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PHOTO BY TYLER OLSON
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Florida Currents
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Valeri Saldanha Rosa; Sable Riley, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC;
David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.49 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 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 Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
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For additional content, search @FloridaCurrents on your favorite social media sites and floridacurrents.com.
Accurate phone number(s), address and email information help Florida Keys Electric Cooperative provide you with better member service and outage response. We will also use these outlets to communicate important information during an emergency, including storm threats. You can check and update your contact information via SmartHub, FKEC’s online account management tool, or by calling 305-852-2431.
Page 12
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 Board Meetings are held the last Monday of the month unless otherwise noted. Learn more about Co-op Board Meetings and the directors elected to serve you at www.FKEC.com/news-and-info
Unless otherwise noted, “FKEC NEWS” writing, design & photography by: Nikki Dunn Cullen, news@fkec.com.
FKEC NEWS
AUGUST 2025
Congratulations Scott Newberry on 35 Years Employee
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative proudly recognizes Scott Newberry for 35 years of dedicated and impactful service.
“A truly devoted leader, strategic thinker, and community advocate, Scott’s career reflects his unwavering commitment to FKEC’s mission, members, and employees,” said FKEC Board President Karl Wagner.
Scott joined FKEC in 1990 as a Planning, Rate and Budget Analyst after starting his electric utility career with the Rural Electrification Administration in Washington, D.C., where he served as a Commercial Loan Specialist and Power Requirements Officer.
He quickly rose through the ranks at FKEC—becoming Chief Financial Officer in 1996, Assistant General Manager in 2002, and Chief Executive Officer in 2006.
Throughout his tenure, Scott has led with a forward-thinking vision, consistently prioritizing the needs of members, employees, and the community.
Under his leadership, FKEC has strengthened infrastructure and operations, including construction of the Tavernier Operations Center in 2009 and the expansion of the Marathon Operations Building in 2021—both critical to efficient service and storm response. He has also championed innovation
through energy efficiency rebates, solar programs, and ongoing advancements in reliability and member service.
Scott’s dedication extends beyond the co-op as he is also an active community member.
The entire FKEC team thanks Scott for his exceptional and steadfast leadership and for the lasting impact he has made on our cooperative and the members we proudly serve.
Milestones
Darrell Davis’s Celebrates 40 Years
This year marks Darrell Davis’s 40th year at FKEC. From his early days on the Tree Crew to his recent promotion to Line Superintendent in Tavernier, FKEC celebrates his career and thanks him for his longstanding dedication.
Darrell began his journey with FKEC in 1985 on the Tree Crew with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. He later became a Journeyman Lineman, mastering the fieldwork that powers our community. In 2004, he was promoted to Line Crew Leader, where he spent the next 20 years leading by example—ensuring safe, efficient service while mentoring countless apprentices along the way.
Now, as Line Superintendent, Darrell applies his extensive experience and skill to manage the scheduling and
supervision of construction and maintenance across FKEC’s system.
FKEC is proud to recognize Darrell’s 40-year milestone and celebrate the impact he continues to have on our co-op family and the members we serve.
“Congratulations, Darrell,” said CEO Scott Newberry. “And thank you for four decades of powering the Keys with integrity and dedication.”
1990s,
Darrell Davis working on a pole top insulator.
2017, Davis working Hurricaneduring Irma restoration.
Maria Jones 25 Years
Isaiah Leake 10 Years
Tim Evans 5 Years
COO Transition: Passing the Torch
Celebrating Tom Anthony’s retirement and Joe Joyce’s Promotion
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative announces a moment of leadership transition—celebrating the retirement of Chief Operating Officer Tom Anthony and welcoming Joe Joyce to the role.
Celebrating Tom Anthony’s Retirement
After more than two decades of dedicated service, FKEC bids a fond farewell to Tom Anthony, whose career is marked by an unwavering commitment to reliable electric service, his community, and the co-op family. Tom joined FKEC in 2003 as a System Operator and quickly proved himself a steady and skilled leader. He
Snapshots from Tom Anthony’s Career
advanced to Supervisor of the 24/7 System Operations Control department and later served as NERC Compliance Manager, helping ensure FKEC met national electric reliability standards.
In 2017, Tom was promoted to Director of Power Supply and Transmission, where he led major system-hardening and reliability projects that significantly strengthened the co-op’s infrastructure. His operational insight and calm leadership made him the natural successor to retiring COO John Stuart in 2024. As COO, Tom oversaw all engineering, construction, maintenance, and operations, guiding FKEC through continued growth and modernization.
Before joining FKEC, Tom served 23 years as a high-voltage electrician in the U.S. Air Force. His military discipline, deep technical knowledge, and memberfirst mindset have left a lasting impact.
Celebrating Joe Joyce’s Promotion Stepping into the role of Chief Operations Officer is Joe Joyce, a familiar and respected leader at FKEC. Joe brings more than three decades of hands-on experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a strong dedication to seeing our coooperative succeed.
Joe began his FKEC career in 1990 on the Right-of-Way fTree Crew. He went on to complete the apprentice program earning the designation of Journeyman Lineman. After five years as a lineman, Joe was promoted to Tavernier Service Supervisor, successfully managing both the Meter and Tavernier Service Departments for 20 years. In 2025, his hard work and thorough management skills earned him a promotion to Director of Distribution Operations, overseeing the Line, Meter, and Tree departments.
“Tom brought a level of professionalism and dedication that helped strengthen FKEC from the inside out,” said CEO Scott Newberry. “His calm leadership, technical knowledge, and commitment to our members made him a trusted voice across the organization.”
The entire FKEC family extends its gratitude and best wishes to Tom as he begins a well-earned retirement.
“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and operational expertise to this role,” said Chief Administrative Officer Maria Jones. “His longstanding dedication to our co-op and its mission, along with his steady leadership, ensures FKEC continues moving forward with strength and stability.”
As COO, Joe will continue to guide and improve FKEC’s day-to-day operations and long-term success.
Cooperative Career Advancements
Congratulations to Employees Earning Job Promotions
With a solid foundation in linework, safety, and leadership, Raymond Turner earned the promotion to Director of Distribution Operations at Florida Keys Electric Cooperative.
In this new role, he will oversee the operation, maintenance, and construction of FKEC’s distribution system— ensuring continued reliability and safety for members across the Upper and Middle Keys.
Raymond began his utility career in 2009 as an apprentice at Clark Energy in Kentucky and earned his Journeyman Lineman designation in 2013. He joined FKEC in 2018 and quickly became
Director of Safety and Job Training
Florida Keys Electric Co-op is also excited to announce the promotion of Sara Hamilton to Environmental Manager and Utility Forester. In her expanded role, Sara will now oversee the Right-of-Way Tree Crew while continuing to manage environmental affairs.
A dedicated member of the FKEC team for over 16 years, Sara has played a vital role in developing a strong vegetation management program, working closely with both internal and contracted tree crews. As a certified
known for his expertise and dedication, which led to his promotion to Director of Safety and Job Training in 2022. He also completed the Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) program through NRECA, further strengthening his leadership credentials.
Along with his new operational responsibilities, Raymond will continue serving as chair of the Journeyman Lineman Apprenticeship Committee, helping guide and mentor the next generation of FKEC lineworkers.
Congratulations to Raymond on this well-deserved promotion and continued leadership at FKEC.
From trimming trees to implementing vegetation initiatives, Jason Richards is a true testament to dedication and career growth.
Jason began his career at FKEC in 1991 on the Right-of-Way Tree Crew. In the early years of his journey he completed the Apprentice Lineman course work, served as a Tree Crew Leader, became a Journeyman Substation Electrician, and worked as a System Operator.
In 2004, he returned to his roots, earning the position of FKEC’s Utility
arborist with a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Coastal Zone Management and Marine Biology, she brings a powerful blend of scientific knowledge, field experience, and regulatory expertise to the position—as well as a deep passion for protecting our unique environment and educating others.
Sara’s leadership and commitment to safety and environmental responsibility will undoubtedly bring continued success in her new role.
Please join us in congratulating Sara on this well-deserved promotion.
Raymond Turner Director of Distribution Operations
Forester and managing the Tree Crew. As an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist and Utility Specialist, Jason has been integral in advancing FKEC’s robust vegetation management program.
Now, in 2025, FKEC is proud to announce Jason’s promotion to Director of Safety and Job Training—a role to which he brings a wealth of first-hand experience, institutional knowledge, and a positive mindset. His strong commitment to safety and team success makes him a natural fit for this important role.
Jason Richards
Sara Hamilton Enviro. Manager and Utility Forester
What You Can Learn From Usage Data
By tracking hourly energy consumption over a 24-hour period, this member’s data showed a spike at 3:00 p.m. that correlated with turning on a window AC unit in her spare bedroom. Now she can be more mindful of when and if she wants to use the secondary AC.
The Benefits of Tracking Power Use
Use energy more wisely by monitoring your electricity
As summer temperatures increase, so does the amount of power we use to stay cool. However, you can offset your summer cooling costs by tracking your electricity consumption to find ways to use power more wisely.
By registering for SmartHub, you can track energy use daily, weekly, and monthly, allowing you to view and understand usage trends. The data can even be broken down into 15-minute increments, which helps you identify spikes in use, for example, when the AC is running or the pool pump kicks on. On a broader scale, you can see how your energy use is impacted when you have company in town or kids home from school.
Understanding your power consumption helps explain increases and decreases in your electric bills. By staying informed about your energy use patterns, you can make adjustments to reduce use and save money.
How to Track Your Power Use
To easily monitor your home or business’s power use, log in to your online FKEC
SmartHub account. By visiting the “My Usage” section of SmartHub, you can analyze and understand usage trends to identify ways to reduce your energy use. Consider creating a monthly budget and set usage comparisons. You can also set a point or tange in time to compare differences in usage and costs, helping you further understand how your consume electricity.
Energy-Saving Resources
Visit www.FKEC.com/resources/energyefficiency/ for easy, no-cost or low-cost ways to save energy and offset summer cooling costs. Once you implement new energy efficiency practices, login to SmartHub to track your impact.
Accessible on All Devices
SmartHub is available online and via the mobile app. If you don’t have an account, visit FKEC.com and go to login or scan the QR code.
Other Benefits of
SmartHub
In addition to using FKEC SmartHub to view and track your energy usage, you can also securely make a payment, get alerts as soon as your bill is ready, access FKEC’s live outage map and much more. Please consider signing up today!
Generational Wealth A future for generations to come
The Cowboy Way
Pastor uses horses to express relationship with God
By Melanie Jones
Don’t expect to see a hymnal or hear a longwinded sermon at Cowboy Up Church in Plant City. The only sign you’re in a church is a cross next to the riding pen. And while it may not feel like church, the congregation hears good horse training tips and about 15 minutes of preaching on how training a horse relates to building a relationship with God.
Cowboy churches are for people who normally wouldn’t attend a worship service. Cowboy Up takes it further.
“From the few cowboy churches that I’ve been to or watched on TV or Facebook,
the only thing different is they wear their cowboy hats and boots,” preacher Skipper Calder says. “It’s still church just like it always was—they sing some songs, they do a sermon and they take up an offering.”
Training With a Message
Cowboy Up has no singing or offering plates.
“We use a horse,” Skipper says. “We’re trying not to be too churchy. We don’t want it to look like a church because we’re trying to reach people who do not go to church. We call it horse training with a message.”
The services are held in a pole barn at a riding stable. At Cowboy Up, there are not a lot of rules and regulations, Skipper says. It’s a relationship.
“That’s what we teach with the horse,” he says. “The horse-human relationship is the closest relationship there is on Earth to man and God. Man and dog isn’t a good illustration. But a horse, if he doesn’t like you, he won’t be good to you. He won’t be kind. He won’t be obedient. You have to become his leader, where with a dog, they just love you anyhow.”
Before Sunday services at Cowboy Up,
Skipper, his wife, Kathy, and other leaders show up 30 minutes early to pray in the riding pen and the pole barn for the message, the people who will attend and for church services everywhere.
Skipper has no trouble finding horses. People come to him to train their animals. He generally has a few to choose from each Sunday, and he doesn’t use the same horse twice. If a horse owner doesn’t show up with the animal scheduled for that Sunday, he can always find one at the riding stables where church services take place.
“Whatever the horse gives me, I have the gift of relating that to our relationship with God,” he says. “And while I’m working with a horse, I can make statements that will talk about, this looks like us and God sometimes. ‘Avoidance always comes before surrender’ is one of them.
“Focusing on the world instead of the trainer is huge. Many times, I get really
excited, nervous horses, and it’s because, in their mind, they are the leader. Jesus taught us to be a follower. As a trainer, I can get this horse to follow me pretty quick, and then he finds peace.
“That’s the essence of what we want to do is help people find peace through Jesus.”
Finding the Path
Skipper did not take the straight road into ministry, but the cowboy part came naturally.
“I grew up the cowboy way,” he says. “I am a cowboy. I love the cowboy way, riding different horses, training horses.”
Before establishing the church, Skipper rode in rodeos for five years. He won seven saddles, some buckles and endured his share of injuries along the way.
“I’ve had 44 broken bones and have three artificial joints,” he says. “It’s a rough life. Part of my broken bones is that every time a horse bucked me off, I broke ribs. A
lot of them were the same ribs. That’s how I accumulated so many.
“I love the life, but it’s a very hard life,” he adds. “I’m sure glad God changed my direction to where I can keep doing what I love—working with horses and talking about God.”
Skipper didn’t understand having a relationship with God, as he puts it, until tragedy struck.
He and his wife were friends with neighbors who were expecting a baby. The wife went into labor early, and the baby and the mother died. All the friends were heartbroken, but the woman’s father came around and spoke with each of them, telling them she was at peace in God’s arms.
“The belief that he had, the strength that he had, I wanted that,” Skipper says. “I wanted that peace.”
Cowboy Up Church meets at 11 a.m. Sundays at 5534 Turkey Creek Road in Plant City.
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Skipper addresses his congregation. Cowboy Up members circle the riding pen in prayer. Cowboy Church members listen to a sermon in the pole barn.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Skipper speaks with a congregation member during a service.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SKIPPER CALDER
Thriving Create a
Gardeners’ choices affect Florida’s ecosystem
Lilly AndersonMessec is director of North Florida Programs for the Florida Native Plant Society.
Landscape Native Plants With
By Pamela A. Keene
If you have ligustrum, Bradford pear trees, heavenly bamboo or English ivy in your yard, you’re growing a potentially invasive species that can change the balance of nature.
“The definition of an invasive plant is threefold,” says Lilly Anderson-Messec, director of North Florida Programs for the Florida Native Plant Society. “One, it has its origin somewhere else. Two, it spreads rapidly. And three, it has negative economic and environmental effects.”
Some nonnative plants are introduced when landscapers or residents buy an
attractive plant to fill a particular need. They are also spread by birds eating the seeds and dropping them elsewhere.
“I’m always surprised at how many box retailers and nurseries continue to sell invasive plants,” Lilly says. “Becoming educated about the benefits of native plants can go a long way toward protecting the environment.”
Native Alternatives
Lilly cites some of the most invasive plants in Florida landscapes and offers native options.
Chinese privet and ligustrum, for example, are often used as privacy screens.
“For a long time, these were popular basic landscaping materials, but they proved to easily multiply through their seeds or berries, spread by the birds that feed on them,” she says.
She suggests native alternatives, such as wax myrtle, Ocala anise or cherry laurel.
“Any of these have dense growth habits, are evergreen and can be pruned into hedges,” she says. “Natives like Simpson’s stopper, Walter’s viburnum and Yaupon holly can also provide privacy. They are better left to their own growth habit rather than pruning them.”
For South Florida, the Florida Native Plant Society recommends native sea
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MR RAHMAN
Lilly says it’s vital that residents are aware of the implications of planting invasive species. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LILLY ANDERSONMESSEC
grapes and cocoplums. Both are used for coastal dune erosion control but also make effective privacy screens.
Flowering trees are very popular in home landscapes. In the mid-1960s, Bradford pears, with their clouds of white spring blossoms, became a favorite— particularly in North Florida.
“When they were introduced, developers claimed these trees would be unable to reproduce from seed, but after about 40 years, this proved untrue,” Lilly says. “Fast forward to today, and states like South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Ohio have banned them from being sold.
“Other states have classified them as invasive. The branches break easily, and they can become eyesores, but even more importantly, they are aggressively competing with native plants to the detriment of wildlife and the ecosystems we depend on.”
Another type of flowering tree once popular for home landscapes, the powder-puff tree—also called mimosa—is categorized as invasive by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Its softpink blooms are easily pollinated, leaving behind seed pods that feed birds.
The Florida mimosa is native, but its rapid spread displaces other natural vegetation, landing it on the prohibited lists of some Florida counties.
Instead, Lilly says many native plum trees are excellent choices, as are
dogwood, crabapple and redbud.
“These are all small native trees with lovely umbrella-type forms that also bloom prolifically in spring,” she says.
A Delicate Ecosystem
Blooming trees and shrubs are pretty, but, more importantly, they provide food for pollinators and other wildlife—such as bees, insects and birds. They are also important larval hosts for butterfly and moth caterpillars that depend on the specific leaf chemistry of native plants
As the director of North Florida Programs, Lilly knows the best native plants for Florida.
they evolved with. The trees adapted to host caterpillars eating their leaves without incurring harm.
“We want to see holes in the leaves of our native plants because that means they are a functioning part of the food chain,” Lilly says. “Caterpillars are critical sources of protein and nutrients for all wildlife, but especially baby birds.”
Songbird chicks can only eat insects. Without native trees that host caterpillars and other insects, songbird parents don’t have access to the critical food source.
“Songbird populations are crashing, largely due to the loss of habitat that provides them food,” she says. “Ecosystems are delicately balanced machines that provide many services we depend on for our health and happiness, like clean air, clean water, pollination of food crops and extreme weather buffers. “The choices we make in our yards have reverberating consequences on the health of our wildlife and ourselves.”
shades out native trees and plants on the forest floor,” she says. “Its roots prying into the bark can hold moisture and cause splitting or rotting, eventually killing the tree.”
Eliminating English ivy is challenging and can be a multiyear project. The root system must be removed which often requires using a sod cutter. Vines growing vertically up tree trunks must be cut and carefully pulled down once dead to avoid damaging the tree.
owner. Let them know you’re interested in converting your landscape to include native plants. Area horticultural organizations often hold native plant sales, including your local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society or area Master Gardener groups.”
Floridians can help protect the state’s unique environment by learning about native plants.
“If you have English ivy adjacent to your property but it hasn’t spread there yet, keep a regular eye on it,” Lilly says. “Stopping the spread is much easier than trying to remove large areas.”
“It’s so important that residents are conscious of the implications of invasive species,” Lilly says. “Becoming educated about the benefits of native plants in your landscape can be an excellent first step in helping protect wildlife and the ecosystems that we as humans depend upon.”
Several vining plants are good replacements for English ivy, including Virginia creeper, crossvine, yellow jessamine and native coral honeysuckle.
“Finding good native options for landscaping can be challenging,” she says. “Get to know your local nursery
For more information about native plants and invasive species, how to manage them and where to find native plants, check out the Florida Native Plant Society at fnps.org and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
Nandina or heavenly bamboo, introduced from Asia as an ornamental shrub, spreads prolifically through its bright-red berries and is now on invasive plant lists.
“It can quickly crowd out native plants,” Lilly says. “The pretty red berries contain natural cyanide, making them toxic to birds, especially cedar waxwing and mockingbirds.”
English ivy, most common in North Florida and the Panhandle, can cause serious ecological and environmental issues. Deemed invasive in many states, it can quickly grow up tree trunks and spread to limbs and nearby trees.
“Like many invasive vines, the sheer weight of English ivy can do severe damage to the trees it covers, plus it
A BOUNTY OF BASIL From Garden to Table:
Classic Caprese Pasta Salad
Pasta salad
1 pound of your favorite shaped pasta, cooked and cooled
3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, plain or marinated, halved
Dressing
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1⁄3 cup basil, chiffonade
¼ cup parsley, chopped
1⁄8 cup freshly grated ParmigianoReggiano cheese
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
1 garlic clove, minced Salt Pepper
In a bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cheeses and herbs. In a glass measuring cup, whisk dressing ingredients. Season to taste. Pour dressing over pasta salad, and toss to combine. It’s best if it’s chilled for an hour. Garnish with more basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY YULIA LISITSA
Green Goddess Salad Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup scallions, chopped
½ cup chopped fresh basil, packed
1⁄8 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
½ cup sour cream
Place all ingredients except for sour cream in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add sour cream and process until blended.
Keep refrigerated until serving on your favorite salad.
Basic Basil Pesto
½ cup toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups basil, leaves only
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for a smoother pesto
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until well chopped. Add the basil. Pulse until combined.
With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Pulse until combined. Add the Parmesan cheese, and pulse to briefly combine. Add more olive oil if desired.
Basil Vinaigrette Pasta
Vinaigrette
1 shallot, roughly chopped
2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves, stems removed (about 4 ounces)
1 clove garlic
Pasta
1 pound pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic
2 shallots, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 zucchini, cut into coins
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 lemon, juiced
Fresh basil
Parmesan cheese
To make the vinaigrette, combine all ingredients in a highpowered blender. Blend for 60 seconds until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallot and red pepper flakes. Saute until fragrant. Add the zucchini, and saute until just soft. Add the pasta and ½ cup of basil vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Add more basil vinaigrette as needed. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice before serving.
Basil Mayonnaise
2 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup vegetable oil, at room temperature
½ cup quality olive oil, at room temperature
Place the egg yolks, lemon juice, Parmesan, mustard, basil, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process for 30 seconds until smooth.
Combine the vegetable oil and olive oil in a liquid measuring cup. With the processor running, slowly pour the oil mixture through the feed tube to make a thick emulsion.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to use; it will keep for up to a week. Serve with beef tenderloin or steak.
Panzanella
Baguette bread, preferably stale, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon kosher sea salt, divided
2 pounds ripe tomatoes, any variety or color
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
2 garlic cloves, grated to a paste
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Large pinch red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Black pepper
1 cup sliced English cucumber
½ cup torn basil leaves
¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
Heat oven to 425 F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet, and toss with 2 tablespoons oil and a pinch of salt. Bake until dried out and golden brown at the edges, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
Cut tomatoes into bite-size pieces, and transfer to a large bowl. Add mozzarella, onions, garlic paste, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat, then set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil until the mixture is thickened. Stir in cucumbers, basil and parsley.
Add bread cubes and cucumbers to the tomatoes. Toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before serving. Toss with a little more olive oil, vinegar and salt if needed just before serving.
Speaking Without Words
By Dave LaBelle
I have written in past years about the merits of photographing people from the back, but the concept is worth repeating.
Body language—or gesture, as it is often called—can convey much in a still photograph. We can often tell a lot about a person’s disposition just by the way they carry themselves.
Whether overt gestures such as raising a fist in protest or outstretched hands imploring agreement speak loudly, the quieter, subtle gestures—such as the way one walks, or tilts their head when speaking or listening—can also communicate a lot when our eyes pay attention.
If you have never closely studied Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” I suggest you give this masterpiece a serious look. Beyond the mood-setting color, the postures of the son, father and brother—especially the positions of the hands—are powerful details employed to tell this compassionate story in one of the artist’s greatest works.
A few years ago, I was walking in the hills with a dear friend, Mark, after he had lost his oldest son. He often took long hikes alone to pray. He asked one day if I would walk with him. I did not carry a camera on this day, but I did have my cellphone.
Following behind on the narrow path,
Reader Challenge
the movements of his body—sometimes unsteady on the stony path—felt like a metaphor for his life then.
I know you are struggling day by day, I observed.
He softly answered, “It is more like hour to hour.” n
Capture a storytelling photograph without showing a person’s face. Pay attention to body language. Watch how one sits or walks and where they do so. It’s not uncommon to see older men ambling alone with their hands folded behind them.
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.
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. iPhone 6s, 4.2mm lens ISO 25, f/2.2 at 1/2959
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured
TOOTHY
TERRORS
Vicious, overlooked predator offers great sport
A toothy Florida native offers outstanding sport all over the Sunshine State, yet few people fish for it.
“Chain pickerel are found in most waters throughout Florida,” says John Cimbaro, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist. “Not very many people target pickerel in Florida. Most people catch them incidentally while fishing for other species, like bass. Anyone who hooks into a pickerel can expect some exciting runs and jumps.”
Closely related to northern pike and muskellunge, chain pickerel resemble green torpedoes. Built for speed, this fish can exceed 30 inches and weigh more than 9 pounds. A fish caught in Lake Talquin holds the Florida state record at 6.96 pounds.
Frequently called jackfish, duckbill or snakefish, pickerel hit extremely hard, fighting with speed and tenacity. They thrive in weedy waters, where their splendid splotchy green camouflage hides them. When an enticing morsel passes close, these toothy terrors launch from their lairs, seizing prey with razor-sharp teeth.
“Chain pickerel are almost always found near vegetation,” John says. “In streams
or rivers, they like quieter pools. Like a barracuda, their streamlined bodies are designed for the same kind of high-speed ambushes and chases. They are big fish eaters, but they eat a varied diet to include frogs, crawfish, snakes and even small mammals, like mice.”
Pickerel commonly attack lures meant for largemouth bass, particularly anything that mimics shad, bream or shiner. Such “fishy” lures often provoke brutal strikes from terrifying predators. Some better lures include spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, weedless spoons and crankbaits.
Pickerel occasionally hit topwater baits. They especially like frogs buzzed across matted grass. Live shad, wild river shiners and other fish make great natural baits.
“Chain pickerel are very fun to catch and will hit almost anything that a largemouth bass will hit, but they like flashy lures more than soft plastics,” says Mark Shepard, a bass guide. “Lake Okeechobee has quite a few chain pickerel. We catch them with rattling baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits. We also catch pickerel on weedless spoons worked over matted grass tops.”
Chain pickerel range throughout
Florida. Anglers might catch a pickerel on any cast in any weedy freshwater system. Some better waters include lakes such as Seminole, Talquin, Jackson, Panasoffkee, the Kissimmee and Harris chains, and the St. Johns River system.
“Anglers might catch pickerel almost anywhere in the state,” John says. “(Those) wanting to target chain pickerel should concentrate on lakes and rivers in northcentral or northwest Florida. In southeast Florida, the Everglades Water Conservation Area canals hold pickerel. Fly anglers should throw quickly retrieved, bright or flashy streamers.”
Although bony, big pickerel are excellent for eating. However, anglers should handle pickerel with care. When grabbed, the incredibly agile fish can easily bend their bodies and sink their teeth into flesh or drive a hook into a finger. Sharp gill plates can slice flesh. Use pliers to unhook them.
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.
Bass pro Trent Hill shows a chain pickerel he caught on a spinnerbait at Lake Seminole. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN N. FILSHER
Unplug and Play
Use family fun to teach kids the power of energy conservation
By Drew Woolley
ages, cooperatives have learned a few helpful tricks to resonate with younger audiences. Hands-on activities, such as asking kids to look through their backpacks for electronic devices and calculating how much energy they use, can drive home just how much electricity they use in their daily lives. Meanwhile, avoiding technical terms like “energy efficiency” can help saving energy feel less daunting and more fun.
Everyone likes finding ways to save on their energy bill. But watching the thermostat like a hawk, turning off lights behind everyone in the house and sweating an investment in energy-efficient appliances isn’t much fun, especially when you’re trying to get the kids to play along. Fortunately, electric cooperatives have been working to make energy savings more approachable for many years.
AIGENERATED ILLUSTRATION
BY FREEPIK/BRANDON POMRENKE
Even so, some of the most effective ways to drive home the importance of energy conservation are the routine reminders members may have heard from their parents growing up. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to teach your kids the importance of energy conservation while having fun as a family.
After decades of educating kids of all
Here are some fun ways to encourage energy efficiency and conservation at home: Cook a family-powered dinner. Have the whole family help cook dinner with one rule: No electricity is allowed. Avoid using major kitchen appliances like electric ovens, blenders, mixers or
microwaves to teach kids about common ways your family uses electricity during peak demand times. Top it all off with some no-bake treats.
Take turns on power patrol. Every child enjoys being in charge from time to time. Take turns letting everyone in your family be responsible for enforcing good energy habits around the house for a week. You can even set up a point system for every time they notice a light left on in an empty room, unplug unused electronics chargers or adjust the thermostat to a more efficient setting. Offer prizes and rewards to encourage them to be mindful of energy use every day.
Build an energy-efficient dream home. Encourage everyone to design their dream home with energy-saving features in mind. This is a great way to introduce ideas like solar panels, efficient appliances and sustainable building materials. Break out the crayons and art supplies to bring their homes to life, or use household crafts to build models.
Play energy-saving bingo. Make bingo cards with squares for energysaving actions like using natural light instead of lamps or ceiling lights, unplugging devices, turning off lights and cooling off the temperature by opening a window. Kids can cross out each square as they complete each task, and the first one to bingo gets a prize.
Have power-free fun. Designate one night a week as power-free time when everyone in the family turns off phones, computers and TVs together. Play a board game, spend time reading your favorite books or enjoy some outdoor activities technology-free. Save on your electric bill, teach the importance of reducing energy use during peak periods and get some valuable family time all at once.
Make an energy-saving scavenger hunt. Make up a list of energy-saving practices, such as updating light fixtures with LED bulbs, turning off lights in empty rooms and unplugging
unused devices. Challenge your kids to search the house and check off an example of each scavenger hunt item. You can celebrate with small prizes or treats for each energy-efficient discovery they make along the way.
Create energy-efficient art. Kids enjoy seeing their artwork displayed, so put those creative skills to work on energy-efficient reminders around the house. Spend arts and crafts time teaching your kids about some of the steps they can take to save energy around the house. Make fun signs to serve as daily reminders to close the fridge quickly, turn off lights and only change the thermostat as a last resort.
every time someone spots an unused device still plugged in. Set a goal and reward yourselves when everyone keeps phantom energy use down. No matter what you do to keep energy savings fun around the house, the most important part of instilling good habits is reliably reminding your family of the little steps they can take to be more efficient. Consistency is key.
Keep “phantom power” waste bottled up. Phantom energy—the electricity devices use even when they are turned off— can be a tricky concept for kids to understand. Illustrate it in a fun way by adding marbles to a glass bottle or jar
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
PENSACOLA
Aug. 2
William Shatner Live On Stage with ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’
Set your phasers to stun! Prepare to be beamed up for an unforgettable night with the original Capt. James T. Kirk, award-winning actor William Shatner. Following a screening of the classic film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” Shatner takes to the stage to share fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories from his career and answers audience questions. VIP tickets include a postshow photo op with Shatner. You don’t want to miss this warp-speed, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. bit.ly/4nqEV0x; 850-595-3880
PANAMA CITY
Aug. 2
History Tour of Camp Helen State Park
Join a park ranger from 10-11 a.m. CST for a guided tour of the grounds. Follow along as staff share park history from the Hicks family building the historic structures that still stand on the grounds, all the way through the colorful history of Avondale Mill using the property as its employee vacation retreat. Dress appropriately for the weather. Park entry fee is $4 per vehicle or $2 per pedestrian or bicycle in the honor box at the entrance or via the QR code on the entry sign.
floridastateparks.org/events/history-tour-36; 850-245-2157
ST. AUGUSTINE
Aug. 3
Guided Bird Walk
Come meet the birds at Anastasia State Park and join a knowledgeable park volunteer for an informative walk on the beach, boardwalks, trails and other areas. Participants of all birding levels may observe a diverse variety of seabirds, shorebirds and wading birds. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes and a field guide if you have one. Meet at the Island Beach Shop & Grill at the end of the main park drive. This walk is free with regular park admission fee: $8 per vehicle with two to eight people; $4 per single-occupant vehicle; and $2 per pedestrian, bicyclist, extra passenger and passenger in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
floridastateparks.org/events/guidedbird-walk-119; 850-245-2157
PORT ST. JOE
Aug. 2 & 16
Salt Air Farmers Market
Join us from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays in discovering fresh produce, handmade crafts, plants, and more from local farmers and artisans. This dog-friendly market offers a fun, family-friendly experience in a shaded downtown park at the corner of U.S. 71 and Reid Avenue.
saltairmarket.com; 850-373-7379
PENSACOLA
Aug. 6
Library Summer Reading Program: Reno’s Reptiles
Join us from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Big Lagoon State Park for a reptile showand-tell as alligators, tortoises and other critters visit your local library. All ages are welcome. Visitors receive free entry to the park for this event with their library card. If visitors wish to remain in the park after the event, they should obtain a $6 day pass per vehicle.
floridastateparks.org/events/library-summer-reading-program-renos-reptiles.com; 850-245-2157
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY CHRISTINA SAYMANSKY
PENSACOLA BEACH
Aug. 8
Cinema in the Sand
Presented by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, this beloved tradition invites locals and visitors to gather under the stars, feel the sand between their toes and enjoy timeless movie classics against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico. This month’s movie is “Shrek.” www.visitpensacolabeach.com; 850-530-3349
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS
Aug. 9
Smokey Bear’s Birthday Celebration
Come celebrate Smokey Bear’s 81st birthday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. The party includes several activities to educate and promote prescribed fire, including a prescribed burn demonstration, touch-a-fire-truck, Smokey Bear storytime and a meet-andgreet. This event is free with park entry of $5 per vehicle. floridastateparks.org/events/smokey-bears-birthday-celebration-0; 850-245-2157
PENSACOLA
Aug. 15
Gallery Night: Retro Rides and Art Vibes ‘Car Show’
Presented by Publix, this event brings the streets of downtown Pensacola to life with more than 70 art vendors showcasing their work along Palafox Street. Stroll through a vibrant, open-air market filled with local artists, live performances and creative experiences, all celebrating Pensacola’s thriving arts scene. www.gallerynightpensacola.org
ISLAMORADA
Aug. 16
Bathysphere Anniversary Tours
Join the History of Diving Museum at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for special guided tours of the exhibits. The tour is included in the admission price. August’s tours coincide with the 91st anniversary of William Beebe and Otis Barton’s historic dive in the Bathysphere, which took the two men to 3,028 feet in 1934. These tours feature highlights of the Bathysphere and its incredible feats. divingmuseum.org; 305-664-9737
BUSHNELL
Aug. 23
Early American Pie-Making Class
Join expert volunteers and staff as they teach participants the historic art of early American pie-making with wild berries. Preregister at the number below. Participation cost is $10 per person in addition to $3 per vehicle or a Florida State Parks Annual Pass.
floridastateparks.org/events/early-american-pie-making-class; 352-793-4781
KEY WEST
Aug. 7
Truman Waterfront Farmers Market
Shop with a view from 2-7 p.m. on the harbor by the USCG Ingham Museum at the corner of Southard Street and Weech Way. Find great food options—including ready-to-eat items, fresh Florida produce and other grocery items—along with gifts, home decor and art. keysartisanmarket.com; 305-731-3385
WEWAHITCHKA
Aug. 30
Gulf County Labor Day Rodeo
Dust off your boots and get ready for a night of heart-pounding rodeo action, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and the rodeo starting at 7:30 p.m. at TL James Park. This family-friendly event promises a spectacular showcase of traditional rodeo events. The evening features crowd favorites such as bull riding, barrel racing and roping. Whether you’re a longtime rodeo fan or just looking for something exciting to do over Labor Day weekend, this event delivers big thrills and smalltown fun. Tickets are $20 for those 13 and older and $10 for 6- to 12-year-olds. Children 5 and younger enter for free.
bit.ly/44yNQo5; 850-229-7800
PORT ST. JOE
Aug. 30-31
Florida Scallop, Music and Arts Festival
Featuring the best arts and crafts vendors from the region and incredible food vendors, this annual event at George Core Park offers a full music lineup across both days. Tickets are sold at the gate as one- or two-day passes—$10 and $20, respectively. Children younger than 12 given free admission. Bring a lawn chair, but outside food and drinks are not allowed. www.gulfchamber.org/annual-monthly-events; 850-227-1223
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.
About Native Bees
y t Bu
Trundling along,
Dipped brow.
Weighty preponderance.
What contemplation droops the brow
Of one so bright?
Flirting with ephemerality,
A bouncing farewell.
Corolla left trembled
From the footsteps
Tickled surfaces.
The gift of pollen delivered.
— Alyssa Vinson
We follow the spiral of humming locomotion as a bee dips and trundles, sipping nectar and inadvertently ushering in the reproduction of flowers. Pockets overfull with golden pollen or dusted daftly across the fuzzy hairs of their abdomens— sometimes so rotund that flight seems impossibly comical.
Bees arrive in the periphery of our awareness, often only the focus when we fear the sting. These harbingers of pollination and many other beneficial services are often overlooked when conversations emerge around the topic of saving pollinators. Butterflies are so much more gregarious and therefore receive an outsized portion of our gardening attention. Bees of all sorts, and particularly native bees, are essential components of a vibrant and healthy local environment.
The common honeybee (Apis mellifera) is not native to North America. Originating in areas of Africa, this bee traversed the globe with human settlement. Used for centuries by humans for their honey, comb, wax and pollination services, honeybees are iconic and familiar. Less well known are the hundreds of species of native bees that evolved in our specific ecosystems.
The broad diversity of native bees includes bees of vibrant and gleaming green or blue, fuzzy bumblebees fatter than your thumb, and bees so small they might be mistaken for flies.
In Southwest Florida you may come across bright green sweat bees, metallic dark blue mason bees or the fuzzy large bumblebee.
While honeybees have the advantage of commercialization and industry to support their continued health and growth, native bees rely on the abundance and diversity of plant species in our landscapes and natural areas for their survival. Significant declines in insect populations and diversity are documented across the globe. Bees native to Florida developed
specific relationships with native plants over the course of their evolution. They provide significant ecosystem services in terms of pollination and act as key components of many food webs.
To encourage native bees in your landscape, plant a diversity of flowering plants, including different colors, shapes, sizes, forms and structures. Bees love plants with short- or mediumlength flower tubes to easily access the pollen and nectar, and they tend to prefer flowers that are white, yellow, blue or purple.
Remember to provide bees with plants that have not been treated with systemic insecticides, and limit the use of pesticides in your landscape.
For more information on how to encourage native bees to visit your landscape, visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1255.
To understand the types of bees in Florida, read this guide from UF/IFAS: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1285.
Alyssa Vinson is the Urban Forestry Extension agent in Hillsborough County. Alyssa has lived in and explored Florida for almost 20 years. She serves residents and professionals of southwest Florida with programs on all things “tree.”
A bumblebee gathers pollen from a flower. Bees gravitate toward short- or medium-length flower tubes to easily access pollen and nectar. PHOTO BY ALYSSA VINSON
HYDROPOWER WORD SEARCH
Read the facts below, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.
CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS
for Older Homes EFFICIENCY TIPS
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: How do I improve the efficiency of my old home while keeping its charm?
A: I love old homes. The details and craftsmanship have always drawn me in. The features of older homes can make them less efficient than modern construction, but it doesn’t have to remain that way. You can keep the charm and make your home more efficient.
Start by prioritizing invisible upgrades that make your home more comfortable and efficient. When we were children, I doubt any of us thought, “When I grow up, I want to spend my hard-earned money on insulation.” It’s not as exciting as new countertops or a remodeled bathroom, but air sealing and insulation can save you money every month. You can use those savings for aesthetic improvements.
Many older homes are not adequately insulated. Insulation has several benefits beyond sealing your home and preventing outdoor air from seeping in. It reduces outside noise and improves your comfort. Always properly air seal before you insulate. Older homes with pocket doors, coved ceilings, dumbwaiters, doors to attic spaces and laundry chutes allow indoor air to escape through cavities, gaps and cracks around these classic features.
Sealing these open cavities usually requires plywood, rigid foam or drywall fastened into place and caulked around edges.
Keep an eye out for framing features that cause drafts. Balloon framing is a type of construction where wall studs run all the way from the foundation to the roof, allowing air to flow freely within those spaces.
Second floors with knee-wall attics on both sides are known for air leakage. Open cavities allow air to flow horizontally between attic spaces, making the home uncomfortable and inefficient. Seal these cavities in the floor framing and insulate attic spaces.
Dense-packed cellulose or closed-cell foam insulation can be sprayed into exterior walls. Skilled contractors can remove pieces of siding and drill holes to fill wall cavities from outside the home.
For brick or stone homes, holes can be drilled from the inside and then patched and painted. Insulating walls from the inside of the home requires more time and effort in preparation and cleanup, but having wellinsulated walls is worth it.
Knob-and-tube wiring—commonly used from the early 1880s to the 1930s—has no grounding wire and should be replaced prior to insulating walls and attics for safety purposes. Contact between insulation and knob-and-tube wiring can cause a fire.
People often think new windows are the best way to improve a home’s efficiency. With the high cost of replacing windows, I recommend investing in air sealing and insulation first. Then consider storm windows to keep the charm of the original windows, such as leaded or stained glass, as
The first step to improving an old home is air sealing and adding insulation to attic spaces. PHOTO
COURTESY OF BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
long as they’re in good condition. Choose from interior or exterior options that are operable and inoperable.
Once you’ve addressed the envelope of your home, consider appliance upgrades. Replace old electric water heaters with heat pump water heaters. This upgrade can save a family of four an estimated $550 per year, totaling more than $5,600 over the lifetime of the water heater, according to Energy Star. When it comes to staying comfortable in a warm, humid climate, efficient cooling is key. If your home relies on older or outdated systems, a mini-split heat pump—also called a ductless system—can be a great option. It provides reliable air conditioning and dehumidification while using less energy than traditional systems.
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.
Old homes don’t have to be inefficient. Show your home some love by investing in energy-efficient upgrades. This content was
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.
ENERGY SCAMS TIPS TO AVOID
Delete deceptive emails. If you receive an email that appears to be from your electric cooperative but you are unsure about it, delete it.
Never click on a link, open an attachment or send a reply to an untrusted source. When in doubt, contact your co-op directly to report suspected email scams.
Source: Utilities United Against Scams
Make Sure Your Home Can
Beat the
Energy use often rises with the summer heat, but there are a number of simple, economical ways to boost comfort, save energy and reduce electric bills. Most of these energy-saving steps can pay for themselves relatively quickly. For example, weather stripping and caulking are inexpensive ways to boost efficiency and cut energy costs year-round.
A substantial portion of total residential energy costs is spent cooling homes. Reduce energy costs and ready the air conditioner with a cleaning and tuneup. Clean or change filters monthly during the cooling season. If you’re purchasing a new unit, check the efficiency rating, which
could impact your annual energy costs. For greater operating efficiency, install the unit in a shady area, and keep it free from plant overgrowth and debris.
Summer sunlight and heat enter homes through windows. Closing curtains, blinds and shades can reduce heat gain by up to 40%. Installing awnings or shutters over windows exposed to direct sunlight can reduce indoor heat gain by up to 70%.
Outdoor landscaping—such as shade trees, shrubs or other plants around the foundation—can also reduce energy costs.
Ventilate your attic and check insulation. Adequately sized vents or an attic fan can help keep hot air from building up.
Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips
If your attic has less than 6 to 8 inches of insulation, consider adding more. Proper attic insulation can save up to 30% of your cooling bill. Be sure the insulation doesn’t block vents or cover exhaust fans.
Another inexpensive way to keep cool and reduce air conditioning costs is to use ceiling and oscillating fans. The moving air makes the temperature feel cooler even with a higher thermostat setting. For each 1-degree increase in the thermostat setting, cooling costs can be trimmed by about 3%.
Install a programmable or smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set a higher temperature while you’re away and set it to cool the house before you return home. A smart thermostat can track setting preferences and implements your cooling and heating patterns automatically.
Turn off lights, TVs and computers you’re not using.
Make sure heat-producing devices like televisions and lamps are away from the thermostat. They will raise the temperature at the thermostat and cause the air conditioner to run when it is not needed.
Plan to use appliances that heat up—for example, the clothes dryer, stove and oven—during cooler morning and evening hours.
Keep your kitchen cooler by cooking in a microwave or grilling outdoors.
Heat
Sunny Day Catch
From lakes to the ocean and parks to beaches, Florida’s geography is vast and beautiful. Some of you have views from your homes that rival the views of national parks.
From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space. If we use your photo here, we will send you your choice of a $25 gift card to REI or Amazon.
To submit your photo, email a JPEG file to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
October is the perfect time for a day of fishing on Deer Point Lake, north of Panama City. PHOTO COURTESY OF CINDY PHILLIPS
More than 2 people die from skin cancer every hour. See something new, changing or unusual? It could be skin cancer. Check yourself for The Big See today.
The “Not-So-Efficient” Guide to Power Use
If You Don’t Want to Throw Money Away, Avoid These Energy-Wasting Tips
Looking for clever ways to waste watts and increase your electric bill this summer? Then follow these easy tips to make sure you’re using as much energy—and money— as possible:
1. Keep That Spare Fridge Forever
Keep that old, barely-used fridge in the garage running 24/7 to keep two drinks and a suspicious bag of ice cool. Depending on age and location, it could cost you up to $20 a month.
2. Collect Dust, Not Savings
Make dust bunnies your roommates by never cleaning your refrigerator and freezer coils. Your appliances will be less efficient and use more electricity— and you might win the “Dustiest Appliance” contest.
3. Let There Be (Inefficient) Light Light up your life—and your electric bill—by leaving lights on day and night. Better yet, replace those LEDs and CFLs with old-school incandescent bulbs for maximum wattage and minimum savings.
4. Embrace The Draft
Igonore that worn weather stripping, cracked caulk, and poor insulation. Leave it that way to raise your cooling costs by up to 25%. Bonus: You’ll always know the temperature outside without leaving the couch.
5. Chill Like It’s Winter
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees throughout the summer. You’ll lighten your wallet and stay physically conditioned for winter.
6. Avoid Smart Thermostats At All Costs Who needs programmable or smart thermostats when you can pay more to cool your house inefficiently. Stay in control by staying inefficient.
7. Ignore The Filter, Embrace The Spending Don’t bother changing your AC filters. Your system will work harder, run longer, and probably reward you with an expensive repair.
8. Bake It Till You Waste It
Crank up the oven, stove top, clothes dryer, and every heat-producing appliance during the hottest part of the day. Your house doubles as a sauna, and your AC gets an intense workout. Win-win!
9. Sunlight Is Free. Use It To Overheat Your House.
Throw open those blinds and ditch any window tinting, curtains or shutters. Let the sun pour in and push your AC to the limit.
10. Ignore FKEC’s Rebates. They’re Only Saving People Up To $500. Do not consider making any energy upgrades that qualify for FKEC’s Residential Rebates. See what improvements you shouldn’t apply for to earn money back at www.FKEC.com.