Florida Currents, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, October 2026

Florida Currents FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE OCTOBER 2026

A Paddler’s Perspective Sue Marchetti earned third place in Florida Keys Electric Cooperative’s 2025 photo contest with this image of her colorful paddleboard in a tranquil canal. Could your shot be featured next? FKEC’s 2026 Photo Contest is now open. See Page 3 for details.

FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC

Florida Currents October 2026 • Volume 15, No. 12

CEO Michael Shepard SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble Sprayberry SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS Sable Riley, CCC; Valeri Saldanha Rosa ASSISTANT EDITORS David Herder, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SENIOR MANAGER Elizabeth Beatty SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Alyssa McDougle

Members acknowledge that $4.83 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, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.

HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.

Enter FKEC’s Photo Contest It’s time for Florida Keys Electric Cooperative’s cover photo contest. We welcome all FKEC member photographers—novice and pros— to enter your best photo, and win an electric bill credit and your photo on the cover of Florida Currents magazine. The first-place winner will receive a $100 bill credit, second place gets $50 and third place earns $25. Contest Rules • Each member may submit up to five photos. • All submissions must include the photographer’s name and the location where the photo was taken. • For contact purposes only, include your email address and phone number. • All submitted photos must be taken within FKEC’s service territory (Monroe-Dade county line to the Seven Mile Bridge).

• •

• • •

The contest is open to FKEC members only. Submissions must be high-resolution, vertical digital images in .jpg or .pdf format, sized approximately 8 inches wide by 10 inches tall. Prints will not be accepted. AI-generated or heavily manipulated images will not be considered. Judging will be conducted by Florida Currents editors.

The deadline to submit photos is Monday, Nov. 30. Email high-resolution photos to news@FKEC.com with subject line “Photo Contest.”  By submitting photos, you grant FKEC the right to use them in the Florida Currents magazine and on the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative website and social media.

Sharing the Waters He Calls Home

Back issues: Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.

Matt Godwin guides visitors through the beauty and bounty of the Dead Lakes

Up Close, Page 10

DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES American MainStreet Publications, 611 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 504, Austin, TX 78704-1714; 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200; amp.coop.

Leave No Trace

One family’s search for Bigfoot in the Florida wilderness Spotlight, Page 12

© 2026 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit pioneer.coop.

Picture Hunt 18 Planner Get Outside 19 Gardening Co-op Pages: 4-8, 25-26, 28-29, 32

22 24

A Garden’s Last Hurrah In the Kitchen, Page 16

OCTOBER 2026

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FKEC NEWS OCTOBER 2026

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 1-855-940-4007 www.FKEC.com Mailing Address: P.O. Box 377, Tavernier, FL 33070

MEMBERS SHOULD KNOW:

Never attempt to trim or prune any vegetation near power lines. If you see vegetation that is, or potentially could, interfere with power lines or equipment, file an online Tree Trim Request at www.FKEC.com, call (305) 852-2431, or visit our offices. Unless otherwise noted, “FKEC NEWS” writing, design & photography by: Nikki Dunn Cullen, news@fkec.com.

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OCTOBER 2026

www.FKEC.com

Stay Connected,

please!

Over the past several weeks, I hope you’ve seen FKEC’s messages in this magazine, local newspapers and on social media encouraging members to take two minutes to make sure we can reach you when it matters most. It’s a simple request, but an important one. When the power goes out, our crews get to work. At the same time, we want to keep you informed with outage and restoration updates sent directly to you. To receive these notifications, you must have current contact information in SmartHub and be enrolled in Outage Texting.

“ This communication isn’t limited to outages. Keeping your contact information current and enrolling in Outage Texting also helps FKEC reach you before an approaching storm or other urgent situation.” Even if you receive bill reminders by text or email—or have received outage notifications in the past—please take a moment to verify your enrollment. Billing reminders and outage notifications are managed separately.

Take Two Minutes to Make Sure You’re Connected Step 1: Verify Your Contact Information Log in to SmartHub and go to ‘Settings’ → ‘Contact Methods’. Make sure your primary mobile phone numbers and email addresses are current. Don’t forget to verify new contacts. When you add a mobile number or email address, you’ll receive a

SCOTT NEWBERRY Chief Executive Officer verification code by text or email. Enter the code to complete verification. Step 2: Enroll in Outage Texting Go to ‘Settings’ (under ‘More’ in mobile app)→ ‘Manage Notifications’ → ‘Service’ and enable ‘Outage Texting’. You can also select other important FKEC notifications.

Don’t Have SmartHub? Register by scanning the QR code or visiting FKEC.com and clicking the yellow Login button. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to call Member Services at 305-852-2431. Our team is happy to help you. Staying connected with you, our valued members, and keeping you informed is critical. Please take a couple of minutes today to make sure we can reach you. 

Ready to Connect? From an approaching storm to the final restoration, FKEC can keep you informed but only if we can reach you. See page 4.

Verify your Contact Methods + Enroll in Outage Texting via FKEC SmartHub OCTOBER 2026

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FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC

Safe & Secure Together Cyber threats are changing. Our best defense is working together. Technology connects nearly every part of our lives—from the phones in our pockets and devices in our homes to the systems Florida Keys Electric Cooperative relies on to serve its members. And as technology becomes more sophisticated, so do the threats that come with it. Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the cybersecurity landscape. Scammers can now use AI to create convincing emails and text messages, imitate voices and generate realistic images and videos. The misspelled words, awkward sentences and other warning signs that once made scams easier to spot aren’t always there anymore. For FKEC, staying ahead of evolving cyber threats is an important part of protecting the cooperative’s assets and information, while maintaining the safe, reliable service our members depend on. Protecting More Than Computers Cybersecurity at an electric cooperative goes well beyond protecting office computers and email. Technology supports nearly every aspect of FKEC’s daily operations, from employee and member communications to managing 6

OCTOBER 2026

information and the critical systems that help keep the cooperative operating. Protecting those resources requires multiple layers of security, continuous monitoring and established industry practices. It also requires people who understand that they are part of the defense. One example happens behind the scenes every day. In a recent 90-day period, FKEC’s email security systems processed more than 107,000 emails and identified more than 700 as dangerous or suspicious, helping prevent potentially harmful messages from reaching employees. People Are Part of the Defense Technology can stop many threats, but not every suspicious message announces itself as a scam. An email may appear to come from a coworker or familiar company. A text may create a sense of urgency and ask someone to click a link. A caller may sound convincing—or, with AI, even sound like someone you know. That’s why FKEC employees are encouraged to slow down, question

anything that doesn’t seem right and report suspicious activity. FKEC’s IT Department keeps cybersecurity awareness front and center throughout the year. Weekly Cybersecurity Spotlight emails keep employees informed about emerging threats, while monthly Phishing Tournaments challenge employees to identify and report suspicious emails, texts or calls. These efforts help employees practice how to recognize and respond when a real threat appears. Those same habits can help protect FKEC members at home, especially when scammers impersonate electric utilities. Scammers may threaten immediate disconnection unless payment is made. The details may change, but the tactic is usually the same: create enough fear or urgency that you act before stopping to question whether the request is legitimate. FKEC will never call and threaten to immediately disconnect your power without prior notice. Members with past-due accounts receive advance notice before disconnection, and FKEC will never demand immediate payment using a specific payment method, such as a

STOP. THINK. VERIFY. Don’t let urgency make the decision for you. Stop. Be cautious of unexpected calls, texts or emails demanding immediate action or payment.

Think. Scammers often create urgency or threaten consequences so you’ll act before questioning the request.

Verify. prepaid card. If you receive a suspicious call, text or email claiming to be from FKEC, don’t rely on the contact information the sender provides. Instead, contact FKEC directly using a trusted FKEC resource. See right side bar for steps you can take to protect yourself. A Threat We Prepare For Cybersecurity may look very different from preparing for a hurricane or maintaining power lines, but the underlying principle is much the same: understand the risks, reduce vulnerabilities, prepare for what could happen and be ready to respond. FKEC also looks to the broader electric cooperative industry to support its cybersecurity preparedness. The cooperative has completed all 20 of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Co-op Cyber Goals, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to identifying risks and continually strengthening its cybersecurity practices using guidance developed specifically for electric cooperatives. That preparedness is also put to the

test close to home. Tamie Fox, FKEC Chief Information Officer, represents the co-op at the Keys Cyber Games, a hands-on competition that brings local organizations together to practice defending against real-world cyber threats in a safe, controlled environment. Tamie has brought home the winning title for FKEC two years in a row. Congratulations, Tamie. Cyber threats will continue to evolve, and so will the technology used to defend against them. But one of the strongest defenses remains surprisingly simple: people paying attention. One employee who questions a suspicious email can help protect an organization. One member who recognizes a scam can help protect a household. And a community that shares what it learns can help protect one another. At FKEC, cybersecurity is a year-round commitment to protecting the people, information and systems behind the electric service our members depend on every day. Because keeping our cooperative safe and secure takes more than technology. It takes all of us. 

Don’t use the phone number or link in a suspicious message. Contact the company directly using a website, app or number you know and trust.

How to Protect Yourself from Utility Scammers  Monitor Your Account: Use

SmartHub, FKEC’s online tool, to check your balance and account activity.

 Protect Your Information:

Never give personal, confidential or financial information to unknown callers or visitors.

 Contact FKEC: If you’re unsure

whether a communication or visit is legitimate, call 305-852-2431. Operators are available 24/7.

 Use Trusted Payment Options:

Learn your options at www.FKEC.com/youraccount/payment-options

When in doubt, verify it. Never hesitate to call FKEC.

OCTOBER 2026

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FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC

Recognizing Employee Milestones TJ Patterson Celebrates 25 Years Florida Keys Electric Cooperative congratulates T.J. Patterson as he celebrates 25 years with the cooperative. T.J. began his career at FKEC on the Tree Crew before transferring to System Operations. He later joined the Member Services Department, where he has spent over two decades assisting members and helping provide the exceptional service they have come to expect from their cooperative. Outside of work, T.J. is actively involved in the Marathon community, volunteering his time and supporting environmental initiatives that help preserve the Florida Keys. Above all, he enjoys spending time with his family. Thank you T.J. for your many contributions to FKEC and our valued members over the past 25 years. Congratulations!

Veronica Ornelas 15 years

Interested in Joining the FKEC Team? 8

OCTOBER 2026

Christopher Ott 5 years

Looking for a rewarding career with a great place to work? FKEC prides itself on being a progressive employer and a workplace where employees can build rewarding careers while helping power the communities we call home. Even if there aren't job opportunities open today, we encourage you to check back for future openings. Explore available career opportunities: floridakeyselectriccooperative.applicantpro.com/jobs. 

UP CLOSE

The aquatic landscape of the Dead Lakes is a unique environment home to an abundance of wildlife and flora.

Waters

Sharing the He Calls Home

Matt Godwin guides visitors through the beauty and bounty of the Dead Lakes Story and photos by Colette Boehm

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FROM FAR LEFT: The Dead Lakes landscape changes with the seasons. White tupelo trees growing in the area produce the nectar bees use to make the region’s famous tupelo honey. A breeding colony of egrets is among the wildlife sights that may be seen on the water.

The cape

pelo he nectar the upelo g s e e seen

Matt Godwin begins his days drinking coffee at the end of the dock at his home on the Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka. As a child, he explored these waters with his father. Today, he explores them with his two children, 9-yearold son Jax and 5-year-old daughter Millie. While he and his wife, Kelli, are already instilling a love of travel in their children, Matt hopes they also come to appreciate how extraordinary their home is. “You grow up here and don’t realize how special it is, or how unique or beautiful it is,” Matt says. “If you start traveling and seeing other things, other parts of the country, these really beautiful places, you start realizing that this place is pretty special. I’ve never seen anything else like it. It must be unique.” The Dead Lakes span about 6,700 acres along the Chipola River near Wewahitchka, creating a landscape of cypress and tupelo trees, open water, channels and submerged stumps. The Chipola flows through the lakes before eventually merging into the Apalachicola River. Matt works on these waters daily, introducing visitors to the area through ecotours and guided paddling trips with his company, Off The Map Expeditions. He left Gulf County after high school and realized when he returned no one was offering guided tours on the Chipola River or Dead Lakes. “Over the last 13 years, I’ve kind of just found my little niche,” he says. “Nobody else does it.” Never the Same Day Twice Matt credits much of his success to years of experience on the lakes, which can be difficult for those unfamiliar with the channels and underwater hazards to navigate. In some places, he says, there are five times as many stumps under the water as there are above the water. “I grew up out here, so it doesn’t bother me,” Matt says. But captains new to the Dead Lakes often find navigating them challenging. For Matt, it’s part of a typical day on the water—though no two days are quite alike. The lakes’ character, he notes, changes with river levels and seasons. “The water changes so much,” he says. “The trees, the wildlife you see, are all seasonal. I’ve had to train myself on a lot of stuff that I didn’t know about.” He shares what he’s learned with guests on his 3-hour guided kayak trips, offered October through May, and year-round

Matt Godwin guides all the trips and personalizes them to meet his customers’ preferences.

2-hour pontoon boat ecotours. “People are very interested in the plants and animals and things like that,” he says. “I thought I knew a lot, but I didn’t.” Many of Matt’s customers are visitors staying at nearby beach areas, such as Port St. Joe or Apalachicola. Some are surprised to learn the Dead Lakes are not isolated bodies of water but part of a much larger river system. “I tell them, ‘We could actually go to your beach house from here,’ ” he says. Tupelo Country Among the area’s best-known natural resources is the white tupelo tree, which thrives in the seasonally flooded wetlands of the Dead Lakes and Apalachicola River basin. The region supports one of the largest tupelo forests in the world, and each spring becomes a mecca for production of its famous tupelo honey. “It’s been big business for a long time,” Matt says. “The Lanier family started commercially bottling tupelo honey in 1898, and they’re still doing it. They’re still one of the major producers. This white gum tupelo sits on top of the ground. The roots don’t go very deep at all. They are an aquatic tree. The fruit is sour, but the honey is amazing.” Matt also tells visitors about the bald cypress trees that define much of the landscape. Bald cypress are deciduous conifers, rare because they produce cones and, unlike most conifers, are not evergreen. They shed their needlelike leaves each fall. He has also learned when guests are likely to see the area’s seasonal and resident birds. “We get a lot of eagles in the fall and winter, and then a lot of ospreys in the spring,” Matt says.

More to Learn Even after spending most of his life on the Dead Lakes, Matt says he still doesn’t know all there is to know about them. “I get some questions on the immediate area that I’m pretty well versed on, but it’s just so crazy how much history’s here,” he says. “That’s one of the things I’m trying to educate myself on.” Providing those stories and context, and responding to his passengers’ requests, are Matt’s main goals. As Off The Map Expeditions grows, he remains committed to offering personalized trips and guiding every one himself. “I’d rather provide a sustainable business model and a personal experience for the people that are going out with me,” he says. “I try my absolute best to accommodate them. I want to talk to the people. I want to find out what they want to do, what they want to see, how long they want to be out. I custom tailor everything. You can’t get that with scheduling software.” Matt’s familiarity with the area has led to work beyond traditional tours, including trips for different groups with varied goals. “I’ve done some really cool stuff,” he says. “I’ve worked for different government agencies, educational institutions, TV shows, researchers doing different things. I’ve done stuff I never thought I’d do. It’s been pretty cool.” 

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY MST SAHIDA BEGUM

Leave No Trace

One family’s search for Bigfoot in the Florida wilderness By Drew Woolley

Christina Lawhorn had a moment of panic the first time she met Mike Aguilar. She was enjoying their first date when he soberly told her there was another part of his life she should probably know about. “A million things ran through my mind,” she says. “Then he just threw out that he looks for Bigfoot. He started showing me all his research and pictures. And I was completely relieved because it could have been so much worse.” While Christina wasn’t immediately convinced, three years later, the two are happily married and routinely take their four kids on field investigations to search for evidence of the elusive creatures. That family focus is the heart of Squatchin FL, Mike and Christina’s research group driven in equal parts by curiosity, a love of the outdoors and a passion for discovery. Mike has been a true believer in Bigfoot since his first encounter in 2017. While driving to a fishing spot in Homosassa with his best friend, he saw what he thought was a large man crossing the road ahead of them. When it stepped into the sun, he says he saw it clearly for a few seconds before it disappeared,

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describing a creature covered in cinnamon-colored hair with long arms that hung past its knees. Unfortunately, his friend’s eyes weren’t on the road. “We stopped, got out, and he was like, ‘What’s wrong with you? Do you think you saw Bigfoot?’” Mike says. “I didn’t believe it until it walked in front of me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it the whole day. I could hardly fish. That moment changed my life, and I dove headfirst into the hole.” Mike’s experience is what the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization refers to as a Class A sighting: one that is clear and where misidentification of other animals can be ruled out with some degree of confidence. Since 2017, Mike has reported four more Class A sightings, and even his most skeptical family members have seen things that turned them into believers. Mysterious by Nature The wilds of Florida have long been strange and vast enough to light a spark in the human imagination. While airboat tours can ferry

SPOTLIGHT

Back row, from left, Chr istina Lawhorn, Darrin Wi Mike Aguilar, front, set out for a field investiga lliams and Michael Noga, plus tion. PHOTO BY MIKE AGU ILA R

I didn’t believe it until it walked in front of me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it the whole day. That moment changed my life.  MIKE AGUILAR, BIGFOOT BELIEVER AND ENTHUSIAST

ter while t encoun HN FLEMING o fo ig B OF JO ad to a

g he h OTO COURTESY sest thin H r the clo es of Florida.” P fo s e s o p r g tu a in e m r John Fle g “Fearsome C in research

ADOBE STOCK AI IMAGE BY TINGTING/MODIFIED

OCTOBER 2026

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Kylie and Kaylen Aguilar take a plaster cast of a possible Bigfoot print. Mike and his family speak at the Great Florida Bigfoot Conference. Ruby Joe Brew, second from right, and Michael Noga, far right, join Mike and Christina for a field investigation. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE AGUILAR

visitors around the edges of the Everglades, most people only ever see a tiny portion of them, leaving the rest a mysterious blank spot on maps. John Fleming, author of “Fearsome Creatures of Florida,” recalls seeing a famous 2005 photo of a Burmese python attempting to eat an alligator. At the time, many locals were unaware this invasive snake species was spreading throughout the Everglades, much less powerful enough to challenge the kings of the swamp. “They both died in the fight, but it made you aware that there were these battles going on in the Everglades with creatures we didn’t even know were there,” John says. “It’s the kind of thing that makes you ask what other things could be in there that we don’t know about.” While researching for his book, John came across many stories and folk tales offering unexpected answers to that question. In his hometown of West Palm Beach, an elusive, 14

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log-like sea dweller dubbed the Muck Monster has drawn curious tourists for the past 15 years. The Skunk Ape and Bardin Booger are Florida takes on Bigfoot, while sightings of a 35-foot-long creature in Astor have given rise to boaters’ stories of the St. Johns River Monster. In Florida, John believes the dramatic clash between human development and wilderness gives these stories life. Even with the aggressive expansion of hotels, theme parks and neighborhoods, nature can still begin to take back what it lost after a few weeks of rain and growth. “I think these creatures come up a little bit as symbols of hope,” he says. “That nature is not fully dead yet, and if we just leave it alone or look in the right places, that wildness and danger still exists. There’s still mystery and beauty there.” Tread Carefully As he grew more serious about making sense of that first sighting, Mike says the Florida wilderness routinely reminded him of its power. On early solo field investigations, he did not always respect nature and the creatures he was looking for, thinking of them as creatures akin to gorillas or apes.

He recalls one of his early excursions in 2019 to Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, an area he explored as a kid growing up in Tampa. After a 3-mile bike ride deep into the preserve, moving quietly and dressed in camouflage, he saw two large trees that had fallen across the path to the creek from either side. Not far beyond them were what Mike believed to be Bigfoot footprints. But before he could take a picture, another nearby tree came crashing down. “It was followed by the most intense, deep-sounding growl that got deeper as it got louder,” he says. “I was scared to the point of tears when I heard that sound. It was horrifying.” Mike still isn’t sure why, but he found himself verbally apologizing as though he had interrupted someone and made them angry. Despite his fear, he did his best to walk back slowly in the direction he came from. He remembers hearing one set of footsteps following him just out of sight, followed quickly by two or three more. “I think I walked up on a family group and did exactly what I was trying to do: catch them off guard while they were relaxing by the creek,” he says. “They literally paced me out of there and were throwing sticks that landed on the trail in front of me.” In the years since, Mike has met other Bigfoot enthusiasts, as well as members of the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes. From

those conversations, he realized he did just about everything wrong on his Cypress Creek excursion, from moving and dressing like a hunter to crossing boundaries his gut told him not to. Mike now believes the creatures he’s searching for could be much more intelligent than he once thought. If they aren’t eager to show themselves to humans, it might just be one more sign of that intelligence. “Why would you want to be around something that destroys its own planet and wants to hurt you?” he says. “We’re pretty violent and rough creatures. We don’t respect much. But they do. They respect everything.” Leave No Trace For most of the three years since they met, Christina tolerated Mike’s fixation on Bigfoot more than she embraced it herself. Then, last February, she and Mike, along with two of their children, Kate and Jesse, shared a sighting that changed her mind. All four were in Mike’s Jeep on their way to an evening hike when, as they were cresting a hill, the headlights caught a pair of eyes the size of fists in the darkness ahead of them. They recall the eyes being about 5 feet above the ground until, after about 20 seconds, the creature seemed to rise from a crouch to its full height of 7 feet and disappear into the trees. “Christina literally closed her eyes and opened them to see if it would go away,” Mike says. “She was in disbelief because it was only about 30 yards away and just standing there. Christina and her two children were not necessarily believers until that moment.” Since then, Christina has joined Mike in cofounding Squatchin FL and spoke about her experience at the Great Florida Bigfoot Conference in Ocala. Mike has attended numerous conferences and outdoor expos, saying it is important to be part of a supportive and open community. “A lot of people out there don’t want to talk to everybody about what they’ve seen because you get ridiculed,” he says. “It took me a long time to get over that to where I can be an ambassador. Everybody there just wants a safe place to share their encounters and their stories.” Most of all, by getting the whole family involved, Mike hopes to raise his children with the same respect for nature he believes the creatures he’s searching for have. On every family field investigation, they know they can photograph any evidence they find and even try to debunk it. But they should leave no trace of themselves behind. “Florida is a wild place, and we’re losing it,” Mike says. “We’re losing it to people flooding the area with suburbs and subdivisions with no respect for nature. They want to get rid of every bug, every snake. But this isn’t just our land, and you’ve got to learn to respect that.” 

Making the Grade

The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization has been collecting reports of Bigfoot for more than 30 years. But not all sightings are equal. Class A - Clear sightings that occur in circumstances where misinterpretation or misidentification of other animals is unlikely. This can include documented footprints that can be confidently ruled out as another animal. Class B - Any incidents where a Bigfoot was observed at a great distance, in poor lighting or only heard. These are not considered less credible but do have a greater possibility of misidentification. Class C - Any second- or third-hand reports with untraceable sources. Because of the high potential for inaccuracy, the BFRO keeps archives of these reports but rarely includes them in the public database.

On the Hunt

Ready to track down your own Bigfoot sighting? The Bigfoot Mapping Project has you covered. The site tracks reported encounters all over the country, with filters for locations where footprints, vocalizations and tree knocks are part of the accounts.

Visit bigfootmap.com

to find the location of your next adventure.

If you decide to go on your own Bigfoot expedition, don’t make the same mistakes Mike did early on. For anyone looking to have a positive encounter, he recommends: Find a nearby spot where sightings or noises have been reported. Explore areas where other people don’t often go. Go alone, with positive, open energy. Do not try to sneak around. Avoid guns, camouflage or other recognizable hunting gear. AIGENERATED ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRANDON POMRENKE

OCTOBER 2026

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IN THE KITCHEN

A Garden's Last Hurrah MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEASON'S HARVEST

Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles 12 pickling cucumbers 4 cups water 2 cups white vinegar 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon sugar

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY OLEG

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1 bunch fresh dill 1 head garlic, skins removed, cloves smashed 1 tablespoon peppercorn kernels

Sanitize three quart-size mason jars or 4 to 6 pint-size mason jars by running them through the dishwasher. Thoroughly wash pickling cucumbers. Slice them into ¼-inch-thick slices or spears. Set aside. Separate dill from thick stems. To make the brine, combine water, white vinegar, salt and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir the contents to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove the pan from heat and cool to room temperature. Evenly divide the cucumbers, dill, garlic and peppercorn kernels into the Mason jars. Do not pack them super tight to leave room for the brine. Finish by adding enough brine to cover the cucumbers. Seal with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator. The flavor is best if cucumbers are stored for at least one week, but they can be eaten at any time. Pickles should be good for at least 4-6 weeks after that.

Tomato Peach Salad With Creamy Basil Sauce Creamy Cucumber Salad 4 English cucumbers, thinly sliced 2 small red onions, thinly sliced in half rounds Kosher salt 1 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar 1/2 cup minced fresh dill 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided

Mix cucumbers, onions and 11/2 tablespoons salt in a bowl. Pour mixture into a colander and suspend it over a bowl. Wrap bowl and colander with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to drain for at least 4 hours. Discard liquid that collects in the bowl. When cucumbers are ready, roll them up in paper towels or a kitchen towel. Press towel lightly to remove most of the liquid. Place cucumbers in a large bowl with sour cream, vinegar, dill, 2 teaspoons salt and 11/2 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow flavors to blend. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Serve chilled.

Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce

1 ounce (about 1 cup) fresh 1 pound dry pasta basil leaves, roughly Kosher salt chopped 4 medium cloves garlic, Freshly ground black pepper thinly sliced Parmesan cheese, 6 tablespoons extra-virgin for serving olive oil, divided 11/2 pounds cherry tomatoes

Place pasta in a large skillet or saute pan. Cover with water and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions recommend. Meanwhile, heat garlic and 4 tablespoons olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until garlic is softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes. Cook, stirring, until tomatoes begin to burst, about 10 minutes. Help them along by pressing on them with the back of a wooden spoon as they soften. Continue to cook until sauce is rich and creamy, about 5 minutes more. Stir in basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. When pasta is cooked, drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Add pasta to sauce and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring and tossing constantly and adding reserved pasta water as necessary to reach desired consistency. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and top with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

2 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges 1 cup peaches, sliced thin 1 cup corn kernels

1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, slivered

Sauce 1 medium clove garlic, cut into several pieces 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves

1 cup mayonnaise ½ teaspoon fine salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a bowl, combine tomatoes, peaches, corn, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss lightly. Set the bowl aside. Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth. Spread a generous amount of basil sauce onto a serving plate. Top the sauce with salad, and garnish with basil leaves before serving.

Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided 1 yellow onion, chopped 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 2 green onions, sliced 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for serving 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cups chicken stock 11/2 cups whole milk 1 pound bite-sized pasta 2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, sliced 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 11/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided Fresh basil, slivered, for serving

Heat oven to 425 F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Add remaining butter, green onions, thyme, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne. Cook until chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F, about 6-8 minutes. Add stock and milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add pasta and squash, and season with salt and pepper. Stir frequently until pasta is al dente and broth has been absorbed, about 8 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and 1 cup Monterey Jack. Transfer everything to an oven-safe casserole dish. Scatter remaining cheese over top of the casserole. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Serve warm, with additional thyme and fresh basil garnish. OCTOBER 2026

17

THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT Mary White Henderson, a cousin of Louis J. Nacke II, closes her eyes and folds her hands in prayer during a moment of silence Sept. 11 at the 25th anniversary observance at Flight 93 National Memorial. Louis was among the 40 passengers and crew members killed when hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed on Sept. 11, 2001, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

NIKON D810 | 300mm lens ISO: 200 | f/5 at 1/500

Reader Challenge

Search for memorials in your area or state. This is a chance for you to make a photograph that honors those for whom the memorial was created and maybe its designer as well. The events of 9/11 affected the whole nation. Because of that day, we have been forever changed. Also, Veterans Day is coming up, offering opportunities to photograph those who have served and are serving our country. As always, consider time of day and direction of light.

Memorials for the Living Story and photo by Dave LaBelle I’ve written about photographing monuments and memorials in the past. However, after returning from Shanksville, Pennsylvania, for the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, crash of United Airlines Flight 93, I felt it was important to revisit the subject. On Sept. 11, 2001, as the photography editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, I directed the newspaper’s visual coverage, primarily for the Flight 93 crash. That spot, that event and those people will forever be part of who I am today. My direction began in the first days after the unfathomable crash, when the Boeing 757 jet dove into the earth at more than 500 mph, leaving a blackened crater nearly 35 feet deep. I remember the crude memorials erected in the following days—pictures stapled to sticks, fastened to fences and hay bales. I can 18

O C T O B E R 2026

still hear the whimpers and occasional wailing as the wind carried the painful sounds of grieving family, friends and strangers across the fields. Now, 25 years later, thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of so many, the beautiful Flight 93 National Memorial stands at the site. Whether a pile of stones or an elaborate structure of metal, memorials remind us that something remarkable happened, something we should never forget. After all, memorials are for the living, to remind us and teach us. In fact, most memorials are testaments to the worst and best of mankind, where ambition, cruelty and hatred are answered by courage, bravery and uncommon love. Nearly 3,000 souls left this life Sept. 11, 2001—passengers, crew, first responders and strangers sacrificing their lives to try to save others. As with many disasters, 9/11 brought out the worst and best of humankind. 

Email your best image—just one— with caption information and an explanation of how it affects you to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.

Internationally renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. He has shared photo tips and life perspectives with readers since 2009. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

GET OUTSIDE Three national forests in Florida combine for nearly 1.2 million acres, offering outdoor recreational activities such as canoeing. PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER AND ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY ANNA

Back to Nature As weather cools in the fall, people might want to go hiking, camping or canoeing. Others look forward to hunting season. Outdoor enthusiasts across Florida can take advantage of public lands conserving various habitats. Three national forests—Apalachicola, Ocala and Osceola— combine for nearly 1.2 million acres, including about 500,000 acres of wetlands and more than 85,000 acres of designated federal wilderness areas. These forests offer hikers and bikers more than 1,400 miles of trails. Campers and others can use 118 developed recreation sites. These forests provide homes for many animals, such as whitetailed deer, black bears, bobcats and many bird species. Many more birds migrate to Florida in the fall and return to their northern breeding grounds in the spring. The largest national forest in Florida, Apalachicola covers 635,019 acres in the Panhandle southwest of Tallahassee. The forest provides incredible recreational opportunities for biking, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, horseback riding and off-road vehicle operations. The Apalachicola, Ochlockonee and Sopchoppy rivers—plus several other streams, lakes, ponds and natural springs—water the forest. People could visit the Leon Sinks Geological Area, an unusual region of caverns and sinkholes surrounded by hardwoods. People who want to get away from it all might visit two wilderness areas. The Bradwell Bay Wilderness covers 24,602 acres on the Sopchoppy River. The Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness covers 8,090 acres. New River runs through it and is a good place for paddling adventures. In Central Florida, Ocala National Forest covers about 388,480 acres east of the town of Ocala. Established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the oldest national forest east of

National forests provide many acres for public recreation

the Mississippi River and the southernmost one in the continental United States sits between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers. More than 600 natural lakes, springs and ponds dot the landscape. Rodman Reservoir on the northern edge and Lake George on the eastern edge offer outstanding fishing. Silver Springs State Park, a filming location for many underwater movie scenes, sits near the town of Ocala. In Northeast Florida, Osceola National Forest covers about 266,000 acres close to 50 miles west of Jacksonville. Named for the great Seminole chief, Osceola National Forest can provide adventurers with abundant recreational choices. At the northern end of the forest, Pinhook Swamp and Impassable Bay create a biologically significant corridor to the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. The John M. Bethea State Forest covers 37,735 acres on the northeast corner of the national forest. Big Gum Swamp Wilderness takes up 13,660 acres in the northern and central portion of Osceola National Forest. In addition, more than 6 million acres of state-managed land in many wildlife management areas offer public hunting and other recreational prospects. People could also visit about 6 million acres in conservation areas, state forests, parks, preserves and other public properties. With more than 13 million acres of natural areas in the Sunshine State, everyone in Florida can find public lands where they can enjoy various outdoor recreational adventures close to home. 

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.

OCTOBER 2026

19

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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.

WALNUT HILL

KEY LARGO

Through October Adventure Zone Grand Opening Steve’s Farm is officially becoming Steve’s Fishing and Adventure Farm, a name that reflects its growing commitment to outdoor fun and familyfriendly experiences. The grand opening of the Adventure Zone runs Monday through Saturday, through the end of October. This new area features a corn maze, children’s zip line, jump pad, giant slide, sunflower patch, pumpkin patch, hayrides and seasonal surprises. Guests can enjoy delicious food, season passes and full access tickets. Get ready for a fall season filled with adventure, laughter and unforgettable memories. Our fishponds and market remain open all year long.

Oct. 6 From REEF to Resilience Explore the health and resilience of Florida’s coastal ecosystems from 9:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during Florida Climate Week. From REEF to Resilience is a full day of citizen science, marine conservation and community conversation at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo.

stevesfarm.net; 850-327-4020

Oct. 9-10 Glass and Ceramic Pumpkin Patch The annual Glass and Ceramic Pumpkin Patch returns to the First City Art Center campus. The First Pick Preview Party is 5-8 p.m. Oct. 9. The general admission Pumpkin Patch Sale is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 10. Pumpkin Patch attendees have thousands of unique hand-blown glass and handcrafted ceramic pumpkins to choose from. The pumpkins are created by local artists working in the glass and ceramic studios at FCAC, and they come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Prices for pumpkins begin at $20. The event directly supports FCAC as a nonprofit offering affordable art education and outreach programs and access to dozens of local artists.

PENSACOLA

Fridays in October Friday Morning Run/Walk Club Join the Lucky Goat community for your Friday morning fun run and then enjoy specialty coffee, food and great company. The group meets in the Lucky Goat parking lot a couple of minutes before 6 a.m. The runners complete a 6-mile loop in the area, running at various speeds, and the walking group completes a shorter 45-minute loop nearby. The entire group reconnects and heads into the cafe for coffee and food service beginning at 6:45 a.m. visitpensacola.com/events/friday-morning-run-walk-club; 850-361-4000

LAKE PLACID

Oct. 3 Barktoberfest Get ready to unleash the fun from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stuart Park for the 12th year of finding homes for dogs and cats. This event is loaded with activities to keep you, your children and your leashed pets busy. No retractable leashes are allowed. Besides pet adoptions, you can get your pet blessed, be part of a pet costume contest, have your furry friend’s nails trimmed, get a family photo with your pet, microchip your pet for $10, and enjoy face painting and a mini petting zoo. Shop the vendors offering a selection of products for your pets, enjoy treats from food trucks and try your luck at winning incredible raffle baskets. Bring dog or cat food or treats made in the USA, and you’ll receive a free raffle ticket. Entry and parking are free. Rescues set their own adoption fees and procedures. pawsitiveeffects.org; 863-441-0351

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O C T O B E R 2026

PHOTO BY GINI SHEVICK

reef.org/events/florida-climate-week-reef-resilience; 305-852-0030

PENSACOLA

bit.ly/4xN9YbA; 850-429-1222

SEBRING

Oct. 11 VIVA Sebring Hispanic Heritage Festival Join in the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month with vendors from different Hispanic cultures, including art vendors, live music and dancing. Other activities include an alpaca meet and greet, face painting and a bounce house. bit.ly/4hnupFp; 863-699-9444

ONA

Oct. 15 UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center Beef Cattle Reproduction Field Day Get valuable information at sponsor and information booths, from student research posters and through research updates displayed by various programs. Morning talks begin at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome by center Director Brent Sellers, followed by updates from multiple UF/ IFAS departments and Florida Cattlemen’s Association President John Williamson. Presentations by University of Florida faculty will follow on the field day focal topic “Beef Cattle Reproduction”; “2026-27 Market Outlook for Beef Cows & Heifers,” with Hannah Baker; “Bull Management for Effective Breeding Performance in Cow-Calf Operations,” with Angela Gonella; “Reproductive Management of the Florida Cow Herd,” with Mario Binelli; and “Impact of Calf Withdraw on Postpartum Anestrus in FirstCalf Cows,” with John Arthington. Lunch is at noon. At 1 p.m., guests board wagons to travel to field sites for the afternoon presentations. Early registration is $25, and general registration is $35. Registration the day of the event is $50. facebook.com/share/p/1Jt6WvWdHo; 863-735-1001

ISLAMORADA

Oct. 15 Third Thursday Art Walk Experience the vibrant Morada Way Arts & Cultural District Art Walk. Enjoy local art, food, live music and unique shops from 6-9 p.m. along a lively, walkable corridor. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating creativity and community in paradise. moradaway.org/art-walk-info

PENSACOLA BEACH

Oct. 16 Beach-O-Ween Get ready for a spooky good time. This year, the event is 4-8 p.m. at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. There will be fun activities for children of all ages, including a Halloween bounce house, costume contest, games, face painting and hot dogs. Best of all, games and activities are free, and there will be plenty of candy to go around. So, grab your costumes and head down to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk for a night of frightfully good fun you won’t want to miss.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WEWAHITCHKA PUBLIC LIBRARY

WEWAHITCHKA

Oct. 10 America’s 250th Festival Celebrate 250 years of American history with a special community event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT at the Charles Whitehead Public Library. The day is filled with history, community, family fun and local treasures. Starting at 11 a.m. inside the library, award-winning author and historian Dale Cox will present “The Chipola River: From the Earliest Days to the 21st Century.” Indoor and outdoor activities are available for children throughout the day. Come celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary while discovering the stories, people, places and traditions that make our community special. bit.ly/46bhLnE

TAVERNIER

Oct. 30 Owl-O-Ween Celebrate Halloween the wild way at this family-friendly evening presented by the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. From 4-8 p.m., the sanctuary transforms into a festive Halloween setting filled with activities for all ages. Young ghosts and goblins can enjoy trick-or-treating and festival games, while families can explore arts. Guests can also wander through the Conservation Village and learn more about the Wild Bird Center’s work rescuing, rehabilitating and protecting native birds throughout the Florida Keys. Owl-O-Ween is also an opportunity to support an Upper Keys nonprofit while introducing children to wildlife conservation and the remarkable birds that call the Keys home. Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted to support the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center’s mission. Put on your costume, bring the family, and get ready for trick-or-treating, wildlife and plenty of spooky fun. bit.ly/4cBfndr; 305-852-4486

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY ATTITUDE1

visitpensacola.com/beach-o-ween; 850-530-3349

PENSACOLA BEACH

Oct. 23 Cinemas in the Sand: ‘Toy Story 5’ Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the beloved toy gang return for another heartfelt chapter in Pixar’s iconic series. As children grow and technology evolves, the toys face new challenges that test their friendships and purpose, reminding audiences of all ages about loyalty, change and what it truly means to be there for one another. Presented by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, this beloved tradition invites locals and visitors alike to gather under the stars, feel the sand between their toes and enjoy timeless movie classics against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gulf. All movies are free to the public and start at sunset on a giant outdoor movie screen in front of the Gulfside Pavilion stage, weather permitting.

HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS Want to share a family-friendly event with Florida Currents readers? Enter 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 printquality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.

visitpensacola.com/events/cinemas-in-the-sand-toy-story-5; 850-530-3349

OCTOBER 2026

23

GARDENING

PHOTO COURTESY OF RALPH MITCHELL

Colorful Tapioca In some Charlotte County landscapes, you may find a shrublike plant called cassava or yuca, which is the source of tapioca and other starch products. Once somewhat common in Florida backyard gardens, this plant produces swollen, edible roots that are an important source of food in many tropical countries. Another ornamental variety is becoming popular as a landscape plant—the variegated cassava, also called Manihot esculenta “Variegata.” Variegated cassava is an attractive landscape option that can add life to your garden. Cassava is a shrub-like plant from South America that now grows around the world. Attractive, palmate leaves grow from corky, cane-like branches. Swollen roots packed with carbohydrates grow up to 30 inches long and 4 inches wide. Older varieties, called “bitter” cassavas, are toxic until extensively processed to remove the poisonous cyanide. Modernday so-called “sweet” cassavas are fine to eat once peeled and boiled to remove the toxin. Variegated cassava falls into the former category, so play it safe and use it just for show. Once established, it is carefree and practically drought-proof. To start a cassava plant, all you need is a segment of the stem about 10 inches long. Cuttings root readily and can be transplanted into the landscape as specimen plants or even for container culture. Bury the stem—right end up—about 4 inches deep in sterile potting medium. The color of this cassava cultivar is distinct—red-stemmed with leaves up to 8 inches long variegated with green and yellow. The yellow portion eventually fades to creamy white.

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O C T O B E R 2026

Growing up to 6 feet tall, variegated cassava can be pruned to provide a neat, multi-stemmed, rounded shrub. Variegated cassava produces inconspicuous small green and white flowers that sometimes form seed pods. This plant grows rapidly during the summer months but slows down as cool weather approaches. In fact, it can look a bit unkempt during the winter and may be nipped by frost. Some diebacks occur, but new growth should begin in March. Consider starting new plants from cuttings to give the landscape a refreshed look each year. Where can you get the variegated cassava? The original one I had was from ECHO in North Fort Myers. On occasion, you might find one at a plant sale or from the garden of an enthusiastic hobbyist. Local family-run nurseries may also carry this exotic plant from time to time, or you can check online, as several mail-order nurseries carry small specimens for sale. 

Ralph Mitchell has served as the county extension director and extension agent IV for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County since 2000. He oversees all county extension programs and staff while leading key horticulture initiatives, including the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Consumer and Commercial Horticulture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping and Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training. He is also a senior instructor for Florida’s Green Industries Best Management Practices program. Ralph lives in Port Charlotte with his wife of 39 years. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, natural history, archaeology and raising small animals.

FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC

CO-OP MONTH QUIZ October is National Co-op Month Did you know there are many different kinds of cooperatives? A cooperative, or co-op, is a business that’s owned by the people who use it. Some co-ops help people buy groceries, some help farmers sell their crops and some—like your electric co-op—bring power to your home.

Read each clue below and guess the type of cooperative you think it is. Answer Choices: Worker Producer Consumer Utility Retail Financial Housing 1. Your local electric cooperative It keeps the lights on, restores power after storms and is owned by the members it serves. Type: ______________________ 2. REI People can become members to shop for outdoor gear, enjoy special benefits and help support the business. Type: ______________________ 3. Ocean Spray Thousands of cranberry and grapefruit farmers work together to grow fruit and produce juice sold across the country. Type: ______________________ 4. Your local credit union Members save money, open checking accounts and apply for loans through a financial institution they own together. Type: ______________________ 5. A grocery co-op Local shoppers become members to help support a community grocery store and buy fresh foods. Type: ______________________ 6. A cooperative apartment building People work together to own and manage the place where they live. Type: ______________________ 7. A cooperative bakery The people who bake the bread, decorate the cakes and serve customers also own the business together. Type: ______________________

Answer Key: 1. Utility 2. Retail 3. Producer OCTOBER 2026

25

4. Financial 5. Consumer 6. Housing 7. Worker

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

From Light Switches to

Lifelong Habits

By Miranda Boutelle

Do you have energy-saving helpers at home? Teaching your children to build good energy habits saves money on electric bills and sets them up for a lifetime of smart energy use. Here’s how to get them started on an energy-saving adventure. Safety First When it comes to electricity, start with safety basics. Secure cords so appliances, lamps or other plugged-in items can’t be pulled down. Use outlet covers and safety plugs to keep little hands from getting injured. As they get older, teach children to never stick things in outlets. When they’re old enough to use outlets, let them know they should never unplug by pulling the cord. When playing outside, teach them to stay away from downed power lines, keep a safe distance from electrical equipment and understand the dangers of electricity near water. Teaching Energy Habits You can teach age-appropriate energy habits. Turning off fans and lights when leaving rooms is a good habit to instill. Fully powering down TVs, computers and gaming systems reduces energy waste. Keeping the refrigerator door open is a common energy waster. Teach them to take a quick look inside. If they need time to choose what they want, they can close the fridge while deciding. Keeping your home’s doors closed is another tip to keep heated or air-conditioned air inside. In addition to reducing wasted water, using less hot water helps you save on your energy bill. Heating water is typically the second-highest energy use in a home—behind heating and air conditioning. Reduce energy use by turning off the water while hand-washing dishes, taking short showers and not overfilling the bathtub.

PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND/PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES

Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energy-efficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company. This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, or any products or services it offers.

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Gamify Your Bill Review the electric bill with older children. Be sure to focus on energy use, which is shown in kilowatt-hours on your bill. It’s also a good opportunity to teach budgeting and managing finances. If you save money on the electric bill, you may be able to do something fun with that money instead. Consider a trip to mini golf, getting ice cream or choosing a longer-term goal to fund a weekend family trip. Make it a game. Consider a family reward for using less energy than the previous month, or the same month of the previous year, or give an individual reward to the one who Scan this QR code to download an guesses how many kilowatt-hours you used that month. “Energy Detective” The winner gets to pick the movie for family night. activity to help children get Exploring energy efficiency and conservation with excited about your children doesn’t have to be a chore. Find fun ways identifying ways to build lifelong energy habits and save energy around to save energy at home. your home. 

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Slow Down, We’re Floating Here!

Practice Safe Boating: Wear polarized sunglasses. Look out for manatee zones. Slow your wake for their sake. 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte

PLUGGED IN

Solar’s Next Chapter

Batteries, microgrids and smarter controls are changing when—and how—solar power serves homes and communities

By Sable Riley and Cathy Cash When Southern California Edison shut down the only transmission feed serving Anza Electric Cooperative for planned work in June, the outage stretched beyond its scheduled eight-hour window. About 700 members on the co-op’s downtown circuit never noticed. Anza’s SunAnza solar-and-battery microgrid is separate from the larger grid and kept electricity flowing to a fire station, market, gas stations, post office and several restaurants. “Our members didn’t even see a blink,” says Sandy King, Anza’s engineering manager. Power Where It Is Needed Anza serves a high-desert region through a single transmission connection, with no practical route for a second line. If that feed is lost to wildfire damage, maintenance or a Public Safety Power Shutoff, the co-op loses its outside supply. Most members also depend on wells. “No power equals no water in our case,” General Manager Kevin Short says. Built in phases, SunAnza combines 3.4 megawatts of solar generation with a 4.4-MW, 9.2-megawatt-hour battery system. Forming the microgrid remains a manual process. Operators assess the load and expected outage length before deciding how much of the downtown circuit to serve. During a multiday outage, they may conserve energy overnight and restart the system the next morning. The system also supports voltage and frequency. During one voltage sag, discharging stored power corrected the 28

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problem almost immediately. “The versatility of the system has been the biggest takeaway,” Sandy says. Anza has 10 MW of additional battery capacity in development and is considering 5 MW to 10 MW of added solar. Kevin says the goal is to keep the entire service territory energized during daytime hours when the outside feed is unavailable. Solar Comes Home Nearly all electricity delivered by Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, based in Tavernier, Florida, comes from Florida Power & Light. FPL reports about 20% of its 2025 energy came from nuclear generation and 11% from solar, with nearly all the remainder from natural gas. FKEC’s two older arrays in Marathon and at its Crawl Key Substation contribute little to local generation. Still, the co-op is exploring upgrades as panel, inverter and storage technology evolves. “Things weren’t as efficient as they are now,” says Andy Fahrenkrug, FKEC’s senior electrical engineer. “Losses have gone down significantly.” A faster evolution is happening behind consumers’ meters. FKEC’s solar interconnection accounts increased from 33 in 2014 to 273 in 2025—more than eightfold. Andy says the utility received about one or two applications a month three years ago, compared with five or six today. Affordability has improved alongside performance. “The solar panels themselves are less than half what they were 10 years ago,” Kevin says, pointing largely to a worldwide expansion in manufacturing capacity. Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems reports the efficiency of commercial solar modules made from a

single silicon crystal has increased from about 17% to nearly 25% during the past decade. Solar manufacturers are changing how panels are built. For years, the industry relied heavily on a design known as p-type PERC. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting n-type panels, especially a design called TOPCon. The letters refer to how silicon cells are treated to conduct electricity. In practical terms, newer n-type panels generally convert more sunlight into electricity, lose less performance over time and can produce more power from the same amount of roof space. Bifacial panels offer another option. They collect direct sunlight on the front and reflected light on the back. Andy says panel type, roof direction, shade and inverter choice all affect performance. “The best result for one house is maybe not the best for another house,” he says. He estimates a 10- to 15-year payback period for many FKEC members, in part because the co-op’s rates are relatively low. Batteries are also becoming a larger part of the picture. “I have definitely seen an uptick in batteries,” Andy says. “In fact, we’ve seen people adding batteries to existing systems.” Storage matters because solar generation and demand do not necessarily peak together. In the Keys, demand often rises from 4-6 p.m. as residents return home, lower thermostats, cook and charge vehicles—after peak solar production. Batteries can hold midday energy for those evening hours or reserve it for critical needs during an outage. FKEC encourages consumers to size their systems to offset their annual electricity use. Credits earned during

Beam It Down! Scientists and companies are testing whether solar energy collected above Earth could someday supplement power generated on rooftops and utility-scale arrays. LEFT: As plug-in solar becomes more popular, consumers should be aware these products require important safety considerations. WIKIMEDIA STOCK PHOTO RIGHT: Florida Keys Electric Cooperative solar interconnection accounts increased from 33 in 2014 to 273 in 2025—more than eightfold. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

high-production months can offset lower production during other months. But producing as much energy as a home uses over the course of a year does not mean the member will receive a bill for $0, Andy says. Poles, wires and other grid infrastructure still must be maintained. Staff recommend reviewing a full year of use, comparing proposals, examining warranties and calculating if expected production supports the installer’s payback claims. A Plug-In Caution A newer and more controversial option is plug-in, or balcony, solar. These small systems are marketed like appliances: Place a panel outside, connect a compact inverter and plug it into a household outlet. “Existing residential wiring standards were not designed for generation through standard outlets,” says Jeffrey Groenewold, senior energy solutions manager at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Poorly controlled systems can overload

wiring, affect power quality or send electricity onto utility lines. UL Solutions launched a testing and certification framework for plug-in solar in January, but local codes and utility interconnection rules still apply. FKEC does not allow unapproved outlet-connected generation. Its advanced meters can detect electricity flowing in an unexpected direction, helping staff identify systems that have not gone through review. “As soon as you touch it to an outlet that’s connected to the grid, that’s when the trouble begins,” Andy says. A system that backfeeds during an outage could reenergize equipment believed to be deenergized, creating a hazard for residents, firefighters and lineworkers. That is why both cooperatives offer the same advice before a consumer signs a solar contract: Talk with the utility first. Solar’s future is not simply about producing more power. It is about storing, controlling and connecting that energy safely so homes, businesses and communities can use it when it matters most.  Solar arrays generate power for Anza Electric Cooperative’s SunAnza microgrid, which can keep critical community services energized when the utility’s connection to the larger electric grid is unavailable. PHOTO COURTESY OF

In 2023, California Institute of Technology’s Space Solar Power Project completed an orbital demonstration that tested lightweight structures and solar cells in space. The project successfully transmitted power wirelessly in space and sent a detectable signal to Earth, showing key parts of the concept can work beyond the laboratory. A more recent test brought the technology closer to real-world conditions. In November 2025, Overview Energy reported beaming energy from a moving airplane more than 3 miles above the ground to standard solar panels below. The company says the airborne demonstration tested equipment it plans to eventually use in orbit. Neither project produced electricity at utility scale. Still, the demonstrations show progress toward a future in which space-based systems could deliver energy when clouds or darkness limit solar production on Earth. NASA says major questions remain about cost, construction, transmission efficiency and maintenance. Sources: California Institute of Technology’s Space Solar Power Project, Overview Energy, Federal Communications Commission and NASA Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy

ANZA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY SDECORET OCTOBER 2026

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BEFORE YOU GO

A Tranquil Reflection

The setting sun reflects on the tranquil ripples of Lake Clinch in Frostproof. PHOTO BY SANDY NITCH

As space allows, we share reader-submitted photos on this page. Send 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.

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Required by 39 USC 3685 Filed with the USPS on 9-14-26 FLORIDA CURRENTS, (ISSN 23276304, USPS 8300), is published monthly at 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Twelve issues are published annually with a subscription price of $8.68 paid by utility members in their electric bills. The name and complete mailing address of the publisher is: Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. The name and complete mailing address of the editor is Chasity Anderson, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. The owner is Pioneer Utility Resources Inc. (PUR). There are no known bondholders or other security holders. PUR is a nonprofit organization mailing under DMM Section 423.12. Its purpose, function and nonprofit status for federal income tax purposes has not changed in the preceding 12 months. Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

a. Total No. Copies (net press run) .....................................89,360 b. Paid Circulation (1) Outside County ........................................................88,792 (2) In-County ....................................................................... -0(3) Sales Through Dealers..................................................540 (4) Other Classes................................................................. -0c. Total Paid Circulation (Sum of 15b(1) through 15b(4)).....................................89,332 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Outside County............................................................... -0(2) In-County ........................................................................-0(3) Other Classes .................................................................-0(4) Outside the Mail ............................................................. -0e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d(1) through 15d(4))........................................... -0f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e).......................... 89,332 g. Copies Not Distributed ......................................................... 29 h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g) .............................................89,361 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)......................100%

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date a. Total No. Copies (net press run) .....................................89.149 b. Paid Circulation (1) Outside County ........................................................88,574 (2) In-County ....................................................................... -0(3) Sales Through Dealers..................................................540 (4) Other Classes................................................................. -0c. Total Paid Circulation (Sum of 15b(1) through 15b(4)).....................................89,114 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Outside County............................................................... -0(2) In-County ........................................................................ -0(3) Other Classes ................................................................. -0(4) Outside the Mail ............................................................. -0e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d(1) through 15d(4))........................................... -0f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)..........................89.114 g. Copies Not Distributed ......................................................... 35 h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g) .............................................89.149 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)......................100% I certify the statements made by me are correct and complete. Chasity Anderson, Editorial Director

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Got a Story Idea? We Want to Hear It.

Florida Currents is a magazine about the people, places and moments that make Florida home, and nobody knows those stories better than you. Whether it’s a hidden gem in your community, a local hero worth celebrating or an organization doing great work in your area—we’re listening. Scan the QR code or visit the link to submit your story idea. Our editors read every submission. Thanks for reading and for helping us tell Florida’s best stories.

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Help Shape FKEC’s Future We’re polling you —our members— to better serve you. As a member-owned electric cooperative, FKEC values the opinions of the people we serve. That’s why we’re partnering with Pioneer Utility Resources and Pulse Research to conduct a member survey. The survey is focused on your knowledge of electric usage and rates, and we are asking members with residential service to complete it. Your feedback helps us better understand what matters most to our members. The survey takes about 10–15 minutes to complete. Simply scan the QR code or look for the link at FKEC.com to participate. If you are unable to access the questionnaire online, please call FKEC at 305-852-2431 for assistance.

Your Feedback Could Be Worth $500! As a thank-you for your time, every member who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing for a $500 FKEC electric bill credit. The deadline to participate in the survey is October 31, 2026. We appreciate you taking the time to tell us what you think and helping FKEC continue to meet the needs of the members and communities we serve. Thank you for being an engaged member of your cooperative. 

305.852.2431 | www.FKEC.com

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