Courtney Evans, right, has her face painted at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s
MEET ATTO SPORT
Where engineering excellence meets sleek design - a lightweight, safe, customizable, and stylish scooter for UNLIMITED FREEDOM. Numerous scooters with various features and capabilities are on the market, making it crucial to select the one that best suits your requirements.
How did Anna start to enjoy life to the fullest?
At the age of 56, a back operation left me dependent on a cane, significantly impacting my daily life. Simple tasks like going to the store or meeting friends became challenging, and I even had to cancel a long-awaited anniversary trip to Italy.
Airline approved. Spacious legroom, comfortable seat
My husband purchased a scooter for me, but it was cumbersome and uncomfortable for everyday use, leaving me feeling more constrained than liberated. However, everything changed when I came across the ATTO SPORT. This remarkable scooter proved to be a game changer. Not only is it robust and reliable, but it also conveniently splits into two pieces, allowing me to effortlessly lift it into my car trunk on my own. I was even able to stow it in the overhead compartment on the plane, enabling us to finally take that trip to Italy! I am now independent once more, able to go wherever I please and do so with a striking sense of style. In fact, I now find that my husband struggles to keep up with me!
CRUISES ROAD TRIPS FLIGHTS
What makes ATTO so unique?
Independence and convenience: Easy to use and conveniently folds into a compact suitcase size for simple storage. It easily separates into two parts in seconds, with the heaviest piece weighing just 37 pounds, making it easier to lift into your car trunk.
Go anywhere: Conquer any terrain with puncture-proof, shock-absorbing tires and a 4-inch ground clearance. Equipped with electronic stability control for added safety on descents and turns, it is also flight-approved, ideal for air travel and cruise ships. With a driving range of up to 12.5 miles (25 miles with the XL battery), a top speed of 6.2 MPH, and a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, this durable scooter is designed for longevity.
Top-Notch Engineering: Guaranteeing both comfort and durability, this scooter offers ample legroom and a big comfortable seat. The ATTO is super portable and lightweight, and still rides like a heavy-duty scooter.
Unmatched Stylish Design: You deserve a mobility solution that doesn't just get you from A to B but makes you feel great while doing so. ATTO stands out from the crowd with its stunning design.
Splits into 2 lightweight parts for easy lifting
Folds in 3 seconds, rolls like a trolley suitcase
Florida Currents
April 2026 • Volume 15, No. 6
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, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
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., Ste. 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.
If your energy use seems out of the ordinary, consider an energy audit.
This can help you uncover sources of wasted energy like air leaks and insulation problems. Whether you choose a professional inspection or the DIY route, an energy audit is the first step toward a more energy-efficient home, with more savings down the road.
Keep your home as strong as our grid. Ask about an energy audit today.
www.gcec.com
Naval aviator lands in Milton and immediately hits the trail Up Close, Page 10
May 3, 2025
The 77th Annual Meeting of the members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc. was convened at the Headquarters Building in Wewahitchka, Florida, on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
A special flag-raising ceremony was conducted at 9 a.m. The ceremony was performed by GCEC employees Frankie Bailey, who is a veteran, Matthew Fleming, Hunter Jenks, Logan Joyner, Kaleb Shiver and Levi Smith. Other veteran employees and board members were Mark Boon, Lonnie Perry, Justin Suber, Jeremy Leno, Kane Cox, Pat Floyd, Jimmy Black, Rupert Brown and Robert Byrd.
win a free surge protector and electric grill; the Wewahitchka Ambulance Service booth for a free blood pressure check; and the new headquarters facility information booth.
The meeting was called to order at 9:15 a.m. by CEO and General Manager John Bartley, who welcomed everyone to the 77th Annual Members’ Meeting. Mr. Bartley shared that for 84 years, the member-owners have trusted the cooperative to energize their homes and ways of life. He stated the annual meeting is a celebration for the member-owners to enjoy good food, good music and, most of all, good fellowship.
The invocation was given by Joey Smith, pastor of Glad Tidings Assembly of God, and the Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance were presented by the Port Saint Joe High School NJROTC.
Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Douglas presented the following announcements:
• Vittles catered the event, serving hamburgers, chicken tender sliders, hot dogs, fries and Pepsi products. The complimentary lunch was provided by GCEC.
Minutes of the 2025 ANNUAL MEMBERS’ MEETING
ratification of board actions from April 27, 2024, through May 2, 2025.
• She also announced the children’s bounce house, bucket truck rides, face painting, photo booth and the safety trailer.
• She asked that everyone drop off their prize tickets at the front table by the stage and pick up an agenda and a free GCEC hand fan.
Douglas introduced the band Grace and Grit, which provided entertainment for the annual meeting.
Following the entertainment, there was a short break, and Douglas reminded the members to visit the food booth, as well as the displays and booths set up in the conference room. Douglas made a last call for prize ticket drop-off before starting the door prize giveaway portion of the meeting.
• Douglas encouraged the members to visit the Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative products and services booth to enter to
Douglas then asked attorney Pat Floyd to take the podium. Floyd announced a quorum of members was met for the cooperative’s 2025 annual meeting. He exhibited a copy of the annual meeting notice and announced to the membership, as required by the bylaws, that certification and verification of the official notice of the annual meeting had been mailed to the members.
Floyd asked for a motion to adopt the minutes from last year’s annual meeting. The motion was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Floyd called for any unfinished business, and there was none. He then called for any new business, and there was none.
Floyd then announced the election results as follows: 3,583 members voted “yes” for the reelection of District I directors, and there was 97% approval for
Floyd presented the minutes from the nominating committee, which met Monday evening, Feb. 10, 2025. Nominations were presented by the committee as follows:
• District I, Group 1 – Betty Moore
• District I, Group 2 – Dwight Van Lierop
• District I, Group 3 – Pat Pitts
Since there was no opposition, Floyd asked for and received a motion and second to elect Betty Moore, District I, Group 1; Dwight Van Lierop, District I, Group 2; and Pat Pitts, District I, Group 3 for three-year terms. The motion passed by an affirmative vote of the members.
Bartley then announced each member of the board of trustees and told which areas they represented.
Douglas then came forward to recognize and present plants to the oldest person present, Elfriede Harrell, 96 years old; youngest person present, Tinsleigh Grace Suber, 2 months old; the couple married the longest, Carolyn and Willard Watson, 67 years; and the couple married the shortest time, Mindy and Joe Danford, one month.
Bartley then gave the manager’s report.
Bartley stated that attending the co-op’s annual meeting is truly seeing democracy in action. He thanked the members for their participation in the election. GCEC had more than 3,600 members—roughly 19.86% of its membership—take the time to mail in their ballots or cast their votes online. Bartley announced that those members who took the time to vote were entered into drawings for gift cards, bill credits and the grand prizes, including a retired GCE Ford truck. He also reminded everyone that every member who took the
time to vote would receive a $5 bill credit. Bartley said the cooperative was proud to offer these prizes to its membership in appreciation of their participation.
Bartley shared the scholarship winners would be announced later in the program. Twenty high school seniors from multiple high schools applied for and won $1,000 scholarships that may be used to continue their educations at a college, university or technical school of their choice. He said the cooperative was delighted to assist these students and thanked them and their families for attending the meeting.
Bartley said shortly before last year's annual meeting, GCEC acquired the former Dixie Dandy property adjacent to the Wewahitchka office, which will be used as warehouse space. The building was retrofitted to use as additional warehouse, necessary to house materials needed for rapid growth in the service territory, now and in the future. He said the warehouse space is also used to store materials for rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base.
Bartley announced that the cooperative continues the more than 50-year tradition of recognizing great students through the Rural Electric Youth Tour program. He said earlier this year, local high school guidance counselors and civic organization representatives nominated high school juniors to compete for a chance to travel to Washington, D.C., this summer. In February, all students nominated traveled to Tallahassee for the state Youth Tour. Bartley said that following the Tallahassee trip, the cooperative held its Youth Tour competition, and this year’s winners are Kelsey Fields, of Bay High School, and Izzie Shealy, of Wewahitchka High School. Bartley said the cooperative was proud to have these students representing the co-op in Washington this year.
Additionally, Bartley said GCEC has been working with engineers and contractors to determine the most cost-effective way to repair or rebuild headquarters in Wewahitchka. After much research, it was determined that it is more cost-effective to construct a new building than to repair the existing structures. He said there were many factors taken into consideration when making this decision. First, GCEC considered the cost to repair roof damage due to Hurricane Michael, as well as the cost of bringing current headquarters up to current building codes. He shared that the headquarters were built in 1956 and has expanded three times.
Bartley thanked management and employees for a job well done during the past year. He let the members know that day or night, rain or shine, calm or storm, the cooperative’s employees work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to keep member homes comfortable and energized. Bartley said the cooperative was lucky to have such incredible people working behind the scenes to power homes, businesses and communities. He said that whatever comes our way, the cooperative’s employees and board are here to keep the power on and serve members. He reminded members that employees and board members were dressed in logoed blue shirts and encouraged anyone who needed help to let a staff member or board member know.
electric and water distribution systems at Tyndall Air Force Base commenced. He said the cooperative has completed several water and electric projects, including replacing aging infrastructure. This contract has given the cooperative the opportunity to hire more employees and help stimulate local economies by buying materials and expanding the co-op.
Bartley explained that drainage issues continue to be a problem regardless of repeated repairs. In addition to damage, GCEC has outgrown its current office and, at present, there is need for approximately 10 more offices. Bartley shared, with safety being a No. 1 priority at GCEC, constructing a building with proper safety features will help ensure the safety of members and employees. Bartley said when all these factors were taken into consideration, it was determined that constructing a new facility would be the best use of cooperative resources. Construction begins this summer, and it is expected the building of the new office will be completed in the fall of next year.
Bartley said that having proper office and warehouse facilities ensures GCEC can continue delivering a stellar level of service to members, including residential, commercial and Department of Defense.
Bartley shared that in 2011, GCEC’s 50-year contract to own and maintain the
Bartley said the cooperative’s primary duty is helping Tyndall Air Force Base fulfill its mission to recover and rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Michael. Supporting Tyndall, he said, is not only a job but also a great honor, as the co-op directly contributes to the security of our country and supports our freedom. Bartley stated the cooperative was proud to be part of “Team Tyndall.”
Bartley shared safety training is held at least once a month for all GCEC employees and that the cooperative is also committed to safety training for the community. Bartley announced that members could watch demonstrations using the live line trailer, built by cooperative employees, which is taken to local schools, festivals and training sessions to educate members.
Bartley shared that GCEC has 100% participation on behalf of its employees and trustees in America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC, formerly known as the Action Committee for Rural Electrification, or ACRE. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s federal political action committee supports candidates for the U.S. House and Senate— those in office now and those running for office—who will speak for and protect the interests of electric cooperatives and their consumer-owners.
Bartley said GCEC member-owners have the opportunity to be active in this political action committee and encouraged all to stop by the co-op’s booth in the conference room and sign up if they have not already done so.
Bartley said that the cooperative’s mission is to deliver safe, affordable and
Continues on Page 6
GULF COAST ELECTRIC
Meeting Minutes
Continued from Page 5
reliable power, and one way the cooperative ensures reliability is through its right-of-way program. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with electric service and cause a potentially dangerous situation. It is vital that vegetation be cleared from power lines to maintain reliable electric service and prevent hazards.
Bartley reminded members that federal law states it is GCEC’s responsibility to eliminate hazardous conditions. He said the co-op does its best to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights of way and asked members to mark anything buried underground that might be harmed by trucks and heavy equipment. He reminded members that the cooperative needs access to fenced-in areas and thanked them for their patience and understanding.
He thanked the members for the opportunity to serve and for their time and attention at the meeting.
Douglas returned to the podium to announce the 2025 GCEC scholarship winners:
• Dillon Adams
• Ashlyn Ake
• Cade Creamer
• Keersten Easter
• Isabella Franz
• Kiersten Garcia
• Taylor Hollis
Bartley reminded members about the various ways to do business with the co-op: lobbies, drive-thrus, phone, drop boxes, website and app. The GCEC app is available from the App Store for iPhone users and from Google Play for Android users. He said the app offers many convenient features, including the ability to view and pay your bill, and report outages.
He noted that GCEC payments are accepted at retailers such as CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General and Family Dollar. He directed members to gcec.sedccheckout.com to begin the process.
Bartley reminded members about various rebate programs available for certain purchases, such as electric vehicles, HVAC systems and water heaters. He also reminded them about products such as GenerLink, meter poles and surge protection. He directed members to Shannon Hill in the conference room for more information.
On behalf of the cooperative employees and board, Bartley invited the members to enjoy the annual meeting.
• Jeanette Scroggins
• Charles Scott
• Brenda Pumphery
• Robert Batyski
• James Grizzard
• Elizabeth Anne Oaks
• Brenda Malcolm
• Jason Franzese
• Bettie Fry
• John Plitsas
• Jodi Elko
• Guy Ammerman
• Kendall Hawkins
• Lauren Holmes
• Abbi Hoover
• Karlee McLean
• Channing Morgan
• Macaul Norton
• Alexandrea Prescott
• Emily Grace Rollins
• Bryceson Roney
• Sunny Shearer
• Eden Winckler
• Christopher Steven Woodford
Douglas concluded with the drawing for gift card winners, bill credit winners and grand prize winner.
The $50 gift card winners were:
• Jasmine Miles
• Avis Elaine McGill
• Kim Portivent
• Kari Summers
• Michael Linton
• Daisy Price
• Dorris Wayne Forehand
• Wilma Thomas
• John Paul
• Larry Miller
• Gary Herrschaft
The $100 bill credit winners were:
• Steven Dever
• Linda Sale
• Lolita Beech
• Diane Pierett
• Rudy Watts
• Whitehead Williodean
• Catherine Denise Lee
• Christian Baldwin
• Tanya Pitts
• David Stults
• Prayer Chainers Mission
• Shelby White
• James Riley
• Kevin Clements
• James Miller
• Pat Forehand
• Rebecca Ribbing
• Johnny & Wanda Skipper
• Eva Morrell
• Mark Isenberg
• Timothy Wayne Saltsman
• Jesse Tucher
• Thomas Parker
• Marie Hall
• Jill Bushnell
• Carl Stadtmiller
The winner of the grill was Pat Wynn, and winner of the surge protector was Bob Sanders. Stephen Saade won the drawing for the GCEC pickup truck.
There being no further business, the 77th annual meeting of the members was adjourned at noon.
BY: President ATTEST: Secretary
Minutes of the Nominating Committee of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, Inc.
The Nominating Committee appointed by the Board of Trustees of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc., met on Monday evening, Feb. 9, 2026, at the office of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, Inc., in Wewahitchka, Florida, at 6 p.m.
The following members were present: Joe Lilly, Tammy Lovrekovic, Charles Laird, Charlie Brown, Dave Davis, Charles Borders, Brittany Blankenship, Doyle Daniels and Melissa Bush. Also attending were Attorney Pat Floyd and Executive Secretary Angie Morris.
Mr. Floyd welcomed everyone and thanked each member for serving on the Nominating Committee for 2025. He presented the process of making nominations and the qualifications for serving on the committee. Each member stated they understood and met the requirements. He advised the committee they would be nominating persons for trustees from District II, Groups 1, 2 and 3.
Mr. Floyd advised that the next order of business was to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson of the Nominating Committee. Mr. Floyd asked for nominations for chairperson. Mr. Borders nominated Mrs. Lovrekovic, seconded by Mr. Lilly. There were no other nominations, and Mr. Lilly moved the nominations cease. The committee unanimously elected Mrs. Lovrekovic to serve as chairperson for 2026.
Mr. Floyd called for nominations for vice chairperson. Mr. Borders nominated Mr. Lilly, and the motion was seconded by Mr. Laird. There were no other nominations, and Mr. Laird moved the nominations cease. The committee unanimously approved Mr. Lilly to serve as vice chairperson for 2026.
Mr. Floyd made the committee aware of three letters received, requesting the committee place their names in nomination. He asked the committee if they had received any other requests from cooperative members to be nominated for trustee of District II, Groups 1, 2 and 3. There were none.
Mr. Floyd stated that a request had been received from Mr. Carl Goodson, asking to be renominated for District II, Group 1; Mr. Pat Patterson, asking to be renominated for District II, Group 2; and Mr. Eddie Jones, asking to be nominated for District II, Group 3.
Mr. Borders made a motion to nominate Mr. Goodson for District II, Group 1; Mr. Patterson for District II, Group 2; and Mr. Jones for District II, Group 3. Mr. Lilly seconded the motion. After discussion, a vote was taken, and the committee unanimously accepted the directors’ request for nomination.
Mr. Borders made a motion to close all nominations; Mrs. Lovrekovic, seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Mr. Floyd advised the 2025 Nominating Committee minutes needed to be approved. Mr. Borders made the motion to approve the 2025 minutes, seconded by Mr. Daniels. A vote was taken, and the motion passed.
There being no further business, Mr. Borders made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lilly. The motion passed, and the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
You're Invited
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative's 78TH
ANNUAL
MEMBERS’ MEETING
9 a.m. CDT Saturday, May 2
Honeyville Community Center
240 Honeyville Park Drive, Wewahitchka
In addition to electing directors and hearing reports about your cooperative, watch informational presentations—such as the co-op’s safety trailer—and have a chance to win prizes, all while enjoying good food and entertainment.
Bring the family, meet and greet your neighbors and friends, and make your annual meeting a memorable moment. We look forward to seeing you there.
GULF COAST ELECTRIC
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS
Balance Sheet
Built Stronger. Lasts Longer. Looks Better.
Creating Community on Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Naval aviator landed in Milton and immediately hit the trail
By Colette Boehm
Walt Schumann traveled the world as a naval aviator. After training in Pensacola, the avid cyclist took his bike aboard ship each time he was deployed. As a result, the Michigan native pedaled along trails across the globe.
“I’ve ridden in Israel, Greece, Italy, Spain,” Walt says. “I always wanted to be in an area with cyclist trails.” That desire led him back to Northwest
Florida. For more than two decades, Walt has been a driving force in supporting Blackwater Heritage State Trail in Milton.
The 8.1-mile paved path was designated in 1999 as part of the Florida State Parks system and is the state’s westernmost Railto-Trail route. Blackwater Heritage winds through the historic town of Milton and into the surrounding rural landscape. It is popular with runners, walkers and birders, as well as cyclists, and a portion is designated for equestrian use.
All users can enjoy views from wooden bridges over several creeks and patches of native wildflowers along the way. There are several picnic areas on the trail, and access is easy from one of its five trailheads. The
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: Walt Schumann has been a Citizen Support Organization trail volunteer for more than 20 years. PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT SCHUMANN Lisa Riehl and Bob Wickhem, retirees from Wisconsin, choose their vacation destinations based on access to local trails. Local runners and walkers like the trail’s easy access and surrounding wilderness. PHOTOS BY COLETTE BOEHM
trail’s northern terminus joins the U.S. Navy’s 1.5-mile Military Heritage Trail, which ends at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
Getting Involved
The Blackwater Heritage Trail Citizen Support Organization, or CSO, was created to provide support to the trail. The nonprofit’s activities include promoting events and activities that generate trail recognition and use. One example of that is the annual Blackwater Heritage Trail Blazer Run, held each March. This year, the event drew more than 200 participants.
In addition to raising public awareness of the trail, CSO members spend a lot of time assisting with trail funding, construction and maintenance needs.
Shortly after moving to the area, Walt got involved with Leadership Santa Rosa. That program introduced him to the trail group. He has been involved ever since.
Walt says the CSO takes on any need identified on the trail, whether on its own or in support of the state park staff.
“Our CSO does it all,” he says. “I’ve planted trees. We sponsor different events throughout the year. I fundraise for the trail. All that canopy of trees, all those benches— that’s what we do. We are here to support whenever they need something.”
A Devoted Fanbase Word is out about the trail, and it appeals to a variety of users. Lisa Riehl and Bob
Wickhem are retirees from Wisconsin who enjoy traveling. They are members of an online group that shares information about the best paved bike paths in the country.
“That’s how we pick places to go,” Bob says. “We pick places with trails.”
They added the Blackwater trail to their list and, in March, explored it while spending two weeks in the area.
Errolyn, who just moved to the area from Texas, discovered the trail in March, too, when she ran it with a friend for the first time. For her, the easy access from local highways—combined with the feeling of being “away from it all” while on the trail—is compelling.
“Also, the width,” she says. “It’s very easy to share with other users.”
“We’d like to provide even more support,” he says.
That support, Walt says, results in connections that not only bring visitors from around the country, but build pride locally, too.
“When you go by it and look down the trail, you see all these people enjoying it,” he says, noting the resulting sense of community. “It goes right through town. It has connected this town.”
IF YOU GO
Blackwater River State Park offers many hiking trails. Four trails have paths through wooded areas and along riverbanks, from the half-mile Juniper Lake Nature Trail loop to the 8-mile Juniper Creek Trail.
While Walt still enjoys riding the trail, these days much of his time is devoted to supporting and improving it. He is vying for a grant to provide Americans with Disabilities Act-complaint access from a lower parking lot to the trail visitor center.
Other projects have included raising funds for projects ranging from weed eaters to a $75,000 comfort station with a composting toilet inside and a bike rack outside.
There is also an accessible boardwalk to a day-use area overlooking the banks of the Blackwater River.
Walt notes the group raised $1,500 to install two traffic counters. In many cases, he says, documenting use is important when seeking funding and grants.
Walt says they’re always soliciting volunteers. With more people involved in the CSO, more work can be done.
Annual events promote trail use and stewardship. PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT SCHUMANN
By Cheré Coen
Preserving the
Shipwrecks
Della Scott-Ireton received an unusual present for her high school graduation—a scuba diving class. That gift set the course for her life.
The Santa Rosa County native later earned degrees in anthropology and historical archaeology at the University of West Florida, along with a Ph.D. in anthropology from Florida State University. She’s since worked studying and preserving the thousands of shipwrecks lining the Florida coast.
“I married the two,” she says of diving and marine archaeology.
Della worked with Pensacola Shipwreck Survey, West Florida Historic Preservation, Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research and the
government of the Cayman Islands before joining Florida Public Archaeology Network in Pensacola, or FPAN. The organization is a UWF program working to conserve, study and promote the public’s understanding of Florida’s archaeological heritage. In addition to being an author on the subject, Della serves as associate director of FPAN.
“We basically do education and outreach around the state of Florida,” she says.
The outreach includes lectures, presentations, training and workshops to audiences ranging from children to park rangers. Shipwrecks are among the hot topics. One of the most unique aspects of Della’s work is helping develop 12 parks within Florida where scuba divers may
of Florida
visit underwater shipwreck sites. These “museums of the sea” showcase the history not only of the ships that once traversed the waterways in and around Florida, from
Della learned to scuba dive right after high school and is now part of Florida Public Archaeology Network. PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE GRINNAN FOR FLORIDA PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY NETWORK
Della Scott-Ireton
Native Americans to the present, but of the people who served them.
“The Gulf is an interesting body of water,” Della says. “It used to be called the Spanish Sea. It was used by Native Americans, British colonists and more. It was very much a crossroads.”
The Atlantic side saw its share of commerce throughout the Americas and Europe. Inland waterways moved cargo throughout Florida and the Southern states.
Many of those vessels that traveled through Florida remain—some shipwrecked in storms or disintegrated by neglect.
“The Florida shores are literally littered with our maritime past,” Della says.
Divers may download information on Florida’s shipwreck parks from the FPAN site to “know what it is they are looking at,” Della says. They can explore the
shipwrecks but cannot enter the vessels for safety reasons.
In addition to the sunken ships, divers may encounter a wealth of sea life, including Atlantic spadefish, grunts, Gulf flounder, angelfish, urchins and spotfin butterflyfish.
The vessels range from Spanish galleons from the 1700s to a decommissioned battleship sunk in 1921 to be used for target practice. Following is a sample
BELOW: Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve has 12 sites. PHOTO COURTESY
FLORIDA PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY NETWORK AND FLORIDA BUREAU OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH
of what divers may find in a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve Park.
The USS Massachusetts
Three Indiana-class coastal battleships were commissioned in the late 19th century for the new Steel Navy, some of the most powerful U.S. battleships of their time. Built in 1896, the USS Massachusetts was one of three, stretching more than 350 feet long with a beam of 69 feet.
LEFT: The Half Moon wreck lies between Key Biscayne and Virginia Key. PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE GRINNAN
Half Moon—originally named Germania—was one of the fastest sailing yachts of her time.
“At the time, the USS Massachusetts was the biggest, baddest ship,” Della says. “But by World War I, she became obsolete.”
The ship blockaded the Cuban ports of Cienfuegos and Santiago during the Spanish-American War and patrolled the Atlantic coast and eastern Caribbean after the war. Decommissioned in 1919 and stripped, the ship was towed to Pensacola in 1921, where the military used it for experimental artillery practice near the entrance to Pensacola Bay. She lay in the Gulf for years until Florida took possession in 1950.
“It’s been a favorite site,” Della says of the shipwreck. “It is beautiful, such a cool dive.”
Vamar
A patrol gun boat with a long history rests 3.7 nautical miles north of the Mexico Beach channel leading into St. Joseph Bay. Shifting cargo was blamed for the shipwreck, but mystery surrounds the 1942 incident, which occurred during World War II.
It was built in 1919 and originally christened Kilmarnock, then renamed Chelsea.
were saboteurs of war who intentionally sank the boat to block the channel. No evidence supported these claims, but the mystery remains.
Urca de Lima
In 1928, the ship carried Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd on his first expedition to Antarctica. Byrd upgraded the vessel and renamed the steamer Eleanor Bolling after his mother, Eleanor Bolling Byrd. It became the first metal-hulled vessel used in Antarctic waters. After its service, the ship returned to New York to much fanfare.
The ship’s fame diminished when it was later bought by Vamar Shipping Co. and renamed Vamar. Slipping into poor condition, she was used as a freighter.
Her last trip was March 19, 1942, when a Yugoslavian, Cuban and Spanish crew attempted to move lumber from St. Joseph Bay to Cuba. The top-heavy cargo forced the ship to list, then sink and eventually settle out of the channel while the crew made it back to town.
The Coast Guard investigated the sinking. Rumors ran rampant that the crew
Urca de Lima, owned by Spaniard Don Miguel de Lima, met its demise in 1715 from a hurricane, crashing along the Florida coast near present-day Fort Pierce. The 305-ton, Dutch-built vessel had little damage, and its cargo helped serve storm survivors from other ships. Spanish crews arrived from Havana and burned the ship to conceal her from the English, who also traveled along the Atlantic coast.
Salvagers in the 20th century hoped to discover treasure aboard the sunken ship, but they found nothing of value. In 2001, Urca de Lima became the first preserve of Florida’s Underwater Archaeological Preserve system and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Half Moon
This steel sail-powered German yacht built in 1908 was a wedding gift from Bertha Krupp—the Krupp family produced large artillery nicknamed “Big Bertha” in World War I—to her husband,
ABOVE: The crew of the USS Massachusetts gathers during its heyday.
RIGHT: Vamar’s wreck at the channel leading into St. Joseph Bay remains a mystery.
Count Gustav von Bohlen und Halbach. The 154-foot-long racing sailboat was one of the fastest of her day, winning the German Kaiser’s Cup and participating in other European races.
Originally named Germania, the sailboat arrived in England for the 1914 Cowes races at the start of World War I and was seized by the British. Her crew became the first German prisoners of the war.
The boat was later moved to New York and then Miami, where she was renamed Half Moon after the explorer Henry Hudson’s 17th-century ship and used as a floating saloon until she sank in the early 1930s.
She rests between Key Biscayne and Virginia Key.
Regina
Regina was a steel steamer built in 1904 in Belfast, Ireland, for one service: to move molasses from the Caribbean to ports in the United States for use by rum and animal feed manufacturers.
Later converted to a tanker barge, the ship—nicknamed “Sugar Barge”—was on her way to New Orleans in 1940 with more than 350,000 gallons of molasses when a cold front forced her into Tampa
Shipwreck Myths
Stories abound of pirates patrolling the Florida coast and burying their treasures, but Della Scott-Ireton, associate director of Florida Public Archaeology Network in Pensacola, insists that isn’t true.
“Why would a pirate bury his treasure?” she asks with a laugh.
Another myth is that divers who find shipwrecks own the discovery.
Bay. Her tow lines broke in the storm, and Regina drifted toward Anna Maria Island, breaking apart on a sandbar off Bradenton Beach.
Residents on the island, the St. Petersburg Coast Guard and a Coast Guard seaplane arrived to help the crew, but weather prevented their rescue. One crew member who attempted to swim ashore, followed by his German shepherd, drowned in the process. A small dinghy reached the crew and capsized by the beach. Residents, linking hands, managed to bring the crew ashore.
The wreck of the Regina lies on the western side of Anna Maria Island, approximately 75 yards off the shore of Bradenton Beach.
City of Hawkinsville
Not all shipwrecks lie in salt water. The 19th-century coastal steamboat city of Hawkinsville—built in Georgia in 1896 for the Hawkinsville Deepwater Boat Lines—was used on the Suwannee River for the booming lumber industry and the construction of the rail bridge at Old Town.
She was abandoned in 1922 and now rests in shallow water on the western bank of the Suwanee River south of the railroad trestle at Old Town. Only advanced-level divers should explore her remains due to water conditions.
“They think that if it’s underwater, it’s up for grabs, and that’s just not true,” Della says. “All historic shipwrecks in U.S. waters are protected from salvage, unlawful disturbance or collecting of artifacts under the federal Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1988, as well as state law and, in some places, county and/or city ordinance.
Federal law gives ownership of historic shipwrecks to the states in whose waters they are located and charges those states to protect and manage the shipwrecks for the benefit of the people of that state.”
Much like finding an artifact on land, drivers who find a shipwreck in U.S. waters should contact the state archaeologist or the state historic preservation officer, Della says.
ABOVE: This 1921 photo shows the USS Massachusetts sunk off Pensacola for military target practice.
LEFT: Local residents rescue Regina’s crew from the shipwreck. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Root for Great Taste
TURN SWEET POTATOES INTO THE HEADLINER
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
1 tablespoon avocado or extra-virgin olive oil
½ yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, minced
2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
24-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
3 cups spinach, chopped
2 cups cooked brown or white rice, prepared to package instructions
1⁄3 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
Warm oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add onions, garlic and jalapeno. Saute for 3-5 minutes or until onions have softened. Add beans and 1 cup of water. Stir until well combined. Stir in diced tomatoes, sweet potato, cumin, chili powder and salt. Cook for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in spinach. Cook for another 5 minutes. Season chili to taste. Serve over rice, and garnish with cilantro.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY EVON J
Chorizo and Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into half-inch chunks
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Sea salt, plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Heat oven to 450 F.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
4 precooked chorizo links, diced into ½-inch pieces
4 cups kale, roughly chopped
10-ounce bag frozen cauliflower rice
4 large eggs
1 avocado thinly sliced
Cilantro, for garnish
Fresh lime juice, to taste
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place potatoes in a large bowl. Toss with one tablespoon oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Roast potatoes for 25 minutes or until browned and crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
While potatoes cook, prepare remaining components. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and add a tablespoon of oil. Add chorizo to skillet. Cook, stirring, until thoroughly browned. Remove to a plate, and cover to keep warm.
Lower heat to medium. Add kale. Saute and season with salt and pepper, then add to plate with chorizo. Saute cauliflower rice until just softened. Set aside. Add remaining oil to skillet. Cook eggs to preference, and season with salt and pepper. To assemble bowls, arrange layers of potatoes, chorizo, kale and rice. Top with avocado, lime juice and eggs. Garnish with cilantro.
Sweet Potato Taco Bowl
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1- to 2-inch cubes
Heat oven to 400 F.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
14-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn
Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, lime slices
In a small bowl, mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, oregano, garlic power, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Toss potatoes with vegetable oil and half the seasoning mixture from the small bowl, about 2 tablespoons. Bake for 15-20 minutes until tender and cooked through.
Meanwhile, cook beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. If necessary, drain any large quantities of fat from skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add beans, corn, tomatoes and remaining seasoning mixture. Toss to fully coat beans and beef with seasoning. Continue to cook until beans and corn are heated through. To serve, place a layer of potatoes in a bowl. Add beef, bean and corn mixture. Top with desired garnishes.
Potato Chowder
3 ounces thinly sliced pancetta
5 tablespoons butter, divided
1 cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped carrot
½ cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
2½ pounds medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
5 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup half-and-half, warmed
3 cups chopped fresh kale
Roasted pepitas
Minced fresh sage
Heat a Dutch oven to medium heat. Cook pancetta until browned and crisp, 4-5 minutes. Remove to a paper towellined plate.
Add 2 tablespoons butter, onion, carrot and celery to pot. Cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly browned, 9-10 minutes. Add garlic. Cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Transfer mixture to a bowl, and set aside.
Add remaining butter to pot. Stir in potatoes. Cook until slightly soft, 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in broth, salt, sage, thyme, paprika, red pepper, black pepper, cooked vegetable mixture and 2 tablespoons pancetta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Whisk about 1/4 cup of hot broth into half-and-half. Slowly add mixture to soup, stirring constantly. Stir in kale. Simmer until wilted, 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with remaining pancetta, pepitas and sage. Serve immediately.
Sweet Potato Parsnip Bisque
2 cups sweet potato cubes
2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
3 tablespoons grapeseed or coconut oil, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced 14-ounce can cannellini beans
Heat oven to 375 F.
2½ cups coconut milk
2 cups water
1 bouillon cube
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Fresh arugula, cilantro or parsley for garnish
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss potatoes and parsnips with 1½ tablespoons oil. Spread evenly on baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, until tender.
Once vegetables are cooked, heat remaining oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add garlic and ginger. Saute until garlic turns slightly golden. Add roasted vegetables and beans, reserving a handful for garnish.
Stir in coconut milk and water. Bring to a boil, then stir in bouillon. Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat. Stir in black and cayenne peppers. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Alternatively, allow soup to cool before transferring it to a blender and blending smooth.
Serve bisque garnished with herbs and reserved beans.
Sweet
NIKON D810 180mm lens ISO 100 f/6.3 at 1/1600
Making
Visual Music
By Dave LaBelle
Saying something more than once for emphasis is a powerful tool to get attention. It’s true with words, and it can be true with photographs.
While a poet might use repeating words or phrases, photographers and artists recognize the power of repeating forms—objects, lines, tones, shapes or actions—to produce patterns and rhythm.
Repeating tones, lines, shapes or actions in a photograph can produce a visual melody, just as repeating notes in a musical composition creates an audio melody.
For example, while one giant wind turbine alone on a hillside might be eye-catching, hundreds of them working side by side is a very different visual experience. It feels almost otherworldly.
Similarly, one elk walking alone through an open field can be beautiful and serene, but a herd of elk racing across that same field— hundreds of heads and legs kicking up dust or grass—creates a powerful pattern.
Repeating forms in a composition creates patterns and can make your photos come alive with visual music.
Reader Challenge
Slow down, make time to notice the patterns around you, from designs found in nature to human-made structures. See if you can capture an image that produces a visual harmony.
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.
The sun rises on wind turbines harnessing power in Palm Springs, California. The wind farm in the San Bernadino Mountains started as part of the wind rush of the 1980s and remains one of the most visible wind farms in the state. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
Primitive Powerhouses
The chartreuse spinnerbait landed outside the lily pads growing along the Withlacoochee River shoreline near Dunnellon. The angler slowly worked the bass lure, its blades flickering in the black water.
Suddenly, the lure disappeared as a huge green head engulfed it. The rod doubled over as the angler battled the catch, imagining a giant largemouth on the line. The reel screamed as the powerful fish fought against the drag until subdued. The angler landed the large, snakelike fish, but not the one he hoped to pull from this river.
Anglers derisively call them grinnel, cypress trout, mudfish and other names. Bowfin thrive in freshwater systems throughout the Sunshine State. The cylindrical fish with a huge head and a mouth full of small, but sharp teeth can exceed 3 feet in length and weigh more than 20 pounds. The Florida state record, once a world record, weighed 19 pounds and came from Lake Kissimmee.
A bowfin looks similar to an eel, but is thicker with greenishbrown scales. Bowfin date back at least to the Jurassic period about 150 million years ago. Considered a “living fossil,” these amazing fish witnessed the extinction of the dinosaurs and the giant Ice Age megafauna, yet they remain unchanged as the only surviving representative of their ancient order.
Their swim bladders serve as primitive lungs, allowing bowfins to breathe air and live practically anywhere. They often inhabit the most stagnant waters with little oxygen, but might even show up in the famous springs of Florida. Bowfins can live for long periods out of water if they keep moist. People sometimes find live ones in semidry ponds resembling little more than mud puddles. Farmers
‘Living fossils’ can still put up a spirited fight
even reported seeing them alive in soggy fields after floods.
Few people intentionally fish for them. Most anglers hold bowfins in contempt because of their notoriously unsavory table reputation. Bowfins also display a talent for mangling tackle and breaking lines, then swimming off with expensive lures.
Most anglers reluctantly catch them by accident while fishing for bass or something else. Bream, crappie and catfish anglers sometimes catch them when using live minnows, worms, shad or other natural baits. These voracious marauders eat almost anything including fish, insects, crawfish, frogs and small animals.
However, these prehistoric predators can put up a formidable fight. Bowfins might hit anything that could tempt bass, especially lures that mimic shad, bluegills or crawfish. These aggressive meateaters commonly strike spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft-plastic swimbaits that resemble baitfish or any lures giving off vibrations. They also like plastic worms and jigs dragged along the bottom.
Anyone venturing into the backwaters to tempt bowfins probably won’t see much competition. When other fish won’t cooperate, these remarkable survivors could create a memorable day, especially for young anglers enjoying tackle-busting, line-pulling fun.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. He’s written more than 3,500 articles on a wide variety of outdoor topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
A bowfin is pulled from the water. PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER
— Nancy R. Peoria, IL
Our Double-Spin Wind Spiral isn’t just a decoration — it’s a living sculpture. Two shimmering copper spirals move independently, creating a hypnotic dance of overlapping circles and swirling reflections. The moment the breeze stirs, the magic begins.
And here’s the secret: The inner spinner is completely separate from the outer spiral. That means double the motion. Double the shimmer. Double the impact. Even the faintest whisper of wind sets it gracefully turning, thanks to ultrasensitive swivel hooks.
No wind? No problem. The rich copper-plated strands catch the light beautifully even when still — a striking focal point for your garden, porch, or deck.
Hang it from a tree limb. A shepherd’s hook. Your front porch. Wherever it spins, guests will stop. Conversations will start. Compliments will follow.
Once it starts spinning, you won’t be able to look away.
Why You’ll Love It:
• Double independent spinning action
• Copper-plated for warm, glowing shimmer
• Ultra-sensitive — spins in the slightest breeze
• Unique kinetic garden art (10" x 11" plus 3" chain)
• Weather-durable for season after season of enjoyment
Double-Spin Wind Spiral $49* + $9.95 S & P
*Special price only for customers using
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has fun options for everyone.
ISLAMORADA
April 3-5
Afro Roots Fest
This festival has historically celebrated the influence Africa continues to have on music and furthers the mission of fostering an appreciation of arts and culture through education. It’s as much about root African culture as it is about the syncretism of it with Western cultural traditions. Enjoy live music, cultural performances and delicious cuisine celebrating African heritage at the Florida Keys Brewing Company. www.communityartsandculture.org/events
KEY WEST
April 4
Easter Egg Roll
Join in on the ninth year of the egg roll from 9-11 a.m. at the Truman Little White House. Register for the egg hunts at 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Enjoy arts and crafts, live music, refreshments, photos with the Easter Bunny and a commemorative wooden egg. The event is free for all ages. bit.ly/4sMyZB9; 305-294-9911
PENSACOLA
April 11
Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Walk
PENSACOLA
April 4, 11, 18 and 25
Palafox Market
Join us from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, to shop for farm-fresh produce, plants and baked goods from more than 200 local businesses while enjoying live music by the String Farm Band. The market is located at two historic downtown parks: Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on Palafox Street just north of Garden Street, and Plaza Ferdinand at Palafox and Government streets. www.palafoxmarket.com; 850-434-9095
KEY WEST
April 6
Puppy Pals Live
Part of the new Family Fun Series, this event features a diverse lineup of shows, carefully selected to entertain and inspire families at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. From shelters to showbiz, these pups perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Wesley Williams leads the puppies and audience through challenging and comical tricks. This is more than just a show. It’s a fun family experience. www.twstages.com/events-calendar/puppypalslive2026; 305-296-1520
This family event from 9 a.m. to noon at Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA is free, and walking is optional. The goal is to raise community awareness of a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that is progressive, has no cure and is difficult to diagnose. Among other things, Parkinson’s Disease causes tremors, slowness in movement and speech, stiffness, and lack of balance. The disease occurs when brain cells that make dopamine—a neurotransmitter that coordinates movement—stop working. It affects more than 1 million people in the United States and more than 10 million worldwide. On World Parkinson’s Disease Day, we’ll walk; learn more about the disease and its impact to self, family and community; share a light meal; and raise awareness within our community. To register, email lc121902@yahoo.com with your name, phone number and shirt size. Sign up by March 24 to receive a walk shirt. A donation is requested but not required. This donation will go toward the cost of T-shirts, food, drinks and other items needed to make this a successful event. 850-982-3309
PHOTO BY GRANT PAQUIN
MARATHON
April 11
7-Mile Bridge Run
Experience this scenic 7-mile course at 6:45 a.m. as you run across the Overseas Highway. This run is limited to 1,500 participants. The registration fee is $100. Register online. Packet pickup is April 10. Proceeds benefit children’s charities. www.7mbrun.com/race-day-details
PENSACOLA
April 11
Navy Federal 5K
Whether you run or walk, everyone is invited to participate in the 16th annual event. Early registration is open at a discounted rate of $18 for adults and $15 for youth, ages 5-13. Children 6 and younger can also participate in the Sammie Sprint, a free quarter-mile race around Plaza Ferdinand. Participation in this event benefits Vet’s Wish, a local foundation dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our military veterans by creating memorable experiences for them and their families. www.runsignup.com/Race/FL/Pensacola/NavyFederalCreditUnion5K; 888-842-6328
ISLAMORADA
April 16
Third Thursday Art Walk
Experience the vibrant Morada Way Arts & Cultural District Art Walk on Morada Way. Enjoy local art, food, live music and unique shops along a lively, walkable corridor. Join us for an unforgettable evening, celebrating creativity and community in paradise. www.moradaway.org/art-walk-info
ISLAMORADA
April 18
Swim Across America
The fifth annual open water swim in the Florida Keys is at Founders. Swimmers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to help us fight against cancer in the Florida Keys with the Miami Cancer Institute. Open water swims include 0.5-, 1- and 2-mile options with a kids splash available for younger participants. For those not in the Florida Keys but who still want to participate, a virtual option is available. A rolling start begins at 9:45 a.m., and post-event celebrations are at 11:30 a.m. Funds raised go to cancer research and patient care programs. Register online. Swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys
PENSACOLA
April 19
Coastal Cat Cafe Outdoor Market
Spend your Sunday strolling through this outdoor market filled with local vendors, vintage finds, sweet treats, coffee and cozy fall vibes—all just outside the Coastal Cat Cafe. The event is free. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or just want to spend the afternoon surrounded by cats, coffee and community—you won’t want to miss this one. www.coastalcatpcola.com/event-details/coastal-cat-cafe-outdoor-market-2; 850-359-1133
PANAMA CITY BEACH
April 4
Easter Egg Hunt
Bring your children for the annual Easter egg hunt put on by the city from 10 a.m. to noon in Frank Brown Park. Children 10 and younger are welcome to join in on the hunt. The Easter Bunny is also available for photos. 850-233-5070
PANAMA CITY BEACH
April 28
Spring into Sports
Bring your family and friends to the second annual Spring into Sports event from 9 a.m. to noon at Frank Brown Park. With a range of sports, activities and vendors, this event offers something for all ages. Enjoy a complimentary hot dog lunch prepared by the Optimist Club of the Beach and sodas provided by Buffalo Rock. The event is free. The playground, walking trails and picnic areas are also open for use.
www.pcbfl.gov/departments/parks-recreation-department; 850-233-5045
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 MARIA SBYTOVA
Landscape Solutions
for Soggy Spaces
Problem areas in the landscape are opportunities for creativity. With thoughtful plant selection and a bit of design know-how, even a soggy trouble spot in your lawn can be transformed. There are appealing alternatives to traditional turf that are well-suited for moist, poorly drained areas.
Many plants are naturally adapted to wet, poorly drained sites. Look to natural wetlands for an inspiring palette of colorful blooms and foliage. Many native plants thrive in moist soil and can bring beauty and resilience to challenging areas.
Blue flag iris (Iris virginica) is a native perennial that flourishes in wet conditions. With attractive blue flowers and upright, evergreen foliage, it’s an excellent choice for filling in persistently soggy spots.
Scarlet hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) is another standout native perennial. Reaching 3 to 7 feet tall and thriving in full sun to partial shade, it produces large, crimson flowers, 4 to 8 inches wide, throughout the summer. These dramatic blooms are highly attractive to pollinators and people alike.
A grouping of pink muhly grass offers another lowmaintenance option. This adaptable grass tolerates fluctuations in moisture from dry to wet and adds soft, airy plumes of pink in the fall.
For lower-growing options, consider mowable groundcovers. Sunshine mimosa thrives in wet soil, produces abundant pink puffball flowers and can be mowed, making it a practical choice for replacing sections of turf or blending into existing lawn areas.
If you prefer something larger, a single specimen shrub or grouping of shrubs can add structure to the landscape. Attractive native shrub options for moist sites include beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).
By choosing plants that naturally thrive in wet conditions, you can turn problem areas into functional features that support local ecosystems and reduce maintenance in the long run.
Terra Freeman is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping and Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Extension
St. Johns County. She provides education and outreach to support sustainable landscape practices across residential and commercial sectors. With more than 25 years of experience in horticulture, she is dedicated to helping communities protect Florida’s natural resources through science-based, environmentally responsible landscaping.
Hibiscus produces large, crimson flowers that grow 4 to 8 inches wide in summer. Not only do these blooms attract people, but pollinators are also drawn to them.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KAREN BROWN/UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Trading Post
For Rent
Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. 740-334-0341.
12 acres coastal Bermuda pasture. Irrigation available. 850-814-7015 or 850-814-6078.
For Sale
Burial plot. Kent Forest Lawn on 23rd Street in Panama City. 850-819-0639
Burial plot. Lot 85, Block G of Jehu Cemetery in Wewahitchka. Bill, 318-341-2924.
1975 Massey Ferguson 8100 diesel front loader tractor, runs. $5.5K OBO. Brenda, 850-624-8174. Leave message.
Miniature donkeys. Jacks and jennies; black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up. Make great pets. Also, standard donkeys. Betty, 850-899-7424.
Where imagination becomes reality. Woodworking, candles and collector wands. alivans.com
Book available through Amazon by local author: “A Guide Through the Ages of Childhood” by Audrey S. Brigman. Full of ideas for baby items needed, birthday gifts, senior year, etc.
Book available through Amazon by local author. “With All My Heart” features 80 remarkable stories of miracles and visions experienced by the author.
Miscellaneous
BCS Maintenance. Local handyman service can drywall, paint, pressure wash, etc. 850-624-9659
Kapua Kleans for your final interior cleanup, deep clean, residences, condos, rental properties. Steph, 850-704-2412. WJ Land Management. Florida licensed and insured. Forestry mulching, land clearing, culverts, fencing. Fast, free and reliable estimates. William, 850-628-4714; Tabatha, 850-628-4713.
The 850 Stump Grinder LLC. Free estimates, multistump discount, residential and commercial. Veteran-owned and -operated. 850-814-0720.
Carter’s Land Clearing and Mulching LLC. 850-527-4715.
Rachel’s Facials, Lashes and Brows now offers permanent makeup. Other services include ombre and powder brows, classic and foxy eyeliner, and aquarelle lip blushing. Discounts for military, law enforcement, educators and medical professionals. 2518C Highway 77, Lynn Haven. Rachelsflb.com or call 850-896-4855.
Koastal Home Repair LLC. Fencing, decks, painting, light tractor work, repair work and maintenance. Insured. 850-227-5509.
Handyman services. Painting, flooring, building repair, odds and ends. Free estimates and fully insured. TJ, 207-612-8255 or 207-578-1830.
Tree Be Gone. For all your tree needs, from trimming to complete removal. 850-819-9987.
Hamco Business Solutions is conveniently located in downtown Panama City with its warehouse in Lynn Haven. Hundreds of products at discounted prices, including receipt paper, ink cartridges, deli paper, kitchen paper and copy paper. Free, same-day delivery on most products. Shop local and save. Call for free quote, 850-942-5600.
Robert Smith Painting. Interior and exterior, sheetrock repairs, pressure washing. Free estimates. 850-227-4973.
SLR Farm & Landscaping. Lawn care, grass cutting, bush hogging, backhoe work. 706-575-4570 or 850-703-5321.
C&2 Electrical Services LLC. Residential and commercial electrician services. 850-899-8218 or 850-899-8217.
Eco-X LLC. Guided kayak/paddleboard ecotours on clear freshwater springs. Hike Florida trail segment #36. Private, primitive camping. Paddle, hike, camp. Your local guide to adventure. 850-326-9116.
Merchant Management Group is a local payments technology company based in Panama City, working with quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants and retail shops and specializing in the latest point-of-sale systems, including Tabit, OrderCounter and Clover. Have worked with hundreds of Gulf Coast businesses since 2004 and have an A+ rating with BBB. Schedule your demo, 850-747-0664.
Custom fences built on your property. Call David for your free estimate. 850-819-9987.
Real Estate
Four-bedroom, two-bath home in a quiet community. Open floor plan, yard ideal for gardening. Close to Bay County parks and recreation and Majette Park. Built in 2021. Twocar garage. More than 2,200 square feet. Call Steve at 303-618-8151.
FSBO: Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build. Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Underground utilities, deep well, many fruit trees. $69,900. 850-648-4214.
Half-acre corner lot. 850-639-2220.
Long, narrow parcel on northwest corner of Rish subdivision on south side of Wewhitchka. 11/2 miles from Land’s Landing. Property ID: 02174-011R. $19.9K. 850-819-0639
Three-bedroom, two-bath home on 1-acre lot on the Choctawhatchee River at Cedar Log Boat Ramp, 80 Old Creek Road, Ponce de Leon, FL 32455. Wayne, 850-373-7944; Jason, 850-258-1085.
Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE.
Please circle the category that applies: For Rent For Sale Real Estate Free
Miscellaneous Trade Wanted
Items:
Name:
Address:
City:
Phone:
Mail your ad to: Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; 9434 Highway 77; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com.
** Due to press deadlines, please expect up to 60 days from submission for your ad to appear.
Meet Your District II, Group 3 Trustee
Eddie Jones serves as the District II, Group 3 trustee, representing members in a portion of northern Gulf County.
Eddie is an honorary member of the Wewahitchka Volunteer Fire Department and a charter member of the Wewahitchka Lions Club. Eddie, now retired, worked 25 years for the transportation department of the Apalachicola Northern Railroad, with 24 of those years spent as an engineer.
Eddie and his wife, Sue, have two daughters, Kristin and Kelli. The Joneses have four grandchildren, Chase, Kendall, Cade and Karleigh. Eddie is an avid gardener, loves spending time with family and friends, and is Protestant by faith.
Eddie began serving on the GCEC Board of Trustees in 1995. While serving on the board, he earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director certification and Board Leadership Certification, and obtained and maintained his Director Gold Credentials since 2018. Throughout his tenure on the GCEC Board of Trustees, he has held the roles of board president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. He also served on the PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Board of Trustees and is currently serving on the Florida Electric Cooperative Association Board of Trustees.
OFFICIAL NOTICE
78TH ANNUAL MEMBERS’ MEETING
Pursuant to the provisions of the Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative bylaws, the 78th annual meeting is at 9 a.m. CDT Saturday, May 2, at the Honeyville Community Center in Wewahitchka. The purpose of the meeting is to act on the following matters:
1. Report of officers and the CEO/general manager.
2. Election of three trustees to serve three-year terms from the district and groups described below.
District 2: This district comprises Gulf County. It consists of three trustees: one from the Howard Creek-White City area and two from the remainder of Gulf County. Trustees must live in the group they represent:
Group 1. A resident of the Howard Creek-White City area, described as being the portion of Gulf County, Florida, lying south of the Township line dividing Township 6 South and 7 South.
Group 2. A resident of the remainder of Gulf County at large.
Group 3. A resident of the remainder of Gulf County at large.
3. Any other business that may properly come before the meeting.
Eddie Jones
District II map
2026 Residential Member Satisfaction Survey
At Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, our mission is to meet your needs while providing you reliable energy services at the lowest possible cost. But, in order for us to better serve you, we need a little feedback. That’s why we’re conducting the 2026 Residential Member Satisfaction Survey to find out more about our members and how to better serve you in the future.
GCEC has partnered with research firm Inside Information Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri, to conduct the survey online. Randomly-selected co-op members will receive postcards in the mail asking them to complete the survey. The online survey consists of various questions to measure a variety of satisfaction and service attributes intended to achieve an accurate gauge of the following:
• Member attitudes and perceptions toward the co-op
• Member satisfaction with and loyalty to the system
• Perception on energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental issues
• Potential opportunities for new product and service offerings
• Use of technology and personal communication opportunities (social media, texts, mobile apps, etc.)
• Demographics
During the course of the survey, our members’ responses to these questions will allow us to determine ways we can enhance our customer service to better suit your needs.
Rest assured that all information we gather during the survey are kept strictly confidential and are not shared with outside parties.
By participating in this short survey, you’ll help us learn more about your needs while assisting us in making important decisions about providing you reliable power and exceptional member service. After all, at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, our members are the owners, and we are here to serve you.
For questions about the 2026 Residential Member Satisfaction Survey, call 800-333-9392.
Youth Tour Winners Bound for D.C.
McKinley Cantwell and Emily Hutchins will represent Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative in Washington, D.C., at June’s annual Rural Electric Youth Tour. The two were selected in the cooperative’s recent competition. Laila Suber is the alternate.
The co-op sponsors the contest for high school juniors whose parents or guardians are GCEC members.
A panel of three judges from the electric cooperative industry interviews contestants. Two winners are chosen for an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they join seniors-to-be from across the United States for a tour of the nation’s capital.
Local civic organizations and high schools nominate students for the trip.
In February, GCEC took all nominated students on a two-day trip to Tallahassee, where they toured sites in the state capital with high school juniors representing electric co-ops from across the state.
“Youth Tour is a great opportunity for us to reward local students for being outstanding leaders in their communities,” GCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Douglas says.
The Rural Electric Youth Tour program started in 1957 when co-ops sent students to Washington, D.C., to work during the summer. By 1964, the program caught on, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association began to coordinate the effort. Since then, thousands of young people have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit our nation’s capital and learn about cooperatives and the nation’s government.
Two students and an alternate were chosen to represent GCEC at Youth Tour this summer in Washington, D.C. From left are McKinley Cantwell, Laila Suber, chosen as an alternate, and Emily Hutchins.
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.
Buffum in Fort Meade.
PHOTO BY CANDLER BONE
Photo © Patrick M. Rose
PICTURE A CHILD STRUGGLING WITH HUNGER. WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE? DO YOU IMAGINE A CERTAIN AGE, ETHNICITY OR PART OF THE COUNTRY? TRUTH IS CHILD HUNGER CAN BE HARD TO RECOGNIZE BECAUSE THE 1 IN 7 AMERICAN KIDS FACING IT CAN LOOK LIKE ANYONE ESPECIALLY ME. I WAS CREATED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FROM PHOTOS OF THE 11 MILLION KIDS STRUGGLING WITH HUNGER IN THIS COUNTRY. A FACE THAT CHALLENGES YOU TO SEE HUNGER IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT. I AM WHAT HUNGER LOOKS LIKE IN AMERICA LEARN MORE AT IAMHUNGERINAMERICA.ORG
.
OFFICES
637 Highway 22
P.O. Box 220
Wewahitchka, FL 32465
850-639-2216 or 800-333-9392
9434 Highway 77
Southport, FL 32409
850-265-3631
Outages: 800-568-3667
6243 E. Highway 98
Panama City, FL 32404
850-481-1188
www.gcec.com
CEO/GENERAL MANAGER
John Bartley
TRUSTEES
President Dwight Van Lierop
Vice President Betty Moore
Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Black
Rupert Brown
Robert Byrd
Carl Goodson
Eddie Jones
Pat Patterson
Patrick Pitts
Trustees normally meet at 12:30 p.m. CDT the third Tuesday of each month.
The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing costeffective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce.
Access your account and report power outages 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by using our app, logging on to gcec.com or calling any of our offices at the numbers listed above.
FL-154
Annual Meeting 2026: Please Vote
Your ballot for the 2026 Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative annual meeting should have arrived in your mailbox. The meeting is at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Honeyville Community Center, 240 Honeyville Park Drive in Wewahitchka.
GCEC members can participate in the democratic process by voting in one of the following ways:
• Online: Follow the instructions to place your vote on the secure website. Be sure to have your voting PIN, which is on the paper ballot in your election packet.
• Mail: Complete the ballot and return it in the postage-paid envelope included with your election materials. Your ballot is mailed to a third party that counts the votes on behalf of the cooperative. We do not have access to completed ballots.
In appreciation for your time, we credit $5 to your electric bill for participating. The cooperative will also work with the third party handling the election to randomly select 40 ballot PINs. Those members will receive $50 gifts card by mail.
Additionally, we select another 10 members at random to receive $100
electric bill credits.
The grand prize is a 2011 Ford F-150 pickup truck.
The election closes at 11:59 p.m. CDT April 22—10 days before the annual meeting— so please go online and vote before this time.
If voting by mail, please allow enough time for sufficient mail processing.
I encourage you to take part in the meeting. Each member has a voice in the operations of GCEC, and your voice needs to be heard. If you have questions, please contact us. We are happy to help at any of our locations listed on the left-hand side of the page.
As always, it is a pleasure to serve you.
Lineworker Appreciation Day
Our offices are closed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 17, as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day with all employees.
You may still access your account and report outages 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the following ways:
• Using our app. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Online at gcec.com.
• Calling any of our office phone numbers and using the automated system.
GCEC President’s Message
Dwight Van Lierop