Currents Florida
Powering the Next Generation of Nurses
iTECH Glades scholarship recipients celebrate Practical
program completion Page 6
Glades Electric District 3 Trustee and Educational Foundation Board Vice
Chair Mike Pressley, left, congratulates Practical Nursing program student and GEEF scholarship recipient Marianne Ramirez at February’s pinning ceremony. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
I Wish I Had Done This Sooner
The lightweight carbon fiber power chair that helped me get my life back
Let me be honest with you. I fought the idea of a power wheelchair. I thought it meant I was giving up. What I didn’t realize was that I was already giving things up - vacations, outings, long walks with family - because I was too tired or worried about falling.
Getting the EZY EXPLORER wasn’t giving up. It was getting back up. The first thing I noticed was how smooth it felt. The joystick control is easy and responsive - no sudden jerks. I felt steady and in control right away. And it’s compact. I can move through standard doorways and tighter indoor spaces without feeling like I’m driving a tank.
But what really sets it apart is the carbon fiber frame. Carbon fiber is incredibly strong - it’s used in high-performance products for a reason - yet it’s much lighter than traditional materials. That combination of strength and light weight makes a big difference. It feels solid and secure, but it’s easier to transport and handle. It doesn’t dominate my house. It doesn’t feel medical. It feels like a smart mobility solution. I’ve gone farther and stayed out longer than I have in years.
Just call. Talk to a mobility expert. Get the details. That one call might be the start of getting your life back. Call today - you’ll be glad you did. Ultra light folding power
Has a simple and effortless one-step fold and fits easily in your car’s trunk. Its lightweight, compact design makes it simple to store at home or on the go—whether you're shopping, dining, or heading out on a road trip. Perfect for any outing, it’s easy to take anywhere.
wheel chair for ultimate portability
Front and Side Entry Quick One Step Fold
QUICK ONE STEP FOLD
Florida Currents
May 2026 • Volume 15, No. 7
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Valeri Saldanha Rosa; Sable Riley, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS 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 Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
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.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704-1714; 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200; amp.coop.
© 2026 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
For additional content, search @FloridaCurrents on your favorite social media sites and floridacurrents.com.
Powering Creativity
at Cracker Trail Elementary
GLADES ELECTRIC
CLOCKWISE from ABOVE:
Laura Carter’s second grade students, Zyanna and Kimori, paint tiles to contribute to the wall. The completed tile wall project was sponsored by Glades Electric Cooperative. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CRACKER TRAIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students provide their tiles to Kent Tile owner Bobby Helms and his employee, Shawn, and excitedly watch. Cracker Trail Principal Rick Kogelschatz, MI Lab Para Kristine Sebring and Assistant Principal Sarah Brooker receive Glades Electric’s contribution at the pART of This Community tile wall installation celebration.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Kristine points to her tile installed on the mural.
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER KOUKOS
By Jennifer Koukos
Glades Electric Cooperative is proud to sponsor a special project at Cracker Trail Elementary that reflects what it means to be part of a community.
On March 5, the school installed its “I’m pART of This Community” ceramic tile wall—a vibrant mural made up of about 850 individually painted tiles. Students, teachers, staff, and family and community members designed and painted unique pieces over the span of months. Each tile reflects a unique perspective, but the finished mural is a reminder that when every student, family member and community partner contributes, something amazing comes together.
Glades Electric was pleased to donate $1,285 to help fund the tiles and supplies to make this project possible. Supporting local schools, such as Cracker Trail Elementary, is one of the ways the co-op invests in the communities it serves.
“For years, it has been an honor to partner with Glades Electric,” Principal Rick
Kogelschatz says. “The new ‘I Am pART of This Community’ tile wall is more than a beautiful installation. It’s a lasting reminder that every child, every family, every staff member and our business partners—like Glades Electric—belong and matter.
“Each tile tells a story, and together they create something far greater than any one piece could alone.”
That sense of collaboration reflects the cooperative spirit.
Much like an electric cooperative, while every individual contribution is meaningful on its own, it’s the partnership between members, employees and leadership that truly powers our communities.
Glades Electric is honored to power Cracker Trail Elementary and to support its students, teachers, and staff through initiatives that spark creativity, encourage collaboration and strengthen community ties.
Whether it’s keeping the lights on or helping bring a mural to life, we’re all part of this community, and we’re stronger together. n
Next Generation of Nurses Scholarships Power the
Story and photos by Jennifer Koukos
Each fall, Glades Electric Educational Foundation awards up to six $2,000 scholarships to co-op members pursuing career and technical programs at iTECH Glades. Since 2022, the foundation has invested $42,000 to help 21 students take the next step toward meaningful careers and brighter futures.
In late February, Glades Electric representatives had the honor of attending the school’s practical nursing program pinning ceremony, where scholarship recipients Frances Gibson, Kurstie Hicks and Marianne Ramirez were among the 22 graduates celebrated.
The 1,350-hour program, which takes nearly 13 months, prepares students for employment as licensed practical nurses, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and compassion required to serve patients and families in our region. Since its inception, the program has had 60 graduates, strengthening the local health care workforce with each new class.
Even more telling, of the iTECH Glades practical nursing students who passed the National Council Licensure Examination, 100% have gained employment—a powerful reflection of the urgent need for skilled nurses in our communities.
During the ceremony, each graduate reflected on their journey and expressed gratitude to those who supported them along the way.
“It was far from easy,” Frances says. “The past 13 months brought tears, laughter, challenges, growth and a few gray hairs.
“We don’t just graduate,” she adds. “We step forward as stronger, determined future nurses ready to care, serve and make a difference.”
Glades Electric and Glades Electric Educational Foundation are proud to support college and career education, because investing in our members is an investment in the strength and well-being of our communities. Seeing these graduates cross the stage is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to support its own.
Congratulations to these new nurses. We look forward to the positive impact they will make in the lives of others.
Frances Gibson
Kurstie Hicks
Marianne Ramirez
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.
8
Larry
$57,111.12 in Operation Round Up funds were awarded to organizations and members in need in 2025.
How does it work?
$153 55 cents to your neighbor in need. The average yearly contribution is $6 per member.
9 raised by Operation Round Up and Round Up Plus in February 2026.
Funds from Operation Round Up go right back into the communities we serve.
8,295 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.
$152.45 Amount due: Power Bill UP ROUND 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.
$4,547.24
How can I get help?
The participation rate that would raise more than $70,000 annually to support our communities. 75%
If you or a member you know needs financial assistance, please complete an application at: www.gladeselectric.com/community/operation-round-up.
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
Howard Lake Josephine District
Paula Byars Okeechobee District
Highlands
Glades
Hendry
Okeechobee
Celebrations rev up America’s iconic Route 66
By Jim McCarty
It’s midday at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que along Route 66 near Cuba, Missouri. The lunch rush is almost over when the staff springs into action, moving tables together, preparing for a big gathering.
Soon, the restaurant walls vibrate with the two-cylinder thump of a dozen or so Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The door opens, and the happy sounds of a group that’s experiencing the time of their lives reverberate—in Swedish.
Scenes like this play out every day along what remains of the most famous highway in the world. It’s called the Mother Road, Main Street of America and the Highway That’s the Best. It once traversed eight states
along 2,448 miles, stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago to a pier at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California.
Its official name is Route 66, and it’s about to get busier than it’s been since it was decommissioned in 1985.
This year, Route 66 fans from around the world will look for new kicks as the celebrated road turns 100. Springfield, Missouri, was in the spotlight in April as the site of the national kickoff of America’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration.
The Queen City of the Ozarks earned that honor through a competitive process, but also due to its status as the birthplace of Route 66. On April 30, 1926, John Woodruff, a Springfield businessman, sent a telegram to Washington, D.C., requesting the new road be named U.S. Route 66. The
idea for the road didn’t originate here, but its iconic name did.
“This recognition is a testament to Missouri’s deep roots in the history of America’s most iconic highway and the vibrant spirits of the communities that keep that legacy alive today,” Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe says.
The governor’s farm sits along Route 66 in Jerome.
“We have some of the original roadway in Pulaski County that you can still drive on,” he says. “People come from all over the world to drive on that. This roadway is so historic, and it has made millions of memories for not just Americans but for people all over the world.”
Kickoff festivities included five satellite cities: Joliet, Illinois;
I think Route 66 is on a lot of visitors’ bucket lists. And I think whenever there’s a big milestone to be celebrated, people want to be a part of that and come experience Route 66 as it’s turning 100.
St. Louis, Missouri; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Santa Monica, California.
In preparation for the yearlong celebration, communities all along the historic route are sprucing up their landmarks, planning events, relighting neon signs and prepping for a major influx of visitors who plan to motor west.
“I struggle to make a specific prediction, and part of that is because it’s really hard to track specific routes,” Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin says. “But I would be surprised if traffic didn’t double just because of the attention and the people planning their trips.”
Nikki Terlesky, Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona director of operations, agrees travelers are coming in a big way.
“I think Route 66 is on a lot of visitors’
bucket lists,” she says. “And I think whenever there’s a big milestone to be celebrated, people want to be a part of that and come experience Route 66 as it’s turning 100. I know a lot of Facebook groups I follow are just buzzing with people voicing their travel plans.”
While Missouri can claim the creation of the name, an Oklahoma man is known as the Father of Route 66. Cyrus Avery, a Tulsa real estate developer and owner of a coal company, saw the need for a roadway from the Midwest to the West Coast, connecting small towns and cities along the way.
Don’t Miss This!
Here’s the top attraction for each of the eight states. ILLINOISGEMINI GIANT (WILMINGTON)
If you only stop once before leaving Illinois, make it here. The 30-foot-tall Muffler Man is one of Route 66’s most iconic photo ops and a perfect start to the journey.
MISSOURIMERAMEC CAVERNS (STANTON)
A road-trip classic since the 1930s, billboards and barn roof signs for this cavern once lined the entire Mother Road, and the attraction still feels like pure Americana.
KANSASCARS ON THE ROUTE (GALENA)
Kansas has only 13 miles of Route 66, but this restored Kan-O-Tex gas station—home to the truck that inspired Mater in “Cars”—is its standout.
OKLAHOMABLUE WHALE (CATOOSA)
An absolutely essential stop is the giant, smiling blue whale beside a pond. It is one of Route 66’s most beloved and quirky landmarks.
TEXASCADILLAC RANCH (AMARILLO)
Ten Cadillacs sit nose-down in the desert. They’re covered in spray paint, and you’re encouraged to add your own. It’s irreplaceable Route 66 kitsch.
NEW MEXICOBLUE SWALLOW MOTEL (TUCUMCARI)
See the best neon on the entire route. It is a family-run motel with beautifully preserved rooms, and a true 1940s motor court experience. Even if you don’t stay, stop for photos.
ARIZONAPETRIFIED FOREST AND PAINTED DESERT (HOLBROOK)
This is the only national park the Mother Road drives straight through where classic roadside nostalgia meets staggering natural beauty.
CALIFORNIAROY’S MOTEL & CAFÉ (AMBOY)
A surreal desert time capsule features a legendary retro-futurist neon sign. Nothing captures the lonely, romantic end stretch of Route 66 like Roy’s.
Appointed in 1925 to the Joint Board of Interstate Highways, Cyrus managed to steer the route south from Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California instead of a more northern route through Nevada.
Along with Missouri’s John Woodruff, Cyrus helped launch the U.S. Highway 66 Association in 1927 to encourage its use.
“One hundred and thirty-seven delegates from 32 cities of the Southwest, meeting here today, organized the National Highway No. 66 Association and elected
John T. Woodruff of Springfield, Mo., its first president,” read a Springfield Daily News story. “From Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico, the delegates gathered in Tulsa today determined that Highway 66, which runs from Chicago via St. Louis to Los Angeles, shall in fact become the ‘Main Street of America.’”
At the beginning, the route joined various existing state roads, many of which were still gravel. Besides paving the highway, the association’s
leaders also marketed Route 66 over other transcontinental routes.
One of the first efforts to popularize the road was an epic foot race that followed Route 66 from its start in California to St. Louis, then on to New York City. The distance was 3,400 miles over just three months. It started with 275 runners, but 77 dropped out on the first day. Only 55 finished. The winner was 20-year-old Andy Payne of Claremore, Oklahoma.
Through publicity like this, the nation learned of the new route, and traffic grew exponentially. Truckers favored its flat terrain, with elevations measured in hundreds of feet compared to thousands crossing the Rocky Mountains.
OKLAHOMA TEXAS
KANSAS
Meramec Caverns Jesse James’ hideout is one of the most advertised a ractions on Route 66.
In the 1930s, Route 66 became a pathway for migrants fleeing the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, heading west in search of opportunity.
When World War II gripped the nation, the route became strategic for moving troops and materials to support the war effort. This led to a major effort to rebuild the roadway for Fort Leonard Wood, an Army base in St. Robert, Missouri.
The Ultimate
(Ordered for the Drive) Playlist
DEPARTURE: CHICAGO (WINDOWS DOWN)
• Route 66 – Chuck Berry
• Sweet Home Chicago – The Blues Brothers
• Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones
• Good Times Roll – The Cars
• Real Gone – Sheryl Crow
• Life Is a Highway – Rascal Flatts
The highway was no match for the heavy trucks supplying the base. So, in 1941, construction began on a four-lane divided highway between it and Rolla. A deep cut bypassed a steep grade near Devil’s Elbow. Hooker Cut became the deepest highway excavation in the nation to date, and the four-lane, divided highway was the first of its kind. The improved roadway was fully open to traffic by September 1945—ironically, the same month the war ended.
• Take Me to the River – Talking Heads
• Running on Empty – Jackson Browne
• Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp
• Drive – The Cars
DUSK, MOTELS AND LONG THOUGHTS
• Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
• Angel From Montgomery – John Prine
Other improvements included rerouting to avoid a series of dangerous hairpin curves in Arizona, dubbed the Sidewinder.
This 8-mile roadway has 191 curves with no guardrails and 12% grades. Today, it is often visited by adventurous travelers. kind.
• Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
• Runnin’ Down a Dream – Tom Petty
• Drivin’ My Life Away – Eddie Rabbitt
• On the Road Again – Willie Nelson
HEARTLAND MILES:
MISSOURI → OKLAHOMA → KANSAS
• Missouri River Run – Chloe Hoecker
• If You Wanna Get to Heaven – Ozark Mountain Daredevils
• King of the Road – Roger Miller
• Boys From Oklahoma – Cross Canadian Ragweed
• Oklahoma Smokeshow – Zach Bryan
CALIFORNIA
• Carry On Wayward Son – Kansas
• Dust in the Wind – Kansas
• Ain’t Going Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up) –Garth Brooks
• Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma – Luke Combs
• Cadillac Ranch – Chris LeDoux
OPEN COUNTRY AND FREEDOM
• Wide Open Spaces – Dixie Chicks
• Follow Your Arrow – Kacey Musgraves
• Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show
• Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
• Midnight Rider – The Allman Brothers Band
• Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers Band
• Blue Sky – The Allman Brothers Band
• Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
DESERT STRETCH:
TEXAS → NEW MEXICO → ARIZONA
• Amarillo by Morning – George Strait
• I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash
• A Horse With No Name – America
• Ventura Highway – America
• Into the Mystic – Van Morrison
• Gypsy – Fleetwood Mac
• Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
• The Mother Road – Alan Rhody
• Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
• Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles
• Take It to the Limit – Eagles
CALIFORNIA ARRIVAL
• Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
• California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & the Papas
• Hotel California – Eagles
• Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
• California Girls – The Beach Boys
• Everyday Is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow
• Beverly Hills – Weezer
SUNSHINE, CELEBRATION AND LETTING LOOSE
• Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus
• Hot to Go – Chappell Roan
• Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses
• Getaway Car – Taylor Swift
• Good Time - Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
• Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
THE MEANING OF THE JOURNEY (CLOSING STRETCH)
• This Land Is Your Land – Woody Guthrie
• Take Me Home, Country Roads –John Denver
• Kyrie – Mr. Mister
• The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles
• Travelin’ Thru – Dolly Parton
• Running on Empty – Jackson Browne
• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
• End of the Line – Traveling Wilburys
By the 1950s, Route 66 was the byway of a nation in love with the automobile. Cabins, motels, roadhouses and all manner of highway kitsch sprang up to lure motorists off the pavement. Among them was the first fast-food restaurant, believed to be Red’s Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri.
Route 66 came to represent everything Americans hold near and dear: freedom,
adventure, nostalgia and small-town values. Those themes were shared in the1960s TV series “Route 66,” which helped fuel today’s nostalgia for the road.
Championed in songs such as Bobby Troup’s “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” and the Eagles’ “Take it Easy,” immortalized by John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath” and introduced to a new
generation through Pixar’s “Cars” movie, the Mother Road continues to fascinate those who prefer life in the slow lane.
The demise of Route 66 came with the rise of the new Interstate Highway System— including interstates 55, 44, 40, 15 and 10. Small towns where Route 66 was the main road were bypassed, and many businesses couldn’t survive as traffic moved away.
Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985. But the road never truly disappeared.
CALIFORNIA
Mother Nature and the wrecking ball have taken their toll, but if you know where to look, you can still find remnants of the old route. New businesses have sprung from the ashes of those longgone oases on the road.
So, as the song says, “get hip to this timely tip, when you make that California trip,” and make this the year to get your kicks—on Route 66.
The Ultimate
McLean
Shamrock
Q: WHO ORIGINALLY SANG “ROUTE 66”?
A: Nat King Cole, with the King Cole Trio, first recorded the song in 1946 at Radio Recorders in Los Angeles. Capitol Records released it as a single, which reached No. 11 on Billboard’s pop chart.
Q: WHO IS CONSIDERED THE FATHER OF ROUTE 66?
A: In the early 1900s, Cyrus Avery of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a real estate developer and owner of a coal company, began acquiring oil leases. With the need to reach the barren lands around him and the need for a roadway from the Midwest to the western lands connecting cities along the way, the road became a reality. With John Woodruff of Springfield, Missouri, Cyrus promoted the idea of a highway connecting the Midwest to the West Coast.
Q: WHAT TOWN IS CONSIDERED THE BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66?
A: Springfield, Missouri, is widely recognized as the birthplace of Route 66. A passionate advocate for the “Good Roads” movement, Springfield businessman John Woodruff promoted highway development across Missouri. While the road itself did not begin in Springfield, the idea of the route was born here, making Springfield the home for the Main Street of America. John was elected the first president of the Route 66 Association.
Q: WHAT WRITER MADE ROUTE 66 FAMOUS?
A: John Steinbeck proclaimed Route 66 the Mother Road in his 1939 book, “The Grapes of Wrath.”
Q: WHERE DID THE ORIGINAL ROUTE BEGIN AND END?
A: Route 66 began in downtown Chicago, Illinois, and ended in Santa Monica, California, near the Pacific Ocean. The official start is at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, with classic spots like Lou Mitchell’s diner nearby.
Q: HOW LONG WAS HISTORIC ROUTE 66?
A: It is generally accepted that, from beginning to end in 1926, Route 66 traversed 2,448 miles. However, as the route evolved over its 60 years of existence with new, improved alignments, the mileage varied over time.
Q: WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL NAME FOR ROUTE 66?
A: John and Cyrus also played a key role in the naming the road. It had first been named Route 60, as all main east-to-west highways at the time ended in zero. However, the pair felt Route 66 would be easier to promote, especially with the flow of having two of the same number. Thus, on April 30, 1926, a telegram was sent to the Bureau of Public Roads asking for the name to be changed to Route 66.
Q: WHAT DISTINCTION DOES RED’S GIANT HAMBURG, A SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI, ROUTE 66 RESTAURANT, HOLD?
A: It is considered the first drive-in fast-food restaurant. Red’s opened in 1947 and operated until 1984. In early 2019, Red’s Giant Hamburg made a comeback, 35 years after the original restaurant’s closure. The new restaurant, on Route 413, was a re-creation of the original Route 66 location. It opened in August 2019 and operated for almost six years, closing its doors in May 2025. In 2013, a fundraising campaign was established to re-create the Red’s Giant Hamburg sign. The sign, shaped like a cross, was installed in 2015.
Q: WAS U.S. ROUTE 66 PAVED?
A: When Route 66 officially opened in 1926, only 800 miles were paved, the rest being graded dirt, gravel, bricks or wood planks. It took 11 more years before the road would become the first national highway to be completely paved.
Quiz
Q: WHAT STATES DOES ROUTE 66 TRAVEL THROUGH?
A: Route 66 traverses eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
Q: WHEN WAS ROUTE 66 DECOMMISSIONED?
A: With the advent of the Federal Interstate Highway System, U.S. Route 66 was gradually decommissioned, with the last segment, in Arizona, removed from the federal system June 27, 1985.
Q: WHAT STATE HAS THE MOST MILES OF ROUTE 66?
A: New Mexico has the most miles, and Kansas has the fewest—Illinois, 301; Missouri, 317; Kansas, 13; Oklahoma, 432; Texas, 186; New Mexico, 487; Arizona, 401; and California, 314, for a total of 2,448 miles.
Q: WHAT ANIMATED MOVIE IS BASED ON ROUTE 66?
A: The 2006 animated movie “Cars” tells the story of Route 66 through characters Lightning McQueen and Sally and their escapades at Radiator Springs, a fictionalized representation of all Route 66 towns. Sally liked to say, “Those were the days we traveled to have a great time, not to make great time.” In the movie, Ramone’s House of Body Art looks similar to the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas. Other real-life locations that inspired parts of the movie include Cadillac Ranch, Wigwam Motels and Wagon Wheel Motel.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY ACENTO CREATIVO
Dinner Is Served
SHEET PAN DINNERS ARE MADE FOR SHARING
Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Roasted Vegetables
16 ounces gnocchi
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes
6 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup olive oil
11/2 teaspoons dried oregano
Heat oven to 425 F.
11/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
3 to 4 handfuls baby spinach
Shaved Parmesan cheese, for topping
On a large sheet pan, add gnocchi, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, thyme, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Combine everything, making sure it is well coated in the spices and oil. Bake for 35 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Remove sheet pan from oven. Add spinach, and stir to combine. Return to oven for 5 minutes, just until spinach is wilted.
Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY DEBORAH
Everything Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Cooking
spray
2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch wedges
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
5 cups broccoli florets
4 5-ounce salmon fillets
2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
2 teaspoons soy sauce
Heat oven to 425 F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil, and coat lightly with cooking spray.
Toss sweet potatoes with 2 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Place on half of the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine Dijon, honey and cayenne in a small bowl. Toss broccoli with remaining oil, salt and pepper in a separate bowl.
Remove potatoes from oven. Add salmon to the other half of the baking sheet. Place 2 teaspoons of the mustard mixture on each filet. Brush to coat, then sprinkle with bagel seasoning. Add broccoli to sweet potatoes. Bake until salmon flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are golden, about 12 minutes. Stir soy sauce into remaining mustard mixture, and drizzle over vegetables.
Sheet Pan Chimichurri Chicken
1 large bunch flat-leaf parsley
1 large bunch cilantro
1 tablespoon oregano
2 medium garlic cloves
11/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, plus more as needed
11/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon honey
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup whole cherry tomatoes
1 small red bell pepper
1/2 medium red onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Rice, flatbreads or potatoes
Using a food processor, pulse parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Add olive oil and vinegar, and pulse until just combined. Season to taste with additional salt and vinegar.
In a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with honey and 1/3 cup of chimichurri. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Refrigerate remaining chimichurri until ready to use.
When ready to proceed, adjust oven rack about 6 inches below the heating element. Heat broiler to high.
Remove chicken from marinade. On a 13-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet, arrange thighs out so there is plenty of space between them. Discard marinade. Arrange zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red pepper and onions around chicken. Drizzle vegetables with olive oil, and season with salt.
Broil until chicken is golden brown and vegetables are just beginning to char, about 10 minutes. Flip chicken and vegetables. Broil until vegetables are tender, and chicken is lightly charred. The chicken should read 185 F on an instantread thermometer, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Serve with reserved chimichurri, rice, flatbread or potatoes.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos With Slaw
Cooking spray
8 corn tortillas
1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1¼ teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
For serving:
1 batch easy taco slaw (see below)
1 medium avocado, sliced
Sour cream
Lime wedges
Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a work surface. Stack the tortillas on top, and wrap in foil. Place the packet of tortillas on one corner of the baking sheet.
Pat shrimp dry, and place on baking sheet. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss to combine, and spread into an even layer.
Roast until shrimp are opaque and pink, stirring halfway through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drizzle shrimp with lime juice, and toss to combine. Fill tortillas with shrimp, and top with slaw, avocado and sour cream. Serve with lime.
Taco Slaw
Shredded red cabbage
Salt
3/4 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup lime juice
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Grated or shredded carrot
Thinly sliced scallions
Cilantro, finely chopped Jalapeño pepper, deseeded and cut into slices
Salt the cabbage in a colander. Massage it to help release its liquid, then set aside to drain for 15 minutes.
Place mayonnaise, lime juice and garlic powder in a large bowl. Whisk to combine. Using your hands, squeeze cabbage of its excess liquid one handful at a time. Add cabbage and remaining ingredients to the bowl, and toss to combine.
Sheet Pan Parmesan-Dijon Chicken Thighs
Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup freshly grated
Parmesan cheese
4 5-ounce bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
¼ cup melted butter
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
11/2 pounds baby potatoes
1 pound green beans, trimmed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked pepper
Heat the oven to 425 F. Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil, and coat with cooking spray.
Mix breadcrumbs and cheese in a small bowl. Set aside. Place chicken on prepared pan. Combine butter and Dijon in a large bowl. Brush chicken with mixture.
Add potatoes and beans to bowl. Toss in remaining mixture. Evenly spread vegetables on the pan around chicken Season everything with thyme, salt and pepper. Press breadcrumb mixture onto chicken thighs.
Bake until chicken is no longer pink at the bone, the juices run clear, and the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork, about 25 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the chicken bone should read 165 F.
By Dave LaBelle
During the pandemic, I taught an eightweek online photo class. One of my students, Amy Gaskin, struggled to find a project she felt comfortable photographing since so many people were masked and afraid of interacting with others. I suggested Amy consider shooting a “dead person” story, the kind magazines like National Geographic do on famous people who are deceased—such as Van Gogh, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway or Abraham Lincoln. I asked her if there was
You can find Amy Gaskin’s story at amygaskin.com/marilyn/nationalgeographic.
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing tips and life perspectives. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog, bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
NIKON D810
58mm lens ISO 100 f/5.6 at 1/250
BY DAVE LABELLE
Marilyn Forever
anybody famous buried close by her home. She immediately thought of Marilyn Monroe.
That was more than four years ago. Amy is still tirelessly working on the Marilyn project, which has taken her as far away as Australia. Portions have been published in newspapers and magazines in the United States and abroad, including National Geographic online. She hopes to publish her book, “Marilyn Forever: A Symbol of Hope,” soon. June 1 would have been Marilyn’s 100th birthday.
While recently in Palm Springs,
Reader Challenge
California, I photographed the controversial 26-foot-tall, 34,300-pound statue of Marilyn Monroe created by the late American artist Seward Johnson.
As always, I considered various angles and times of day. Things look different in different light, and colors change rapidly— often within a few minutes or even seconds—as do shadows in the mornings and evenings.
I settled on a morning shot as the rising sunlight moved across the figure with a man walking past to offer scale, rather than midday with crowds doing selfies.
What project would interest you enough to study, explore, photograph and/or write about? Who or what are you curious about? I’ve often said, as long as you have any camera you should never get bored. I would need a dozen lifetimes to explore all of the people and places I am curious about. This is your chance, your license, your challenge to start today. Who knows where your curiosity might lead you? Maybe a gallery showing, a newspaper or magazine article? Maybe even a book?
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.
PHOTO
$5 Gold American Eagles at COST! It's that simple. These Government issued coins are the easiest and safest way to protect your money and your family! A 5 minute call can change everything. DON'T WAIT!
Nibblers Can Fight!
Sheepshead offer great sport for anglers of all ages
“Something keeps nibbling my bait off,” the young angler says. “Must be really tiny.”
“Might be larger than you think,” the experienced angler responds. “I have an idea.”
The older angler spots a small crab swimming past the dock and scoops it with a net. He hooks it on the young angler’s line.
“Don’t cast it,” the man says. “Just flip it several feet upstream so the tide washes it back under the dock next to the pilings. When you feel a slight weight on the line, set the hook.”
Moments later, the boy’s face lights up as the rod bends down. After a vigorous fight, he lands the biggest fish of his young life.
Sheepshead live in salty waters statewide. The Florida state record caught near Homosassa weighed 15 pounds, 2 ounces. These fish offer abundant opportunities for anyone to catch large fish without spending a fortune.
With powerful jaws and strong teeth, sheepshead snip barnacles off pilings and other hard objects to eat what’s inside. Any hard, barnacle-encrusted objects—such as reefs, jetties, dock and bridge pilings, and sunken boats—could hold sheepshead. People without boats catch sheepshead off seawalls, private docks and public piers.
Most people use live or fresh shrimp, but the fish also relish clams, squid and other morsels, preferring crustaceans. Sheepshead can’t resist grabbing a small crab, sometimes called “sheepshead candy.”
Hook a small blue crab through the shell by the rounded rear
swimmer fin so it can still move easily. A piece crab works as well.
Despite their strength, muscular jaws and teeth, sheepshead characteristically just nibble at baits. They can quickly strip baits from hooks or frustratingly snip meat without touching steel. Catching sheepshead almost means anticipating a strike by instinct.
Once hooked, sheepshead don’t slash and flash like speckled trout or make brutal runs like rampaging redfish. They rely on brute strength. The pugnacious, buck-toothed reef rulers hunker down in the most entangling cover, daring anyone to budge them.
Bridge and dock pilings make excellent places to catch sheepshead. Vertically drop bait as close as possible to a piling. Slowly raise the bait, and let it fall back down. If nothing hits at the bottom, crank it up a few feet. Keep trying different depths.
Although sheepshead prefer natural baits, they occasionally hit spoons, soft-plastic crab, or shrimp imitations and other artificial enticements. Around pilings, fly fishermen sight-cast feathery crab or shrimp simulations to sheepshead feeding next to the structures.
Fishing for sheepshead requires patience, but these pugnacious powerhouses make great targets for all anglers, especially young or novice ones. n
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.
PHOTOS BY JOHN N. FELSHER
Summer is the season we’ve all been waiting for. It’s 100 days of high dives, ball games and barbecues. It’s 100 ways to dress a burger, catch some shade or get out of town. It’s 100 chances to clear the calendar for what’s most important.
Every two seconds this summer, someone like you will need blood. Donating is quick and easy and,. like all good things this time of year, it’s worth celebrating.
What are your summer plans?
This summer, there are 100 chances to give hope. Choose your day to help save three lives. Donate blood.
Choose your day to give hope. redcrossblood.org
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
KEY WEST
May 1-8
Art From the Attic
An opening reception, exhibit and auction of donated original artwork support the missions of the Anne McKee Artists Fund and the Key West Woman’s Club. Rediscovered treasures and new-to-you art can be viewed and purchased online or at the Hellings Curry Museum at the Woman’s Club in Key West. mckeefund.org
PENSACOLA
May 2
Fiesta Pensacola 10K and 5K
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has fun options for everyone.
RAMROD KEY
May 2, 9 and 16
Open Air Market at Boondocks
Explore Boondocks Open Air Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (MM 27.5) with more than 20 local vendors offering handcrafted jewelry, art, fresh organic produce, tropical plants and flowers. There is also food, live music and the Keys’ largest tiki next to Boondocks Grille. Pets are welcome. boondocksfloridakeys.com; 305-872-4094
KEY WEST
May 4-5
Registration is officially open for the premier heritage road race in Northwest Florida and it’s the perfect way to close out your spring racing season. Held at 10000 College Blvd., this event delivers fast courses winding through the heart of Pensacola and finishing at the iconic Seville Quarter. Both courses are USATF certified, scenic and fast—perfect for racers of all levels. pensacolarunners.com
PENSACOLA
May 3
Glow Hours at Hugh’s Views
Enjoy breathtaking sunset views, vibrant art installations and live music from 6-8 p.m. at The Studios of Key West. Sip on refreshing drinks, unwind and soak in the island vibes. Don’t miss this unique evening escape in the Florida Keys. tskw.org; 305-296-0458
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in downtown Pensacola on Government Street in front of Seville Quarter. Festivities include live music, dancing, cultural performances and delicious Mexican food. latinomediainc.com/cinco-de-mayo-festival; 850-494-7899
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY MELIPOART
PENSACOLA
May 16
Pickles and Wings Family Festival
Experience a full day of flavor, fun and downtown energy from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at historic Seville Square. This family-friendly festival is set beneath Pensacola’s iconic oak trees and brings together bold pickle creations, wings in every style, live entertainment, contests, carnival-style games, and activities for all ages. pensacolafest.com; 850-941-4321
SILVER SPRINGS
May 16
Junior Ranger Jamboree
Celebrate Kids to Parks Day for a day of fun activities, park programs and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Silver Springs State Park. The Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program provides the opportunity for young people to learn, serve, and share Florida’s natural and cultural resources. Participants receive a free Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Kit with an opportunity to receive their official member ID cards and badges, and earn their official Junior Ranger patches. They can also work on guided activities toward their official Florida State Parks Junior Ranger pins. Park staff are available to guide Junior Rangers through fun, engaging and educational activities. The event is free, but parking is $2. floridastateparks.org/events/2026-junior-ranger-jamboree; 352-261-5840
PENSACOLA
May 16-17
Asian/Pacific American Festival
Enjoy a vibrant, family-friendly cultural celebration at the Fil-Am Cultural Center, 234 W. Oakfield Road. Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Asia and the Pacific—no passport or plane ticket required. This two-day festival celebrates the rich diversity, heritage, and traditions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities through food, art, music and cultural expression. filampcola.org; 850-637-5574
GULF COUNTY
May 23
James Mathis Memorial Bream Fishing Tournament and Fish Fry
Sponsored by Shaddai Shriners Directors Staff, the tournament is 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and $50 per boat. The fish fry starts at 2 p.m. Live musical guest Grace and Grit Band takes the stage from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Howard Creek Upper Landing. shaddaishriners.org; 850-763-6090
SEBRING
May 25
Memorial Day Ceremony
PANAMA CITY BEACH
May 30
Jam on the Coast 5K
The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Gulf Coast Jam for this annual event presented by Visit Panama City Beach. All runners receive a moisture wicking shirt, finisher medal and an exclusive coupon for Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam merchandise. The start/finish line is located at the gates of the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam and runs through Frank Brown Park and using Gayle’s Trails. runsignup.com/race/fl/panamacitybeach/jamonthecoast5k; 850-235-1159
Honor the memory of those gallant men and women who served their country protecting our seas, shores and air space from those attempting to deprive us of our freedom. The ceremony starts at 2 p.m. at Military Sea Services Museum.
863-385-0992
SEBRING
May 29
Heartland Peacemaker Paddle
Two-person buddy teams—a person with a disability and a friend from the Mason G. Smoak Foundation—paddle three giant Voyageur canoes starting at 8 a.m. at Veterans Beach Pavilion. Each team paddles 1,000 strokes to raise awareness for the organization’s programs. Become a sponsor through Ridge Area Arc, Mason G. Smoak Foundation and Removing the Barriers Initiative. bit.ly/4mBH4GZ; 863-417-5414
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 BABAROGA
PHOTO BY RALPH MITCHELL, UF IFAS EXTENSION
Buttonbush
A native plant on the fringe
To see a buttonbush flower and get a whiff of its scent is an experience. The flowers are also called pincushion flowers and look like an alien satellite—perfectly round with numerous spiky projections surrounding it with a corona of yellow anthers.
The fragrant flower scent reminds me of honey and is sweet and attractive to many pollinators. Not a plant for just anywhere in your landscape, its niche is on the fringe.
The buttonbush is an interesting native plant that is in flower right now where it grows best—on the fringe. By that I mean it grows best on the fringe of ponds and wetlands that may be part of your landscape. I also like to consider this plant on the fringe, as it is very flammable and best kept away from your home. Despite this, the button bush is a common and desirable plant that you may already have naturally in undeveloped parts of your property.
While the buttonbush is an approved Florida-friendly landscaping plant, it’s a perfect example of “right plant, right place.”
Being a wetland plant, the buttonbush is not drought tolerant. As it is very flammable, it should be kept at least 30 feet away from buildings in our wildfire-prone region as a safety measure.
Lastly, this shrub is toxic to people and domesticated animals. On the flip side, the buttonbush is an important plant for wildlife in consideration of food and cover. Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds go crazy over the rich flowers, supplying pollination in return for nectar and pollen.
Consider the buttonbush for boglike conditions best found within freshwater wetlands, adjacent to stormwater ponds, and in drainage areas. This woody shrub wants consistently wet soil and full sun or partial shade in an almost understory location. They have low to no salt tolerance, and in a typical landscape situation will require supplemental irrigation for best growth.
Growing upward to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, pruning can help keep this large shrub/small tree in bounds. The buttonbush will flower throughout the summer months with substantial—up to 1½ inches—round flowers.
Ralph Mitchell has served as the County Extension director and horticulture agent IV for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County since 2000. In this role, he oversees all county extension programs and staff while leading key horticulture initiatives, including the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Consumer and Commercial Horticulture, Florida-friendly landscaping and Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training. He is also a senior instructor for Florida’s Green Industries Best Management Practices program. Ralph lives in Port Charlotte with his wife of 39 years. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, natural history, archaeology and raising small animals.
Expect the buttonbush to be around for a good long time as specimens can survive for decades. Unless naturally growing in your landscape, sources for buttonbush are generally going to be limited to local or regional native nurseries.
The buttonbush is a unique native plant suitable for some sites in our region. Keep in mind its freshwater needs and capacity to do well on the fringe—perhaps a candidate for a difficult moist place in your landscape not suitable for any other woody plant.
Once you have located a buttonbush, take a deep whiff of the aroma and admire the floral display. You will be an instant fan.
Medically Essential Service
Do you or a member of your household have a medical dependence on electric-powered equipment?
If so, please certify the need for medically essential service.
If electric service for you or someone living in your home is medically essential, Glades Electric has a procedure in place to provide guidance in the disconnect process of members whose service is medically essential. To be designated as a medically essential service member, download the program certification form from our website or visit your local office.
Medically essential refers to medical dependance on electric-powered equipment that must be operated continuously or as circumstances require as specified by a physician, to avoid loss of life or immediate hospitalization. On an annual basis, Glades Electric will provide written notice to all members explaining the application and certification process for medically essential service.
Certification Process:
• Obtain a physician’s certification form at gladeselectric.com or a Glades Electric office.
• Certification requires the member to complete forms provided by Glades Electric and submit a form, completed by a physician licensed to practice in the State of Florida, stating in medical and non-medical terms why the electric service is medically essential.
• The need for medically essential service must be recertified every 12 months. Via regular mail, GEC will provide a package of recertification forms at least 30 days prior to expiration. All materials must be completed by 30 days after the expiration of the existing certification. If not, the certification of medically essential service may be terminated.
Medically Essential Service:
• Certification does not guarantee uninterrupted service.
• Certified members are responsible for backup equipment or power supply and a planned course of action, in the event of a power outage.
• Glades Electric will restore service as soon as possible, but cannot assure any preferential treatment in this process.
• In the event of a planned outage, Glades Electric will attempt to provide written or verbal notification of the service interruption.
• Members with certification for medically essential service are not exempt from paying their electric bill, as established by other policies and procedures.
Sign up for the Florida Special Needs Registry
The Florida Department of Health, in coordination with its county health departments and each local emergency management agency in the state, developed a registry for persons with special needs to register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a disaster. The statewide registry provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies.
You will also receive important information from local emergency management officials about evacuation and shelter options available to you.
To register, go to: snr.floridahealthresponse.com
For additional information, contact your local emergency management office.
Glades County: 863-946-6020
Hendry County: 863-674-5400
Highlands County: 863-385-1112
Okeechobee County: 863-763-3212
ENERGY SCAMS TIPS TO AVOID
If you receive a call from someone stating you have overpaid your energy bill and that you should provide your banking information or a credit card number to receive a refund, hang up because it’s likely a scam.
If you overpay your bill, your cooperative will apply the overpayment credit to your account balance or mail a check. They will not call and request your banking information to issue the refund.
Source: Utilities United Against Scams
Beyond
By Drew Woolley
If you’re in the market for major appliances, you’ve probably noticed the Energy Star logo. It may appear on the bright yellow EnergyGuide labels that make it easy to compare one model’s annual energy use to another’s, or as a blue label setting apart products that meet especially high energy-efficiency
Buying an Energy Star-certified appliance not only ensures your home saves energy and leaves a smaller environmental footprint, but it can also save you money in the long run.
The blue star is the standard, but how else can consumers make efficient choices?
federal rebates, looking for the Energy Star label is still the best way to be sure you’re investing in an efficient appliance that will lower your energy bill without sacrificing performance. But it isn’t the only way to keep track of how much energy your new purchase uses.
By the Numbers
Following are ways you can ensure you’re choosing the best new appliances and equipment for your home.
While the program has undergone some recent changes, including the sunsetting of
Many appliances in your home or on the market have efficiency benchmarks you can track on your own. Even if they aren’t conveniently displayed on a label, you can still compare them between different models, as long as you know what to look for. Here are just a few examples:
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. Heating and
cooling accounts for nearly half of the energy used in most homes, making it an area where greater efficiency can have the most noticeable impact. Much like cars have a miles-per-gallon rating, air conditioners and heat pumps have a seasonal energy-efficiency ratio. A higher SEER rating means a unit is more efficient and uses less energy over the course of a typical season.
In addition, your local electric utility may offer rebates of its own. Many have rebate pages on their websites where you can find forms to save on smart thermostats, efficient HVAC units, heat pumps and more.
You may also run into energy-efficiency ratios. While similar, SEER ratings measure average efficiency over an entire season, whereas EER ratings judge cooling capacity performance during peak periods of extreme hot temperatures.
Clothes washers. Similarly, the modified energy factor accounts for energy and hot water consumed during each wash cycle. It also accounts for how much moisture the washer leaves on clothes for a dryer to remove. The higher the MEF, the more efficient it is.
If you’re concerned about water use, the water factor is also worth keeping an eye on. Windows. As one of the largest sources of heat gain and loss in a home, the efficiency of windows can’t be overlooked.
If you’re in the market to upgrade, keep an eye on the U-factor, which measures how well a window insulates, and the solar heat gain coefficient, which tells you how much heat the window lets through. Whether you prioritize U-factor or SHGC largely depends on your area’s climate and which direction the windows are facing.
In the market for something specific? Most major household products and appliances have efficiency ratings just like these. Visit the Department of Energy or Environmental Protection Agency’s websites for more information on which ones to look to as a guide for making your own energy-efficient purchase.
Ways to Save
Rebates through Energy Star may be a thing of the past, but there are still ways to get help with energy-efficient investments. Rebates established under the Inflation Reduction Act on the state level are still options, but availability depends on where you live. Some states have started offering their own point-of-sale or mail-in rebates, so be sure to check what is available in your area.
Even if direct rebates aren’t available, you may still be able to save by including efficient appliance purchases as part of a qualifying home improvement deductionwhen filing taxes.
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and Residential Clean Energy Credit expired Dec. 31, 2025, but there is still time to apply the credit to purchases made before that deadline. Some states continue to offer their own tax credits for energy-efficient investments, so be sure to check what is available where you live.
While buying an Energy Star-certified appliance may still be the easiest way to make efficient purchases for your home, it isn’t the only option. By paying extra attention to efficiency ratings for specific appliances and staying on top of rebates and tax incentives in your area, you can cut back on your upfront costs and energy bills over time.
What’s Behind the Star?
Whether it’s a label on your new appliance or a logo on the EnergyGuide label, Energy Star certification gives buyers confidence they’re investing in longterm savings. But what does that blue star actually mean?
Energy Star is a program established by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to help consumers find energyefficient products and reduce their impact on the environment.
To earn the certification, products must perform more efficiently than the average model while providing the same level of performance. But that isn’t where the process ends.
Each product is tested in EPA-recognized labs using standardized procedures to make sure it meets Energy Star requirements. Once testing is complete, a third-party certification group reviews and verifies it before a product gets the Energy Star label. Earning that certification still isn’t the end. The EPA conducts random, off-the-shelf testing of Energy Star products to make sure they still meet those high standards. If a product fails one of these verification tests, it may ultimately be disqualified and lose Energy Star certification.
From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space. Submit your photo by emailing a JPEG to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
GL 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 next monthly board meeting is at 9 a.m. May 28 at Moore Haven headquarters. Any changes are posted in the lobby of both district offices.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Michael Roberge, Chief Executive Officer
Renee Bass, Chief Administrative Officer
Courtney Brown, Chief Personnel Officer
Jennifer Koukos, Chief Communications Officer
Jennifer Manning, Chief Financial Officer
Understanding Your Electric Bill
Last month, I discussed how rates are established. This month, we’ll dig a bit deeper into the components of the rates on your bills, what they mean and how they fit into our overall cost recovery process.
Grab your bill or access a PDF of it on SmartHub under Bill & Pay, then Billing History, and let’s get started.
First, check out the Energy Snapshot section on the front of the billing statement. This bar graph allows you to visually compare your monthly use for the past 13 months. It also shows your average use in kilowatt-hours, or kWh, and cost per day for the most recent month.
Next, on the top of the back of the billing statement, you will find the number of billing days, total kWh used and the monthly peak demand created. As you scroll down the page, you will see the Account Summary section, where the charges are laid out.
Presently, we only have our energy-based (per-kWh) charges and base charge, which is a fixed monthly minimum charge. The monthly base charge is intended to recover basic system costs for each account, independent of energy consumption.
The per-kWh charges are volume-based charges assessed via an “inclining block” rate design feature. The first 1,000 kWh are charged at a rate that increases at 1,001 kWh. The rate is designed to recover more system-related costs that are more than the average member needs or uses.
The Power Cost Adjustment charge is designed to account for wholesale power cost (Seminole Electric) fluctuations. This factor may change—positive or negative—on a quarterly basis depending on how the cost of sales compares to budget estimates and cost projections.
The last energy-based charge is the TIER Tracker component. This functions just like wholesale cost adjustment factor, only it’s driven by Glades Electric’s actual cost components for infrastructure and operations.
One item you are not directly charged for is our peak demand, measured in kilowatts, which is shown above the Account Summary for your reference.
Demand is the term we use to describe the maximum amount of electricity use over a short time, 15-60 minutes. The unit of measure is kilowatts. In simplified terms, demand is created by how many appliances, motors, pumps, light, etc., we use at the same time. End-users create their demand by the simultaneous use of devices. The utility network must be able to supply that demand seamlessly and in real-time.
For explanations of the bill components that you can easily reference at any time, visit gladeselectric.com. Navigate to the Account & Billing tab, then select Understanding Your GEC Bill.
Next month, we will talk about something much more fun—storm preparations! Stay safe, and have a great month.
Mike Roberge