Florida Currents
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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.
CRUISES ROAD TRIPS
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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!
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CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Valeri Saldanha Rosa; Sable Riley, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC;
David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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Wind and rain, tornado to hurricane, we are prepared for severe weather. We harden our system to help prevent outages. We keep vegetation trimmed to minimize debris. And we train–all year–to respond as quickly and safely as possible when a storm strikes. Rest assured, we’re ready.
www.gcec.com 800-333-9392
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
CEO JOHN BARTLEY’S ANNUAL ADDRESS TO GCEC MEMBERS
Good morning and welcome!
I would like to thank you for being here today for Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s 77th Annual Members’ Meeting. I’m your cooperative’s CEO and general manager, John Bartley.
For 84 years, all of you, our memberowners, have trusted us to energize your homes and your way of life. Although we call this our annual meeting, it is really a celebration for you, our member-owners, to enjoy good food, good music and, most of all, good fellowship.
Attending the co-op’s annual meeting is truly seeing your democracy in action. Thank you for your participation in our election. We had nearly 3,700 members— roughly 20% of our membership—take the time to mail in their ballots or to cast their votes online, and election results will be announced toward the conclusion of today’s meeting.
As you know, by casting your ballot, you were entered to win a gift card, an electric bill credit and the grand prize—a truck! We are proud to offer these prizes to our membership in appreciation of you taking the time to vote. And remember, every member who voted will receive a $5 bill credit!
Later this morning, we will also announce our scholarship winners. Today, we have 18 high school seniors from around our service territory joining us.
These students applied to win a $1,000 award that may be used to continue their education at a college, university or technical school. We are delighted to assist these students and thank them and their families for joining us today.
While we are on the subject of youth, I am pleased to announce that we are continuing the more than 50-year tradition of recognizing great students through the Rural Electric Youth Tour program. 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 our state Youth Tour. Following the Tallahassee trip, we held our Youth Tour competition, and this year’s winners are Kelsey Fields, of Bay High School, and Izzie Shealy, of Wewahitchka High School. We are proud to have them representing us in Washington this year.
I want to thank the management and employees for a job well done during the past year. Day or night, rain or shine, calm or storm, your cooperative employees work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep your homes comfortable and energized. We are lucky to have such incredible
people working behind the scenes to power our homes, businesses and communities. Through whatever comes our way, your cooperative’s employees and board are here to keep the power on and serve you, our members.
The cooperative has recently purchased a drone. Just one benefit of having a drone is being able to inspect lines more efficiently so that we can restore power more quickly. It is much faster to perform inspections by flying over our lines to identify fallen trees and lightning strikes than by using bucket trucks. You may see our drone out and about, and just know that it is one more way that we work to bring you quality, reliable service.
Last year, we acquired the vacant property adjacent to our headquarters office. Over the past year, we have retrofitted this building to be used as warehouse space. The additional warehouse space was necessary to house material needed for the rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base.
Additionally, we have been working with engineers and contractors to determine the most cost-effective way to repair or rebuild our headquarters here in Wewahitchka. After much research, it has been determined that it is more costeffective to construct a new building than to repair the existing structures.
Many factors were taken into
CEO John Bartley
GULF COAST ELECTRIC
“
Day or night, rain or shine, calm or storm, your cooperative employees work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep your homes comfortable and energized.”
JOHN BARTLEY, GULF COAST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CEO
consideration when making this decision. First, we had to consider the cost to repair roof damage, structural and foundational issues due to Hurricane Michael. We also had to consider the cost of bringing the current headquarters up to code. Our headquarters was built in 1956 and has been added onto three times.
To support our members, we need a building that will allow us to safely shelter in place during a storm event so we can immediately begin repairing our electric system to reenergize your homes and businesses. In addition to repairs, we have also outgrown the current office. There is a need for approximately 10 more offices.
With safety being a No. 1 priority here at GCEC, constructing a building that will implement the proper safety features will help ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our employees and our members safe. 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 will begin this summer, and it is expected that the new office will be completed in the fall of next year.
Having proper office and warehouse facilities ensures that we can continue delivering a stellar level of service to our members, including residential, commercial and the Department of Defense.
In 2011, GCEC’s 50-year contract to own and maintain the electric and water distribution systems at Tyndall Air Force Base commenced. We have completed many water and electric projects, including replacing aging infrastructure.
Today, our primary duty is helping Tyndall Air Force Base fulfill its mission to recover and rebuild from the devastation of
Hurricane Michael. Supporting Tyndall is not only our job; it is our great honor. Supporting the base of the future allows GCEC to directly contribute to the security of our great country and support our freedom. We are proud to be a part of Team Tyndall.
Safety training is held at least once a month for all GCEC employees and before every job. We are also committed to safety training for our community. Today, we have safety demonstrations using our live line demonstration trailer. We hope that you will take the time to attend one of the presentations. We are proud of this trailer, built by our employees, and enjoy taking it to local schools, festivals and training sessions to educate our members and keep them safe.
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 running for office—who will speak for and protect the interests of electric cooperatives and their consumer-owners.
Our employees have a mission: to deliver safe, affordable and reliable power. One way that we ensure reliability is through our right-of-way program. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a potentially dangerous situation. It is vital this vegetation be cleared from the power lines to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition.
We realize most property owners regard trees as an asset. However, federal law states it is GCEC’s responsibility to
eliminate hazardous conditions. The co-op tries to work with each landowner to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights of way. If we are trimming in your area, we ask that you please mark anything buried underground that can be harmed by our trucks and heavy equipment. Please be aware that we will need access to fenced-in areas. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to bring you quality, reliable service.
We know how busy everyone is these days. That’s why we offer a multitude of ways to do business with the co-op. Our lobbies and drive-thrus are open, and you can always reach a friendly cooperative employee over the phone during regular business hours. Don’t forget that our drop boxes, automated phone system and website are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for payments or for reporting power outages. And, if you haven’t downloaded our app, we encourage you to do so. It is available from the App Store for iPhone users and from Google Play for Android users. It offers a variety of convenient features, including the ability to view and pay your bill and to report an outage.
And don’t forget that if you can’t make it to one of our office locations, you can pay your bill at retailers such as CVS pharmacy, Dollar General and Family Dollar. Visit GCEC.sedccheckout.com to get started.
We are proud to offer rebate programs for electric vehicles, HVAC and water heaters, as well as products including GenerLink, meter poles and surge protection. For more information, please stop by the marketing booth in the conference room and speak to Shannon Hill.
On behalf of all your co-op employees and board here providing this great celebration for you, please enjoy our annual meeting, our celebration of you, our member-owners. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve all of you. Thank you again for your time and attention this morning.
the
77th Annual Meeting at
GCEC Congratulates Two on Promotions
Congratulations to Misty Waddleton, left, on her promotion to supervisor of member services. Her previous experience with Snapping Shoals EMC will serve her well in this leadership role. Shannon Newsome has been named business development specialist. She brings more than 17 years of experience at GCEC to her new role, which will focus on community outreach and member engagement.
GCEC Hires New Talent
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is pleased to welcome two new team members. Carly Dubernas, left, has joined the Tyndall group as contract administrator. She brings nearly a decade of experience working with the Defense Logistics Agency and the Tyndall contract. Konnie Pate has joined the Southport office as part of the member services team.
Saving Rare Breeds
Florida’s endangered farm animals find champions
By Les O’Dell
Livestock production in Florida is as diverse as the farmers, ranchers, shepherds and homesteaders who raise agricultural animals. From large commercial cattle and swine operations to families with a few rabbit hutches and a flock of chickens, the state boasts a wide range of livestock producers, all with their own reasons for raising the breeds they do.
For some Florida agriculturalists, one reason is conservation. These breeders choose less common varieties of animals for their farms and homesteads.
Known as heritage breeds, these traditional livestock breeds are a throwback to a time before industrial agriculture became a mainstream practice. According to The Livestock Conservancy, a North Carolina-based not-for-profit organization
working to promote and protect these animals, the breeds were carefully selected and bred over time to develop traits that made them well adapted to the local environment. They thrive under farming practices and cultural conditions that are very different from some found in modern agriculture.
Because of unique characteristics— such as slower rates of weight gain— these breeds fell out of favor with commercial producers, pushing some to the brink of extinction. Today, The Livestock Conservancy lists more than 180 agricultural breeds across 11 species—ranging from rabbits, ducks and geese to cattle, horses and pigs—on its Conservation Priority List an annual report ranking the danger of disappearance of each breed, classified from the most serious, or Critical, down to Threatened, Watch and Recovering. Based on these rankings, conservationists work to preserve these breeds.
Take Scott and Sherry Crossman, for example. On their Stafford’s Prairie Ranch near Williston, the couple raise Florida Cracker cattle, a breed listed as “Threatened” on the CPL. Descending
from Spanish cattle brought to North America in the 1500s, it is one of the oldest breeds in the United States. How the Crossmans came to select the breed—which is heat-tolerant, resistant to parasites and diseases, and thrives on lowquality grasslands—is a story itself. When purchasing the ranch, they discovered Sherry’s great-great-grandfather had owned the property in the mid-1800s and raised hundreds of Florida Cracker cattle there. The Crossmans chose to honor the legacy and have come to love the breed.
“As we studied the history of the Cracker cattle, we recognized the uniqueness of their genetic makeup and then, of course, the need to preserve those genes,” Scott says.
Other Florida breeders understand the importance of genetic preservation. Rick Blaney and Heidi Reinhardt have what they believe to be the world’s largest herd of critically endangered Galiceno horses at their Galicenos of Suwannee Horse Ranch near Live Oak. Although small in size compared to many equine breeds— Galicenos mature at 12-13.2 hands, or 48-54 inches—they are an intelligent and gentle breed, fully capable of carrying an
Sherry Crossman, of Stafford’s Prairie Ranch holds a Florida Cracker calf. PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT CROSSMAN
Florida Cracker cattle on Stafford’s Prairie Ranch near Williston.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE HOWELL JR.
Breeds
adult human with a smooth gait that is easy on the rider.
“These horses are unique,” Rick says. “They are descendants of the first horses brought to the new world by Columbus and Cortez. Plus, I have a long history of working with endangered species, and when I found out how endangered this breed was, it was a natural transition to focus on saving the genetics of this breed. That really caught my attention.”
Heidi says she loves the breed for other reasons.
“My adoration for this breed comes from their size, stature, stamina, personalities, varieties of solid colors and the ease with which I can train them,” she says.
The pair says their role goes beyond simply raising the horses.
“Our mission is saving the breed and educating people about them. This is such an important breed in history that people need to know about them,” Rick adds.
Paul Bradshaw, owner of Greenfire Farms in Midway, sells rare and vanishing varieties of chickens from around the world. His efforts have been responsible for doubling the number of chicken breeds in the United States, including several Conservation Priority List varieties, including Crevecouer (Watch), Icelandic (Threatened) and Spitzhauben (Watch).
He reports that Greenfire Farms has more than 1,000 birds representing more than four dozen breeds.
“Our basic thesis is that chickens are a vital source of animal protein globally, both with eggs and meat, but commercially, it is a very genetically limited and vulnerable population,” Paul says, adding that keeping living birds is key. “Unlike a seed bank or with mammals where you can freeze genetics, you can’t do that with chicken. You must have live chickens, so essentially, we have the biggest chicken gene bank in the world. If we don’t do that, we paint ourselves into a corner.”
Securing biodiversity and genetic resources are important for protecting these breeds, explains Alison Martin, program director for The Livestock Conservancy. However, many producers choose heritage animals because they want to make a difference.
“None of us has a crystal ball to see what the future of agriculture will look like,” she says. “This is about keeping these breeds around as a genetic reservoir.” She adds that these animals are key to food security. “If we didn’t have this diversity, eventually, we would narrow our food system down to where it wasn’t sustainable. There would be no backup.”
Paul puts it another way.
“The level of vulnerability we have when we have bred our animals into this genetic cul-de-sac becomes hard to escape,” he says. “This is one of those rare instances where an individual can really move the needle just by keeping a flock or herd. It’s a real opportunity for individuals to make a difference in their own backyard.”
The efforts are paying off. Since first establishing the Conservation Priority List 37 years ago, The Livestock Conservancy has not lost a breed to extinction. In fact, in the past dozen years, 12 breeds have “graduated” off the CPL, meaning those animal populations no longer need continual monitoring. In 2024, two breeds—Southdown sheep and Hereford pigs—graduated from the list, and 15 breeds were reclassified within the CPL’s four tiers, most in a positive direction.
For farmers, educators and conservationists, raising and promoting heritage breeds and their products is a labor of love.
More information about these animals and the Conservation Priority List can be found at livestockconservancy.org.
ABOVE: Cowcifer is a registered Florida Cracker owned by Alexia Mann near Perry. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXIA MANN
LEFT: Heidi Reinhardt greets two Galiceno mares. PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD BLANEY
Teaching Tallahassee to swim Legacy
By Theresa Sterling
Lanes in the
Malcolm Hosford works with a young swimmer at Leach Student Recreation Center at Florida State University.
PHOTO BY THERESA STERLING
A framed photo from the ’80s shows the sun glinting off Thomas DeCarr Hosford’s dark blonde hair as he sits on the edge of an outdoor pool, supporting a boy who is learning to swim.
Forty years and two knee replacements later, Thomas, who goes by Dickie, is still youthful and agile. He still teaches swimming and coaches the sport. He estimates he’s taught thousands of North Florida children to swim since those first lessons.
“With all of Florida’s shoreline, kids here should all know how to swim,” Dickie says. “If you fall in the water and you don’t know how to swim, you drown. Swimming will save your life. I don’t know of another sport as important or as lifesaving.”
The family’s Hosford Swim School is a Tallahassee institution. It began as a side gig while Dickie worked as a lifeguard and later as a pool manager at Capital City Country Club. Over time, it grew into a gold star swim lesson program open to all of Florida’s Big Bend families.
It Runs in the Family
He later served in Leon County schools for 37 years as a physical education teacher, swim coach and athletic director, all while teaching countless children, starting at age 2, how to swim.
Dickie maintained the pool for the 110-year-old Capital City Country Club, where his father once served as president. Eventually, Dickie’s sons served as lifeguards. His son, Malcolm, 43, now maintains the pool. After working alongside his father for years, Malcolm learned to patch, seal, paint and preserve the pool during dry months. It is an annual labor of love and duty—a new pool would cost the club millions of dollars. It cost $46,000 to build in 1958.
After teaching at the swim school for many years and watching his father coordinate the program the old-fashioned way, Malcolm took over in 2009 while he was studying at Florida State. Now, he runs Hosford Swim School.
“Malcolm really took it to a new level,” Dickie says. “All those years he watched me doing hand mailers, opening stacks of mail with paper registrations and tracking check payments, writing out schedules by hand. He really thought he could grow the school, streamline things and bring us into the 21st century, with social media and all. He really has done that.”
While a member of Florida State University’s swim team, Dickie earned a reputation not only as a competitive athlete but also as someone with a knack for working in the water with children.
Malcolm extended his teaching hours, and his wife, Lena, joined the team in 2013. She manages the swim school’s social media accounts, developed its logo and created a website, which crashed as soon as online registration went live due to the overwhelming volume of sign-ups.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Dickie Hosford goes airborne in his swim clown show during the annual summer send-off for families at Tallahassee’s Capital City Country Club in 1988. PHOTO COURTESY OF LULU HOSFORD. Eleven-year-old Dickie hangs off the diving board at Capital City Country Club in Tallahassee, in this photo by Dan Stainer for the Tallahassee Democrat, June 30, 1966. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA MEMORY, STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA. This framed photo of Dickie with two generations of Tallahassee swim students was a gift from the swimmers’ family.
PHOTO BY THERESA STERLING
Every season, Hosford Swim School instructors teach 2,000 people. Considering all the years Dickie ran the school on his own, easily 10 or 20 times that number of North Florida children have learned to swim through the Hosford program. They work with young children, teens and college students and have given specific lessons to adults planning to dive for shells on vacation. The waitlist is months long.
Malcolm’s bona fides include high school and NCAA AllAmerican titles, a swimming scholarship to Auburn University and a place on the Florida State University swim team. He was an Olympic Trial qualifier—twice—and coached Georgia’s Thomas University swim team for a few years. When he needed an assistant coach there, he tapped Dickie to join him. His first memory of swimming was with his mom, who gave swimming lessons at her mother’s school, Sutton’s Educational Day Care, in Tallahassee.
Malcolm balances his elite competitor side with a father’s gentle touch while working with young swimmers. He guides goggled heads through side-to-side breathing motions, and just as Dickie used age-appropriate language with the kids—saying “Be a chipmunk” instead of “Hold your breath,” for example, Malcolm does the same.
Student Recreation Center at Florida State University.
Dickie says the way Malcolm works with children comes naturally to him. Malcolm admits he loves kids and especially likes working with the scared ones because he can see their progress.
“I have always been around kids,” he says. “My mom ran a home day care, and my grandmother had the day care in Tallahassee for years. I learned a lot from my grandma because she had the tough love approach. With swimming, you have to bring that to the table because it’s a lifesaving skill before anything else. You have to not let a kid cry their way out of it or let a parent pull them out because they’re crying. It’s just too important.”
Lifesaving Lessons
These days, Hosford Swim School brings lessons and water safety skills to families in Leon County homes, country clubs and at Leach Recreation Center on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee.
Spencer Dalton, a mom of three whose youngest daughter, Reese, 5, is a student at Leach Center, sent her two older children to Hosford Swim School. Spencer, a native Floridian who grew up on the Atlantic Coast, says the peace of mind she and her husband feel, knowing her children learned to swim with Hosford, is invaluable.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Dickie and Malcolm take a break in the dry pool at Capital City Country Club. Malcolm works with a group of young swimmers at Leach
Malcolm now runs the swim school Dickie started. PHOTOS BY THERESA STERLING
“We are a water family,” Spencer says. “We are on our boat on the Gulf, Lake Talquin and the Apalachicola River. It’s important to us that our kids are confident around water, even water that isn’t a pool with steps—water out in nature.”
Peninsular Florida’s general coastline stretches 1,350 miles, and the tidal shoreline—exposed shore boundaries that fluctuate depending on tides—totals 2,276 miles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state ranked fourth in the United States for unintentional drowning deaths among all ages in 2021, and from 2019 to 2021 ranked the highest in the United States for unintentional drownings among children ages 1 to 4.
Roberta Cooper, Florida native and mom to 4-year-old Savannah, says basic swimming skills and comfort around water are essential for all families with children, whether or not they live near the coast.
“We don’t have a pool at home, but we travel and stay at hotels with pools,” Roberta says. “This is important just for basic safety.”
Austin Hosford, 38, the youngest of Dickie’s four sons, is a Jefferson County commissioner in rural Monticello, just east of Tallahassee, where he lives with his wife, Jessi, and their two children. Austin was a lifeguard at Capital City Country Club at age 16 and taught at the swim school, too.
Holding their 2-year-old son, Barrett, by the pool in their backyard, Jessi wondered aloud if the toddler is too young to start swim lessons this summer. Dickie gave professional advice and a strong grandfatherly opinion.
“With a pool in your backyard,” he said, “this summer he has to either learn respect for the pool or learn how to swim.”
What Dickie is most proud of, he says, is teaching so many kids the lifesaving skill of swimming, of opening doors for them to all the other water sports they may want to do. They are, after all, Floridians.
Learn more about Hosford Swim School at hosfordswimschool.org.
Water Safety
Drownings are one of the leading causes of child deaths in the state, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. The agency offers key tips for keeping children safe in and near the water.
Never go near the water without an adult. It’s important for young children to know the fun can’t begin until a “water watcher” is present. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, so someone keeping an eye on swimmers is a necessity. Make sure your child knows never to go near the water alone and always to have a swimming partner. Install barriers around your pool or hot tub, and remove any pool toys that could attract children to the water.
Wear a life jacket. Always wear a life jacket while in a boat, raft, inner tube or on a dock. If a child cannot swim or is an inexperienced swimmer, use a life jacket while in the water. Fit the jacket to keep the child’s head and face above water. Remember, life jackets only work when they are worn, so make sure your children get in the routine of putting one on every time they get near the water. Water wings and inflatable toys don’t provide the same support as a U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jacket.
Learn to swim. Swimming lessons can reduce drowning incidents, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children 4 and older learn to swim. Even if your child has taken swimming lessons, never assume their risk of drowning is over. To find swimming lessons in your area, contact your area YMCA, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, city facilities or a local swim school
ADOBE
STOCK PHOTO BY GATOR, OLEXANDRA SIMKINA
Four-year-old Savannah Cooper, right, waits her turn for one-on-one instruction.
Roll, Fold and Feast
TURN TO TORTILLAS
Easy Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas
2 8-inch flour tortillas
2 tablespoons tomato sauce (may substitute spaghetti, pizza or marinara sauce)
10 to 12 slices pepperoni
6 to 8 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
Butter
Additional tomato sauce
Spread tomato sauce evenly over entire tortilla in a thin layer. Add pepperoni, covering half of each tortilla.
Sprinkle the pepperoni with a layer of cheese. Fold over the top of the tortilla. Melt a bit of butter in a skillet. Place two quesadillas in the skillet. Cook 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat until lightly browned.
While the first side of the quesadilla is cooking, lightly butter the other side of each tortilla. Flip over the tortillas, and cook until the second side is browned. Remove the quesadillas from the pan. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice each tortilla into quarters or thirds. Serve with warm tomato sauce for dipping.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY CIRCLEPS
Fiesta Pinwheels
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup picante sauce
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Dash garlic powder
4.5-ounce can chopped olives, drained
4-ounce can chopped green chiles
1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup thinly sliced green onions
8 10-inch flour tortillas, warmed
Salsa
In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, picante sauce, taco seasoning and garlic powder until smooth. Stir in olives, chiles, cheese and onions. Spread about ½ cup on each tortilla. Roll up jelly-roll style.
Cover. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Slice into 1-inch pieces before serving with salsa.
Taco Lasagna Recipe
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16-ounce jar salsa, divided
12 8-inch corn or flour tortillas, divided
16 ounces sour cream, divided
16 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
Heat oven to 350 F. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate. Pour off any fat from the skillet.
Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil. Heat until shimmering. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Return the beef and any juices to the skillet. Add black beans, and stir to combine. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper. Stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour ¼ cup salsa into a 9-by-13 baking dish. Pour the remaining salsa into the skillet. Stir to combine.
To assemble the lasagna, spread out the salsa in the baking dish into a thin layer. Arrange four tortillas in a single layer on top of the salsa, overlapping them as needed. Dollop and spread ⅔ cup of the sour cream. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the sour cream. Spread in an even layer. Sprinkle with 1⅓ cups of cheese.
Repeat layering the following: four tortillas, ⅔ cup sour cream, the remaining meat mixture and 1⅓ cups shredded cheese. Top with the remaining four tortillas and ⅔ cup sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 1⅓ cups cheese.
Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1½ teaspoons chili powder
¼ teaspoon oregano
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup sour cream
6 to 7 regular-sized flour tortillas, cut into bitesized pieces
7.5 ounces black beans, drained
14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded cheese
In a large skillet, heat butter until melted. Stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth. Stir until sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper into the sauce.
Add chicken breasts to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan, and shred into bite-sized pieces.
Stir sour cream into the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add tortilla pieces, black beans and tomatoes. Stir until combined, then top with shredded cheese.
Cover skillet and cook until bubbly and the cheese is melted, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Freezer Burritos
1¼ pounds lean ground beef
¼ cup finely chopped onion
1¼ cups salsa
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
½ cup water
2 15-ounce cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed
In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking meat into crumbles. Drain. Stir in salsa and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, then set aside.
In a food processor, combine water and beans. Cover. Process until almost smooth. Add to beef, and stir in cheese.
Spoon ½ cup beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Fold ends and sides over filling. Roll up. Wrap each burrito in waxed paper and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
To heat frozen burritos: Remove foil and waxed paper. Place one burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until a thermometer reads 165 F, about 3 minutes, turning burrito over once. Let stand for 20 seconds.
Anatomy of
Capturing Fireworks
By Dave LaBelle
There are annual events—such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays—many of us are determined to make pictures of.
One of the annual events I am often called on to photograph is fireworks during the Fourth of July. Here is where I confess, even though I have photographed fireworks for more than a half a century, I never seem to capture the picture I want.
Oh, I have made some acceptable pictures through the years but not one that I felt expressed what I saw and felt.
I surveyed the grounds early where the fireworks were to be launched this past year, seeking every possible angle.
Some cities have hilltops or big rivers running through them, like Pittsburgh or Portland, Oregon. But Dyersville, Iowa, is flat with few bumps we might dare to call hills.
Finally, I decided on a low, grassy spot that afforded a relatively clean, uncluttered view of the aerial bursts. However, as parking spaces grew thin, vehicles lunged forward, parking on the grassy spot I had
Reader Challenge
chosen. Camera and tripod in hand, I had to move or get run over.
Just as I was about to seek another last-minute vantage point, a couple of children put down a blanket between two vehicles and sat waiting for the show.
Hmmm?
If I could get low enough, they might make a good foreground, their shapes against
a lit-up sky.
I moved up slowly and stealthily behind them and lay on the ground to see if I could get the camera low enough— off the tripod—to see if I had enough sky to see and capture fireworks once they began.
At one point—still 30 minutes before the show—I had to explain to their father, watching me suspiciously, the photo I was hoping to capture.
Determine to make a beautiful photograph that captures the spirit of celebration meant by filling the sky with beautiful explosions of color and design. Scout areas and choose the spot first. Then consider using a tripod and slower shutter speed. To create depth and context, foreground is key. Above all, experiment with exposure. Each burst is often a different color and intensity.
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.
As most of you who have attempted to photograph fireworks know, there is a lot of luck involved. That acknowledged, the old maxim, “Luck is where opportunity meets preparation,” was on my side this evening.
After a handful of lowbursting blasts, finally a reddishpink explosion filled the sky low enough to wash over and even reflect on the parked vehicles. n
more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For
TO AVOID
ENERGY SCAMS TIPS
If you suspect you’re dealing with a utility scam, it’s crucial to slow down and take your time before taking any action.
Scammers will often pressure you to make quick decisions or immediate payments. Instead, take the time to verify the legitimacy of the communication by contacting your utility directly.
Use a phone number from a reliable source, such as your bill or the utility’s website. Taking this simple step can help protect you from falling victim to utility scams.
Source: Utilities United Against Scams
Panhandle Paradise
The Florida Panhandle offers many great fishing opportunities
The Florida Panhandle offers a beautiful setting and many diverse fishing opportunities. A top angling destination, St. Andrew Bay covers approximately 25,000 acres near Panama City Beach.
“Probably one of the biggest draws to this area is that we have so many different fishing options,” says Justin Leake with Panama City Inshore and host of “Chasin’ the Sun” on the Discovery Channel.
“Summer is probably the most versatile time to fish this area.”
The very salty and clear sparkling waters provide excellent sight-fishing for redfish and other species. People can also catch speckled trout, flounder and other saltwater fish. Anglers without boats wade the pristine beaches.
“In June, we catch redfish around the bridges and passes with a variety of artificials,” Justin says. “We catch bull reds with live bait. The early-morning topwater bite is really good for speckled trout and redfish. After the redfish action slacks off, we move out deeper and throw jigs for trout.”
Florida excels at tarpon action. The Panama City Beach area once held the state record for tarpon and still delivers some giants exceeding 200 pounds. In the summer, tarpon chase baitfish in shallow water close to the beaches.
“My No. 1 go-to summer activity is tarpon fishing,” Justin says. “The tarpon are mostly migrating along the beaches
where we sight fish them with live bait or swimbaits. Their backs are relatively dark, so they really stand out in that emerald green clear water.”
Anglers watch for tarpon to roll on the surface and then toss live baits or lures to them. Silver kings bite just about anything that resembles a baitfish. Many people fish for tarpon with fly tackle.
“Tarpon will eat anything that looks like an easy meal,” Justin says.
People can find mangrove snapper and sheepshead around hard structures. For mangroves, use live shrimp or baitfish. For fast action, fish for bluefish and Spanish mackerel around grass flats near the pass. These toothy predators will attack anything shiny that mimics a baitfish.
Larger boats head offshore to fish for red snapper, grouper and other fish during the summer. Depending on the location and water depth, anglers might also catch king mackerel, cobia, dolphin—also called mahi—wahoo, tuna, sailfish or blue marlin.
“Offshore, we go for red snapper and king mackerel in June,” Justin says. “We catch snapper from 60 to 200 feet of water. Any live or dead bait will work. King mackerel hang around the buoys and reefs looking for bait concentrations.”
Those fishing with a Florida licensed charter captain do not need a state fishing license. People can enjoy other recreational activities commonly associated with beach
PHOTOS
communities. For seafood, try the Grand Marlin or Capt. Anderson’s in Panama City Beach. I recommend staying at Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort. n
For more information, visit destinationpanamacity.com or visitpanamacitybeach.com. For more about Panama City Inshore Fishing, call 850-258-7780 or visit panamacityinshore.com.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. He’s written more than 3,500 articles on a wide variety of outdoor topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
ABOVE: Anglers prepare to release a large tarpon they caught in the Gulf of Mexico off Panama City. TOP: Some of the most beautiful waters on the Gulf Coast occur off Panama City Beach. Here, anglers sit high in a tower looking to spot any fish activity.
COURTESY OF JUSTIN LEAKE, PANAMA CITY INSHORE FISHING
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
KEY WEST
June 1-20
Summer Solstice Celebration
Join us at Mallory Square for 20 evenings this June as we celebrate the summer solstice. Participants consist of arts and crafts exhibitors, psychics, street performers, food carts, and thousands of tourists who visit this art show. Each night, one hour before sunset, locals and tourists flock to the water’s edge to experience a multicultural happening and watch the sun sink into the Gulf.
www.sunsetcelebration.org; 305-396-7046
PANAMA CITY
June 3
Nature Through The Looking Glass
Join a ranger at the Gator Lake Overlook to try and spot American alligators, bald eagles, various wading birds and other species native to the state of Florida. Spotting scopes and binoculars are provided. Parking for the Gator Lake overlook is on the main park loop. bit.ly/43meDnd; 850-245-2157
KEY WEST
June 5
Truman Waterfront Farmers Market
Shop with a view 2-7 p.m. every Thursday at the Truman Waterfront Farmers Market on the harbor by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum. Find food, including ready-to-eat items, fresh Florida produce and other grocery items, alongside gifts, home decor, art and more.
keysartisanmarket.com; 305-731-3385
PENSACOLA
June 7
Palafox Market
Find one-of-a-kind, precious and offbeat items, and delicious goods, originating from on-site vendors. Join us from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, rain or shine, for farm-fresh produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, works of art, fresh tea and coffee, food and spices, hand-blown glass, and ceramics. downtownpensacola.com/palafox/palafox-market; 850-380-8196
CANTONMENT
June 7
Into the Woods: Artist’s and Farmer’s Marketplace Neighbors, friends and family are invited to the inaugural Artist’s and Farmer’s Marketplace. This 6-acre property is a thriving hub of honeybees, vegetables and pottery, making it the perfect destination for artisans, farmers, makers and bakers. Join us in exploring exceptional products from talented creators while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. 850-679-4750
PANAMA CITY BEACH
June 7
History Tour
Join in a guided tour of Camp Helen State Park. Staff share park history from the Hicks family building to the colorful history of Avondale Mills using the property as its employee vacation retreat. Gather at 10 a.m. at the visitors center/park office and dress appropriately for the weather. Park admission is $4 per vehicle, $2 per pedestrian or bicycle in the honor box at the entrance or via the QR code on the entry sign. www.floridastateparks.org/events/history-tour-35; 850-245-2157
ONA
June 5
16th Annual UF/IFAS Range
Cattle REC Youth Field Day
The goal of this event is to excite students about agriculture and science and foster a love of learning. Students 8 to 18 years old earn a Youth Beef Quality Assurance Certification. This year’s classes are Biosecurity: Lowering the Exposure; Nutrition and Body Condition Scoring; Newborn Calf Health Management; Low-Stress Cattle Handling; and Best Practices: Using Injectables. General registration is open until June 3 for $25. rcrec-2025-yfd.eventbrite.com; 863-735-1001
PHOTO BY TYLER JONES
WEWAHITCHKA
June 7
Centennial/Sesquicentennial Festival
Join us 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a fun, family-friendly event in honor of Wewahitchka’s 150th and Gulf County’s 100th birthdays. There are food vendors, arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, live music, and library exhibits and speakers. Special events include a Wewa settlers costume contest and an antique car show. Sponsored by the Friends of the Wewahitchka Library, the Wewahitchka Historical Society and the City of Wewahitchka, the event is free and open to the public. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572259151675; 850-639-2419
KEY WEST
June 14
College of the Florida Keys Swim Around Key West Embark on an adventurous competitive swim—a 12.5-mile loop around the island. The pristine waters around Key West give swimmers great views of the land and underwater life. Compete in categories, such as solo swimmer, solo swimmers with fins, solo swimmers using a mermaid tail or a monofin, or gather your friends and compete in the relay category of two-, three-, four-, five- or six-person teams. Not interested in the full island swim? Try some of the other races offered: the 6.1-, 2- or 1-mile swims, or an 800-yard swim. Swims begin and end at Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd. swimaroundkeywest.org; 305-809-3562
PENSACOLA
June 19
Juneteenth at Five Sisters’ Blues Cafe Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were free. Juneteenth meals feature foods connecting cooking traditions of the African diaspora. African American pit masters display their barbecue alongside other dishes, such as greens and black-eyed peas, that represented prosperity and good fortune. Summer fruits and flowers in shades of red are a special highlight during Juneteenth. It is with this in mind that Five Sisters’ chef Josh Rich is once again offering a selection of Juneteenth adaptations to honor African American contributions to America’s culinary tradition and celebrating Juneteenth. fivesistersbluescafe.com; 850-912-4856
KEY WEST
June 28
Generations of Strength Street Fair and Dance Party
This joyous event in the 700 to 1,000 blocks of Duval Street is the heart of Pride festivities, showcasing a mix of performances, eclectic vendors and diverse community spirit. With more than 50 vendors, you’ll discover an array of unique crafts, delicious food and informative booths. The party doesn’t stop there. Join the dance floor for live performances. Whether you’re exploring the fair or dancing with friends, this event promises an unforgettable experience of unity and celebration. All are welcome at this family-friendly event. gaykeywestfl.com/pride; 800-535-7797
MONTICELLO
June 13-14
Watermelon Festival
Get ready to relive the sweetest moments of the past while making juicy new memories. We’re celebrating decades of watermelon magic—from groovy events to nostalgic festival traditions that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re rocking your best vintage vibes or embracing the modern melon moment, join us as we honor the generations who have made this festival a summertime staple. It’s time to taste the tradition, dance through the decades and celebrate your Watermelon Era. The festival is 3-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. www.monticellowatermelonfestival.com; 850-997-5552
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.
PHOTO BY KATIE TRUELOVE
Natural Pest Control Gardening for
When it comes to managing pests in the garden, pesticides often seem like a quick and effective solution. However, overreliance on them can lead to pesticide resistance and potentially harm increasingly fragile ecosystems. That’s where natural enemies can come into play. Certain insects act as nature’s pest control.
Predators such as lacewings, lady beetles, minute pirate bugs, big-eyed bugs, syrphid flies and praying mantis, alongside parasitoids such as tachinid flies and parasitoid wasps, help maintain balance in the landscape by feeding on pests or laying their eggs inside or on them.
Supporting these beneficial insects ensures we rely less on chemicals and more on nature’s own pest control mechanisms. One of the best ways to support these garden allies is by creating an environment rich in plant diversity.
In regions such as Central Florida where year-round blooms are possible, maintaining a continuous supply of flowering plants ensures beneficial insects can thrive throughout the year.
A variety of culinary herbs that help predators can be incorporated into the landscape, including dill, cilantro, spearmint, peppermint, parsley, thyme, fennel, basil, lemon balm, catnip and horsemint/bee balm.
Wildflowers and ornamentals provide nectar and pollen, key resources for adult foraging insects. That includes echinacea, yarrow, zinnia, calendula, goldenrod, chamomile, rouge plant, coreopsis, porterweed, gaillardia, liatris, cosmos, sweet alyssum, rattelsnake master, rudbeckia and Stokes’ aster.
Woody perennials and trees should not be overlooked as they offer shelter and food. Among them are oak species, holly species, Simpson’s stopper, Chickasaw plum, crape myrtle, button bush, Walter’s viburnum and fire bush.
Native bunch grasses are also essential, offering refuge for reproductive insects to lay their eggs and raise their young.
Some common native species of bunch grasses include Elliot’s love, purple love, Florida gama, lopsided indian, muhly and Fakahatchee.
Minimizing disturbances is equally important for fostering natural enemies in the garden. Before reaching for a pesticide, start by scouting your garden and identifying the pest.
Florida alone is home to more than 12,500 insect species. Of this incredible diversity of species, less than 3% are actually considered pests, so proper identification is key. Simple hand removal or physical methods are often effective for many insect pests.
If chemical intervention becomes necessary, choose nontoxic or less-toxic options, such as microbial insecticides, horticultural oils and soaps. Avoid applying pesticides when plants are in bloom, and
opt for targeted chemistries and mindful applications as a last resort.
Finally, rethinking how landscapes are managed can make a big difference. Reducing mowing, tilling and debris removal allows beneficial insects—especially those that live in leaf litter or hollow plant stems—to establish stable populations.
A slightly wilder, less manicured garden can be a haven for these natural enemies, giving them the time and space to do their part in maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
By embracing this approach, we can cultivate a garden that supports beneficial insects and leads to more sustainable pest management overall.
Find native and Florida-Friendly plants in your area by visiting Florida Association of Native Nurseries and BetRock’s Plant Finder.
Dr. Heather Kalaman serves as the Florida-Friendly landscaping horticulture agent for UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. She is a graduate of the UF Doctor of Plant Medicine Program and has a master’s degree in environmental horticulture, where her research focused on pollinator-plant interactions. Her passions and programing are focused on sustainable landscaping practices.
An adult syrphid, or flower fly, feeds on nectar. The larvae of these insects are voracious eaters of aphids. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID CAPPAERT, BUGWOOD.ORG
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.
1.5 acres available for honey harvest, Wewahitchka. Space for 100 beehives. 240-848-8682.
For Sale
Two Toshiba 6,000/8,000 BTU portable air conditioners. Excellent condition. $250 each or $400 for both. 850-703-6708.
Single bed box spring, mattress and frame in good condition. $25. 850-866-0009.
Where imagination becomes a reality: woodworking, candles and collector wands. www.alivans.com.
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.
30-foot rabbit pens with feeding and self-watering system. Located 22 miles south of Chipley. $450. Call Alan at 229-421-0790.
Book available through Amazon by a 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.
Miscellaneous
Eco-X LLC. Guided kayak/ paddleboard eco-tours on clear freshwater springs. Hike Florida trail segment #36. Private, primitive camping. Paddle, hike, camp. Your local guide to adventure. 850-326-9116.
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.
Tree Be Gone. For all your tree needs, from trimming to complete removal. 850-819-9987.
Custom fences built on your property. Call David for your free estimate. 850-819-9987.
Kapua Kleans for your final interior cleanup, deep clean, residences, condos, rental properties. Steph, 850-704-2412.
SLR Farm & Landscaping. Lawn care, grass cutting, bush hogging, backhoe work. 706-575-4570 or 850-703-5321.
Handyman services. Painting, flooring, building repair, odds and ends. Free estimates and fully insured. TJ, 207-612-8255 or 207-578-1830.
The 850 Stump Grinder LLC. Free estimates, multistump discount, residential and commercial. Veteran-owned and -operated. 850-814-0720.
Koastal Home Repair LLC. Fencing, decks, painting, light tractor work, repair work and maintenance. Insured. 850-227-5509.
C&2 Electrical Services LLC. Residential and commercial electrician services. 850-899-8218 or 850-899-8217.
HisDeb’s Treasures LLC. Online thrift store. Shop a wide selection of retro and vintage items at hisdebstreasures.com.
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.
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 a free quote, 850-942-5600.
Carter’s Land Clearing and Mulching LLC. 850-527-4715.
Rachel’s Facials, Lashes and Brows at 2518C Highway 77 in Lynn Haven offers full body waxing and esthetician services, including back facials, extractions, chemical peels, eyelash extensions, brow and lash tinting, and makeup artist services. Rachelsflb.com or call 850-896-4855.
Real Estate
FSBO: Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Border 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.
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.
2.5 acres lakefront on Deerpoint Lake, 30 to 45 minutes from Panama City. Paved road, electricity, septic, close to schools, quiet and peaceful. Can be divided. 850-265-5554.
Half-acre corner lot. 850-639-2220.
Wanted
Part-time helper for senior to assist with household chores. 850-703-6708.
Trading Post is a FREE service to Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative members. 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: Phone:
Address:
Mail your ad to: The 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 advertisement to appear.
WEWAHITCHKA LIBRARY PRESENTS
CELEBRATION
Saturday, June 7 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT
Charles Whitehead Public Library 314 N. 2nd St., Wewahitchka
Join us for guest speakers, music, food, historical exhibits and crafts.
This event is free and open to the public, rain or shine.
This dual celebration is a partnership among the Friends of the Wewahitchka Library, Wewahitchka Historical Society and the city of Wewahitchka.
Keep Water Safety Tips in Mind
Don’t take the power of electricity for granted
Electricity and water are a dangerous—potentially fatal—combination.
Swimmers and boat owners need to take precautions to make sure their time in and on the water is safe. While this might seem like common sense, boats and docks are often powered by electricity. One mistake could lead to tragedy. Consider the following points:
• There is no visible warning to electrified water. Electric current in water causes a paralysis of muscles, which can result in drowning. As little as 10 milliamps—1/50 of the amount used by a 60watt light bulb—can cause paralysis.
• If you are in or on the water and feel a tingling, the water might be electrified. Immediately get out of the water. Avoid using metal objects, such as a ladder. Alert others who are in the water to try to stay upright, tuck legs to be smaller and swim away from anything that could be energized.
• If you believe an electric shock drowning is occurring, turn off all power, throw a life ring to the person, and call 911. Do not enter the water. It could still be electrified.
• If you own a dock or pier, install ground-fault circuit interrupters, and test them monthly. Use portable UL-Marine List GFCIs when using electricity near water.
• If you own a boat that uses electricity, install equipment leakage circuit interrupters to protect swimmers from electric shock in the water around the boat. The Energy Education Council recommends all electrical installations be performed by a professional electrical contractor familiar with marine codes and standards. The organization also recommends individuals not swim around docks with electrical equipment or boats plugged into shore power. Many electrical shock drowning deaths have occurred around private docks and boats plugged into shore power while docked.
Live Line Safety Dem o on Display
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s live line safety demonstration trailer was on site at West Florida Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting, offering attendees a powerful, up-close look at electrical safety.
The trailer—built by GCEC employees— features working electrical equipment and is used to demonstrate real-world safety scenarios. The presentation begins with an overview of the specialized safety gear lineworkers wear on the job. Attendees then watch as lineworkers show what happens when items like vegetation, squirrels, balloons, kite strings, a ladder, a fire hose and even a rubber boot come into contact with an energized line.
A particularly eye-opening part of the demonstration is the energized car door, which reinforces the critical safety message: Never approach a vehicle with downed power lines. Lineworkers explain how to safely hop away from a car if you must exit in such a situation.
The free live line safety demonstration is available for local schools, fire departments, civic groups and other organizations. To schedule a visit, call Kristin Douglas at 850-265-3631, ext. 3002, or email kdouglas@gcec.com.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Taylor Hammack uses the live line safety demonstration trailer to teach electrical safety during the West Florida Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting. GCEC employees Austin Green and Logan Richard observe the demonstration.
Florida Co-op Leaders Gather in D.C.
Each April, leaders from electric cooperatives across the United States gather in Washington, D.C., to advocate for common co-op issues and improve service to consumer-members.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association organizes the event and leads informational sessions, preparing co-op leaders to discuss federal issues the electric cooperatives are battling.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative sent John
Bartley, Jimmy Black and Dwight Van Lierop to join other co-ops from around the state to visit with legislators and their staff and attend informational sessions.
John, Jimmy and Dwight met with Congressmen Neal Dunn and Jimmy Patronis, as well as Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, to discuss issues such as the importance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and how electric co-ops rely on reimbursements after an emergency to keep rates low.
Co-ops encourage congressional leaders to oppose policies that would raise electricity costs for our consumer-members and increase the risk of blackouts.
Co-op leaders are continually advocating for our communities on the importance of safe, reliable and affordable electricity.
What Are the Issues?
• Co-ops support the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act to reimburse interest expenses incurred while waiting years for FEMA to reimburse disaster-related power restoration expenses. Florida electric cooperatives have paid more than $12 million in interest in recent years while waiting for FEMA reimbursements.
• Permitting Reform is needed, as the overly bureaucratic federal permitting process imposes unreasonable timelines and drives up costs for essential infrastructure projects needed for Florida’s continued growth.
• Rural Utilities Service Loans and Elective Pay energy taxes are two programs that assist electric co-ops investing in the electric infrastructure needed to meet our community’s future energy needs.
• Supply Chain issues continue to make it difficult and expensive for electric cooperatives to obtain materials and equipment needed to keep the lights on.
Florida electric cooperative leaders meet with Sen. Ashley Moody to discuss key industry issues.
Florida electric cooperative leaders meet in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, at the head of the table. GCEC Board President Dwight Van Lierop sits on the left side, center; CEO John Bartley is on the right, next to Dunn; and Board Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Black sits along the wall behind Bartley.
BEFORE YOU GO
First-Day Smile
From babies and young animals to adults of all ages, Florida is filled with beautiful faces. The expressions you capture have a chance to brighten others’ days.
From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space. If we use your photo here, we will send you your choice of a $25 gift card to REI or Amazon.
To submit your photo, email a JPEG file to photos@ floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
Coconut, a rescue pup, is all smiles during his first day with his new family in Florida. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRI PANIAGUA
the greatest national parks of America’s Southwest!—Book
Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion 8-Day Tour $
Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. These quality tours feature complete sightseeing, professional Tour Directors, and great itineraries. Discover for yourself why smart shoppers and experienced travelers have chosen Caravan Tours since 1952.
See the greatest national parks of America’s Southwest! You’ll enjoy 2 nights in national park lodges near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, 2 nights at Lake Powell Resort, and 2 nights near Zion National Park.
The #1 in value. Your Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion tour is fully guided with all hotels, activities, and some meals. You’ll explore Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Antelope Slot Canyon, Sedona, and more!—Book now for choice dates:
Scan for Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion 8-Day Tour $2195
2195
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides. Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Our 73rd year of excellence. Caravan has operated fully guided tours of superb value under the same family management and ownership since 1952.
“Brilliant, Affordable Pricing” Arthur
Frommer, Travel Editor
Grand Canyon
OFFICES
722 W. 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 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 www.gcec.com or calling any of our offices at the numbers listed above.
FL-154
GCEC President’s Message
Be Ready for Storm Season
Summer is almost here, and I’m looking forward to more opportunities to be outdoors doing many of my favorite activities, such as cooking out with family and friends and simply slowing down a bit to enjoy life.
Unfortunately, summer can also create the perfect conditions for severe storms.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews are always prepared and standing by to respond should power outages occur in our area. When severe storms cause power disruptions, our line crews take all necessary precautions before they get to work on any downed lines.
I encourage you to also practice safety and preparedness to protect your family during storms and outages.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the items below as a starting point for storm and disaster preparedness. You can visit ready.gov for additional resources.
• Stock your pantry with a threeday supply of nonperishable food, including canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries). Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies, including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer.
• Ensure your first-aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current.
• Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV.
• Organize emergency supplies so they are easily accessible in one location.
• In the event of a prolonged power outage, turn off major appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive
electronics.
This will helps prevent damage from potential power surges and also helps prevent overloading circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.
If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely.
Listen to local news or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio for storm and emergency information. Severe storms can occasionally bring down power lines. If you see a downed line, always assume it’s energized and never approach it. If flooding occurs, never walk through areas where power lines could be submerged.
Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and lessen the impact of the storm’s effects.
Sign up for NOAA emergency alerts and warnings and follow us on Facebook for the latest power restoration updates. If you experience an outage, though, don’t report it on Facebook. Instead, call us at any of our numbers listed on this page any time, day or night.
I hope we don’t experience severe storms in the summer, but we can never predict Mother Nature’s plans. At GCEC, we recommend you make a plan today, because storm preparedness is always our best defense.
Dwight Van Lierop