Florida Currents
Trustees are, front from left, Board President Lee Henderson, Secretary/Treasurer Shannon Hall, Vicki Pontius and Angela Hodges; back from left, Brad Oxer, Donnie Lundy, Mike Pressley, Fred Tagtmeier and Vice President Barney Goodman. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
Florida Currents
December 2025 • Volume 15, No. 2
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT 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; Nina Todea, CCC
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.89 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
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GLADES ELECTRIC
Every Change Counts
2025 Projects–Big and Small–Benefit Co-op Members
Each year, every department at Glades Electric Cooperative reviews its systems and processes to identify opportunities for improvement. These changes may lead to cost savings, greater efficiency, fewer outages, faster response times and other benefits. The goal is always the same: to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to members with exceptional service. Some improvements are easy to spot, such as replacing wooden
poles with ductile iron poles for added resiliency or redesigning bills to give members more information. Others happen behind the scenes, helping operations run efficiently, cost-effectively and reliably, while providing better service to members.
As 2025 comes to a close, we asked employees to share about this year’s initiatives that supported this mission. We’ve spotlighted a few projects that stood out.
Bushing covers—the red cylindrical covers—and round, red isolation guard disks protect wildlife from electrocution and minimize the risk of animal-induced flashovers and outages. PHOTOS BY
JENNIFER KOUKOS
In the Control Center, we have helped enhance service and reliability for our members by implementing real-time vehicle tracking and proactive planned outage notifications. The real-time vehicle tracking allows us to quickly locate and dispatch the nearest available crews to outage locations, reducing outage response times. Planned outages for maintenance are unavoidable, but by improving our notification process, members have more time to prepare to reduce the disruption. Though these efforts are behind the scenes, they contribute directly to a more reliable and responsive service experience for our members.
our
MANDY CRUZ, SENIOR CONTROL CENTER OPERATOR
“Our substation team has been upgrading equipment and installing animal mitigation to improve system reliability. Recently, while the Morgan Henderson substation was offline for transmission provider work by FPL, our employees took that opportunity to install wildlife protection devices throughout the substation to minimize animal contact that could result in outages. It prevented us from taking the substation offline again for the mitigation work and will improve service for members.”
KEN TRIPP, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
“For several years, our board of trustees has been proactively streamlining the trustee elections process and annual meeting format, while making voting more accessible to members through electronic voting. These changes have resulted in savings of over $100,000 each year. This year, they proposed bylaw revisions to the election process, which were approved by members in April, that have the potential to save the co-op an additional $15,000 each year by eliminating the need for balloting in uncontested elections. Members had long questioned the expense of holding uncontested elections, and now the co-op can avoid that cost while still ensuring accessible voting when it’s needed.”
JENNIFER KOUKOS, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
“By transitioning to cloud-based phones and email, we’ve increased reliability and uptime for communications with members, and by switching internet providers and restructuring our data flow, we’re saving approximately $70,000 each year. These improvements not only make us more efficient and cost-effective, but also allow us to better serve our members.”
REBECCA WILLIAMS, DIRECTOR OF UTILITY SYSTEMS
Several projects this year—both big and small—have directly benefited our members. One of the most visible was the Moore Haven lobby remodel, which created space for an additional member services representative to assist walk-in members and reduce wait times. We also streamlined convenience by combining our member service, outage reporting and pay-by-phone lines into a single number. Another initiative that had a major impact, though less visible, was our partnership with Florida Promise, which is disbursing unused LIHEAP funds for the Florida Department of Commerce. When they approached us with their mission, we quickly vetted the program and worked with them to help our eligible members receive additional LIHEAP assistance. This resulted in over $565,000 in payments from LIHEAP to members’ electric accounts. This was an optional partnership, but taking on the additional processes allowed us to help hundreds of our members.
BRITTANY ROWAN, MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER
“A lot happens behind the scenes to benefit members. To improve efficiency and member experience, we created and deployed a new damage claim questionnaire in SmartHub for self-service functionality to streamline the entire process. It reduces member services representatives’ time spent on the phone intaking this information and has improved delivery time to the safety manager to respond to members more efficiently. Another process we revised pertains to required reporting of solar devices to the state. By programming new reports, we reduced the time required for this process from four to six weeks to a maximum of five minutes. But my favorite process development this year was creating the reports that allowed us to quickly provide data to the state for the Florida Promise LIHEAP payments to help our members in need.”
ANA SALGADO, PROCESS ANALYST
The remodeled Moore Haven office lobby can now accommodate three member services representatives.
Cooperative Announcements
$2,000 iTECH Glades Scholarships and $5,000 Scholarships for High School Seniors
The Glades Electric Educational Foundation is offering $2,000 scholarships for six iTECH Glades students of all ages for programs in January 2026 and $5,000 college scholarships to high school seniors. Each student’s primary residence must be served by Glades Electric to be eligible.
Deadline for Trustee Nominations by Petition
Trustee elections will occur in spring 2026 for District 5 (Venus/Hicoria), District 7 (Lorida) and District 9 (Okeechobee). The deadline for members who wish to be nominated by petition is Jan. 8.
For details and qualification requirements, visit www.gladeselectric.com/about-us/ board-of-trustees.
In the event of two or more candidates for a seat, elections will be in March and April by electronic voting through SmartHub or by mail-in ballot. The 2026 Annual Meeting is April 8. Stay tuned for more details in 2026.
Third Quarter Paperless $100 Bill Credit Winner
The deadline for high school seniors to apply for a $5,000 scholarship is Feb. 19. Applications and program details are available at www.gladeselectric.com/ community/student-programs-information.
Congratulations to our quarterly $100 bill credit winner, Antonia Antunez. Sign up for paperless billing to avoid mail delays, keep your bills secure and access your account information with ease at any time. To switch to paperless billing for a chance to win a $100 bill credit, sign up in your SmartHub app, on our website at www.gladeselectric.com/about-us/ contact or by calling Member Services at 855-940-3810. You can use the QR code above to easily access our web contact form.
All-Expenses-Paid
Washington, D.C. Leadership Program
June 15-20, 2026
High school juniors in Glades, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee counties are now eligible to apply for an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to tour sites, meet with congressional staff, and learn about electric cooperatives and advocacy.
New for 2026: Students do not have to be powered by Glades Electric.
Applications and more details are available at https://www.gladeselectric.com/community/student-programs-information.
Operation Round Up
What is it?
Operation Round Up is a program that allows members to round up their monthly bills to fund projects benefiting community members in need.
Nine members serve on the board of directors for Glades Electric Charitable Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Directors review applications and approve grants.
$9,060.81 in Operation Round Up funds awarded to individuals and a nonprofit in October 2025 to assist people in need.
How does it work?
$153 55 cents to your neighbor in need. The average yearly contribution is $6 per member.
Paula Byars Okeechobee District 9 raised by Operation Round Up and Round Up Plus in September 2025.
Funds from Operation Round Up go right back into the communities we serve.
$4,300.27
8,198 accounts participate in Operation Round Up or Operation Round Up Plus. Round Up Plus allows members to add any set amount, $1 or more, to their bills each month.
44%
How can I help?
Sign up for Operation Round Up in the SmartHub app or on your payment stub, stop by the office or call 855-940-3810.
How can I get help?
If you or a member you know needs financial assistance, please complete an application at: www.gladeselectric.com/community/operation-round-up. $152.45 Amount due: Power Bill UP ROUND
The participation rate that would raise more than $70,000 annually to support our communities. 75%
Sommer Foster Moore Haven District 1
Beverly Eaves Hendry County District 2
Kelly Brantley Ortona/Palmdale District 3
Dori Evans Lakeport District 4
Carol Roberts Venus/Hicoria District 5
Lee Andrus Highlands Park District 6
Melissa Callahan Lorida District 7
Larry Howard Lake Josephine District 8
Highlands
Glades
Hendry
Okeechobee
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Hernando County’s mermaid sculpture collection expands
By Cheré Coen
Some creative ideas work so well, they just keep growing.
That is the idea behind Mermaid Tale Trail on Florida’s Adventure Coast, home to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and its legacy of living mermaids—think humans with fake tails.
When the park turned 75 in 2023, Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau decided to honor the milestone with 27 life-sized mermaid statues, all standing over 6 feet tall with contoured tails hand-painted by Florida artists. The statues were placed throughout Hernando County, with one mermaid greeting visitors at the Florida Welcome Center on Interstate 75 at the Georgia border.
Kristy Lowman, a former Weeki Wachee mermaid, served as the model for the mermaids’ faces, but each statue’s tail features a unique theme, such as area wildlife, nautical images, references to Weeki Wachee, and Florida’s culture and history.
Former Weeki Wachee mermaid Lydia Singer painted a statue titled The Spring, permanently placed at the state park. On the sculpture’s tail, Lydia painted Weeki Wachee’s underwater performances and famous visitors, such as Elvis Presley.
The Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau also launched a Mermaid
Tale Trail Passport program. Visitors and residents can download a map from destinationmermaids.com, which is accessible from a mobile device. No app is necessary. Participants check in at each mermaid statue location to earn prizes.
“People are having so much fun with it,” says John Athanason, multimedia communication specialist for Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau. “It’s a fun scavenger hunt, and you get to see local artwork. They are strategically placed so you can discover something new in Hernando County.”
The Mermaid Tale Trail is so popular that the tourism office, with its sponsors Brooksville Main Street and the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, erected 10 more statues this year.
“We decided that every year, we would release more,” John says. Judges carefully choose artists from across the state, and they must apply special paint to withstand the Florida climate, John says. A few artists have created more than one statue.
Some of the mermaids for 2025 include: Althea, a fairy mermaid who lives by a pond surrounded by flowers and friendly wildlife; La Bella Luna, who holds the moon in the night sky above the Adagio Fountain at Weeki Wachee Springs; Lilly, of Japanese folklore, who lives in a freshwater lake surrounded by koi fish; and Pearly the Pirate Mermaid, who guards Florida’s coastline by carrying a magical map to help sailors navigate to safe harbors.
Looking forward, Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau hopes to install new mermaid statues every year but will likely slow down a bit from this year’s pace.
FROM LEFT: Meraki is unveiled at the Visit Florida Welcome Center on Interstate 75 at the Georgia border.
this mermaid named Tifara: Mermaid Goddess of Deep Open Waters. The second round of mermaid statues of Mermaid Tale Trail in Hernando County was introduced at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park earlier this year. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA’S ADVENTURE COAST VISITORS BUREAU
“I think what we’re going to be doing is one-offs,” John says. “But we will let everyone know when there’s a new mermaid in town.”
Visit the Trail
In downtown Brooksville, visitors may enjoy two different walkable routes to see the mermaids: a 1-mile trek and a 2-mile journey.
For those who prefer to drive, a map available at the Brooksville Welcome Center or through the Mermaid Tale Trail Passport website lists the locations of all 36 statues. Mermaid statues are found at parks, historic points of interest, restaurants and other commercial establishments, civic centers such as Brooksville City Hall and Hernando County Courthouse, and tourist attractions such as Anderson Snow Park.
To download a map, visit floridamermaidtrail.com.
Why Mermaids?
Hernando County is home to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park at the headwaters of the Weeki Wachee River. Before becoming a state park, then-landowner Newton Perry opened the springs to tourists in 1947, allowing visitors to view the crystal-clear spring waters from a submerged theater built into the side of the springs. There, in addition to the fish and occasional manatee, women in mermaid costumes would swim behind the glass wall and perform.
Florida acquired the property and turned the springs into a state park in 2008. Visitors can still see the live mermaid show in a modern 400-seat theater, as well as paddle down the spring-fed river, join a boat cruise or swim in Buccaneer Bay.
The park hosts Sirens of the Deep Mermaid Camp, a two-day weekend camp for adults who wish to try their hands at underwater performances with a tale. The camp is taught by former Weeki Wachee mermaids and offered spring through fall. Dates are announced every January, says John Athanason, multimedia communication specialist for Florida’s Adventure Coast Vistors Center, and tickets go fast.
“We send out a notification that camp dates are open, and it’s a free-for-all,” John says. “It’s usually sold out within a day. Every date is sold out.”
Artist Jancie Uribe created
Lavishing
By Cheré Coen
Isaiah 117 House works to change how foster care begins
Danae Bunso, of Jacksonville, has fostered 30 children over the years. Some arrived on her doorstep in the middle of the night with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
She witnessed the trauma children experience when they’re torn from everything they know, so when she watched Mike Rowe’s Facebook show “Returning the Favor” in 2020, in which the former “Dirty Jobs” host documented Isaiah 117 House, her passion for assisting kids grew.
“It filled the gap that we were called to,” Danae says.
Isaiah 117 House, founded by Ronda Paulson in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is a collection of homes where children removed from abusive or neglectful environments are brought by social workers to wait until foster parents can be found. Volunteers who are on call at all hours greet the children by name and provide meals and comfort foods. Children can take a bath and dress in new, clean clothes in a comfortable place to play and sleep.
While the children are being cared for by trained volunteers, child protective investigators from the Florida Department of Children and Families search for foster placements.
“A lot of kids feel like they’re in trouble when they’re removed (from their homes),” Danae says. “We are there to help on a day when they’ve had everything taken away from them.”
The homes are decorated with warm, inviting surroundings, including cozy bedrooms and playrooms filled with new toys. Children remain at Isaiah 117 House until appropriate housing is found, which could mean a few hours to an overnight stay. Once foster care placements are secured, children leave Isaiah 117 House with items to help with the transition.
From left, Florida State Director for Isaiah 117 House Danaé Bunso, Founder and Executive Director Ronda Paulson and Duval County Location Leader Shanté McCleod cut the ribbon on Florida’s first Isaiah House, in Duval County. PHOTOS
“Every child we serve, we pack a bag just for them,” Danae says.
That bag may contain essential items, such as toiletries, or comforting things, such as toys and books.
“These are things the kids have chosen themselves,” she says. “We believe that on the worst day, they can choose new things just for them.”
The bottom line of what Isaiah 117 House serves is dignity and love. Danae and her army of volunteers want the transition to be less traumatic for both the children and their foster families.
“Lavish love is our mission,” she says.
‘Defend the cause of the fatherless’ In 2014, when Ronda and Corey Paulson took a class to become foster parents, they learned children waiting to be placed in foster care would spend hours—and sometimes days—in Kentucky Department of Children’s Services offices before a foster home could be found.
“When we were sitting in the conference room, it was dirty, no windows, and they announced that when a child was removed from the home they come
there,” Ronda says in the “Returning the Favor” documentary, titled “The Woman Changing the Foster Care System.” “I looked around that room, I thought, ‘Why would you bring a child here?’”
The thought of scared children being pulled from their homes waiting in such an environment touched Ronda’s heart. A year later, when the couple was called to care for a 9-month-old toddler named Isaiah, who arrived at their home with a filthy diaper bag and wearing a too-small diaper, Ronda decided to take action.
“I heard God say, ‘These are your children, what are you going to do?’” she says in the documentary.
Ronda created the first Isaiah 117 House, based on the Bible verse, “defend the cause of the fatherless.” Today, the organization runs homes in 13 states, including four in Florida. The first Florida home was built in Duval County, and more than 500 children have come through its doors since it opened. Another house is scheduled to be built in Hillsborough County in 2026.
“Our home is their home to use,” says
Danae, who works as the Florida state director for Isaiah 117 House. “We’re excited to be growing in Florida.”
Although the stories of some of the children Danae has helped are heartbreaking, many have left happier from the experience.
A 17-year-old arrived on her birthday and told volunteers she had not celebrated her birth since she was 10. The volunteers “went all out,” Danae says, cooking the girl’s favorite Lowcountry boil and shopping for special gifts. When she opened the last present—a tiara—the teen cried, explaining her mother had bought her a tiara for her last birthday celebration.
“We truly believe that God is in all things,” Danae says. “God knew that, and that tiara was chosen for her, and we see that time and again. It’s been incredible to see things that might not seem meaningful, but they make a difference.”
Another young girl arrived wearing long sleeves and pants to hide her bruises. She admired a new dress at the Isaiah 117 House in Duval County but didn’t want to expose her injuries. A volunteer ran her a bath and fixed her hair,
LEFT: The mission of Isaiah 117 House is to lavish love on children entering foster care and to let them know they’re not alone.
BELOW: The Isaiah 117 House in Duval County is the first of its kind in Florida.
RIGHT: Inside Florida’s Duval County Isaiah 117 House is, from left, Sally Dougherty, Shanté McCleod, Georgia Dougherty, Mariah Ngiumbous and Danaé Bunso.
and the girl decided to try on the dress.
“When she looked in the mirror, her head was so high,” Danae says. “She looked at her transformation, and she thought, ‘I am beautiful.’”
Isaiah 117 House also supports child protective investigators, the state workers who must make the difficult decisions to remove children from bad situations. CPIs are encouraged to use the offices at Isaiah 117 House locations to make sensitive phone calls while also keeping an eye on the children.
The timeline for children in transition into foster homes varies, but on average it takes about six hours for CPIs to find foster parents, Danae says.
“We wrap arms around them, too,” she says of the organization’s mission to help CPIs, including a monthly appreciation event. “It’s really a thankless job.”
It Takes a Community
Marcia Wood taught middle school for 30 years before retiring. When her son entered college and she found herself with an empty nest, she looked for a way to contribute to the community.
“I was kind of lost and thought, ‘What am I going to do now?’” she says.
She began volunteering for the Duval County Isaiah 117 House in March 2021.
“I thought this is so cool, such a needed thing, helping a child on the worst days of
BELOW: For children entering foster care, the journey is often filled with fear and uncertainty. Isaiah 117 Houses always include a safe, warm space filled with toys.
their lives,” Marcia says. “We are there to help flip the switch for them because they had a really bad day.”
Marcia now serves as the county’s local advisory team lead and stresses how important volunteers are to the organization. In Duval County, more than 100 Isaiah 117 House volunteers are on the books, some on call for different time periods, some skilled in nursing. There are others who serve without connecting with the children and social workers, such as cleaners and those who bring in and stock donations.
“It’s like a hotel,” Marcia says, adding that food needs preparing and bedding must be cleaned and replaced, among many other
RIGHT: A bedroom at the Duval County Isaiah 117 House is comfortable and welcoming.
duties. “The volunteers are an integral part of making it work. Some are on call and come in anyway.”
All volunteers are trained to deal with children experiencing trauma, plus they learn the Isaiah 117 House philosophy of “lavishing love on a child,” Marcia says. “We want them to feel secure and that we care.”
Marcia’s experience as a volunteer at Isaiah 117 House has been just as rewarding for her as it is for the children she helps.
“As for me, it has enriched my life so much,” she says.
Isaiah 117 House has locations in Baker, Marion, Sarasota and Duval counties, all of which were established with the help of
the community, Danae says. It begins with someone reaching out to Isaiah 117 House to state a need, then the organization does research and shares its findings—and its stories—with the community after about six months to a year.
“We build those relationships with the community along the way,” Danae says.
Organizers begin fundraising and look for partners who may donate land or money to buy land. Construction companies may contribute a service or donate the construction of the whole building. The end goal is to build a home that’s debt-free with enough operating funds for a year.
Materials, toiletries, clothes, toys and other essentials are often donated by community members.
“There are lots of ways for the community to be involved,” Danae says.
The organization performs outreach in the communities it serves, operating lemonade stands at community events, speaking at schools, and attending church fairs, festivals and more. Some volunteers, such as Marcia, share their stories with women’s organizations and church groups.
Visit isaiah117house.com/getinvolved to find out how you can help.
Florida volunteers assist at the Duval County Topgolf Tournament in April, a fundraiser for Isaiah 117 House.
ABOVE: Shanté McCleod, Duval County location leader; Danaé Bunso, Florida state director; Leahy Kelley, Duval County support coordinator; and Lori Surber, Duval County care coordinator, pause for a photo.
LEFT: Mariah Ngiumbous, Sarah Tabak, Michelle Buckelew, Karen Copeland, Britney Rhodes, Danaé Bunso and Kacey Drew run a thank you lemonade stand at a Department of Children and Families location.
LEFT: Corey Paulson, founder and director of development; Ronda Paulson, founder and executive director; Emily Martin, Baker County care coordinator; Sherrie Steadman, Baker County location leader; Kara Maddox, Baker County support coordinator; and Danaé Bunso, Florida state director, gather at the Baker County Ribbon Cutting in June 2024.
Appetizer Classics CELEBRATE WITH NOSTALGIC FAVORITES
1 roll puff pastry, defrosted
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
1/3 cup whipped cream cheese
10 to 12 thin slices salami or other cold cut
5 green olives
5 large cubes hard cheese
Lightly roll out puff pastry and smooth it out. Spread cream cheese evenly over pastry, and top with salami slices. Slice into nine or 10 strips lengthwise.
Fold strips of dough accordion-style. Start with narrow layers and widen as you go, mimicking the shape of a Christmas tree. Insert a long skewer through the center starting at the base, through the top of the tree. Place on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan.
Refrigerate trees for 15 to 20 minutes. While chilling, heat oven to 350 F. Bake appetizers about 15 minutes or until golden. Top each tree with a green olive or cheese cube.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY KASIA2003
Cocktail Meatballs
32-ounce bag frozen, fully cooked meatballs
12 ounces chili sauce
10 ounces grape jelly
Add frozen meatballs to a slow cooker. Add chili sauce and grape jelly. Cover. Cook for 2 to 3 hours on high or 4 to 6 hours on low, until sauce is hot.
Serve directly from slow cooker with a serving spoon or toothpicks, or transfer to a serving dish.
Cheese Straws
½ cup butter, softened
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
Heat oven to 400 F. Grease a sheet pan.
In a large bowl, cream butter and cheese together. Stir in flour and salt. Mix well. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch strips. Sprinkle with ground red pepper.
Place strips 1½ inches apart on prepared pan.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp.
Sausage Balls
3 cups all-purpose baking mix
1 pound ground hot pork sausage, uncooked
1 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Cooking spray
Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly spray two sheet pans with cooking spray.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, pressing mixture together with hands. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared sheet pans.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned.
Olive Spread
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
1½ teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
5.75-ounce jar sliced salad green olives with pimentos and juice
Pinch of paprika, optional
In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder until light and fluffy.
Add sliced salad olives with juice. Use hand mixer to incorporate into creamy mixture. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Before serving, remove olive spread from refrigerator and allow to stand 20 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika. Use olive spread to make tea sandwiches or crudites and crackers.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
1 pound thick asparagus
spears, ends trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Heat oven to 425 F.
½ pound thinly sliced prosciutto
1 ounce ParmigianoReggiano cheese, plus more for garnish
Balsamic glaze
Place asparagus on a sheet pan, and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Lay the prosciutto slices on a cutting board. Slice each in half lengthwise. Sprinkle a thin layer of ParmigianoReggiano on top of prosciutto.
Roll each asparagus spear with cheese and prosciutto.
Arrange in a single layer on sheet pan.
Bake 7 to 10 minutes, until asparagus is still somewhat firm but tender.
Grate more cheese on top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Stuffed Celery
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sour cream
¼ cup chopped walnuts
20 green olives with pimentos, chopped
1 bunch celery, trimmed and cut into logs
In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and sour cream. Stir in walnuts and chopped olives.
Spread filling onto celery pieces. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Neiman Marcus Dip
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ cup thinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
½ cup lightly toasted sliced almonds, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon hot sauce
Assorted crackers, for serving
Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat, flipping often until rendered and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
Whisk together cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in cheddar, pepper, scallions, almonds, hot sauce and bacon until just combined.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional scallions and almonds. Serve with crackers.
NIKON D810, 70mm lens ISO 200, f/4 at 1/1250
Rick Dedrick, left, tells his son, Logan, about his grandfather’s death. Xavier Howard, center, was there to support his teammate through the moment.
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
By Dave LaBelle
A lot of folks, especially those of my generation or earlier, still send out Christmas cards. I usually receive about a dozen annually, sometimes with a letter telling of the family’s accomplishments or the exotic places they have visited in the past year.
Some of my relatives and friends with a sense of humor send creative e-cards with digital scenes and messages. Since the U.S. Postal Service raised it rates again this year, and a first-class card or letter costs nearly a dollar to send, I expect many of us will receive more of these.
Being a print guy, I decided this year to send you, my readers, a picture Christmas card on slick magazine stock.
But not the kind you would expect. There is no snow falling, no red-suited Santa, reindeer, stained-glass windows or religious reenactments.
Instead, here is my favorite photograph from this year—a real, unscripted, painful, yet beautiful scene of a father, son and best friend together in sorrow.
My Christmas Postcard
However, there is more to this picture than meets the eye.
Beyond the pain of losing an important college lacrosse game, which eliminated any hope of the team making the playoffs, sophomore Logan Dedrick also learned his beloved grandfather passed away.
Logan’s father, Rick Dedrick, who traveled several hundred miles to watch his son play, didn’t want to tell Logan his grandfather had died before such an important game. Waiting until after the game as the team walked back to the locker room, Rick asked Logan’s best friend and teammate, Xavier Howard, to join him in breaking the news to his son.
“We didn’t want him to be alone when he learned of his grandfather’s passing,” Rick says.
Though Christmas is celebrated in a variety of ways, there is no substitute for a father’s love.
I hope each of you has a meaningful Christmas.
Reader Challenge
What is your favorite or most meaningful photograph of 2025? Share why you chose the image you did. If you have not made your favorite image yet, you still have a month.
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.
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.
Noble Game Birds
Across the Southeast, bobwhite quail populations declined for decades as habitats vanished and predator populations increased. However, Florida still offers places that hold wild birds.
Native to Florida, bobwhites live throughout the Sunshine State, where they find suitable habitats. Quail do not like thick forests, marshes or bottomlands. Upland longleaf pine savanna lands with widely spaced trees and thick grasses between the pines provide great quail habitat.
In such lands, prescribed fire can improve quail habitat. Fire clears out undesirable growth, and eliminates ground clutter and debris. Fire also stimulates new plant growth by allowing more sunlight to hit the ground and adds nutrients to the soil. Some seeds only sprout after a fire, so some landowners burn a third of their properties each year.
A dense canopy blocks sunlight, inhibiting plant growth at ground level. In good habitats, the birds nest and forage on the ground for food. Quail need bare dirt at ground level to feed. They mostly eat seeds, insects, fruits and other vegetable matter.
On forested properties, selectively cut the trees to open the canopy. Leave scattered trees and thickets in place for escape cover. If flushed or threatened in the grasslands, quail can fly to one of these sanctuaries.
Bobwhites thrive in well-managed private lands. Many plantations supplement their wild quail populations by releasing pen-raised birds on their properties. Some plantations allow people to hunt their lands.
Quail also like fallow agricultural fields growing with native grasses, such as ragweed. Cultivated grain field edges and openings also make great quail habitat.
The birds feed and roost in coveys that
might consist of as many as 25 individuals. Pen-raised birds that mix with wild coveys might survive predation. Good ground cover, thickets and similar places can provide quail protection from predators, particularly hawks.
Ground predators also take their toll. Foxes and bobcats are especially a concern, alongside fire ants destroying nests, and opossums, skunks and raccoons eating the birds’ eggs.
Predators destroy 50%-70% of all bobwhite nests annually. In about 25% of those cases, the adult bird also dies.
Ironically, one much-maligned predator helps quail populations. Coyotes eat few quail, but they eat feral cats, which are one of the most vicious predators of small birds. Coyotes also chase foxes away from quail habitat.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Quail Enhancement Areas provide hunting opportunities at designated wildlife management areas for the noble game birds. Besides QEA lands, hunters might find wild quail on other wildlife management areas. Any lands with good quail habitat might hold birds.
The Florida statewide quail season is Nov. 8 through March 1, 2026, with a daily bag limit of 12. Some wildlife management areas and other public properties might offer different season dates and impose other regulations, so always check before hunting.
For more information on quail and places to hunt, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at myfwc.com.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. He’s written more than 3,500 articles on a wide variety of outdoor topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
Well camouflaged, a bobwhite quail hides in dense underbrush. Quail need cover to protect themselves from predators like foxes, bobcats and hawks.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN N. FELSHER
FLORIDA CURRENTS
Dec. 6
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.
AVON PARK
Dec. 1
Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
Join the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce for this annual parade. For the best viewing locations, spectators are welcome to bring chairs or blankets to sit along Main Street, lining east and westbound lanes from Donaldson Park to The Jacaranda Hotel. apccfl.org/events-calender/#!event/2025/12/1/avon-park-christmasparade; 863-453-3350
PENSACOLA
Dec. 5-24
Winterfest
Pensacola’s downtown streets are lit up with more than half a million lights to form a backdrop for Winterfest, an iconic celebration that ends on Christmas Eve. The festival offers a daily supply of live performances, holiday trolley tours, cascades of “snow,” and photos with Santa and the Grinch. When the conductor calls your name, climb aboard for the most magical journey you’ll take this holiday season. www.pensacolawinterfest.org; 850-583-1365
AVON PARK
Dec. 6
Christmas on the Farm
Arbuckle Creek Farms continues its tradition of Christmas on The Farm. This festive event from 5-9 p.m. provides an inviting atmosphere where families and friends can gather to celebrate the holiday season. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, the farm transforms into a festive wonderland, offering a unique experience for visitors who seek the warmth and magic of the holiday season. bit.ly/3JGQ7XW; 239-872-5477
BRADENTON
Dec. 6
Holiday Boat Parade
A cherished tradition since the 1970s, this parade brings festive cheer to the community along the Braden River. The parade starts at 7:30 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E. The public is welcome to join in or simply enjoy the spectacle. Expect twinkling boats, live music before the parade and a jolly guest in red to delight all ages. www.jiggslanding.com; 941-727-4181
TAVERNIER
Holiday Market
Stroll the gardens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and explore outdoor vendors featuring unique arts and crafts, food and plants at the Francis Tracy Garden Center (MM 94). This location is perfect for holiday shopping in a beautiful garden setting. Stop by for some holiday shopping before it’s too late. gardenclubupperkeys.org
PHOTO BY MAIKO GREEN
PERDIDO KEY
Dec. 11
Christmas Market
Celebrating the magic of the holidays from 4-9 p.m., Warrior Beer Co. transforms into a glowing wonderland. Step into Santa’s workshop, and explore booths filled with local makers and handcrafted treasures. Families can snap photos with Santa, discover unique gifts, and soak up the sights and sounds of the season. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly holiday celebration, where the magic of Christmas comes to life in the Perdido Key. bit.ly/49xcKbI; 850-492-4660
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 13
Pops in the Park
This free outdoor concert from 4-5 p.m. has a “Santa’s Musical Workshop” theme and features fun holiday music, singalongs and sweet treats at Founders Park, MM87. Special guests include Handbell Ringers and Santa. Activities include snowball games, so make sure to bring a friend. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-394-1123
PENSACOLA
Dec. 13
Annual Camellia Flower Show With UWF Garden Tour and Plant Sales
The Pensacola Camellia Club hosts its annual show and plant sale featuring more than 1,000 blooms grown by hobbyists. Camellia blooms vary in color, form and size. The club encourages everyone to participate, whether you only have one bush or hundreds. A novice classification allows new camellia growers to compete for prizes with their blooms. If your plant does not normally bloom in December, club members are available with instructions to force your plants to bloom early. Membership is not a requirement for attending meetings or placing blooms in the show. pensacolacamelliaclub.com; 850-780-0410
SEBRING
Dec. 13
The Red Easel’s 5th Annual Craft & Fun Fair
Kick off the season and start your shopping from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Red Easel’s fifth annual Craft & Fun Fair. Browse dozens of local vendors, enjoy food and live music, and let the children get creative at the Kids Create Corner. Bring an unopened toy for the Ag Angels Toy Drive for children in Highlands and Hardee counties. Admission is free. theredeaselstudio.com; 863-271-9506
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 5
21st Annual Holiday Fest
Come and kick off the holiday season from 4-10 p.m. with a parade, winter wonderland, bazaar, ornament competition and more in Founder’s Park. The event’s star attraction, the Holiday Fest Snow Mountain, will once again be made from 30 tons of the cold white stuff—more than enough to delight mitten-clad children and some of their more playful parents. Meanwhile, throughout the evening, Islamorada’s 35-foot-high official holiday tree will blow magical snow through its branches. islamoradachamber.com/holiday-fest; 305-664-4503
LAKE PLACID
Dec. 13-14
Central Florida Spartan Trifecta Weekend
Prepare for an epic challenge on the sprawling Skipper Ranch. Battle through flat farmland, dense marshes and slick mud as you take on the Sprint, Super or Beast courses. With more than 20 obstacles per race, you’ll face grueling tests of endurance and grit. Just a couple hours from Orlando and Miami, this centrally located race is an opportunity for anyone looking to complete a Trifecta in the Sunshine State. Participants can qualify for the 2025 Trifecta World Championship in Sparta, Greece. Racing options for the weekend include Sprint 5K, Super 10K, Beast 21K, Kids Race and the Trifecta (Sprint + Super + Beast). spartan.com/en/races/central-florida
PENSACOLA
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Keep your eyes focused on the Pensacola Beach skies this New Year’s Eve for a free fireworks display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. At midnight, the light display will take place over the Santa Rosa Sound. The fireworks are provided by the Pensacola Beach Chamber, the Santa Rosa Island Authority and the Escambia County Tourist Development Council. www.pensacolabeachchamber.com; 850-932-1500
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 printquality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ISLAMORADA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
GARDENING
Thriving Beyond the Season
It’s the time of year when some people may gift or receive festive holiday plants. In Florida, these plants can grow well beyond the holiday months. Here are commonly gifted plants and how to grow them year-round in the Sunshine State.
Christmas Cactus
This plant gets its name from its colorful blooms in December that often resemble ornaments on a Christmas tree. It can grow indoors or in containers outside during warmer months.
This cactus grows best in indirect light and can be fertilized every one to two months from April to September. It prefers welldrained soil and needs to be watered when the soil feels dry.
For more information, visit bit.ly/3Ln5p4B.
Amaryllis
This plant comes with flowers in many colors and can grow multiple per stock. It goes dormant at certain times of the year, when flowers die back but green leaves remain. You can then prune flowers to the base, so the plant blooms again in spring.
If you have a wax-dipped amaryllis bulb, enjoy the plant while in bloom, then peel the wax and place it in a pot of well-drained soil. Encourage early flowering by keeping at least one-half of the bulb above the soil. It will eventually sprout roots and rebloom.
Amaryllis can be grown outdoors between September and January in Florida and grows best if planted in partial sun and welldrained soil. Overwatering an amaryllis bulb can lead to root rot.
For more information, visit bit.ly/4qFPqPr.
Rosemary
An herb perfect for a holiday feast or beverage of choice, rosemary grows well in a pot or directly planted into your landscape.
When selecting a site to grow rosemary, look for an area that receives at least six hours of sun, ensure it has well-drained soil and be careful not to overwater. This plant can be difficult to
germinate from seeds but propagates well from cuttings. For more information, visit bit.ly/494Ynvg.
Poinsettia
The showy portions of the poinsettia, which most people think of as the flower, are actually colorful leaves called bracts.
Whether grown in a pot or planted in the ground, poinsettias can grow throughout the year with proper care. They won’t maintain their vibrant color year-round, but there are ways to manipulate the plant into reverting back to its colorful state the next year.
Kept in a pot:
• Make sure it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
• Water only when the top layer of soil is dry.
• Once leaves and bracts begin to fall, prune the plant. Then provide ample light, water and fertilize every four to six weeks.
• In October, place the plant in darkness—in a closet or under a cabinet—for 13-14 hours a day. The plant needs bright light the remaining hours of the day. After two months, blooms redevelop.
Planting in the landscape:
• Poinsettias can be planted in the ground in early spring or once we’re past the last frost.
• Plant in a location that receives three to six hours of sun but does not receive artificial light at night.
• A leaves and bracts fade, prune them back 4-6 inches.
• Poinsettias want well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
• Prune as needed, leaving at least four leaves per stem. After September, allow the plant to flush out for a December display. For more information, visit bit.ly/49ElGMz.
Clarissa Chairez is the Residential Horticulture/Master Gardener volunteer coordinator agent in Orange County. She has a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education and a Master of Science in agronomy. She has six-plus years in education and three-plus years in greenhouse/nursery management.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY PIXELSHOT
ENERGY SCAMS TIPS TO AVOID
Look out for the “energy-saving device” scam.
Whether sold on social media platforms or through random emails, consumers have fallen victim to scams where these products claim to reduce or even eliminate energy bills.
These products are advertised as devices that will “balance” or “clean” the power in your home, thus saving you money.
There is no such device that can simply be plugged in to lower energy use.
Reflecting on Progress
and Planning for the Future
As we close another year, Glades Electric Cooperative employees and trustees pause and express gratitude for the continued trust and support from members. The co-op was built on the promise of people coming together to improve the quality of life in its communities, and that promise still guides Glades Electric today.
Each decision, whether it’s about delivering reliable electricity, innovating for the future or advocating for smart energy policies that impact the local community, comes back to one simple question, “How will this benefit the members we serve?”
This past year has been marked by meaningful progress in strengthening our local system and working at the national level to influence energy policies that directly affect reliability, affordability and resilience. While the details of federal regulations can feel distant, they shape daily operations at home.
Over the past year, electric cooperatives across the country came together for advocacy efforts on the EPA’s Power Plant Rule. As originally written, the rule would have forced a rapid shift away from alwaysavailable power generation resources, threatening the accessibility of a diverse fuel supply that keeps electricity reliable.
Renewable energy sources are an essential and growing part of our energy future. However, with demand for electricity rising, natural gas, coal and nuclear remain essential for ensuring power is available around the clock.
While collaborating and engaging with policymakers, we pressed for a more balanced approach to generating power— one that supports clean energy innovation while recognizing the role of traditional resources.
Our efforts are helping to shape a more
workable path forward that better protects reliability and keeps costs in check for Glades Electric members.
Another area of ongoing progress came through advocacy work on federal permitting reform. For too long, outdated rules and lengthy delays have stood in the way of building critical infrastructure, including new transmission lines and generation projects. Modernizing this process is essential to strengthen the electric grid and keep pace with growing demand.
This year, electric co-ops helped move the needle on permitting reform, advocating for policies that make the process faster, more predictable and more efficient. Investments in infrastructure will reach communities sooner, improving reliability and preparing our nation for the future.
We’re also seeing progress with bipartisan support of the FEMA Act of 2025, which would speed up the disaster recovery process for electric cooperatives and the communities we serve. Severe storms are a fact of life, and their impacts on the electric system can be devastating, as our members well know.
FEMA is a crucial partner for electric co-ops in efforts to restore power after disaster strikes. However, the federal reimbursement process after a major storm
is slow and full of red tape. If passed, the bill would make FEMA a stronger, more responsive agency to help strengthen rural resilience, protect taxpayer dollars and ensure essential services are restored as quickly as possible after a natural disaster.
Achievements like these are not just wins in Washington, they are wins for Glades Electric Cooperative members.
In addition to advocacy efforts, the co-op is addressing the communities’ needs for the future by investing in new technologies and programs that improve services for members. Through advanced monitoring systems and tools that improve daily operations, Glades Electric is becoming better equipped to identify power delivery issues before they occur.
As we look ahead to a new year, there are challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The energy industry is undergoing significant change driven by the rising need for more electricity, new tools and technologies, and federal energy policies.
The path forward requires innovative thinking and member-focused solutions. Glades Electric is dedicated to being wellpositioned to adapt and meet challenges head-on. Through it all, our promise to you remains steadfast: reliable power for today and tomorrow.
AI Tools for Electric Cooperatives
By the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly popular tool for many industries and even in our daily lives. AI is a hot topic—sometimes exciting, sometimes a little scary. It has the potential to bring many opportunities—and a few challenges—to the electric utility sector. However, machine learning takes time, and we’re still in the process of determining how AI can really be used.
Many electric cooperatives are exploring emerging technologies such as AI, virtual reality and augmented reality. Most of AI’s current applications are task-specific—like using chatbots to answer common questions from co-op members or analyzing data to better understand members’ needs.
Contrary to what Hollywood would have you believe, AI can’t think for itself. Its abilities depend on how it’s programmed, the quality of its training and the data it receives. AI is essentially about learning from patterns and making decisions based on that input—not about having thoughts or opinions of its own.
Because AI interacts with internal systems and external networks, cybersecurity is a priority. As Glades Electric Cooperative looks to adopt tools
powered by AI and other tech, we will ensure our systems are safe from potential cyberthreats. Strong digital defenses are essential to using new technology safely. As we consider emerging AI tools, our focus won’t be so much on the technology itself as on solving real problems. If AI can streamline a process, predict an issue or improve service for members, it’s worth considering. For example, the enhanced energy use analysis tools available in SmartHub for residential members are driven by AI analysis of meter data. The co-op made the decision to adopt this feature in SmartHub to help members track their energy use more effectively. As technology develops, it could help Glades Electric staff better manage the local grid or predict storm damage to deploy crews more efficiently.
Another area is AR and VR. Many electric utilities are currently testing AR for training— giving lineworkers a hands-on experience to prepare for dangerous situations before facing them in real life. In the future, smart glasses may help crews instantly identify and troubleshoot equipment in the field.
Ultimately, AI, AR and VR are tools that can help utilities serve their communities better— making energy more reliable, services faster and operations more efficient.
Electric cooperatives are already using artificial intelligence and augmented reality for key tasks and a c tivities Looking ahead, co-ops see great potential for Al and AR as helpful tools for improving grid reliability and the services they provide to consumer-members.
SERVICES FOR MEMBERS
Al tools like chatbots can enhance member interactions and provide a tailored experience based on energy use data
WEATHER FORECASTING
With the help of Al, weather forecasts will become more accurate, pinpointing areas to station utility crews
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
�ough augmented reality, or AR, lineworkers can experience interactive, lifelike trainings, rather than watching a video or webinar.
The Challenges AI Brings
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence, particularly energyintensive technologies like generative AI and large language models, presents several challenges for electric utilities. One of the biggest concerns is the dramatic increase in energy demand.
AI relies heavily on data centers, which require massive amounts of electricity to operate. As these technologies expand, power consumption is expected to rise.
This growing demand also creates a strain on the nation’s electric grid, which can lead to instability and a higher risk of outages, especially in areas already dealing with high energy use or aging infrastructure. While AI tools offer potential in improving utility operations, these challenges highlight the growing tension between AI advancement and the long-term capability of the grid.
A Colorful Start to the Day
From the setting of the sun to the creatures that make their homes in your backyard, Florida is filled with beautiful moments. The scenes you capture have a chance to brighten someone’s day. From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space.
Submit your photo by emailing a JPEG to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
PHOTO BY CALVIN ROBERTS
Forest Through the Trees
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G L ADE S
Electric Cooperative, Inc. “Neighbors Working for Neighbors”
CONTACT US
855-940-3810
www.gladeselectric.com
OFFICES
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday
26733 U.S. Highway 27
P.O. Box 519
Moore Haven, FL 33471
214 SR 70 W. Lake Placid, FL 33852
REPORT AN OUTAGE
Via the SmartHub app ~ 855-940-3810 (24/7 outage reporting)
Please have your account number ready.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Lee Henderson, President, District 6 Highlands Park, 863-633-9281
Barney Goodman, Vice President, District 2 Hendry County, 561-414-8737
Shannon Hall, Secretary/Treasurer, District 4 Lakeport and Brighton, 863-946-3242
Donnie Lundy, Trustee, District 1 Moore Haven, 863-634-7314
Mike Pressley, Trustee, District 3 Ortona and Palmdale, 863-673-9158
Brad Oxer, Trustee, District 5 Venus and Hicoria, 863-441-1866
Fred Tagtmeier, Trustee, District 7 Lorida, 863-214-4994
Vicki Pontius, Trustee, District 8 Lake Josephine, 863-414-2917
Angela Hodges, Trustee, District 9 Okeechobee, 863-801-3140
The board’s next meeting is at 9 a.m. Dec. 18, at Moore Haven Headquarters Office. Any changes are posted in the lobby of both district offices.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Jeff Brewington, CEO
Michael Roberge, Acting General Manager
Renee Bass, Chief Administrative Officer
Courtney Brown, Chief Personnel Officer
Jennifer Koukos, Chief Communications Officer
Jennifer Manning, Chief Financial Officer
The Power of Demand and the Power of Giving
In last month’s column, I promised a deeper dive into demand this month and why it is important.
What’s demand?
Demand is the term we use in the electric industry to describe the maximum amount of electricity use over a short duration of time—60 minutes or less. The unit of measure is kilowatts. One kW is equal to 1,000 watts.
In simplified terms, demand is created by the number of appliances, motors, pumps, lights and more that we use at the same time. The end-user is responsible for the demand they create in that short period.
Why is demand important?
The utility network must be able to supply that demand seamlessly in two primary ways: power supply and delivery capacity.
Utilities must maintain enough generation to create the amount of electricity needed by all consumers at any given time, such as on a hot day when most are using air conditioning, or a cold winter morning when members—even in south Florida—turn on heating systems. To deliver that electricity, the transmission and distribution resources—the actual grid infrastructure—must handle the large capacity, even if the large load only lasts an hour.
This means a significant amount of expensive equipment—such as power plants, transmission, substation and distribution transformers—must be available to supply electricity needs during peak demand periods.
Look for an article in our January issue from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association with helpful information on demand and its effects on the grid.
How do we reduce demand on the system?
The simplest answer is to stagger the use of appliances, motors, pumps and lights in homes. Any amount of use that can be shifted to a time of less consumption is beneficial. For example, use the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and oven at different times, instead of running them all at once.
On another note, the holiday season is here, and with that typically comes additional charitable donations and requests. Did you know you can participate in the Operation Round Up program that aids local individuals and nonprofit organizations throughout the communities? The process is easy, inexpensive and hands-free. Just volunteer to round up your electric bill to the nearest dollar, and that small change goes to the Operation Round Up fund administered by Glades Electric Charitable Trust.
The trust has a board of co-op members who review applications for assistance and vote to award funding. The trust has locally distributed more than $1.3 million in Operation Round Up donations. You can sign up in SmartHub; with the Contact Us form on our website; or by calling 855-940-3810 for more information or to enroll in the program.
Best wishes for a bright holiday season and happy New Year.
Mike Roberge