakable sense of community. We are incredibly grateful to our mutual aid partners, the tireless dedication of our crews and the employees who worked behind the scenes. n
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800-282-3824
TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE
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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 MEETING
Dec. 17
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
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CEO Message
Powered By Purpose, Driven By Community
The holiday season brings a spirit of generosity and compassion. It’s a time to reflect on our many blessings and uplift those in need. While this is certainly a special time of year, Peace River Electric Cooperative is deeply rooted in giving back to their local communities year-round.
Our mission is to provide safe, affordable and reliable power. Our purpose is people— the members we’re proud to serve. That’s why we organize food and clothing drives for hurricane victims, fundraising events for local nonprofits, and much more to make positive, meaningful contributions to our community. You help us power that purpose, too. PRECO’s Operation Round Up program is made possible through members’ participation in “rounding up” electric bills to the next dollar amount. Your generous contributions help less fortunate families in our community and support local charitable organizations and community services.
Another way PRECO gives back is by investing in tomorrow’s leaders. Through career days at middle and high schools, scholarship opportunities and the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program, we aim to empower students for a brighter future. When we invest in our local youth, we strengthen the fabric of our community.
As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe in giving credit where credit is due— to the members who shape our co-op. One of the ways we do this is through capital credits. Because PRECO operates at cost, we give cash back to our members rather than outside investors or shareholders.
How Capital Credits Work
PRECO members use the electricity we provide and pay their monthly bills, and we track their business with the co-op over time. PRECO pays all operating expenses throughout the year, and if any operating revenue is left over, we allocate it as capital credits.
When financial conditions permit, the co-op’s board of directors votes to pay capital credits back to the members. PRECO sends you a check or applies a credit to your electric bill.
If you received electric service from 2004 or 2005, congratulations! You are eligible for a capital credit check this month. Current PRECO members receiving a balance less than $50 will instead see a credit on their electric bills.
Capital credits are just one of the many benefits of co-op membership. Giving back to our local members instead of outside parties is one of the many aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses.
Our members guide every decision we make and are the reason our co-op exists. To us, you’re more than a customer. This holiday season, we hope you’re proud to be part of a community-focused co-op that puts people before profits.
From your friends at PRECO, we hope you have a bright, blessed holiday season.
Operation Round Up
Want to lend a hand? To enroll in Operation Round Up or change your monthly donation amount, use the convenient online membership form or call 800-282-3824. Opt-out at any time.