Purple Dawn
Loretta Alkalay won third place in Florida Keys Electric Cooperative’s 2024 photo contest with this breathtaking purple sunrise at Sombrero Beach in Marathon. Learn about the 2025 contest at www.FKEC.com.
Florida Currents
July 2025 • Volume 14, No. 9
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.
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As temperatures rise, everyone’s cooling systems are working harder to keep us comfortable. Here are tips to help offset the extra power consumed by your AC:
Prevent Heat Gain
Preventing heat buildup in your home is the most cost-effective cooling strategy. Highly reflective windows can reduce heat gain by about 45%. Medium-colored draperies with white plastic-backed liners can reduce heat gain by 33%. Exterior shades are most effective at reducing heat gain on windows receiving direct sunlight.
Use Fans When in a Room
While fans don’t actually cool your home, their breeze helps your body cool itself. That’s why it feels about 4 to 6 degrees cooler sitting under a ceiling fan. Remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
Avoid Heat-Producing Activities
Avoid adding more to your home’s cooling load by waiting until after 7 p.m. to use heat-producing appliances such as ovens, stovetops, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers. Use microwaves or grill outside to further reduce heat produced inside.
Fight Against Humidity
When you shower or bathe, use ventilation fans to draw out the moist, humid air. But don’t leave these fans running for too long. Most residential vent fans can clear a bathroom of steam in about 10 minutes.
In the June edition of Florida Currents, “Legacy in the Lanes” erroneously stated Malcolm Hosford swam for Florida State University.
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 800-858-8845
Pay by Phone 1-855-940-4077 www.FKEC.com
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 377, Tavernier, FL 33070
MEMBERS SHOULD KNOW:
FKEC’s regular business hours are Monday-Thursday from 8a.m.-5p.m.
Our offices are closed Friday-Sunday, but our online services and emergency operators are available 24/7.
FKEC NEWS
Built to Withstand, Ready to Respond
Every storm season brings a new set of unknowns. At Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, we know that staying storm-strong isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a year-round commitment. That’s why we’ve invested over $125 million since 2006 into hardening our system and ensuring reliable electric service for our members in the face of Florida’s toughest weather.
Our resilience is no accident. It’s built on decades of planning, training, and learning from past storms. Ahead of each hurricane season, our team:
• Updates and tests our emergency response plans
• Trains staff for storm scenarios
• Coordinates with local and state emergency partners
• Stocks our headquarters so we can operate independently for 72 hours
Seventy-two is actually an important number to keep in mind during storm season because the two most critical windows of time in any storm are the 72 hours before impact, and the 72 hours after. Storms can rapidly intensify in just three days, going from mild to major in less time than most people expect. That means now is the time to get ready.
SCOTT NEWBERRY Chief Executive Officer
and supplies for our crews to last us for at least three days. And, I strongly ask our members to take a similar approach at home. Be sure you have:
• Enough food and water for at least 72 hours for you, your family, and your pets
• Fuel if you plan to use a generator and a safe functional setup.
• Most importantly, follow Monroe County’s evacuation warnings.
Storms may be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. In the following pages, we’ve included key tips, tools, and resources to help you plan ahead. For even more guidance, visit our online Storm Center at www.FKEC.com.
Unless otherwise noted, “FKEC NEWS” writing, design & photography by: Nikki Dunn Cullen, news@fkec.com.
In the days after impact, we prepare to work in “stand-alone” mode if needed, with backup generation, fuel, food, water,
Preparedness isn’t just a precaution—it’s peace of mind. Let’s stay ready together. n
PHOTO BY JOSH NICOLAY
The Value of Mutual Aid
How Co-ops Support One Another After Storms
At FKEC, we take great pride in our storm preparation. We’ve invested heavily in strengthening our system and training our team to respond quickly and safely when disaster hits. But even the most storm-hardened system can face serious challenges after a major storm. That’s when one of the greatest strengths of the cooperative model comes into play: Mutual Aid.
What Is Mutual Aid?
Mutual aid is built on the cooperative principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives”—the belief that we’re stronger together. FKEC has agreements in place to both offer and receive help from electric cooperatives across Florida and beyond.
When a co-op is hit by widespread outages, others step in—sending lineworkers, equipment, and expertise to
help restore power quickly and safely.
Over the years, FKEC has both received and provided this support. Most recently, we deployed numerous crews to help Peace River, Clay Electric, and Glades Electric after Hurricanes Milton and Helene crossed Florida back-toback in late 2024. Our line, tree and warehouse crews joined utility professional from across the state and country to help those impacted recover.
How It Works
Mutual aid efforts begin well before a storm. FKEC coordinates with regional co-ops, and once the storm passes and it’s safe to assess damage, crews mobilize. Trucks roll in, staging areas are set up, and the restoration effort begins—one line at a time.
It’s a system rooted in trust and a shared commitment to serving members.
Year-Round Preparation
Even before storms form, Florida’s electric cooperatives are training and planning together. Recently, FKEC’s Director of Engineering Peter Amendola, and Director of Power Supply and Transmission Nick Lyons joined staff from 18 co-ops at the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association’s hurricane workshop to prepare for the 2025 season.
At the event, Escambia River and Talquin Electric shared lessons from devastating tornadoes and a rare snow and ice storm—powerful reminders of how unpredictable weather can be. Hearing their experiences helps all of us improve and adapt our emergency plans.
At FKEC, we understand and value the benefits of being part of a cooperative family that shows up for one another. Whether we’re receiving help or lending a hand, we’re all working toward the same goal: restoring power, restoring comfort, and restoring normalcy—together. n
In 2024, FKEC crews responded to Clay Electric Cooperative’s request for mutual aid after Hurricane Helene. Pictured Lineman Rafael Medina (on the pole) and Crew Leader Rudy Vega (on the ground) hang a transformer on a newly set pole.
Preparedness is POWER
WHILE MAJOR HURRICANES GRAB HEADLINES, it can be the smaller, unnamed storms that catch you off guard.
In the Florida Keys, even a strong thunderstorm or a tropical disturbance with high winds can cause power outages, or damage to electrical systems.
That’s why FKEC encourages members to stay prepared year-round, not just during hurricane season. Whether it’s a surprise squall or a Category 3 storm, we treat every weather event seriously—and you should too.
Trim Trouble Before It Starts
Look around your property—especially near power lines. Pay close attention to the “service drop” line that connects your home to the pole. If trees or limbs could damage those lines during high winds, please contact FKEC.
You can submit a tree trim request online at www.fkec.com/services or call 305-852-2431.
Also, ensure FKEC has 24/7 access to your electric meter so repairs can be made without delay. Read more on page 32.
Stay Connected, Stay Informed
Information is critical during a storm. Here’s how to stay updated:
• Register for SmartHub, FKEC’s online account management tool. Sign up quickly and easily at www.FKEC.com.
• Make sure we have your current phone number(s) and email address. When you call, our system matches your number to your electric account, which helps speed up restoration efforts. Update your info via SmartHub or call 305-852-2431.
• FKEC also shares important information via email, SmartHub, www.FKEC.com and on Facebook.
Fortify Your Home
• Consider meter-mounted surge protection to help safeguard your home against electrical surges. Learn
more at www.FKEC.com/services.
• Make sure shutters and other equipment are ready to secure your home or business.
• If you plan to use a portable generator, inspect it now. Be aware of the potential hazards and review generator safety tips (see page 25).
Have an Evacuation Plan
If someone in your household depends on electric-powered medical equipment, it is essential to have a backup power plan or a plan to relocate ahead of a storm FKEC cannot guarantee priority restoration based on medical needs. Please follow any evacuation orders issued by Monroe County. If you need assistance visit:
• Monroe County’s Special Needs Registry. Get help evacuating or finding shelter at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/148/Special-NeedsRegistry.
• Alert!Monroe: Sign up for the county’s mass notification system to receive emergency notifications. at www.monroecounty-fl.gov.
Safety First
Always in All Ways
Electricity from a downed power line doesn’t just stop at the wire—it spreads out, silently, like ripples in a pond. That ripple can carry deadly voltage up to 35 feet from the line. Stay alert, stay alive— here’s how:
See a Downed Line?
Stay Back—Way Back.
Never assume a wire is safe just because it’s not sparking or buzzing. All downed lines should be treated as live and lethal.
Stay at least 35 feet away—that’s the length of a school bus.
If you see a downed line, damaged power equipment or anything suspicious, call 911 then FKEC at 305-852-2431 immediately to report the hazard.
Don’t Trust Flooded Streets or Standing Water.
Water and electricity are a deadly mix. Fallen lines or damaged underground systems can energize entire puddles or flood zones.
Avoid walking or driving through standing water—especially near power poles, transformers, or trees.
Nothing Near a Line is Safe to Touch. Is that tree branch, metal ladder, or car next to a sagging line? It might be energized, too. Electricity travels through anything that conducts power.
Keep a safe distance from anything in contact with a power line—even if it looks harmless. Again, report anything suspicious to FKEC.
Keep Kids and Pets Clear.
Curious kids and unaware pets can wander into dangerous areas after storms.
Treat backyards, schoolyards, and parks with downed lines like off-limits danger zones.
Please supervise playtime closely in the aftermath of any storm.
Trapped in a Car With a Downed Line?
If a power line falls on your vehicle, don’t get out unless there’s an immediate danger like fire. Stay in the car, call 911, and warn others not to touch the vehicle.
If you must exit, jump clear with both feet together and don’t touch the vehicle and ground at the same time. Shuffle away in small steps to avoid electrical shock.
Use Generators Safely
Improper generator use can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning or dangerous backfeeding into utility lines. Learn more on page 25.
Know Your Shut-Offs:
Familiarize yourself with your home’s main breaker. In the event of flooding or fire, it may be safest to cut power completely— only if it’s safe to do so.
If the Power Goes Out, You Should:
Power outages can happen any time of year—not just during storms. Weather is a major cause, but outages can also result from vehicle accidents, wildlife interference or equipment failure.
1. If your power goes out, start by checking your circuit breakers. Roughly one-third of all reported outages are due to tripped breakers or other issues inside the home, which are the member’s responsibility to identify and resolve.
2. Once you’ve ruled out an internal issue, report your outage directly to FKEC:
• Call: 305-852-2431
You can also visit our Live Outage Viewer at www.FKEC.com to view restoration status in real-time.
Pictured is Long Key after Hurricane Irma’s impact in September 2017. Florida Keys Electric Cooperative CEO Scott Newberry took this photo while surveying the damage to our power system immediately after the Category 5 storm passed over our service territory. The inspection revealed that our transmission system remained intact.
FKEC’s Roadmap to Restoring Power
In the event a storm is predicted to impact our area, FKEC formulates a restoration plan to best suit that specific scenario. However, in all cases, we follow seven general steps.
1. Prep for 72-Hour Stand-alone Mode: FKEC checks and stocks all facility resources necessary to allow us to operate for 72 hours in stand-alone mode. including checking generator operations and securing all equipment and supplies inside our warehouses.
2. Work Until Winds Reach 45 MPH: Crews continue making repairs until conditions are no longer safe (winds exceed 45 mph). At this time, crews secure the last trucks, and system operators monitor the system throughout the storm.
3. Survey the Damage: After a storm, FKEC first determines the extent of damage to the power supply from the mainland. Then, crews assess the damage to our transmission lines, substations, and distribution lines and quantify the equipment necessary for repairs.
4. Start with the Backbone: Depending on the damage, FKEC first makes necessary repairs to the main transmission lines and the six substations that transform our power to a usable voltage.
5. Power Up Life-Saving Services: Work is done to restore power to life and safety situations and essential community services (fire stations, hospitals, grocery stores, etc.). Because of the design of FKEC’s electric system, power may also be restored to nearby consumers.
6. Restore Power to the Most People: Crews focus on repairing damage to neighborhood distribution lines and transformers. Work is conducted so the greatest number of people are restored in the least amount of time.
7. Handle Isolated Outages: Then, crews restore power to individual members with isolated issues (fallen trees, etc.). Damaged houses are evaluated to determine if they can safely receive power. If so, those homes are then reconnected. n
Tips for Members During Restoration
Be Patient: Restoration times vary depending on the severity of the storm and the scope of the damage. We prioritize safety and efficiency over speed alone. You can track outages using FKEC’s Live Outage Map at www.FKEC.com
Clear Access: Keep meters and surrounding areas clear of obstacles to ensure crews can work safely and efficiently.
Also, give all power restoration crews space. Please keep a safe distance from any work being done.
Prepare for Outages: Have emergency supplies and backup power plans ready. Restoration can take time, especially after major storms. See page 6 for more tips.
Thank You: FKEC’s dedicated team is committed to restoring your power safely and as quickly as possible. Your understanding and cooperation make all the difference during challenging weather events.
By Melanie Jones
Florida is known the world over as a vacation destination and an angler’s paradise. But what people might not know is that the Sunshine State is also a hotbed of train activity.
CSX and FEC are headquartered here, and Norfolk Southern and Amtrak crisscross the landscape. Then there are the small-scale replica railroads winding through yards, woods and parks. These tracks transport 1.5-scale replicas of steam engines, box and passenger cars big enough for an adult to climb aboard and ride.
Steamers and Railroad laid their tracks on land shared with Jacksonville. Visitors and new members are welcome, and children’s parties are not uncommon.
“It started out as a private enterprise,” club President Robert Corriveau says.
Chugging Along
Club members keep these trains running, regularly doing maintenance and laying more track. They hold regular workdays and ride the rails together. There are even regular state inspections.
Unlike some live steam railroads built on private property for private use, members of Northeast Florida Live
The club started in 1996 with a relatively
—
small number of members who worked together to lay tracks on privately owned property in Boswick.
When the group outgrew its space there, members moved the railroad to Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast, where it remained until that property was sold. Northeast Florida Live Steamers and Railroad then settled into its current
sports
home at New World Sports Complex in Jacksonville.
Robert Corriveau, Northeast Florida Live Steamers
Do the Locomotion Live steamers love trains of all sizes
“Now we have a lovely 300-acre preserve that we have tracks running all over it,” Robert says.
At the sports complex, club members maintain 8 to 9.5 miles of track. It’s
The more cars you have, the bigger dog you are.
and Railroad president
constantly growing, so it’s hard to get an exact count.
“We build as we can afford,” Robert says.
A train ride at Northeast Florida Live Steamers isn’t just a trip to nowhere. Partway through the ride, passengers can get off to see the group’s other prize jewel—a G-gauge train set similar in size to those seen beneath some Christmas trees.
Passengers on the live steam trains can stop and get a look at a smaller version: a G-gauge train. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE NICOL
Locomotion
Florida Is Rich With Live Steamers
Northeast Florida Live Steamers Duval County northeastfloridarailroad.com
Largo Central Railroad
Largo Central Park, Largo lcrailroad.org
After some time watching the G-gauge, riders can hop back on the live steamer and ride back to the station.
The nonprofit organization accepts donations and is always looking for new members. While anyone is welcome to join, the club is specifically interested in attracting younger members.
Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad
Crews Lake Park, Spring Hill cp-grr.com
“Our primary age is upper 60s and 70s,” Robert says.
“Some people can get into it for about $2,000,” he says.
To make the hobby more affordable, Northeast Florida Live Steamers has shared trains.
Railroad Museum South Florida Lakes Park, Fort Myers rrmsf.org
Tradewinds & Atlantic Railroad
Tradewinds Park, Fort Lauderdale livesteamers.org
Ridge Live Steamers Dundee ridgelivesteamers.org
“If you want to come out and join our club, you don’t have to have equipment,” Dave says.
He says some folks just ride the trains “while we’re doing the grunt work or the work that they can’t concentrate on.”
Investing Time and Resources
That may be because live steamers can be an expensive hobby.
Club Vice President Dave Nicol spent about $20,000 on a steam locomotive three years ago. Locomotives can range from $2,000 to $100,000, depending on the size and type. Some members have multiple engines, and most have cars to
The expense isn’t just the trains. There are transportation costs. Trailers are necessary to haul everything.
“These things are 8 to 9 feet long, so it takes up a lot of space,” Robert says. “I’d say Dave’s engines are about 1,000 pounds.”
Big Boots & Western Railroad Candler bigbootsrr.com
Manatee Central Railroad Parish
Sebring System Railroad Sebring
Some engines weigh in at as little as 100 pounds, and owners of battery-operated engines can take the batteries out and easily transport them.
“The average person or average family just doesn’t have $20,000 to drop on the train,” Dave says.
“Dave’s is actually a real working steam engine, so it’s really kind of cool,” Robert says. However, some locomotives are smaller and cheaper.
“But the freight cars would probably be about 400, 500 pounds apiece, give or take,” Robert says.
The cars that run behind the locomotives run about $2,000 apiece, but someone who is mechanically minded can save money by building their own.
“It’s kind of cool,” he says. “The more cars you have, the bigger dog you are.”
The railroad club members keep authentic gear on the track.
Train enthusiasts unload an engine.
By Chere Coen
Island Paradise Charters’ Capt. Larry Sheehan sails a family off the coast of Port St. Richey to snorkel in the shallow seagrass fields. Their goal is to find and retrieve enough bay scallops to fill their daily limit, then return home with dinner for the group. It’s an easy fishing experience during a short summer window—snorkeling in the warm shallow Gulf, looking for the trademark blue eyes of the scallops and snatching up the bivalves.
Tender, tasty treasures abound for Gulf Coast scallopers A Florida
“In our backyard, the waters are crystal clear,” Larry says. “It’s a great environment for the scallops.”
A scout heads out first, looking for the best fishing spot. Then Larry and his group of up to 38 scallopers follow with snorkels, fins and special mesh bags. One person stays on board while the other divers fish for scallops.
“It’s almost like an Easter egg hunt,” Larry says. “You can simply reach down with your own bare hands. You don’t need anything special.”
Capt. Curt Romanowski, a retired firefighter, usually brings visitors into
the Gulf to hunt for fish with his Florida Backwater Charters. But come summer, it’s all about the scallops. He brings up to six people on his boat for a four-hour trip, providing all the gear, Florida fishing licenses and a cooler.
“Once they reach their limit, we’ll ride out to Anclote Island, and they’ll swim and just hang out and relax,” he says. “It’s a lot of fun and a great trip for the whole family.”
Scallop seekers don’t require much—just snorkeling gear, Florida fishing licenses and a diver’s flag. Dinner lies within reach on the seagrass floor.
Bay scallops sit among the seagrasses off the west coast of Florida and are easy to spot.
PHOTO COURTESY
Easter Egg Hunt
“Anybody can do it,” Larry says. “You don’t need to be a seasoned diver.”
Scallop season is longest in the Gulf waters surrounding Crystal River, from July 1 through Sept. 24. Licensed master captains at tour company Nature’s Discovery take out private groups of up to six people to scallop. Those who are unfamiliar with snorkeling or find the sport daunting can add an in-water guide to the tour to assist with the dive, Nature’s Discovery Director Hina Couch says.
“Those from out of state usually get a guide,” she says.
What are bay scallops?
Unlike their larger bivalve cousins served in restaurants, bay scallops live in shallow seagrass beds. Sea scallops resemble marshmallows with a thicker texture, while bay scallops are smaller, more tender and sweeter.
Bay scallops are found along Florida’s Gulf Coast, from Port St. Joe near the Panhandle south to Tarpon Springs. They were once abundant on the east coast of Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. However, their numbers there have decreased significantly over the years, and they are no longer harvested on the Atlantic side.
Bay scallops have short lifespans, and they are sensitive to storms and other environmental disruptions. Conservation efforts are essential, and strict fishing seasons are enforced. The only fishing for Florida bay scallops occurs in small segments in summer, with the shortest season in Pasco County and the longest season near Crystal River.
Swimmers typically spot the tiny blue eyes of bay scallops resting in seagrasses. The mollusks propel themselves through the water by opening and closing their shells.
“Their shell looks like the one on the Shell gas station,” Curt says.
Captains bringing snorkelers out of Crystal River with Nature’s Discovery tours have 45 minutes before they hit open waters, so they educate their customers on the scallops’ life cycle, migration, reproduction and habitat in Gulf seagrasses and more. They teach how to fish for scallops without harming the environment.
“Our captains are very educated, and most of them are local,” Hina says. “They do a rundown before they put you in the water.”
Fishing Requirements
The daily bag limit for scallops varies. Most allow for 2 gallons of scallops per person, but the limit is less than that early in the summer for the Fenholloway through Suwannee River Zone. It’s best to check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission website for details and updates.
All divers must use a Divers Down Warning Device—a flag—in the water, on the boat or both, and snorkelers must remain within 300 feet of the flag. Boats moving inside the range of divers must run at idle speed. The commission recommends one person stay on the boat to keep track of snorkelers.
Once the scallops are removed, the shells should be discarded in trash containers. Discarded shells in seawater may be harmful to recreational swimmers in rivers and can damage seagrass habitats, according to the FWC.
Seasons of Scallops
Scallop season begins first in the Suwannee River Zone—southwest Taylor and Dixie counties—on June 15 and continues through Labor Day. Franklin, Wakulla and northwest Taylor counties and the area surrounding Crystal River—Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties—start the season July 1, and it
Bay scallops have bright blue eyes, making them easy to spot under water.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATURE’S DISCOVERY
runs through Sept. 24. The season in the Pasco Zone—New Port Richie area—is July 10 through Aug. 18. In Gulf County closer to the Panhandle, the season runs the latest, from Aug. 16 through Sept. 24.
Hina encourages those who wish to fish for scallops to do so earlier in the season. Even though the area around Crystal River has the longest season, running through the end of September, hurricanes sometimes disrupt plans closer to September.
Because scalloping is such a popular sport, the waters of the west coast of Florida fill up with boats during those few weeks each summer.
“You’ll see so many boats out there in the shallow waters,” Larry says, adding that’s why it’s so imperative to have dive flags marking where snorkelers are swimming. “You have to be mindful.”
Capt. Curt Romanowski takes small groups out into Gulf waters to grab their legal limit of bay scallops. PHOTO COURTESY OF CURT ROMANOWSKI
During a small summer window, snorkelers can fill a bag of bay scallops. PHOTO COURTESY OF CURT ROMANOWSKI
Cooking Scallops
During Curt’s charter trips, he explains how to clean the scallops and remove the meat. Shells are disposed of responsibly, and meat is placed inside plastic bags.
Larry uses a soup spoon to easily remove the meat from the shell.
“It stays flush to the shell,” he says. “You get all of the muscle.”
Locals help clean shells at the pier where Nature’s Discovery tours leave and return. Area restaurants, such as Seafood Sellar & Cafe on U.S. Highway
90 and The Waterfront Social on King’s Bay, both in Crystal River, cook scallops received from snorkelers.
Like sea scallops, bay scallops may be pan-seared with any combination of butter, garlic, white wine and lemon, and enhanced with seasonings such as Old Bay. Larry and Curt say they like to serve their scallops over pasta.
“I make mine with alfredo sauce,” Curt said.
Bay scallops can also be eaten raw. Curt cleans a few on the boat and offers them to his guests to try.
“The meat’s so much sweeter when you eat them raw,” he says.
Hina agrees that raw scallops are delicious, but not everyone is brave enough to try one straight from the water.
“Florida people do,” she says. “Not sure the other people will.” n
For more information on bay scallops and scallop fishing, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website, myfwc.com/research/saltwater/mollusc/ bay-scallops.
The ultimate guide to summer mocktails Mindful
Mixology
By Anne Braly
Alcohol-free beverages don’t have to be boring. They can be so flavorful you may rethink your idea of the afternoon cocktail—you may not even catch that the alcohol is a no-show.
TIKI COOLER
Ice cubes
6-ounce can pineapple juice
6 ounces coconut milk
3 limes, juiced
2 tablespoons almondflavored syrup
1 cup club soda, or as needed
4 pinches ground nutmeg
4 lime wheels
4 sprigs fresh mint
Whether it’s due to the rise of the mindfulness movements like Dry January and Sober September, not to mention alcohol-free happy hours, consumers are demanding more thoughtful
Place a few ice cubes in a pitcher. Add pineapple juice, coconut milk, lime juice and almond-flavored syrup. Stir until chilled.
Strain mixture and pour it into four glasses. Top each glass with club soda.
Dust each mocktail with nutmeg. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
beverages year-round.
So go ahead, take the plunge and have a mocktail party this summer. Here are some recipes that offer a cooling change for alcohol-free summer sipping.
STRAWBERRY REFRESHER
4 cups strawberries, sliced 1 cup white sugar
8 cups cold water, divided 5 cups ice for serving, or as needed
1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
8 fresh mint sprigs
Mix strawberries, sugar and one cup cold water in a medium bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
Pour chilled strawberry mixture into a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Pour through a wire mesh strainer set over a large bowl; discard pulp and seeds. Stir remaining 7 cups cold water into strawberry juice until it is well combined.
Fill eight glasses with ice. Pour strawberry mixture over ice. Garnish each serving with lime wedges and mint leaves.
STRAWBERRY REFRESHER
GINGER CHAMPAGNE
GINGER CHAMPAGNE
2 2-liter bottles ginger ale or cranberry ginger ale, chilled, divided 46-ounce can pineapple juice, chilled 64-ounce bottle white grape juice, chilled
To make ice ring:
Fill a ring-shaped cake pan halfway with ginger ale. Freeze until partially frozen.
VIRGIN MARGARITA
¼ cup lime juice
cup orange juice
cup simple syrup
(equal parts sugar and water, cooked on the stovetop until the sugar dissolves)
1 tablespoon agave syrup, optional
Ice cubes
Salt, for rimming the glass, preferably kosher or sea salt
Lime wedges, for garnish
Club soda or lemon-lime soda, to top off the drink
Begin by rimming the glass. Take a lime wedge and rub it
At this stage, you can place edible flowers or pieces of fruit around the ring. Fill pan to top with ginger ale and freeze until solid. Place in punch bowl just before serving.
In a large punch bowl, combine one bottle ginger ale, pineapple juice and white grape juice, add ice ring to punch bowl, and let guests serve themselves.
ALCOHOLFREE MINT JULEP
¼ cup water
¼ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
2 cups crushed ice
½ cup prepared lemonade
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Combine water, sugar and one tablespoon of chopped mint in a small saucepan. Cook and
ISLAND ICED TEA
around the rim of the glass. Dip the rim into a plate of salt to coat it. Add ice.
Fill a shaker or mixing glass with ice cubes. Add the lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup and agave syrup to the shaker. Shake well to combine the ingredients.
3 black tea bags
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 medium red apple, thinly sliced
2 cups apple cider
Mint sprigs, for garnish
stir until the mixture boils and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool for about an hour, then strain out mint leaves. Fill two cold cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice. Pour half of the lemonade into each glass, and top with a splash of cooled sugar syrup. Garnish each with a mint sprig, and add a straw for sipping.
depending on how strong you like your tea.
Remove and discard tea bags. Let tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold for 4 hours or up to 12.
In a small pot over high heat, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Pour boiling water into a large heatproof pitcher or jar.
Add tea bags and maple syrup, and stir to combine. Let steep for 3 to 5 minutes,
When ready to serve, add apple slices and cider to pitcher, and stir to combine. Pour into individual tea glasses, making sure at least one apple slice gets into each glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
the everything. with
Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass filled with ice cubes. Top off the drink with club soda or lemon-lime soda to add a bit of fizz. Give the drink a gentle stir to mix everything. Garnish the glass with a lime wedge.
VARUN, SUPAMAS, GAN, OLEZ HAN, RICK, RAWPIXEL.COM,
G2G, DAVID,
ALCOHOL FREE MINT JULEP
ISLAND ICED TEA
VIRGIN MARGARITA
ISLAND
NIKON D810, 180mm lens ISO f/6.3200, at 1/25
Relief From the Heat Reader Challenge
By Dave LaBelle
Most places on Earth get hot—some more than others.
California’s Death Valley is often one of the hottest spots on the planet. States like Arizona and Florida are great places to winter away from the ice, snow and frigid subzero temperatures, but they can be toasty and sometimes suffocating in the summer. As a newspaper photographer, coming up with good weather-related photographs was often challenging, but it’s a challenge I always enjoyed.
I remember an especially hot, bonedry summer working in Kansas when a reporter made a black-and-white photograph of shadowy fingers reaching across a hot, dusty country gravel road. The picture title exclaimed, “Cool as ice.” Several colleagues got quite a laugh about the caption, and one reporter even tacked it to a bulletin board, underlining the title in red.
As always, we looked for creative ways to express the heat.
Last summer, while visiting my home state of California, record-breaking heat swept across its Southern communities. While visiting with dear friends as I worked on a story, I joined them for a dip into the cold waters of a small stream moving through their property. After cooling off myself, I watched as one young man wiggled behind a small curtain of water. Since I had brought a camera, I immediately climbed out of the water and made several images of Nick Rainwater.
I knew that to capture the sensation of the moving water, I needed to slow the shutter speed, which I did. Usually, I shoot at 100 ISO, but the small waterfall was in shadow, so I bumped it up to ISO 200.
Just knowing a little about your camera and what it can do can make a difference in capturing a photograph that expresses what you see and feel. n
There are many ways to express temperature extremes. People bundle up in parkas with faces barely showing or sit on front porches as they fan beads of sweat dripping down their faces. What if you were assigned to make a photograph that communicated extreme temperatures. What would you do? Where would you look?
See if you can capture a photograph that shows people or animals seeing relief from the heat.
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.
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
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DailyNergy socks feature graduated compression which exerts the greatest degree of compression at the ankle, and the level of compression gradually decreases up the socks. This forces the blood to move upwards, where there is more space.
Often a ‘first’ fish, channel cats offer big sport for all
Widespread and abundant, channel catfish frequently get overlooked by their larger-whiskered cousins, blue and flathead catfish.
Although most channel catfish probably run in the 1- to 5-pound range, they can top 50 pounds. Florida’s state record is 44.5 pounds out of Lake County.
Native to Florida, channel cats thrive in freshwater systems throughout the state. The state periodically stocks them across Florida, particularly in small urban or park ponds. They inhabit areas from small ponds and tiny muddy ditches to massive lakes and rivers.
Easy to catch, channel cats make splendid targets for novices, as well as exciting action for experienced anglers. In fact, many top professional anglers started by catching channel cats close to their homes as children.
Channel cats eat almost anything. They love crawfish, small invertebrates, insects, small fish and practically anything they can scoop off the bottom. Some better catfish baits include chicken livers, shrimp, gizzards, crickets, worms, nightcrawlers, minnows, cut fish, shad, fish guts and commercial stink baits—anything with a strong odor. The more it smells, the better channel cats like it. Occasionally, they hit lures but overwhelmingly prefer natural baits.
Even flooded, muddy rivers that look more like chocolate milk than a place where fish might live can provide outstanding catfish action. Catfish love muddy water. With about 10,000 taste buds per square inch of skin, a catfish can detect minute food particles or scents over long distances in the muddiest, darkest conditions. They can distinguish odors down to one part per 10 billion parts of water.
Catfish can even detect live prey with natural “scanners” in their heads. Every living cell emits a tiny electrical field. Catfish use their electrosensors to detect prey at night or in muddy waters. They also acutely sense sound waves far better than most
Whiskered Fury
fish. With such highly tuned sensing abilities, a catfish might not take an offered bait, but it will certainly know it’s there.
For best results, fish just before dark, at night or early morning when catfish are most active. Chumming can concentrate catfish in an area. Toss pieces of liver, oily canned pet food, tuna fish, blood or animal entrails into the water. Add just enough to flavor the water and keep catfish interested without feeding them. Then, offer a succulent bait on a hook.
It doesn’t take much finesse to catch channel cats when they want to eat. Dangle a natural bait under a float around logs, fallen trees, stumps, weed beds or other cover. Often, bigger catfish prowl along shoreline drop-offs. If shallow waters don’t produce bites, toss a bottom rig into deep holes and wait.
While many anglers grow out of chasing catfish as they move to other fish like bass or salty species, these whiskered scrappers can still provide excellent sporty action for anglers of all ages and skill levels. They also taste great on the table.
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.
A young angler struggles to lift a stringer of channel catfish she caught in a park pond in Sanford, Florida. Periodically, the state stocks channel catfish in such ponds and elsewhere for people to catch. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN N. FILSHER
Stay in the home you love with a Stiltz Homelift
Our home elevators can t just about anywhere in your home
THE MODERN SOLUTION
A Stiltz Homelift is a safe, attractive, & affordable alternative to stairlifts. It requires no special machine room, and no supporting walls.
ECONOMICAL
& FLEXIBLE
A Stiltz Homelift can t just about anywhere in your house. It has a compact footprint, similar in size to a small armchair. A Stiltz Homelift plugs into a standard home electrical outlet, using less power than a coffee maker.
YOUR FOREVER HOME
IT’S NEVER TOO SOON
AARP survey data shows that 77% of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term. At Stiltz, we’re here to help you stay in your home you love. It’s easy. Did you know?
Some Stiltz customers need a Homelift immediately. But others want to “future-proof” their homes for when the stairs become a challenge.
HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS
Stiltz is a world leading Homelift manufacturer, so you’ll be in good hands. Your elevator will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals who truly care about your freedom.
Avoid the expense and distress of relocating, or the disruption of adapting your home for downstairs living. A Stiltz Homelift helps you live safely and independently in the home you love.
“I can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”
– Mr. James, Roanoke, VA
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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 something fun for everyone.
KEY WEST
July 2-6
Key Lime Festival
Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival celebrates the world’s most sensational citrus with an array of festivities across the island where Key lime pie was conceived. Over five days, lovers of the lime can indulge in a full menu of activities, including a kickoff cookbook signing with festival cofounder and “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook” author David Sloan; Key lime-centric dinner and brunch events; a world-famous Fourth of July Key lime pie eating contest; and a gravity-defying Key lime pie drop competition from the top of Key West Lighthouse. www.keylimefestival.com; 305-295-9112
PANAMA CITY
July 3
Beach Summer Concert Series
Hot summer nights are made for music, and this summer concert series has become a beloved summertime tradition in Panama City Beach. Enjoy a free concert at 7 p.m. in the park every Thursday at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater. July’s concerts include Last Left, a classic rock band; The Will Thompson Band, playing a variety of genres; Still Standing, an Elton John tribute band; and Bee Taylor, featuring Americana, pop, soul and funk music. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the sounds of summer music. Coolers, food and pets are welcome. bit.ly/3Tem4YD; 850-233-5070
KEY WEST
July 3
Truman Waterfront Farmers Market
Shop with a view every Thursday from 2-7 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Farmers Market on the harbor by the USCG Ingham Museum. Find great food options, including ready-to-eat items, fresh Florida produce and other grocery items, along with gifts, home decor, art and more. Located at the corner of Southard Street and Weech Way.
keysartisanmarket.com; 305-731-3385
LAKE PLACID
July 4
Annual Fireworks Show by Jaycees
Join the Jaycees and the town of Lake Placid for this annual show. The show begins at 9 p.m., so be sure to settle in at your viewing spot by then. The fireworks are launched over the northeast cove of Lake Junein-Winter. Viewing is best by boat or shoreside at Lake June-in-Winter Park, 501 Jackson Road, or H.L. Bishop Park, 10 Lake June Clubhouse Road.
863-465-4331
PENSACOLA
July 4
Flora-Bama All-American 4th of July Party
The Fourth of July is a great day to celebrate our nation’s birthday at Flora-Bama. Come enjoy the beach, listen to live music and watch the fireworks from the beach at night. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Bring your family and friends for a day of fun on the beach.
www.florabama.com/4th-of-july-party; 251-980-5118
BRADENTON
July 4
AMI Privateers 4th of July Parade
It be Fourth of July parade time, mateys. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and routes from Coquina Beach to Anna Maria City Pier. This parade involves the use of water by most participants, so you may get wet. Do not throw water balloons or use high-pressured water nozzles or guns on any participants.
bit.ly/4jLdknD; 941-650-8673
CANTONMENT
July 5
Into the Woods: Artist’s and Farmer’s Marketplace
You are invited to the inaugural Artist’s and Farmer’s Marketplace. Set on 6 acres, this homestead is a thriving hub of honey bees, fresh vegetables and exquisite pottery, making it the perfect destination for artisans, farmers, makers and bakers. Come explore exceptional products from talented creators while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. 850-679-4750
KEY WEST
July 5-31
Studios of Key West: Mango Madness
Close out the season with a splash of color and creativity this summer members’ exhibition and an annual tradition, bursting with more than 120 works of art by local creatives. From mango-themed masterpieces to unexpected delights, it’s a feast for the eyes—and taste buds. The Coconut Koalas play music on the roof from 6-8 p.m. tskw.org/mango-madness; 305-296-0458
PENSACOLA
July 13
Vintage Fest
Pensacola Vintage Collective again hosts the Panhandle’s largest vintage clothing event at Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. The main expo hall includes more than 75 of the area’s best vendors of vintage clothing, styles and genres dating from the 1950s to 2000. Last year’s event saw more than 1,000 patrons shopping the highly curated and specialized vintage clothing booths. Word has spread that Pensacola is a hotbed for vintage clothing, and dealers and shoppers are traveling from neighboring states to be part of this event. There are food trucks on-site to fuel your day of shopping.
www.pensacolavintage.com; 850-221-6213
SEBRING
July 19
Christmas in July Vendor Fair
Join the Sebring Chamber of Commerce from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Historic Circle Theatre for the Christmas in July Vendor Fair. The event is free and features more than 30 local vendors showcasing their unique crafts and goods. While you shop, let the little ones explore Santa’s Workshop, filled with delightful activities. Enjoy refreshments and participate in exciting raffles for a chance to win prizes. 863-385-8448
PENSACOLA
July 9
Red, White and Blues Week
The Blue Angels perform over Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island. Locals and visitors look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show every summer. The show highlights hometown heroes—the Blue Angels—the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. The Blues hold several practice sessions along the beach in the days leading up to the big event on show day. www.visitpensacolabeach.com/what’s-happening-blue-angels; 850-932-2257
PENSACOLA
July 26
Christmas in July
Come shop local at the historic downtown Pensacola social club. The Woman’s Club of Pensacola was organized in 1920 and have been tucked away in this downtown location since 1932. A variety of vendors offer products to help attendees start their early Christmas shopping at this indoor arts and crafts shopping event. The clubhouse is at 1551 E. Heinberg St. There is no need to stop for lunch, as a chicken salad entree is available for purchase. 850-207-0295
KEY WEST
July 26
Hemingway 5K Sunset Run
Join fellow runners and walkers for this 36th annual run. Final registration for the evening race is at Southernmost Beach Cafe, 1405 Duval St. New for 2025, the race is to start and end at the Southernmost Point Buoy/ Marker. The run is followed by a beach gathering with awards, raffles and live entertainment. www.keywesthalfmarathon.com/hemingway-event-details
PANAMA CITY BEACH
July 26
U.S. 5K and Half Marathon
The race starts at 8 a.m. at Conservation Park Trailhead. Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before it starts. All runners must register on RunSignup. There is no on-site registration. bit.ly/4dV7BKH
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.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY MATTHEW TIGHE
GARDENING
Water Conservation During Drought
When it’s hot and dry, it’s important to think of water conservation.
In Florida, more than 50% of potable water is used for lawns and landscapes in residential areas. The goal is to keep plants alive while conserving water.
Here are a few adjustments you can make to your lawn and landscape to help plants survive drought conditions.
Tips to Conserve Water
Observe your plants carefully and water when you notice wilting. It’s natural for plants to wilt in the middle of the day in direct sunlight, so check them for water stress in the morning or evening.
Increase your lawn’s mowing height to encourage a deeper root system, which can better withstand drought.
Top-dress your lawn and landscape beds with compost to increase the soil’s moisture-holding capacity.
Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch to landscape beds to reduce evaporation. Learn more about Florida-friendly mulches at edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP626.
Remove weeds from garden beds to reduce competition for water.
Place saucers under potted plants. To retain water.
Install a rain barrel or a rain garden to capture rainwater.
Water between 4 and 8 a.m. when it’s coolest and evaporation rates are low. Be sure to follow local watering restrictions per your water management district.
Check your irrigation systems to make sure they are working properly. Clean filters and fix any breaks or leaks.
Remove plants not well-suited for your landscape and replace with droughttolerant plants, such as muhly grass, beach dune sunflower, saw palmetto and firebush. Now is a good time to make
sure you have the right plant in the right place.
It’s important to conserve the water used for lawns and landscapes to save potable water for more important uses, such as drinking. As Florida’s population continues to grow, the state faces potential water shortages in the coming years. Water conservation is the best and cheaper option compared to the cost of alternative water supplies, such as desalinization.
To learn more about Florida’s drought, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu. For more information on lawn management during a drought, visit bit.ly/4kNyPFF. A list of drought-tolerant plants can be found at bit.ly/4jgjqMT.
Tia Silvasy is a residential horticulture and Master Gardener volunteer program coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
Safe and Easy Portable Generator Connection
FKEC offers a meter collar device that allows co-op members to connect a portable generator to their home or business making it safe and easy.
Available for purchase and installed by a co-op professional, the apparatus acts as a transfer switch automatically disconnecting your meter from the power grid, preventing dangerous “backfeed,” which can potentially damage equipment and/ or harm you and our utility workers.
Cost With Installation
Currently, FKEC offers the GenerLink™ MA24-S model for generators up to 10,000 watts. It also includes wholehouse surge protection.
The purchase price is $950 + tax and comes with a 20-foot GenerLok™ power cord. GenerLok™ is a unique fitted connector that lets you plug your generator directly into GenerLink™ without needing a separate interconnection box.
Longer cords can be purchased directly through GenerLink™.
You will need to know what plug type
your generator has to ensure the proper cord is provided:
After an FKEC technician installs the meter collar, the device is billed to your electric account.
Convenience and Safety
Once the meter collar is installed, connecting your portable generator takes seconds. After the generator transfer switch disconnects your home from the electric grid, you simply control which appliances you want to use by flipping the breakers in your existing electric panel.
To Order
For more information or to place an order, call FKEC Member Service at 305-852-2431. n
Portable Generator Use and Safety
Follow these tips to generate power SAFELY:
NEVER operate a generator INSIDE your home or in other enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, including GARAGES.
DO NOT leave a running generator unattended; turn it off at night and when away from home.
NEVER connect generators directly to household wiring without first installing a TRANSFER SWITCH. This prevents backfeeding which can electrocute utility workers making repairs. FKEC offers a “GenSafe” program — Where a device is installed at your electric meter, allowing you to safely connect a portable generator. www.fkec.com/ services/.
Make sure your generator is properly GROUNDED and used with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
Only use extension cords that have a THREE-PRONGED plug and are rated for the intended load.
Install battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) ALARMS or plug-in CO alarms with a battery backup.
Do NOT OVERLOAD the generator.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends generators be positioned at least 20 FEET from doors, windows, and vents to prevent CO from entering the home.
Standby Power Generation
Check out FKEC’s Standby Generator Loan Program at www.FKEC.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF GENERLINK™
Tips for New Homes
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: What are some energy-efficiency upgrades I should consider when building a new house?
A: Prioritizing energy efficiency when building a new home can create future savings and make living more comfortable. It might cost a little more upfront but will pay off in the long run.
Let’s explore two approaches: Following an energy-efficiency certification plan or adding energy-efficient design and equipment to your construction project.
There are several energy-efficiency certifications available for newly constructed homes that may qualify for discounted homeowner’s insurance, tax credits and other incentives.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification ensures the home uses less energy while prioritizing sustainable resources and healthy indoor air quality. LEED-certified homes use 20%-30% less energy than the average home—with some homes saving up to 60%—and can cost the same as non-LEED homes with proper planning, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.
Passive House certification requires the home to be so efficient it needs little to no heating and cooling equipment while remaining comfortable for its occupants. To achieve up to 90% less energy use than the average home, the certification focuses on maximizing the efficiency of the building envelope—all components that separate the indoors from the outdoors—including proper insulation levels, air sealing and high-efficiency windows.
Energy Star NextGen Certification for New Homes recognizes houses that are 20% more efficient than the average home and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%-80%.
Although various certifications are available, you don’t have to follow a set guide. Consider adding these energy-efficiency principles to your new home build.
Advanced framing techniques maximize the amount of insulated area and save on material costs in wood-framed homes. This
technique can save on material costs—up to $500 for a 1,200-squarefoot home and $1,000 for a 2,400-square-foot home. It can also save 3%-5% on labor costs and up to 5% on annual heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Choose a contractor who is familiar with these techniques, and check with your local building officials to ensure compliance with local codes.
The importance of a home’s orientation is often overlooked. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, homes oriented toward the path of the sun use less energy for heating and cooling to reduce energy bills and improve comfort.
If you are building or buying a new home that doesn’t allow options for orientation or framing, you might be able to request higher insulation levels in the attic. Increasing the insulation levels likely won’t cost much more for materials and labor, but it can help you use less energy and save money in the long run.
Heating and cooling equipment should be properly sized using energy modeling tools that calculate the home’s heating and cooling needs. Investing in a more efficient building envelope that is wellinsulated and air-sealed can reduce the home’s heating and cooling load, making it possible to have a less expensive heating and cooling system. This saves money on equipment costs and lowers energy use.
Optimizing the efficiency of a new home requires a whole-house approach. Analyze all systems and how they work together to ensure maximum efficiency for a safe and comfortable home.
This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, nor any products or services it offers.
Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energyefficiency company.
POWER DIVERSITY
Why America’s electric grid needs a mix of fuels
By Sable Riley and Michael Leitman
America’s appetite for energy never takes a break—and neither can the power grid. That reliability stems from a diverse energy mix. Across the country, electric utilities depend on coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar, hydropower, biomass—from organic waste like wood chips—and geothermal sources to keep the power flowing.
Energy Mix by the Numbers
According to the U.S. Energy Information
Administration, natural gas is the leading source of energy, generating about 43% of the United States’ electricity in 2023, the most recent statistics available.
Coal, once dominant, has fallen to about 16%. Nuclear produces roughly 18%, delivering reliable baseload power. Renewables continue to grow. Wind contributes about 10%, hydroelectric dams about 6%, solar farms 4%, and biomass and geothermal together account for 1-2%.
Altogether, renewables make up just more than 20% of the mix. This balance—60% fossil fuels, 20% nuclear and 20% renewables— leverages the strengths of each resource.
Electric utilities embrace an
all-of-the-above strategy. Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, says diversity of electric generation, including baseload sources, is essential to providing dependable, affordable power.
Utilities use what’s local and available— hydro in the Northwest and solar in the Southwest—and exchange power regionally to stay flexible.
Dispatchable and Nondispatchable Sources
Some sources can be turned on when needed; others can’t. Dispatchable sources like natural gas, coal and hydropower—if
What Fuels the Four Regions of the United States
Energy choices—and the sheer volume of power produced— swing wildly once you break the country into the four Census Bureau regions. This map shows each region’s 2023 electricity output, then stacks the fuel mix so you can see who leans on gas, who burns coal, and where wind, solar and hydropower dominate from coast to coast.
Midwest (945 terawatt-hours)
• Natural Gas: 25%
• Coal: 32%
• Nuclear: 12%
• Renewables: 31% - Wind: 24% - Solar: 3% - Hydropower: 3% - Other: 1%
NOTE: Percentages are approximate shares based on the most recent data available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration utility-scale net generation. *Other renewables combine biomass and geothermal fuel data.
West (766 TWh)
• Natural Gas: 30%
• Coal: 10%
• Nuclear: 4%
• Renewables: 56%
- Wind: 14%
- Solar: 18%
- Hydropower: 22%
- Other: 2%
• Petroleum: 1%
Northeast (524 TWh)
• Natural Gas: 47%
• Coal: 5%
• Nuclear: 29%
• Renewables: 18% - Wind: 5% - Solar: 4% - Hydropower: 8%
- Other: 1%
• Petroleum: <1%
South (1,934 TWh)
• Natural Gas: 45%
• Coal: 18%
• Nuclear: 17%
• Renewables: 19% - Wind: 9%
- Solar: 6% - Hydropower: 3% - Other: 1%
• Petroleum: 1%
those resources are available—ramp up and down on command, responding instantly to demand changes. In contrast, nondispatchable sources like wind and solar depend on weather. A reliable grid needs both types working in concert. On a sunny afternoon, solar farms may flood California’s grid with power. At sunset, fast-start gas and hydroelectric plants take over.
“The growth of renewables has had many benefits, but the wind doesn’t always blow, and the sun doesn’t always shine,” Southwest Power Pool’s Paul Suskie said in a 2023 congressional testimony on grid security.
Grid operators must rely on other fuel sources to ensure demand can still be met, Paul said. Real-world events underscore this interplay.
During California’s 2022 heat wave, battery storage systems and gas plants met peak evening demand after solar generation declined. Conversely, Winter Storm Elliott in December 2022 caused blackouts in parts of the Southeast when more than 100,000 megawatts of coal and gas capacity failed during freezing conditions. That crisis revealed the risk of over-reliance on a single resource.
Policymaking and Grid Reliability
Electricity demand is also skyrocketing, fueled by new data centers and a surge in domestic manufacturing.
According to the North American Electric Reliability Corp., electric demand growth is now the highest it has been in more than two decades. Over the next 10 years, peak power
needs are expected to rise by more than 18%, with new projects driving demand even higher. That puts grid reliability under the microscope.
Regulators at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and at the state level are adjusting policies to support capacity, storage and demand response. In 2024, FERC Commissioner Mark Christie warned the United States is heading for a catastrophic situation in terms of reliability if changes aren’t made carefully during testimony before the House Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security.
The nation’s energy mix is shifting, driven by economics, innovation and policy choices. Federal incentives from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act accelerated investments in solar, wind, batteries and advanced nuclear. At the same time, environmental regulations are prompting closures of older coal and gas plants.
NERC’s 2024 assessment cautions that rising demand combined with shrinking
LEFT: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind provide many benefits and can deliver low-cost electricity, but they only generate electricity when the sun shines or the wind blows.
are
baseload capacity puts many regions at risk of shortfalls during extreme conditions— even after recent solar and storage additions.
Strengthening Renewables
Energy storage is a promising development. Batteries help balance intermittent renewables by storing surplus energy and releasing it when needed. Battery capacity in the United States jumped 66% in 2024 to roughly 26 gigawatts and could nearly double again by the end of 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The Bottom Line
No single energy source can guarantee affordable, uninterrupted electricity across a country as vast and weather-diverse as the United States. Natural gas is flexible but susceptible to supply disruptions. Coal and nuclear plants offer consistent output but are less adaptable and aging. Wind and solar, while clean, depend on weather, and storage solutions remain limited.
Having a range of energy resources safeguards against any one fuel becoming scarce, expensive or unexpectedly unavailable. That’s why electric utilities continue to invest in a balanced portfolio of energy sources—diversity gives the grid the resilience it needs to meet demand in the moments that matter most.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NRECA BELOW: Most areas of the United States
powered by natural gas plants. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENT WALLACE
Fishing at First Light
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.
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• Give your children a financial head start right now. Your policy builds CASH
for your family’s needs.
A fishing boat makes its way across the water at sunrise in Islamorada’s Whale Harbor. PHOTO BY CINDY SMITH
ENERGY SCAMS TIPS TO AVOID
Always be cautious of unsolicited calls—or in-person visits—to your home from companies claiming to conduct energy audits.
These are typically telemarketing firms that claim to be a third-party company or pose as a representative from your electric utility to gain access to homes and sell services with the promise of government rebates.
Many electric co-ops provide energy audit services, but they are typically scheduled at the member’s request.
Source: Better Business Bureau
Electric Equipment Responsibilities
Restoring power after an outage is a team effort—and it’s important for FKEC members to understand where our responsibilities end and yours begin.
FKEC is responsible for maintaining all electric facilities up to the point of delivery, which is typically the weatherhead—the service connection where electricity enters your home. This includes poles, transformers, service lines, and the electric meter. If damage occurs to any of these components, FKEC will make repairs as quickly as possible, at no cost to the member.
Beyond the point of delivery, maintenance becomes the member’s responsibility. This includes all wiring and equipment from the weatherhead into your home, such as:
• Meter cans
• Service risers (conduit)
• Attachment hardware
• Weatherheads
• Any vegetation management around these components
To address these issues, you should contact a licensed electrician. If you cause or notice damage to FKEC’s equipment, it is your responsibility to report it promptly by calling 305-852-2431 to notify us.
Meter Access
Please keep your meter and meter access platforms free from obstacles, debris, or pets. Obstructing access can slow down power restoration during an outage or prevent maintenance that ensures reliability.
Notification and Approval Required
Please note, permission from FKEC is required before removing a meter or breaking its seal.
To protect everyone’s safety, no memberconsumer or electrician should ever remove or break the seal of a co-op meter without first notifying FKEC for approval.
Removal of any FKEC meter and/or meter seal by anyone other than an authorized co-op representative or a licensed electrician who the co-op has authorized is considered meter tampering, and the
member could be subject to fees and penalties as provided under Florida Statutes, Section 812.14.
If a member or certified electrician needs to address a meter issue involving meter sockets, removing the meter, or breaking the seal, they must call 305-852-2431 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule a disconnection. We understand there are situations when an emergency repair is necessary. However, FKEC must still be contacted. An FKEC operator is available 24/7 by phone to address all urgent issues. n