FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Because Coming Home
Cooperative in western Pennsylvania as an experienced journeyman lineman in January 2021 when a near-fatal accident changed his life. Brandon and his wife, Katelyn, share their story and promote safety during a visit to Florida Keys Electric Cooperative. Read more on Page 6.
Difference Incumbents Reelected
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Florida Currents
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March 2026 • Volume 15, No. 5 For
FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.
Member Owned Since 1940
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Karl Wagner
District 4, Marathon, President
Michael H. Puto
District 4, Marathon, Vice President
Cale Smith
District 3, Islamorada, Treasurer
Gretchen Holland
District 1, Key Largo, Secretary
James J. Boilini
District 1, Key Largo
David C. Ritz
District 1, Key Largo
Craig Belcher
District 2, Tavernier
Joseph H. Roth III
District 2, Tavernier
George D. Hertel
District 3, Islamorada
CONTACT US: 305-852-2431
Pay by Phone 1-855-940-4077 www.FKEC.com
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 377, Tavernier, FL 33070
MEMBERS
SHOULD KNOW:
FKEC offers SmartHub, a secure, convenient tool that lets you view bills, track energy use, and manage payments, anytime, anywhere. Register from your desktop or mobile device at www.FKEC.com
Unless otherwise noted, “FKEC NEWS” writing, design & photography by: Nikki Dunn Cullen, news@fkec.com.
FKEC NEWS
Sharing Strength
At Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, strength is not measured only by poles, wires, or megawatts—it’s measured by people, partnerships, and the willingness to learn from one another. This issue of Florida Currents highlights two very different moments that share a common thread: the power of sharing strength through safety and advocacy.
Special Safety Presentation
Safety is always foundational to who we are. Recently, FKEC had the honor of welcoming lineman Branden Bauer and his wife, Katelyn, to speak at our monthly safety meeting. Branden survived a near-fatal electrical shock while working as a lineman in Pennsylvania—an experience that forever changed his life and perspective. By sharing his story, Branden reminded us that safety is not just about procedures and training; it’s about accountability to one another, to our families, and to the communities we serve. His willingness to relive a difficult moment so others may learn from it is a powerful example of strength through shared experience—and a reminder of why safety must always remain our highest priority. I hope you will read Branden’s story on page 6.
Legislative Cookout
Strength is also found beyond our service territory through collaboration and advocacy. One of the greatest strengths of the cooperative model is that while each electric cooperative operates
SCOTT NEWBERRY Chief Executive Officer
independently, none of us operates alone. Across Florida and the nation, cooperatives work together to protect local interests, share expertise, and ensure our collective voice is heard in discussions that shape the future of our industry. This spirit of cooperation was on display as FKEC joined fellow Florida electric cooperatives at the annual legislative cookout in Tallahassee, engaging directly with policymakers on issues that impact our members and communities.
Whether it’s sharing a personal story that reinforces a culture of safety or standing shoulder to shoulder with other cooperatives to advocate on behalf of our members, these moments reflect the cooperative difference. By exchanging knowledge, experience, and perspective, we strengthen our organization, support one another, and continue building a safer, more resilient future for the communities we proudly serve.
The Cooperative Difference, On Display
FKEC Joins Fellow Co-ops at Annual Legislative Cookout in Tallahassee
Each year, Florida’s electric cooperatives gather in Tallahassee to strengthen advocacy efforts on behalf of the members we serve. In January, FKEC joined fellow co-ops from across the state for the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association (FECA) Annual Legislative Cookout—an event that has connected cooperative leaders and state policymakers for nearly 50 years.
The cookout provides a relaxed setting for meaningful conversation, allowing cooperatives to engage directly with legislators on issues affecting reliability, affordability, and the future of electric service in Florida. FKEC was proud to represent the Florida Keys at the Capitol, sharing the cooperative story and reinforcing the value of locally governed, member-owned utilities.
ABOVE: FKEC’s Gretchen Holland, Phil Guinta, Steve Lachowicz, Jason Richards, State Representative Jim Mooney, FKEC’s Scott Newberry, Craig Belcher, Ryan Lachowicz, Legislative Assistant Lee Young and Lobbyist Kate DeLoach.
RIGHT: FKEC’s Jason Richards and Phil Guinta help prepare crowd-pleasing Keys cuisine which included lobster Reubens, fried Mahi Mahi, conch fritters, and key lime cake for dessert.
BOTTOM: FKEC’s Maria Jones, Kim Jones and Joe Joyce serve up culinary delights created by FKEC “Chef” Steve Lachowicz.
Through active participation in FECA, FKEC helps ensure our members’ voices are heard as we advocate for thoughtful policies that support safe, reliable, and affordable electric service—now and for the future.
PHOTO BY MARIA JONES
PHOTO BY LEE YOUNG
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
When Safety Becomes Personal
A lineman shares a powerful reminder of why safety must always come first
In January, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative had the honor of welcoming lineman Branden Bauer and his wife, Katelyn, to speak at the cooperative’s monthly safety meeting. Branden, who survived a near-fatal electrical shock while working as a lineman in Pennsylvania, was invited to share his story as part of FKEC’s ongoing commitment to learning from real-world experiences—reinforcing a culture where safety is never taken for granted and reminding others just how quickly a single moment can change everything.
In 2021, Branden was working as a
journeyman lineman with more than 10 years of experience at United Electric Cooperative in western Pennsylvania. While performing system improvements on a challenging section of line, Branden made contact with a live conductor he mistakenly believed was a neutral. In an instant, he suffered a powerful electrical shock that caused devastating, lifealtering injuries.
What followed was nearly 10 weeks in the hospital and years of learning to adapt to life without his arms below the elbows. Branden has since endured more than 30 surgeries, three skin grafts, and an estimated 300 hours of occupational and physical therapy.
Electrical shocks of this magnitude are often fatal. In Branden’s case, the immediate actions of his crew made a critical difference. One coworker called 911, another issued a mayday to operations, while another retrieved an
automated external defibrillator. The foreman worked to reach Branden, who was unconscious — his gloves smoldering and his body almost too hot to touch. Against the odds, Branden regained consciousness at the scene without assistance and remembers vivid details, which he graciously shares to bring a real-life perspective to his story.
Speaking candidly to a room filled with FKEC employees, Branden described not only the physical trauma, but the emotional weight of the moment — explaining that one of his first thoughts was of his wife, and that he was about to become a first-time father.
One reason Branden continues to share his story, he said, is to challenge a common mindset in high-risk professions — the belief that serious accidents only happen to “someone else.”
He encouraged employees to slow down, verify their surroundings, and
“Branden, thank you for the raw truth and courage it took to share your story with us. Your pain became our lesson, and your resilience is a reminder of what matters most. From one father of three daughters to another, your story will stay with me and make me safer every day," said FKEC Lineman Scott Trago, pictured above talking to Branden.
speak up when something doesn’t feel right — emphasizing that taking a moment to ask questions or voice concerns can prevent life-altering consequences.
“We all think it’s not going to happen to us,” Branden said as he explained how safety-conscious he always was. “If you take one thing away from my presentation today, change that mindset. Change it to, ‘Today, I’m not going to let it happen to me.’”
Katelyn also spoke, offering a powerful perspective on how the accident impacted their family and her own outlook. She praised Branden’s resilience while reinforcing a central truth: safety at work isn’t just about protecting yourself — it’s about protecting the people who love and depend on you. An accident doesn’t just affect one person; it affects everyone connected to them.
Branden’s message is underscored by sobering data: Electrical contact contributed to 126 utility worker deaths
nationwide in 2020, with thousands more nonfatal injuries reported each year.
“The lessons shared during Branden’s presentation reinforced why we do all the things we do to help ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of the day,” said Jason Richards, FKEC’s Director of Safety and Job Training.
Today, more than six years after the accident, Branden and Katelyn are the proud parents of three daughters. Branden is also back at work full time as a line superintendent at United Electric, where he uses his experience to champion safety on every job site. Outside of work, he has returned to activities he loves, including hunting, and has even completed a Tough Mudder run alongside his brothers. Most of all, Branden says he is grateful for the opportunity to be present with his wife and daughters—a perspective that continues to shape his message about the importance of safety.
FKEC’s Commitment to Safety
At FKEC, safety is a shared responsibility and a core value across every department. Our number one goal is simple and non-negotiable: ensuring every employee returns home safely to their family at the end of each day.
As highlighted in Branden Bauer’s presentation, achieving that goal requires constant awareness, clear communication, and a commitment to doing the job the right way — every time.
FKEC’s comprehensive safety program includes:
Training & Certification
Required online safety training for all employees
Annual refresher training on pole-top rescue, bucket rescue, and confined space entry
Annual Electrical Hazard Awareness Program training for tree crews
Annual Hazardous Materials and Chemical training
Annual fire extinguisher training
CPR, First Aid, and AED training for all team members
Meetings & Oversight
Monthly safety meetings
Safety Committee meetings with outside personnel and management to review incidents and recommend improvements
Daily Field Safety Practices
Daily job briefings are performed by field crews before each assignment
Daily FDOT truck inspections on cooperative vehicles
Safety Engagement & Awareness
Safety suggestion boxes
Contests, challenges, and awareness initiatives that keep safety top of mind
Incumbents Reelected to FKEC Board
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce the reelection of Dr. James Boilini, Craig Belcher, Cale Smith, and Michael Puto to the FKEC Board of Directors, each to serve a three-year term. In accordance with FKEC bylaws, when only one qualified member from a district is nominated and unopposed, that member is declared elected.
As a member-owned cooperative, FKEC operates under seven core principles, including democratic member control. Unlike investor-owned utilities, where influence is tied to shares, cooperatives are built on a simple concept: one membership, one
Dr. James Boilini District 1 • Key Largo
Dr. James “Jim” Boilini, a Credentialed Cooperative Director, was originally appointed to the board in 2004 to complete the remainder of an unexpired term. He was then elected in 2005, and has been re-elected in three-year intervals. He also served as Board President from 2013 to 2019.
Jim holds a Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University and has owned a private Optometry practice in Key Largo since 1975. He also established “Doc’s Diner” in 2009, which his daughter operates today.
Active in the community, Jim serves on the Monroe County Parks and Recreation Committee, is president and founding board member of Jacobs Aquatic Center, and is a former director of the Foundation Board at Mariners Hospital. He was also a founding member of the Monroe Educational Foundation and the Take Stock in Children program.
Craig Belcher was first elected to Florida Keys Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors in 1999, representing District 1, Key Largo. He was reelected in 2002 and served one year as Board Vice President.
After relocating, Craig was elected to represent District 2, Tavernier, in 2005 and has since been reelected every three years.
A Credentialed Cooperative Director, Craig has also earned a Board Leadership Certificate and represents FKEC on the Florida Electric Cooperative Association’s statewide board.
In 1981, Craig opened Craig’s Restaurant on Plantation Key and operated the successful eatery until 2019. During that time, he hosted the Upper Keys Rotary Club’s weekly meetings for more than 25 years. Now semi-retired, Craig operates Island Time Catering, focusing primarily on local events.
vote, ensuring every member has an equal voice.
Electing directors is one of the most important ways members participate in the cooperative process. The FKEC Board of Directors represents the membership, guides long-term planning, and helps ensure reliable, affordable electric service throughout the Upper and Middle Keys.
To learn more about your Board of Directors visit www.FKEC.com/about-fkec/. Member participation helps strengthen the cooperative and ensures FKEC remains responsive to the communities we serve.
Cale Smith joined the FKEC Board in 2014 as a representative of District 3, Islamorada, and was elected by FKEC members in Islamorada in 2017, 2020, and 2023. He has also served as Board Treasurer since 2016.
Cale is a Credentialed Cooperative Director, and has earned both his Board Leadership and Gold Director certifications.
Cale moved to the Keys with his family in 2005. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Bastion Fiduciary and an honors graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He earned his MBA from the College of William & Mary.
Active in the community, Smith is a veteran, serves as a director of Mariners Hospital, and is a founding board member of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation. He is also a recipient of the Irving Eyster Award for outstanding volunteer service in Islamorada.
Michael “Mike” Puto joined the FKEC Board in 1993, representing Marathon. He served as Board Secretary for 18 years before being elected Vice President in 2019. A Credentialed Cooperative Director, Mike has earned both the Board Leadership Certificate and Director Gold Certificate.
His extensive public service includes roles as Marathon City Manager, county commissioner, and vice mayor and mayor of Monroe County, and serving on the 16th Judicial Nomination Commission.
A recipient of more than 50 community service awards, Mike is a Certified Emergency Manager and is actively involved with Fishermen’s Community Hospital and the Marathon Rotary Club. He has also volunteered as a Take Stock in Children mentor for more than 25 years and served on the board of the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.
Cale Smith
Michael
ont P ch
Pier District combines open spaces, waterfront views and a community hub
By Colette Boehm
The St. Pete Pier has been part of St. Petersburg’s waterfront since the 1800s. Thanks to its recent rebirth, the pier is now a multifaceted center for waterfront recreation, education, entertainment and business development.
Since its redevelopment and 2020 reopening, the 26-acre St. Pete Pier which extends into Tampa Bay, serves as the front porch to the city.
The pier and park, popular with locals and visitors alike, garnered national attention for their designs. The Urban Land Institute recognized the pier with the
2022 ULI Global Awards for Excellence— one of only six awards presented worldwide, including two in the United States. Also in 2022, the district received the International Architecture Award for Excellence.
Pier Manager Juniper Rodriguez says the city’s idea was to create a property that would be used by visitors as well as residents.
“A lot of times when you came to the old pier, you went there to bring somebody visiting, when you have family in town,” she says. “This one’s way more heavily utilized by locals. It’s primarily open-air space. It’s 26 acres with plenty of areas to sit, walk
and run and Rollerblade and bike. There’s a fishing deck out in the end, so there’s always people out here.”
Juniper says many of those people are now like family to her and the project became a place that feels like home. What started as a contract position has become much more.
“It’s just a really cool place to work,” she says. “Anytime you get a little bit stressed,
The St. Pete Pier is considered St. Petersburg’s front porch. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG
Pier Manager Juniper Rodriguez
you just walk outside and watch the pelicans and the dolphins. We never take it for granted, because it’s just such a beautiful place to work. It’s never boring out here. We have our regulars that we see and we talk to and keep up with. It’s a good community feeling.”
have been here since the very beginning, when we opened five years ago. Some of them have just been so successful that they continue to stay.”
“We have a great arts community,” Juniper says. “(The city) basically set aside nearly $2 million to dedicate towards public artwork at the property. Most of the pieces were commissioned to be done by local artists.”
That community includes regular visitors who participate in activities ranging from mom meetups to fitness classes to pier fishing. It also comprises merchants in the pier’s marketplace. Each weekend, more than two dozen local artists, makers and retailers exhibit and sell their wares.
“The marketplace is a mix of tents and kiosks that are heavily focused on local artists,” Juniper says. “It was set up essentially as an incubator for people who were new to retail and don’t currently have a brick-and-mortar location.
“We looked at it as a good place for them to start and kind of learn how to run a business. We’ve had a couple of them actually be able to leave here. Some, they’ll keep a store here, but they also opened up brick-and-mortar space. Some of them
There are vendors who make peanut brittle, jerk sauces and rum cakes. There are also jewelers, print-makers, weavers, T-shirt designers and more.
The park includes areas to enjoy a distinctly St. Pete experience. The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center and Wet Classroom is a unique learning outpost with interactive exhibits. Indoor and outdoor exploration areas focus on Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystem and its protection and restoration. Pier Plaza features a seating area, fountain and splash pad, as well as spots to enjoy dining and drinking.
Local art is a mainstay throughout the district. From “First Flight,” which celebrates St. Pete’s role in commercial air travel, to “Bending Arc,” a signature piece by internationally renowned artist and Tampa Bay native Janet Echelman, sculptures dot the property and enchant visitors.
The Pier District, which was a $93 million project, hosts around 80 events each year. A recent impact study found it has an annual economic impact of $125 million.
Beyond economics, the district is a place where people gather to enjoy their surroundings and one another’s company. According to Juniper, those people include employees like her.
“It doesn’t really matter where you work,” she says. “If you don’t really like the people you work with, it’s no fun. And I have a great team. We’re literally like family, and we all have such a passion and care for this property.
“My favorite part is just the fact you can go out and touch grass, as they say, anytime you want, and you’re in nature,. You can go for a walk and watch the baby ducks or the crabs or the blue heron, and it makes you really appreciate what we have and the beauty of the place we live in.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The marketplace at the St. Pete Pier District includes more than two dozen vendors and acts as a retail incubator. One vendor shows off his Caribbean sauces and spices. The pier has been part of St. Pete’s waterfront since the 1800s.
Master craftsman keeps old-world tradition alive in Fort Walton Heart
By Drew Woolley
andSoul
Customers and students stepping into Fort Walton’s Traditions Workshop could be forgiven for mistaking the array of tools on display for an exhibit. Alongside computer-aided wood carvers and plasma cutters sit more historic tools, some more than a century old. There’s a South Bend lathe, made in 1919, and a Swedish hammer workshop owner David Sandlin inherited from his grandfather.
This 4-foot-tall steel and copper creation of a floating skyline was the winning entry in the 2025 Florida Artist Blacksmith Association’s regional challange. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SANDLIN FAMILY
The master craftsman is quick to point out those antique tools are anything but relics.
“They work. And they’re still the ones I often want to use day to day,” David says. “That lathe can still cut within a thousandth of an inch. And it’s tough. The attitude they had at the time was build it hard, build it strong, build it heavy. And that’s still not enough, so add some more steel.”
David started working with his hands at age 12. In the decades since, his insatiable hunger for learning new crafts has driven him to master woodworking, blacksmithing and stained glass, among many others. Now, through his workshop, he’s able to share those skills with his community and pass them along to others.
“There is still a calling for craftsmen and people who know how to work with their hands,” he says. “I know there’s a lot of talk about AI and that sort of thing. I’ve done software development and been on the cutting edge of technology. But this is still the heart and soul of what makes things happen.”
From the Ground Up
David’s first exposure to craftwork came while woodworking alongside his father in North Carolina.
“He needed a carpenter’s aide, and that was me,” he says.
Together, they built a house and a barn and rebuilt an old gaffrigged sailboat.
At 16, David wrecked his car, damaging the bumper and tearing up the sheet metal. His father told him to fix it, so David started to learn metalworking.
“Dad wasn’t one to let the grass grow under his feet, and he taught me the same,” he says. “We had a number of different
projects throughout the years, and eventually he launched me off into the wild blue yonder as an Air Force Academy cadet.”
David graduated from the academy in 1978, serving until Jan. 1, 2001. Even during more than two decades of service, David continued to hone and grow his crafting skills.
“Every time I went to a new Air Force base, they had what they called hobby shops,” he says. “It was nice to have access to some pretty nice tools. One way to learn a little bit about the local culture was to learn what they did there.”
That’s when David’s skillset really took flight. He learned stained-glass design and typography in England, took up carving in Germany, studied timberframe construction in Canada and started blacksmithing in the Carolinas. While flying Air Force F-16s in the Moselle Valley in Western Europe, he learned to make wine. Stationed in Tucson, Arizona, for six months learning to fly the A-10, David took classes in sleight-of-hand magic.
“I’d rather be busy than bored,” he says.
A Family Affair
After retiring from the Air Force, it was more than a decade before David turned his crafts into a full-time job. First, he spent years working as a software engineer. While that job was lucrative, he couldn’t help but long for work that yielded longerlasting results.
“At the end of the day, you’d turn off that computer, and everything just disappeared,” he says.
In 2014, Traditions Workshop was born. It started as a hobby in David’s garage, giving him the chance to put his many skills to use restoring antique and heirloom items. Within three years, he was stretched for equipment and project space.
David relocated to the current Fort Walton location, where the entire Sandlin family takes part in the business. His son, Christopher, specializes in blacksmithing and historic restorations. Anna, David’s wife, serves as a master of textiles and art. Jessica, one of David’s daughters, runs the office and teaches blacksmithing classes to women. His other daughter, Jennifer, has Down syndrome and is a frequent
presence around the shop when she isn’t at the adult day care facility next door.
The pieces they work with keep David on his toes. He might be working on a part for a canopy bed one moment, restoring a 1914 Singer sewing machine the next, then wrapping up the day with an antique brass crib.
“When I get bored with one thing, I can just switch gears to another,” he says.
Past and Present
While each item in need of restoration presents its own challenges, the process always starts with a conversation.
First, David determines what is broken or tarnished and what it will take to repair. Then there is the question of how the customer wants the piece to look when it’s finished. In many cases, the goal is simply to make it like new. Others have larger changes in mind.
“Sometimes we’ll have a beautiful cherry table, and the customer wants to paint it black,” David says. “So, I’ll say a quiet, ‘I’m sorry’ to whoever the first craftsman to make this was and paint it black.”
BELOW: David Sandlin designed this Viking ship table to be easily disassembled and transported to Renaissance fairs.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: David, right, takes an axe-making class with Jordan Borstelmann of Crooked Path Forge in Gainesville. Even a master needs to continue his studies. Using a CNC plasma cutter, a more modern piece of metal work was created. David’s team won second place in the 2025 FABA regional competition. Themed after “The Lord of the Rings,” the piece depicts the fellowship passing through forest and mountains, with a dragon flying overhead.
For all the antique tools on hand, David isn’t afraid to turn to modern technology if the situation calls for it. In those moments, he gets the chance to draw on his years of tech experience with tools that use computers to automate the machining process.
“It’s just about using the right tool for the job,” he says. “There are times when you get out the hand plane because that’s what you need. And there are times when you pull out the CNC carver and let it do the job.”
Still, David knows as well as anyone just how fickle modern technology can be. So, given the choice, he always prefers tools that were built to last.
“I could go and buy some brandnew equipment and, unfortunately, the
software is going to need to be redone in about five years, and the hardware is going to wear out,” he says. “Or I could buy this piece of technology on the surplus market that probably survived World War II and is still as solid as the day it rolled off the assembly line.”
Keepers of the Flame
Over time, Traditions Workshop has evolved into a classroom for the types of folk art and crafting skills the Sandlin family holds dear. David says that idea started with Anna. As she taught their kids to sew, she watched them grow up in a world where so many others did not have that opportunity.
At the same time, David began to see a surge in interest for blacksmithing
classes with the popularity of the History Channel’s competition show “Forged in Fire.”
“I look around the community, and these aren’t necessarily vanishing skills, because we have 360 blacksmiths in the state of Florida,” he says. “But they’re certainly hard-to-find skills.”
Many of the workshop’s classes focus on blacksmithing and can run for several hours as David or Christopher walk people through the process of crafting their own bottle openers, rings, pans and even axes. But the shop also offers courses on stained glass, yarn-making, leather crafts and more.
Classes start with students as young as 12, the same age David was when he first started helping his father, but he has taught
COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:
Christopher Sandlin turns a brass finial on the workshop’s restored 1919 South Bend metal cutting lathe. David made this Viking-style toolbox and donated it in 2025 to an educational nonprofit. David forged and installed this dragon hasp on a toolbox as a gift to his apprentice, Jack Fortenberry. Jack says the dragon keeps prying eyes away. David uses large clamps to convert a customer’s full bed frame into a queen frame.
Ready, Set, Smith!
David Sandlin may have never seen an episode of “Forged in Fire,” but he still knows his way around competition. Each year, the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association holds a regional challenge where teams from across the state face off against each other.
Teams from FABA’s eight regions receive a prompt, such as skyline or medieval folklore and religion. They then set out to design and execute their visions for that theme, creating pieces that depict floating skylines or perhaps even landscapes from “The Lord of the Rings.”
This year’s theme is balance and motion. David and his team are already at work on their entry, which will be on display alongside the rest this October at FABACon in Gainesville. The public is encouraged to visit, learn and bid on pieces they would like to take home from the conference.
aspiring craftspeople into their 90s. The one piece of advice he gives all of them is to keep putting their hands to work.
“It’s kinesthetic learning,” he says. “The first time you make a nail, it’s going to look ugly, and it’s going to take 40 minutes. The second time, it’s going to look a little better and might take 20 minutes. The third time, it will take five minutes, and it may not look great yet, but your hands and eyes are learning to work together. You’re training your body to make things happen.”
into re-building an antique the same way it was created takes time—and it can be expensive. If someone comes in with a piece of furniture they found on the side of the road hoping for a cheap fix, he tells them to put it back where they found it.
Telling a Story
As passionate as he is about his crafts, David is honest with his customers that restoration isn’t the right fit for every situation. The care and work that goes
Items that can’t be replaced have the most meaning for David. Perhaps it’s an old radio a family gathered around when they heard President Franklin D. Roosevelt announce the attack on Pearl Harbor. Or it’s an ancestor’s toolbox used when he worked on the Ford assembly line, now converted into a coffee table.
“That family needed it. It’s got history,” David says. “When they looked at it, it told them the story of how their family held together during the Great Depression.”
Building and repairing those pieces allows David to do the same for future generations, and it’s a gift he hopes to pass on to every student he teaches.
In his blacksmithing classes, David always covers the fundamentals— determining how much material is needed or the basics of thermodynamics. But he also takes his students on a trip through history, back to biblical references to the first iron workers.
“The reason I do that is because I want them to know they are the product of a thousand love stories,” he says. “We stand taller today and see further because people before us were willing to break their backs and make things happen. And you can do the same for the next generation.”
Meals From the Heart
INSPIRE LOVE WITH PROPOSAL-WORTHY DISHES
Marry Me Slow-Cooker Chicken
4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, about 2 pounds
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
1 cup heavy cream, warmed slightly
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to slow cooker along with any leftover butter and juices from the skillet.
In a bowl, whisk chicken stock with cornstarch, garlic, crushed red pepper, oregano and thyme. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Top each chicken breast with chopped sundried tomatoes. Cover. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1½-2 hours, until chicken reaches 165 degrees. Remove chicken to a plate, and keep warm. Stir heavy cream and Parmesan into the hot liquid in the slow cooker until smooth. Return chicken to sauce. Spoon sauce over the top, and let rest for 5-10 minutes on warm.
Garnish with basil before serving.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY FOMAA
Marry Me Chocolate Cake
18.25-ounce package devil’s food cake mix
3.9-ounce package instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups sour cream
1 cup melted butter, cooled 5 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Strawberries, optional
Powdered sugar, optional
Heat oven to 350 F. Coat a 10-inch tube pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake and pudding mixes. Make a well in the center, and add sour cream, butter, eggs and vanilla extract.
Beat on low speed until blended. Scrape bowl, then beat for 4 minutes on medium speed. Mix in chocolate chips by hand.
Pour batter into greased pan, and bake for 50-55 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a plate and cool completely. Garnish with strawberries and sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
1 cup drained sundried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced, plus 4 tablespoons tomato oil, divided
1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces rigatoni or penne pasta
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5 ounces baby spinach
1 ounce Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
Torn fresh basil leaves, for serving
In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons tomato oil. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook in oil, stirring occasionally, until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water. Stir occasionally, until al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
In the same skillet over medium heat, cook garlic, tomato paste, red pepper flakes and remaining tomato oil. Stir until tomato paste deepens in color, about 1 minute. Add sundried tomatoes, broth, cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly reduces, about 5 minutes. Add spinach. Cook until wilted, 1-2 minutes.
Add pasta, shrimp and Parmesan. Cook, stirring, until pasta is coated and sauce is glossy. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove skillet from heat. Cover, and let sit 2 to 3 minutes. Stir pasta again to coat.
Divide the mixture among bowls. Top with basil and more Parmesan.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup yellow onion, diced
21/4 teaspoons salt, divided Pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 tablespoons tomato paste
6 cups chicken stock
1⁄ 3 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups small-shape pasta, such as orecchiette
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onion, ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to soften.
Sprinkle in garlic powder and thyme. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Pour in chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and sundried tomatoes. Add chicken, and stir to combine. Cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta. Stir. Cover, and reduce heat to a strong simmer. Cook for 8-15 minutes depending on the pasta type. Stir occasionally, until pasta is just cooked through.
Turn off heat. Add cream, Parmesan cheese, spinach and vinegar. Stir to combine and melt the cheese.
Marry Me Meatballs
18 ounces ground chicken
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
2 teaspoons paprika, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan, divided
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
5 ounces sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken stock
½ lemon
Basil leaves, for garnish
Place the ground chicken, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika and ¼ cup Parmesan in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Use clean hands to mix everything together, then roll mixture into 16 meatballs.
In a large, deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry meatballs, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until golden all over. Remove them to a plate.
Add garlic, sundried tomatoes and remaining dried oregano and paprika. Cook for a few minutes until garlic has softened. Add cream, stock, remaining Parmesan, and additional salt and pepper, to taste. Stir well. Add meatballs, and cook for 5 minutes. Make sure meatballs are cooked through, then remove the pan from the heat.
Squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle basil over the top.
Shining a Light
By Dave LaBelle
Every calendar month is dedicated to bringing awareness to its own cause or observance, some lighthearted and others profoundly meaningful. October, for instance, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, yet it also shares space with National Pizza Month. In the United Kingdom, 30 days across May and June are recognized as National Smile Month. And while we might celebrate whimsical Mustache March, the month is also designated as National Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture and society.
Throughout my career, I have photographed many famous women—movie stars, civil rights figures and humanitarians from all walks of life. In 2011, I photographed Eva Schloss, a survivor of Hitler’s death camps and Anne Frank’s stepsister. Eva died Jan. 3 in London at the age of 96.
Approachable and generous with her time, Eva told her story to audiences for two days. Like Anne, Eva and her family went into hiding from the Nazis, and after two years, they were tracked down, arrested and deported to concentration camps. Eva barely survived Auschwitz, and her brother and father died in captivity.
“The horrors that she endured as a young woman are impossible to comprehend and yet she devoted the rest of her life to overcoming hatred and prejudice, promoting kindness, courage, understanding and resilience through her tireless work for the Anne Frank Trust UK and for Holocaust education across the world,”
Reader Challenge
While I advocate photographing famous people whenever and wherever you can, don’t limit documenting only those society or fate has shined a light on. Ask yourself, “Is there is a person I admire in my world, a giving soul in my community I can honor?” Try to make a portrait that celebrates their character.
Email your best image—just one—with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
King Charles says in a piece written by Thomas Mackintosh and published by the BBC on Jan. 4, 2026.
Beneath Eva’s positive public face, she shared with me after a lecture that waves of pain linger. I watched for images that might reveal that pain and often shot as tight as possible, usually with a telephoto lens to compress the face, hoping to capture subtle expressions that reveal the pain in her heart.
To learn more of Eva’s story, check out bit.ly/4qYVuC4 or pick up one of her books, “Eva’s Story: A Survivor’s Tale by the Stepsister of Anne Frank” and “The Promise: The Moving Story of a Family in the Holocaust.”
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
NIKON D200, 180mm lens ISOf/2.8800, at 1/200
US...
IS A PROMISE
Every day, the Y strengthens communities for kids, adults, seniors and families with programs that protect, teach, connect, heal, nourish and encourage. It’s how we help communities and the “us” who live in them achieve our individual and collective promise.
We can’t do it alone. DONATE FOR A BETTER US.
Bluegills, redear sunfish and other panfish— all typically called bream—inhabit all suitable Florida freshwater systems.
For the best action, fish for these scrappers during spawning season. In Southern Florida, bluegill might begin spawning in late February or early March. Farther north, they might start spawning in late March. Bluegill spawn every 28 days into the fall. Redears spawn a little deeper and earlier in the spring and fall.
For spawning, bream hollow out dishshaped depressions in sandy or gravel bottoms and frequently return to the same bedding grounds each year. If anglers can find a good bedding area, they can usually catch a bunch of fish until cold weather hits.
Spawning bluegills defend their nests. Bream eat almost anything they can fit into their mouths. Above all, they relish insects. When feeding on the surface, their tiny mouths create distinctive snapping noises that could give away a bedding location.
A fierce desire to defend their beds and ravenous appetites for bugs make bream perfect fly-fishing targets. Bream hit various floating cork, wood or foam poppers. Some imitate crickets or other insects. At times, bream obliterate poppers. At other
Bugging Bream
Try light fly tackle for big action on diminutive panfish
times, they gently taste a temptation before sucking it down. Suddenly, the popper simply vanishes without the slightest ripple.
Few fish can outfight bream, ounce for ounce. On light fly tackle, these bantam powerhouses provide thrills. Toss a bug close to weeds, woody cover or the shoreline. In bedding areas, cast beyond the nest and pull the bug over the bed. Let the popper rest on the surface a few moments, then pop it.
The biggest bluegills commonly stay in slightly deeper water or suspend over drop-off edges. For these, try sinking flies or streamers that mimic minnows. Shellcrackers hit floating temptations but prefer to feed near the bottom. Fish sinking flies or streamers. Let the enticement descend a few feet. Then, pull it through the water in short spurts, pausing periodically.
From the smallest neighborhood retention ponds to the 730-square-mile Lake Okeechobee, anglers can catch bluegills and other bream on fly tackle practically anywhere in Florida.
Lake George is another good bream lake. The second largest inland lake in Florida, Lake George sprawls across 46,000 acres northwest of Deland. The St. Johns River, another great bream fishery, runs through it.
“Lake George can produce some good catches of bream in the spring and summer,” says Steve Niemoeller, a guide from St. Cloud. “The lake has a lot of thick weed beds that are good places to fish for big bream with fly tackle. Bream make beds in the weeds.”
Other spots include Crescent, Orange, Panasoffkee and Talquin lakes; the Harris and Kissimmee chains; Rodman Reservoir; and the Dead Lakes near Wewahitchka.
In many South Florida canals, anglers can catch bream, as well as exotic fish such as oscars, on fly tackle.
For more information or to speak with Steve Niemoeller, call 1-888-629-2277 or visit www.bassonline.com.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. He’s written more than 3,500 articles on a wide variety of outdoor topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
ABOVE: A large bluegill like this one can put up quite a fight on light fly tackle. TOP: Steve Niemoeller lands a redear sunfish he caught on a fly rod while fishing a creek off the St. Johns River near Astor. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN N. FELSHER
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 fun options for everyone.
ISLAMORADA
March 1
Bacon, Beer & Seafood Festival
Bring the whole family for a day of food, beer and handcrafted cocktails, and artists and vendors of local crafts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is live music, including Dan Furmanik, The Coconut Cowboy and the Bahamian Junkanoo Band. A donation of $5 is requested. facebook.com/events/s/islamoradas-bacon-beer-seafood/4134942263486248; 305-664-8120
OKEECHOBEE
March 1
The Battle of Okeechobee
This family event at the Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park is a commemoration and reenactment of the Seminole Wars fought on Christmas Day 1837. Activities include historic colors presentation, live battle narration and reenactment, cannon and alligator demonstrations, living history encampments, artisans, exhibits, food, music and children’s activities. Gates open at 10 a.m. with the reenactment at 2 p.m. The event is presented by the Okeechobee Battlefield Friends. Admission is $10 per car. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064283425580; 863-610-2333
FT. MYERS
March 21-22
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing
The nonprofit Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation hosts its Gulf Coast Saltwater Fishing University at Bass Pro Shops Fort Myers. Women, men and teens can learn and practice fishing at several hands-on skill stations on Saturday, then have an option to fish inshore from charter boats on Sunday. Registration starts at $99 and includes classes, hands-on practice and gifts. Guided inshore fishing on Sunday is additional. No equipment or experience is necessary. www.ladiesletsgofishing.com; 954-475-9068
PANAMA CITY BEACH
March 6-7
Annual Panama City Beach Scottish Festival
Feel free to bring your hats, sunglasses and folding chairs to Frank Brown Park for this year’s festival. Spend the day immersing yourself in Scottish culture. The event includes Scottish athletic competitions, Scottish clan representatives, bagpipe bands, a British car club show, children’s activities, Scottish and Irish food, and Irish Step Dancers. www.pcbscottishfestival.com; 850-556-5714
ISLAMORADA
March 7
Wildlife of the Keys
Bring your art-loving family and friends as you take in the scenery of Florida through local artists’ eyes. Art Guild of the Purple Isles presents members’ original artworks of the Florida Keys’ native birds and animals from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Our Place in Paradise Gallery, MM 88.7. There is a reception from 5-7 p.m. www.agpi.us; 305-916-5828
PHOTO COURTESY OF LADIES, LET’S GO FISHING
PANAMA CITY BEACH
March 12-14
Emerald Coast Cruzin’ Car Show
They’re fast, they’re furious, and they’re getting revved up for you and your friends. Make your way to Frank Brown Park to see some awesome hot rods and live music. Across the street, Pier Park offers more than 125 stores for those who enjoy shopping. www.emeraldcoastcruzin.com; 662-587-9572
BRADENTON/LAKEWOOD RANCH
March 14
9th Annual Spring Art Show and Sale
Stop by Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take in the works of local artists and artisans during this one-day show and sale. www.caalr.com; 941-907-0202
WEWAHITCHKA
March 28
ISLAMORADA
March 16-Nov. 20
Beautiful Islamorada Art Exhibit
An exhibit of original works reflecting the beauty of the Florida Keys. The Village is hosting this new AGPI Exhibit at three locations: Founders Park, 87000 Overseas Highway, MM 87; Village Hall, 86800 Overseas Highway, MM 86.8; and The Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve, 81224 Overseas Highway, MM 81.2.
www.agpi.us
KEY LARGO
March 23-April 30
Florida Keys Quilters ‘Quilts in Bloom’ Show
The Florida Keys Quilters present their Quilts in Bloom from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Key Largo Library Community Room at Tradewinds Plaza, 101499 Overseas Hwy. This is a unique opportunity to view the artistry and handiwork of a beautiful quilt. Members are available to share insights, answer questions and demonstrate quilt-making techniques. Admission is free.
305-451-2396
ISLAMORADA
March 28
22nd Annual Pioneer Day and BBQ
History and heritage of Southwest Florida is showcased from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Turner Agri-Civic Center. This year’s festival will commemorate America 250, as well as the centennial anniversaries of Arcadia City Hall, J.L. Jones Building and Plaza Hotel. There’s fun for the whole family, including barbecue, and other tasty treats; demonstrations of old-fashioned skills and crafts; musical entertainment; a classic 1924 LaFrance firetruck and fire hose demonstration with an exhibit about the 1905 fire that destroyed downtown Arcadia; Florida authors and artists; a free “hands-on history” area with time honored tasks; vintage games; and a fossil dig. www.historicdesoto.org; 863-266-5774
KEY LARGO
March 28
Pops in the Park
The Florida Keys Community Concert Band will perform with the theme of Twilight Tunes. The concert is free and open to the public. Pack your picnic basket and a blanket or chairs to enjoy this hour-long treat starting at 4 p.m in Murray Nelson Center Peace Park. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-394-1123
2026 Duck Derby Spring Festival
The GFWC Wewahitchka Woman’s Club is excited to announce this year’s Duck Derby Spring Festival starting at 8 a.m. at Lake Alice Park. This community event promises a day of activities, entertainment and opportunities to support local causes. The festivities begin bright and early with the 5K Duck Dash, a race benefiting the Wewahitchka High School cross-country team. Participants can find registration forms on the club’s website. As the day unfolds, a variety of food vendors, live music, nonprofit displays and prize drawings are available. The highlight of the afternoon is the release of the rubber ducks at 1 p.m. The firstplace winner will receive $500, and the second-place winner will take home $250. Community members are encouraged to “Adopt a Duck” for $5, with all proceeds supporting vital community needs. www.gfwcwewahitchkawomansclub.com; 850-832-9670
ISLAMORADA
March 28-29
34th Annual Florida Keys Island Fest
Each spring, this festival brings two days of vibrant community celebration to Founders Park. Organized by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce as a signature fundraiser, this beloved festival showcases juried fine art, live music, local cuisine, family activities, vintage cars and waterfront fun. Admission is free, with an optional parking donation. The event runs rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Organizers encourage attendees to “keep the scene green” by bringing reusable drink containers while enjoying lawn chairs or blankets for comfort.
www.islamoradachamber.com/island-fest; 305-664-4503
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 BY DANA MONTENIERI
Florida’s Hidden Invaders
Florida is filled with natural lands, ecological sites and a flourishing ecosystem. It’s home to many native plants and animals, but the year-round warm climate also makes it attractive to invasive species.
Invasive Species
An invasive species is a nonnative species that becomes established and causes harm to the environment, economy or human health.
In Florida, the impact of invasive species is significant:
• Environmental harm: Invasive plants can crowd out native species, disrupt food webs, and compete for sunlight, water and nutrients.
• Economic harm: Each year, Florida spends $45 million to manage invasive plants on conservation acres alone. The agriculture industry loses an estimated $179 million annually to invasive plants, animals and disease.
• Human health risk: Certain invasive plants are toxic to the touch or if consumed, posing dangers to people and pets.
Common Traits of Invasive Species
Many invasive species share characteristics that make them difficult to control, including fast growth rates, a short time to reproduce, the production of many offspring/seeds, effective dispersal and tolerance to many habitats.
Florida Arrival
• Ornamental plant introduction: Coral ardisia and climbing ferns were originally introduced in Florida as attractive ornamental plants before we learned about their invasive qualities.
• Travel souvenirs: Invasive plants have also been introduced into Florida from other regions by bringing souvenir plant seeds or flowers home from international trips. While we may
enjoy exotic fruit, beautiful flowers and flourishing plants during our travels, it’s best to take only photos, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture has restrictions on bringing agricultural products into the United States. This is to protect American agriculture from foreign pests or diseases.
• Seed sharing: Even a wellintentioned exchange of plants between friends can unintentionally spread invasives. When in doubt, check with your local UF/IFAS Extension Office or send samples to the UF Herbarium for identification.
When Coming Across an Invasive Species
• In your yard: Get proper identification and seek out your local extension office. You can also send photos or physical samples to the UF Herbarium. Then remove the plant and replace it with a Florida-friendly plant, or implement a management method.
• In the wild: Report sightings immediately at www.eddmaps.org, including plants, insects, fungi/diseases or wildlife; or at bit.ly/3M9JoXL.
Clarissa Chairez is the Residential Horticulture/Master Gardener volunteer coordinator agent in Orange County. She has a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education and a Master of Science in agronomy. She has more than 10 years of experience in education and three years in greenhouse/ nursery management.
When coming across invasive species in your yard, make sure to get proper identification and seek out your local extension office.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UF IFAS EXTENSION
Help the Lineworker Spring into Action
Did you know March 20 is the first day of spring? This time of year marks new beginnings and fresh blooms, but it can also bring powerful storms that interrupt electric service.
Help the lineworker find his way through the maze to the bucket truck so he can restore power.
My Appliance? Should I Upgrade
By Miranda Boutelle
Buying a new appliance can feel daunting. Before you hand over your hard-earned money, here’s how to choose an appliance that will help you save money over time.
When shopping, keep in mind not all new appliances are highly efficient, and not all old appliances are inefficient. The less efficient your current appliance is, the more you will save with an upgrade.
The yellow EnergyGuide on new appliances shows the yearly energy cost, kilowatt-hour electricity use and Energy Star logo, if certified.
Let’s look at some appliance examples to see how the costs and savings stack up.
Refrigerators have seen major efficiency improvements over the years. New refrigerators use up to 73% less energy than a 1970s model and one-third less than 20-year-old models.
While visiting my mom, she proudly showed off her 1980s refrigerator she bought when her 1970s harvest gold model died. If her 1980s fridge uses 2,000 kWh per year, at 14 cents per kWh, it costs $280 per year to operate. New Energy Star-certified refrigerator prices start at $500, with yearly energy costs ranging from $38 to $122. If mom buys a new Energy Star-certified refrigerator for $1,000 with $100 in yearly energy costs—saving her $180 per year—it will pay for itself in 51/2 years.
If you intend to keep your old appliance, be sure to weigh the additional energy costs. Maximize efficiency and keep your food safe by setting your refrigerator to 37 degrees and your freezer at zero degrees.
New Energy Star-certified clothes washers and dryers are also more efficient than older models. Use the Energy Star Product Finder at energystar.gov to compare products. Integrated Modified Energy Factor measures the washer’s energy efficiency. A higher number is better. Integrated Water Factor measures water efficiency. A lower number is better.
I recently bought a new washing machine when my old front-load machine died, and I was considering a top-load machine. When
I compared Energy Star-certified top loaders to front loaders, I changed my mind. Energy Star-certified front loaders use about 50% less energy and water than top-load agitator washers, and they use about 25% less energy and water than top-load impeller washers that don’t have an agitator.
My new washer was $698. Based on six loads of laundry a week and an electricity cost of 14 cents per kWh, the yearly energy cost is $15, according to the appliance’s EnergyGuide. Similar non-Energy Star-certified models were $48 per year. Mine didn’t cost much more than non-Energy Star models and will help me save over time.
Then I had to decide whether to buy the matching dryer. My old dryer is functional, but it has features I don’t like and racks up energy costs of $131.04 per year, based on running roughly six loads a week for an hour each at 14 cents per kWh.
The new matching Energy Star-certified dryer cost $698, and its annual energy use was listed at 607 kWh, which is $84.98 per year at 14 cents per kWh. With an estimated savings of $46 per year, the dryer would take 15 years for the savings to cover the price. That’s a long time and not worth the cost.
To improve your washer and dryer efficiency, wash in cold water, don’t overdry clothes and clean your lint trap between every load.
Just like the light bulbs in your home, LED televisions offer increased efficiency. Energy Star-certified televisions are 34% more efficient than conventional models. If you have a working LED television, swapping to an Energy Star model is more efficient but may not make up for the cost of a new TV. Instead, check the efficiency settings on your TV or buy a smart power strip that turns off other connected devices when not in use.
Whatever appliance you are upgrading or replacing, make an informed decision by comparing the cost of operation and shopping Energy Star models to help lower your electric bill. n
Buying a new Energy Star-certified refrigerator and putting the old one out in the garage won’t save energy. However, sometimes the secondary fridge or freezer allows you to save on groceries by stocking up on sales, preserving your own food and saving gas with fewer trips to the store. It’s all a balance.
To improve the efficiency of your washer, set it to wash in cold water.
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 energyefficiency 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.
PHOTOS BY MARK GILLILAND/PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES
Tap Into Water Heating Savings
If your home is like most, you and your family use about 64 gallons of water each day. If your water heater is electric, that probably accounts for about 18% of your power bill.
That makes your water heater the second-largest energy expense in your home. Why not use less electricity to heat it?
Today’s high-efficiency water heaters use much less energy than older models, so you don’t need to give up comfort for energy savings. That’s good news for your power bill.
There is a newer option to consider: an electric heat pump water heater. These units give you the hot water you need by pulling heat from the surrounding air to heat the water— like a refrigerator in reverse. Because they do not directly produce heat, electric heat pump water heaters are two to three times more energy efficient than standard units.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a family of four can save about $550 a year on water heating costs, which adds up to $5,610 over the lifetime of the unit.
A heat pump water heater may cost a bit more upfront than other models. However, according to the DOE, most people see a payback in less than three years due to the unit’s lower operating costs and energy savings. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for a water heater.
Check with your cooperative to see if a rebate is available to help you make the switch.
Tankless electric water heaters are another option, but carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks. These smaller units quickly heat water to provide it when called upon, but can use eight times more electricity than a standard water heater.
This high demand increases your co-op’s cost of purchased power, which plays an important role in how much you pay for electricity. In some cases, people who use electric tankless water heaters must upgrade their home’s wiring to support the greater demand for electricity.
Other ways to lower your energy costs include setting your water heater’s thermostat to no higher than 120 degrees, fixing leaks, installing lowflow fixtures, and using energyefficient dishwashers and washing machines.
Helping you save energy and money is another way your co-op is always here for you. n
How Net Metering
By Abby Berry
Residential solar systems are becoming more attainable, and more homeowners are exploring rooftop solar panels as an additional source for powering their homes.
The amount of electricity produced by rooftop solar panels depends on several factors, including your home’s sunlight exposure, energy use habits and the number of panels installed. In many cases, rooftop solar panels can generate an adequate amount of electricity to power your home.
What is net metering?
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative offers a net metering program, which compensates solar owners for excess electricity their system may produce. If a solar system generates more power than the home requires (typically during peak sunlight hours), that surplus electricity can be fed back into the electric grid. In return, the homeowner receives credit on their energy bill for the excess energy. This billing arrangement is known as net metering.
While rooftop solar is the most popular renewable generation source for homeowners, it should be noted net metering can also be applied to small-scale wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and biomass systems that generate electricity, too.
How does FKEC know how much to credit members for excess power?
When rooftop solar panels produce less electricity than homes require, bidirectional meters measure electricity drawn from the local utility grid as needed. However, when solar systems generate more electricity than your home uses, meters record excess power generated that is sent back to the grid. At the end of the billing cycle, members are charged for energy used from the grid and are credited for excess energy generated by home solar panels. It’s important to understand that the amount of electricity you use
does not include the full cost recovery of maintaining the grid infrastructure that supports your home year-round. This is why you see a service availability charge, in addition to an energy charge that bills members for each killowatt-hour used each month. The charges help maintain reliable electric service, such as grid upkeep, transformer upgrades and system balancing.
Who uses excess power generated by the solar system?
The excess electricity produced by rooftop solar doesn’t all go directly to your neighbors. The power flows back to the local grid managed by FKEC.
While generating electricity from sunrays and selling excess power back to the grid is an exciting opportunity, it’s important to thoroughly research the details before installing solar panels or any type of small-scale renewable energy system.
FKEC members who install solar systems and participate in net metering will need to sign an interconnection agreement and ensure a bidirectional electric meter is installed.
Work with a reputable solar vendor to ensure generation estimates are realistic and your home is equipped. But first, check out FKEC’s Solar Loan program. Approved members may receive up to $35,000 loans to purchase and install grid-tied renewable solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems.
It’s important to note that net metering will not eliminate your energy bill. Even if you generate as much electricity as you use, which is rare, you will continue to be billed for essential services such as grid access, service fees and other fixed costs necessary to maintain a safe and reliable system.
If you’re interested in solar or net metering, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative can help. By connecting with us first, you can gain a better understanding of the solar energy system, billing options and more.
To learn more about net metering and how it works, visit www.fkec.com/energy-efficiency/green-power
Understanding Net Metering
A privately-owned, residential solar panel system converts energy from sunlight into electricity.
The electricity is used to power the home. (It should be noted that solar panels do not provide electricity during a power outage.)
An inverter, which is connected to the electric grid, converts the electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) to make it safe for use in homes.
If the panels produce more electricity than the home needs, the consumer is compensated for excess electricity sent back to the grid.
Note: Factors such as solar system ownership and state-specific laws can impact net metering policies in various regions. Contact your electric cooperative if you have questions about net metering. recovery
Metering Works
From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space. Submit your photo by emailing a JPEG to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
Avid wildlife photographer Dan Hoard captures a summer tanager as it perches in a tree in McDavid.
PHOTO BY DAN HOARD
— Gene H.
Tactical Meets Practical
Switzerland is synonymous with expensive, big-name luxury watches like Rolex®, Piaget® and Patek Philippe® that sell for thousands, but the Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch delivers Swiss precision for a fraction of the cost. Inspired by military timepieces like the American A-11, it combines rugged performance, simplicity, and legendary craftsmanship — built for action, not display cases.
Precision Takes Time
Swiss excellence demands patience. Each Stauer Swiss Tactical takes nearly nine months to complete, and this is a limited edition of 4,900. Crafted by master watchmakers, some of whom have worked with the other prestigious brands, this is your chance to own a rare, precision-engineered tactical watch without the inflated luxury price tag.
Why Pay for a Name?
Big brands charge more for status. Stauer delivers the same quality and precision with high-contrast markers for instant readability, a shock-resistant case to withstand hard knocks and Swiss-made movement for impeccable timing.
Limited Offer – Act Now
Don’t miss this rare combination of Swiss craftsmanship and unbeatable value. Only 4,900 available — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Why pay more when you can own precision, heritage, and adventure for less? Order now — time is running out.
Watch Specifications:
• Made in Switzerland with precision Swiss Ronda 515 movement. Stainless steel caseback. Brown leather band
• 44 mm diameter case. Date window at 3 o’clock
• Water-resistant to 3 ATM. Fits wrists up to 8 ¼"
Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch
$399 $59* + S & P Save $340
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
Planting Knowledge
FKEC brings Arbor Day and electrical safety lessons to local classrooms
Each year FKEC celebrates Florida’s Arbor Day—observed annually on the third Friday of January—by engaging local students through its Seeds for Students program. The initiative combines environmental education with safety awareness, planting knowledge alongside native trees.
Fourth graders throughout the Upper and Middle Keys received planting kits complete with biodegradable pots, soil pellets, and seeds to grow native Bahama Senna trees. Along with learning how to care for their seedlings, students discovered the origins of Arbor Day and the important role trees play in protecting the environment and enhancing our communities.
FKEC team members visited Key Largo, Ocean Studies, Treasure Village Montessori, and Stanley Switlik Schools, where students also took part in an electrical safety demonstration. The interactive “live line” session highlighted the dangers of electricity, shared simple ways to stay safe, and explained how trees contacting power lines can cause outages.
For those who missed Florida’s Arbor Day, National Arbor Day is celebrated the last Friday in April. By pairing environmental stewardship with hands-on safety lessons, FKEC invests in the next generation and the communities we proudly serve.
Apprentice Lineman Chris Vienes demonstrates how a tree limb contacting a power line can cause a surge or outage, highlighting the importance of planting trees away from power lines.
Safety Director Jason Richards shows Treasure Village Montessori students the burn left after a branch came into contact with a live power line.
FKEC Apprentice Lineman Chris Vienes, Environmental Manager & Utility Forester Sara Hamilton and Lineman Isaiah Leake with Key Largo School fourth graders holding their planting kits which include everything needed to grow a native Bahama Senna tree.