With its innovative design, modern comforts, and guest-focused philosophy, American Encore is not just a riverboat, it’s the finest expression of American river cruising ever built. Designed to host just 180 guests, American Encore features more square feet per guest than any other small cruise ship with the largest staterooms globally.
Ship Cruising Done
March 2026 • Volume 15, No. 5
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
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Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
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Pete’s Front
District combines open spaces, waterfront views and community hub Up Close, Page 10
Peace River Electric Cooperative is excited to welcome members to its 86th Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, March 21, at PRECO Park, 220 Knight Road in Wauchula.
This special event is a chance to come together as a cooperative community—to connect, enjoy great food and entertainment, and celebrate the members who make PRECO possible. Festivities start at 10 a.m., and the meeting begins at 1 p.m.
From the moment members arrive, they’ll find something for everyone. PRECO members can enjoy free:
• Hot dogs
• Soft drinks
• Ice cream
• French fries
• Kettle corn
• Funnel cakes
• Family-friendly fun
• A dedicated play area to keep children entertained
• Community booths featuring local organizations and information
One of the biggest highlights each year is our door prize drawings, available exclusively for registered PRECO members. Be sure to come early, register and stick around for your chance to win. Importantly, bring photo ID to register.
Bring your electric bill with the scannable QR code for quicker check-ins.
This talented men’s quartet from Largo, Florida, inspires and uplifts with their heartfelt Southern gospel tunes.
To help make the event safe and enjoyable for everyone:
• No smoking or alcohol permitted
• No pets (service animals only)
• Photos are taken during the event for publications and social media
We hope you’ll make plans to join us for this fun, familyfriendly PRECO tradition. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our cooperative spirit, enjoy time with neighbors and take part in the meeting that keeps PRECO member-led.
Whether it’s music, movies or games, streaming and interactive online content is a part of daily life for many. With a little care and planning, you can have the smoothest experience possible. Also, keep in mind the professionals with your service provider are always ready to support you, answering questions and offering information needed to make the right choices. Here are a few items to consider:
Anticipate how you will use your streaming services. When assessing internet needs for streaming, consider the number of people in your household and their activities. Will there be remote work, gaming or multiple streaming services involved? Once your internet use patterns are understood, make sure your internet plan matches your needs.
1. 2.
Take into account the amount of devices. Don’t overlook the number of devices connected to the Wi-Fi network. It’s common for households to have various smartphones, tablets and smart appliances online simultaneously. Remember, each connected device consumes bandwidth, which can affect the performance of all your devices.
Assess your Wi-Fi coverage. Slow streaming can sometimes be attributed to Wi-Fi issues rather than insufficient bandwidth. Evaluate the placement of your router, and consider investing in a mesh Wi-Fi system to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your home. This can significantly improve streaming performance, especially in larger homes or areas with signal dead zones.
Understand streaming. Streaming involves the continuous transmission of media content from an online server to a digital device. It can include a wide range of content, from livestreams to recorded movies and TV shows. At times, it can seem like an endless stream of content possibilities. However, there are potential bottlenecks, so consider cataloging all the streaming services in use—including online gaming—to make sure you have the internet connection and Wi-Fi setup that’s right for you.
3. 4. 5.
Stay informed about advancements in technology. Streaming technology has rapidly evolved, revolutionizing how we consume media. Stay informed about advancements in streaming services and internet technology to make informed decisions about your streaming setup. For example, image resolution for some movies is now much higher than just a few years ago and requires a faster connection to enjoy.
While mobile payment apps like PayPal or Venmo make it easy to send and receive money online or through an app on a phone, scammers are also waiting to take advantage. This service becomes an intermediary between your money and whoever is on the other end of a transaction, which can create an added layer of security.
But if a scammer tricks you into sending money, it’s hard to get it back. The Federal Trade Commission notes the risks and offers tips for staying safe.
Don’t send a payment to claim a prize or collect sweepstakes winnings.
Never give your account credentials to anyone who contacts you.
Protect your account with multifactor authentication or a personal identification number.
Before paying, double-check the recipient’s information to make sure you’re sending money to the right person.
If you get an unexpected request for money from someone you recognize, speak with them directly to make sure the request is valid—and not a hacker who got access to their account.
If you find unauthorized payments or think you paid a scammer, immediately report the transaction to the service providing the payment app. Instructions should be available on the service’s website. Also, report the scam to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Peace River Electric Cooperative
1 p.m. Saturday, March 21
PRECO Park, 220 Knight Road, Wauchula
At this year’s meeting:
• Newly elected directors are officially seated.
• PRECO officers present their annual reports.
• Any other appropriate business may be considered.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. and closes at 1 p.m., when the business meeting officially starts. At the conclusion of the meeting, door prizes are awarded by random drawing to registered ticket holders.
Registration Guidelines:
• The member of record must register upon arrival.
• Photo identification is required to register, participate in the business meeting and win prizes.
• Only individuals authorized on the account may register for a business. For more information, contact PRECO at 800-282-3824.
Please join us in conducting the business of your cooperative.
All registered members receive a $10 credit on their electric bill.
By Colette Boehm
The St. Pete Pier has been part of St. Petersburg’s waterfront since the 1800s. Thanks to its recent rebirth, the pier is now a multifaceted center for waterfront recreation, education, entertainment and business development.
Since its redevelopment and 2020 reopening, the 26-acre St. Pete Pier which extends into Tampa Bay, serves as the front porch to the city.
The pier and park, popular with locals and visitors alike, garnered national attention for their designs. The Urban Land Institute recognized the pier with the
2022 ULI Global Awards for Excellence— one of only six awards presented worldwide, including two in the United States. Also in 2022, the district received the International Architecture Award for Excellence.
Pier Manager Juniper Rodriguez says the city’s idea was to create a property that would be used by visitors as well as residents.
“A lot of times when you came to the old pier, you went there to bring somebody visiting, when you have family in town,” she says. “This one’s way more heavily utilized by locals. It’s primarily open-air space. It’s 26 acres with plenty of areas to sit, walk
and run and Rollerblade and bike. There’s a fishing deck out in the end, so there’s always people out here.”
Juniper says many of those people are now like family to her and the project became a place that feels like home. What started as a contract position has become much more.
“It’s just a really cool place to work,” she says. “Anytime you get a little bit stressed,
you just walk outside and watch the pelicans and the dolphins. We never take it for granted, because it’s just such a beautiful place to work. It’s never boring out here. We have our regulars that we see and we talk to and keep up with. It’s a good community feeling.”
have been here since the very beginning, when we opened five years ago. Some of them have just been so successful that they continue to stay.”
“We have a great arts community,” Juniper says. “(The city) basically set aside nearly $2 million to dedicate towards public artwork at the property. Most of the pieces were commissioned to be done by local artists.”
That community includes regular visitors who participate in activities ranging from mom meetups to fitness classes to pier fishing. It also comprises merchants in the pier’s marketplace. Each weekend, more than two dozen local artists, makers and retailers exhibit and sell their wares.
“The marketplace is a mix of tents and kiosks that are heavily focused on local artists,” Juniper says. “It was set up essentially as an incubator for people who were new to retail and don’t currently have a brick-and-mortar location.
“We looked at it as a good place for them to start and kind of learn how to run a business. We’ve had a couple of them actually be able to leave here. Some, they’ll keep a store here, but they also opened up brick-and-mortar space. Some of them
There are vendors who make peanut brittle, jerk sauces and rum cakes. There are also jewelers, print-makers, weavers, T-shirt designers and more.
The park includes areas to enjoy a distinctly St. Pete experience. The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center and Wet Classroom is a unique learning outpost with interactive exhibits. Indoor and outdoor exploration areas focus on Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystem and its protection and restoration. Pier Plaza features a seating area, fountain and splash pad, as well as spots to enjoy dining and drinking.
Local art is a mainstay throughout the district. From “First Flight,” which celebrates St. Pete’s role in commercial air travel, to “Bending Arc,” a signature piece by internationally renowned artist and Tampa Bay native Janet Echelman, sculptures dot the property and enchant visitors.
The Pier District, which was a $93 million project, hosts around 80 events each year. A recent impact study found it has an annual economic impact of $125 million.
Beyond economics, the district is a place where people gather to enjoy their surroundings and one another’s company. According to Juniper, those people include employees like her.
“It doesn’t really matter where you work,” she says. “If you don’t really like the people you work with, it’s no fun. And I have a great team. We’re literally like family, and we all have such a passion and care for this property.
“My favorite part is just the fact you can go out and touch grass, as they say, anytime you want, and you’re in nature,. You can go for a walk and watch the baby ducks or the crabs or the blue heron, and it makes you really appreciate what we have and the beauty of the place we live in.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The marketplace at the St. Pete Pier District includes more than two dozen vendors and acts as a retail incubator. One vendor shows off his Caribbean sauces and spices. The pier has been part of St. Pete’s waterfront since the 1800s.
By Drew Woolley
Customers and students stepping into Fort Walton’s Traditions Workshop could be forgiven for mistaking the array of tools on display for an exhibit. Alongside computer-aided wood carvers and plasma cutters sit more historic tools, some more than a century old. There’s a South Bend lathe, made in 1919, and a Swedish hammer workshop owner David Sandlin inherited from his grandfather.
This 4-foot-tall steel and copper creation of a floating skyline was the winning entry in the 2025 Florida Artist Blacksmith Association’s regional challange. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SANDLIN FAMILY
The master craftsman is quick to point out those antique tools are anything but relics.
“They work. And they’re still the ones I often want to use day to day,” David says. “That lathe can still cut within a thousandth of an inch. And it’s tough. The attitude they had at the time was build it hard, build it strong, build it heavy. And that’s still not enough, so add some more steel.”
David started working with his hands at age 12. In the decades since, his insatiable hunger for learning new crafts has driven him to master woodworking, blacksmithing and stained glass, among many others. Now, through his workshop, he’s able to share those skills with his community and pass them along to others.
“There is still a calling for craftsmen and people who know how to work with their hands,” he says. “I know there’s a lot of talk about AI and that sort of thing. I’ve done software development and been on the cutting edge of technology. But this is still the heart and soul of what makes things happen.”
David’s first exposure to craftwork came while woodworking alongside his father in North Carolina.
“He needed a carpenter’s aide, and that was me,” he says.
Together, they built a house and a barn and rebuilt an old gaffrigged sailboat.
At 16, David wrecked his car, damaging the bumper and tearing up the sheet metal. His father told him to fix it, so David started to learn metalworking.
“Dad wasn’t one to let the grass grow under his feet, and he taught me the same,” he says. “We had a number of different
projects throughout the years, and eventually he launched me off into the wild blue yonder as an Air Force Academy cadet.”
David graduated from the academy in 1978, serving until Jan. 1, 2001. Even during more than two decades of service, David continued to hone and grow his crafting skills.
“Every time I went to a new Air Force base, they had what they called hobby shops,” he says. “It was nice to have access to some pretty nice tools. One way to learn a little bit about the local culture was to learn what they did there.”
That’s when David’s skillset really took flight. He learned stained-glass design and typography in England, took up carving in Germany, studied timberframe construction in Canada and started blacksmithing in the Carolinas. While flying Air Force F-16s in the Moselle Valley in Western Europe, he learned to make wine. Stationed in Tucson, Arizona, for six months learning to fly the A-10, David took classes in sleight-of-hand magic.
“I’d rather be busy than bored,” he says.
After retiring from the Air Force, it was more than a decade before David turned his crafts into a full-time job. First, he spent years working as a software engineer. While that job was lucrative, he couldn’t help but long for work that yielded longerlasting results.
“At the end of the day, you’d turn off that computer, and everything just disappeared,” he says.
In 2014, Traditions Workshop was born. It started as a hobby in David’s garage, giving him the chance to put his many skills to use restoring antique and heirloom items. Within three years, he was stretched for equipment and project space.
David relocated to the current Fort Walton location, where the entire Sandlin family takes part in the business. His son, Christopher, specializes in blacksmithing and historic restorations. Anna, David’s wife, serves as a master of textiles and art. Jessica, one of David’s daughters, runs the office and teaches blacksmithing classes to women. His other daughter, Jennifer, has Down syndrome and is a frequent
presence around the shop when she isn’t at the adult day care facility next door.
The pieces they work with keep David on his toes. He might be working on a part for a canopy bed one moment, restoring a 1914 Singer sewing machine the next, then wrapping up the day with an antique brass crib.
“When I get bored with one thing, I can just switch gears to another,” he says.
While each item in need of restoration presents its own challenges, the process always starts with a conversation.
First, David determines what is broken or tarnished and what it will take to repair. Then there is the question of how the customer wants the piece to look when it’s finished. In many cases, the goal is simply to make it like new. Others have larger changes in mind.
“Sometimes we’ll have a beautiful cherry table, and the customer wants to paint it black,” David says. “So, I’ll say a quiet, ‘I’m sorry’ to whoever the first craftsman to make this was and paint it black.”
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: David, right, takes an axe-making class with Jordan Borstelmann of Crooked Path Forge in Gainesville. Even a master needs to continue his studies. Using a CNC plasma cutter, a more modern piece of metal work was created. David’s team won second place in the 2025 FABA regional competition. Themed after “The Lord of the Rings,” the piece depicts the fellowship passing through forest and mountains, with a dragon flying overhead.
For all the antique tools on hand, David isn’t afraid to turn to modern technology if the situation calls for it. In those moments, he gets the chance to draw on his years of tech experience with tools that use computers to automate the machining process.
“It’s just about using the right tool for the job,” he says. “There are times when you get out the hand plane because that’s what you need. And there are times when you pull out the CNC carver and let it do the job.”
Still, David knows as well as anyone just how fickle modern technology can be. So, given the choice, he always prefers tools that were built to last.
“I could go and buy some brandnew equipment and, unfortunately, the
software is going to need to be redone in about five years, and the hardware is going to wear out,” he says. “Or I could buy this piece of technology on the surplus market that probably survived World War II and is still as solid as the day it rolled off the assembly line.”
Over time, Traditions Workshop has evolved into a classroom for the types of folk art and crafting skills the Sandlin family holds dear. David says that idea started with Anna. As she taught their kids to sew, she watched them grow up in a world where so many others did not have that opportunity.
At the same time, David began to see a surge in interest for blacksmithing
classes with the popularity of the History Channel’s competition show “Forged in Fire.”
“I look around the community, and these aren’t necessarily vanishing skills, because we have 360 blacksmiths in the state of Florida,” he says. “But they’re certainly hard-to-find skills.”
Many of the workshop’s classes focus on blacksmithing and can run for several hours as David or Christopher walk people through the process of crafting their own bottle openers, rings, pans and even axes. But the shop also offers courses on stained glass, yarn-making, leather crafts and more.
Classes start with students as young as 12, the same age David was when he first started helping his father, but he has taught
Christopher Sandlin turns a brass finial on the workshop’s restored 1919 South Bend metal cutting lathe. David made this Viking-style toolbox and donated it in 2025 to an educational nonprofit. David forged and installed this dragon hasp on a toolbox as a gift to his apprentice, Jack Fortenberry. Jack says the dragon keeps prying eyes away. David uses large clamps to convert a customer’s full bed frame into a queen frame.
David Sandlin may have never seen an episode of “Forged in Fire,” but he still knows his way around competition. Each year, the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association holds a regional challenge where teams from across the state face off against each other.
Teams from FABA’s eight regions receive a prompt, such as skyline or medieval folklore and religion. They then set out to design and execute their visions for that theme, creating pieces that depict floating skylines or perhaps even landscapes from “The Lord of the Rings.”
This year’s theme is balance and motion. David and his team are already at work on their entry, which will be on display alongside the rest this October at FABACon in Gainesville. The public is encouraged to visit, learn and bid on pieces they would like to take home from the conference.
aspiring craftspeople into their 90s. The one piece of advice he gives all of them is to keep putting their hands to work.
“It’s kinesthetic learning,” he says. “The first time you make a nail, it’s going to look ugly, and it’s going to take 40 minutes. The second time, it’s going to look a little better and might take 20 minutes. The third time, it will take five minutes, and it may not look great yet, but your hands and eyes are learning to work together. You’re training your body to make things happen.”
into re-building an antique the same way it was created takes time—and it can be expensive. If someone comes in with a piece of furniture they found on the side of the road hoping for a cheap fix, he tells them to put it back where they found it.
Building and repairing those pieces allows David to do the same for future generations, and it’s a gift he hopes to pass on to every student he teaches.
In his blacksmithing classes, David always covers the fundamentals— determining how much material is needed or the basics of thermodynamics. But he also takes his students on a trip through history, back to biblical references to the first iron workers.
As passionate as he is about his crafts, David is honest with his customers that restoration isn’t the right fit for every situation. The care and work that goes
Items that can’t be replaced have the most meaning for David. Perhaps it’s an old radio a family gathered around when they heard President Franklin D. Roosevelt announce the attack on Pearl Harbor. Or it’s an ancestor’s toolbox used when he worked on the Ford assembly line, now converted into a coffee table.
“That family needed it. It’s got history,” David says. “When they looked at it, it told them the story of how their family held together during the Great Depression.”
“The reason I do that is because I want them to know they are the product of a thousand love stories,” he says. “We stand taller today and see further because people before us were willing to break their backs and make things happen. And you can do the same for the next generation.”
Marry Me Slow-Cooker Chicken
4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, about 2 pounds
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
1 cup heavy cream, warmed slightly
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to slow cooker along with any leftover butter and juices from the skillet.
In a bowl, whisk chicken stock with cornstarch, garlic, crushed red pepper, oregano and thyme. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Top each chicken breast with chopped sundried tomatoes. Cover. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1½-2 hours, until chicken reaches 165 degrees. Remove chicken to a plate, and keep warm. Stir heavy cream and Parmesan into the hot liquid in the slow cooker until smooth. Return chicken to sauce. Spoon sauce over the top, and let rest for 5-10 minutes on warm.
Garnish with basil before serving.
Marry Me Chocolate Cake
18.25-ounce package devil’s food cake mix
3.9-ounce package instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups sour cream
1 cup melted butter, cooled 5 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Strawberries, optional
Powdered sugar, optional
Heat oven to 350 F. Coat a 10-inch tube pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake and pudding mixes. Make a well in the center, and add sour cream, butter, eggs and vanilla extract.
Beat on low speed until blended. Scrape bowl, then beat for 4 minutes on medium speed. Mix in chocolate chips by hand.
Pour batter into greased pan, and bake for 50-55 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a plate and cool completely. Garnish with strawberries and sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
1 cup drained sundried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced, plus 4 tablespoons tomato oil, divided
1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces rigatoni or penne pasta
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5 ounces baby spinach
1 ounce Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
Torn fresh basil leaves, for serving
In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons tomato oil. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook in oil, stirring occasionally, until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water. Stir occasionally, until al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
In the same skillet over medium heat, cook garlic, tomato paste, red pepper flakes and remaining tomato oil. Stir until tomato paste deepens in color, about 1 minute. Add sundried tomatoes, broth, cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly reduces, about 5 minutes. Add spinach. Cook until wilted, 1-2 minutes.
Add pasta, shrimp and Parmesan. Cook, stirring, until pasta is coated and sauce is glossy. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove skillet from heat. Cover, and let sit 2 to 3 minutes. Stir pasta again to coat.
Divide the mixture among bowls. Top with basil and more Parmesan.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup yellow onion, diced
21/4 teaspoons salt, divided Pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 tablespoons tomato paste
6 cups chicken stock
1⁄ 3 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups small-shape pasta, such as orecchiette
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onion, ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to soften.
Sprinkle in garlic powder and thyme. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Pour in chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and sundried tomatoes. Add chicken, and stir to combine. Cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta. Stir. Cover, and reduce heat to a strong simmer. Cook for 8-15 minutes depending on the pasta type. Stir occasionally, until pasta is just cooked through.
Turn off heat. Add cream, Parmesan cheese, spinach and vinegar. Stir to combine and melt the cheese.
18 ounces ground chicken
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
2 teaspoons paprika, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan, divided
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
5 ounces sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken stock
½ lemon
Basil leaves, for garnish
Place the ground chicken, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika and ¼ cup Parmesan in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Use clean hands to mix everything together, then roll mixture into 16 meatballs.
In a large, deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry meatballs, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until golden all over. Remove them to a plate.
Add garlic, sundried tomatoes and remaining dried oregano and paprika. Cook for a few minutes until garlic has softened. Add cream, stock, remaining Parmesan, and additional salt and pepper, to taste. Stir well. Add meatballs, and cook for 5 minutes. Make sure meatballs are cooked through, then remove the pan from the heat.
Squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle basil over the top.
By Dave LaBelle
Every calendar month is dedicated to bringing awareness to its own cause or observance, some lighthearted and others profoundly meaningful. October, for instance, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, yet it also shares space with National Pizza Month. In the United Kingdom, 30 days across May and June are recognized as National Smile Month. And while we might celebrate whimsical Mustache March, the month is also designated as National Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture and society.
Throughout my career, I have photographed many famous women—movie stars, civil rights figures and humanitarians from all walks of life. In 2011, I photographed Eva Schloss, a survivor of Hitler’s death camps and Anne Frank’s stepsister. Eva died Jan. 3 in London at the age of 96.
Approachable and generous with her time, Eva told her story to audiences for two days. Like Anne, Eva and her family went into hiding from the Nazis, and after two years, they were tracked down, arrested and deported to concentration camps. Eva barely survived Auschwitz, and her brother and father died in captivity.
“The horrors that she endured as a young woman are impossible to comprehend and yet she devoted the rest of her life to overcoming hatred and prejudice, promoting kindness, courage, understanding and resilience through her tireless work for the Anne Frank Trust UK and for Holocaust education across the world,”
While I advocate photographing famous people whenever and wherever you can, don’t limit documenting only those society or fate has shined a light on. Ask yourself, “Is there is a person I admire in my world, a giving soul in my community I can honor?” Try to make a portrait that celebrates their character.
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.
King Charles says in a piece written by Thomas Mackintosh and published by the BBC on Jan. 4, 2026.
Beneath Eva’s positive public face, she shared with me after a lecture that waves of pain linger. I watched for images that might reveal that pain and often shot as tight as possible, usually with a telephoto lens to compress the face, hoping to capture subtle expressions that reveal the pain in her heart.
To learn more of Eva’s story, check out bit.ly/4qYVuC4 or pick up one of her books, “Eva’s Story: A Survivor’s Tale by the Stepsister of Anne Frank” and “The Promise: The Moving Story of a Family in the Holocaust.”
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Every day, the Y strengthens communities for kids, adults, seniors and families with programs that protect, teach, connect, heal, nourish and encourage. It’s how we help communities and the “us” who live in them achieve our individual and collective promise.
We can’t do it alone. DONATE FOR A BETTER US.
Bluegills, redear sunfish and other panfish— all typically called bream—inhabit all suitable Florida freshwater systems.
For the best action, fish for these scrappers during spawning season. In Southern Florida, bluegill might begin spawning in late February or early March. Farther north, they might start spawning in late March. Bluegill spawn every 28 days into the fall. Redears spawn a little deeper and earlier in the spring and fall.
For spawning, bream hollow out dishshaped depressions in sandy or gravel bottoms and frequently return to the same bedding grounds each year. If anglers can find a good bedding area, they can usually catch a bunch of fish until cold weather hits.
Spawning bluegills defend their nests. Bream eat almost anything they can fit into their mouths. Above all, they relish insects. When feeding on the surface, their tiny mouths create distinctive snapping noises that could give away a bedding location.
A fierce desire to defend their beds and ravenous appetites for bugs make bream perfect fly-fishing targets. Bream hit various floating cork, wood or foam poppers. Some imitate crickets or other insects. At times, bream obliterate poppers. At other
Try light fly tackle for big action on diminutive panfish
times, they gently taste a temptation before sucking it down. Suddenly, the popper simply vanishes without the slightest ripple.
Few fish can outfight bream, ounce for ounce. On light fly tackle, these bantam powerhouses provide thrills. Toss a bug close to weeds, woody cover or the shoreline. In bedding areas, cast beyond the nest and pull the bug over the bed. Let the popper rest on the surface a few moments, then pop it.
The biggest bluegills commonly stay in slightly deeper water or suspend over drop-off edges. For these, try sinking flies or streamers that mimic minnows. Shellcrackers hit floating temptations but prefer to feed near the bottom. Fish sinking flies or streamers. Let the enticement descend a few feet. Then, pull it through the water in short spurts, pausing periodically.
From the smallest neighborhood retention ponds to the 730-square-mile Lake Okeechobee, anglers can catch bluegills and other bream on fly tackle practically anywhere in Florida.
Lake George is another good bream lake. The second largest inland lake in Florida, Lake George sprawls across 46,000 acres northwest of Deland. The St. Johns River, another great bream fishery, runs through it.
“Lake George can produce some good catches of bream in the spring and summer,” says Steve Niemoeller, a guide from St. Cloud. “The lake has a lot of thick weed beds that are good places to fish for big bream with fly tackle. Bream make beds in the weeds.”
Other spots include Crescent, Orange, Panasoffkee and Talquin lakes; the Harris and Kissimmee chains; Rodman Reservoir; and the Dead Lakes near Wewahitchka.
In many South Florida canals, anglers can catch bream, as well as exotic fish such as oscars, on fly tackle.
For more information or to speak with Steve Niemoeller, call 1-888-629-2277 or visit www.bassonline.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.
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.
March 1
Bacon, Beer & Seafood Festival
Bring the whole family for a day of food, beer and handcrafted cocktails, and artists and vendors of local crafts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is live music, including Dan Furmanik, The Coconut Cowboy and the Bahamian Junkanoo Band. A donation of $5 is requested. facebook.com/events/s/islamoradas-bacon-beer-seafood/4134942263486248; 305-664-8120
March 1
The Battle of Okeechobee
This family event at the Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park is a commemoration and reenactment of the Seminole Wars fought on Christmas Day 1837. Activities include historic colors presentation, live battle narration and reenactment, cannon and alligator demonstrations, living history encampments, artisans, exhibits, food, music and children’s activities. Gates open at 10 a.m. with the reenactment at 2 p.m. The event is presented by the Okeechobee Battlefield Friends. Admission is $10 per car. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064283425580; 863-610-2333
March 21-22
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing
The nonprofit Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation hosts its Gulf Coast Saltwater Fishing University at Bass Pro Shops Fort Myers. Women, men and teens can learn and practice fishing at several hands-on skill stations on Saturday, then have an option to fish inshore from charter boats on Sunday. Registration starts at $99 and includes classes, hands-on practice and gifts. Guided inshore fishing on Sunday is additional. No equipment or experience is necessary. www.ladiesletsgofishing.com; 954-475-9068
March 6-7
Annual Panama City Beach Scottish Festival
Feel free to bring your hats, sunglasses and folding chairs to Frank Brown Park for this year’s festival. Spend the day immersing yourself in Scottish culture. The event includes Scottish athletic competitions, Scottish clan representatives, bagpipe bands, a British car club show, children’s activities, Scottish and Irish food, and Irish Step Dancers. www.pcbscottishfestival.com; 850-556-5714
March 7
Wildlife of the Keys
Bring your art-loving family and friends as you take in the scenery of Florida through local artists’ eyes. Art Guild of the Purple Isles presents members’ original artworks of the Florida Keys’ native birds and animals from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Our Place in Paradise Gallery, MM 88.7. There is a reception from 5-7 p.m. www.agpi.us; 305-916-5828
March 12-14
Emerald Coast Cruzin’ Car Show
They’re fast, they’re furious, and they’re getting revved up for you and your friends. Make your way to Frank Brown Park to see some awesome hot rods and live music. Across the street, Pier Park offers more than 125 stores for those who enjoy shopping. www.emeraldcoastcruzin.com; 662-587-9572
March 14
9th Annual Spring Art Show and Sale
Stop by Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take in the works of local artists and artisans during this one-day show and sale. www.caalr.com; 941-907-0202
March 28
March 16-Nov. 20
Beautiful Islamorada Art Exhibit
An exhibit of original works reflecting the beauty of the Florida Keys. The Village is hosting this new AGPI Exhibit at three locations: Founders Park, 87000 Overseas Highway, MM 87; Village Hall, 86800 Overseas Highway, MM 86.8; and The Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve, 81224 Overseas Highway, MM 81.2.
www.agpi.us
March 23-April 30
Florida Keys Quilters ‘Quilts in Bloom’ Show
The Florida Keys Quilters present their Quilts in Bloom from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Key Largo Library Community Room at Tradewinds Plaza, 101499 Overseas Hwy. This is a unique opportunity to view the artistry and handiwork of a beautiful quilt. Members are available to share insights, answer questions and demonstrate quilt-making techniques. Admission is free.
305-451-2396
March 28
22nd Annual Pioneer Day and BBQ
History and heritage of Southwest Florida is showcased from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Turner Agri-Civic Center. This year’s festival will commemorate America 250, as well as the centennial anniversaries of Arcadia City Hall, J.L. Jones Building and Plaza Hotel. There’s fun for the whole family, including barbecue, and other tasty treats; demonstrations of old-fashioned skills and crafts; musical entertainment; a classic 1924 LaFrance firetruck and fire hose demonstration with an exhibit about the 1905 fire that destroyed downtown Arcadia; Florida authors and artists; a free “hands-on history” area with time honored tasks; vintage games; and a fossil dig. www.historicdesoto.org; 863-266-5774
March 28
Pops in the Park
The Florida Keys Community Concert Band will perform with the theme of Twilight Tunes. The concert is free and open to the public. Pack your picnic basket and a blanket or chairs to enjoy this hour-long treat starting at 4 p.m in Murray Nelson Center Peace Park. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-394-1123
2026 Duck Derby Spring Festival
The GFWC Wewahitchka Woman’s Club is excited to announce this year’s Duck Derby Spring Festival starting at 8 a.m. at Lake Alice Park. This community event promises a day of activities, entertainment and opportunities to support local causes. The festivities begin bright and early with the 5K Duck Dash, a race benefiting the Wewahitchka High School cross-country team. Participants can find registration forms on the club’s website. As the day unfolds, a variety of food vendors, live music, nonprofit displays and prize drawings are available. The highlight of the afternoon is the release of the rubber ducks at 1 p.m. The firstplace winner will receive $500, and the second-place winner will take home $250. Community members are encouraged to “Adopt a Duck” for $5, with all proceeds supporting vital community needs. www.gfwcwewahitchkawomansclub.com; 850-832-9670
March 28-29
34th Annual Florida Keys Island Fest
Each spring, this festival brings two days of vibrant community celebration to Founders Park. Organized by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce as a signature fundraiser, this beloved festival showcases juried fine art, live music, local cuisine, family activities, vintage cars and waterfront fun. Admission is free, with an optional parking donation. The event runs rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Organizers encourage attendees to “keep the scene green” by bringing reusable drink containers while enjoying lawn chairs or blankets for comfort.
www.islamoradachamber.com/island-fest; 305-664-4503
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Florida is filled with natural lands, ecological sites and a flourishing ecosystem. It’s home to many native plants and animals, but the year-round warm climate also makes it attractive to invasive species.
An invasive species is a nonnative species that becomes established and causes harm to the environment, economy or human health.
In Florida, the impact of invasive species is significant:
• Environmental harm: Invasive plants can crowd out native species, disrupt food webs, and compete for sunlight, water and nutrients.
• Economic harm: Each year, Florida spends $45 million to manage invasive plants on conservation acres alone. The agriculture industry loses an estimated $179 million annually to invasive plants, animals and disease.
• Human health risk: Certain invasive plants are toxic to the touch or if consumed, posing dangers to people and pets.
Many invasive species share characteristics that make them difficult to control, including fast growth rates, a short time to reproduce, the production of many offspring/seeds, effective dispersal and tolerance to many habitats.
• Ornamental plant introduction: Coral ardisia and climbing ferns were originally introduced in Florida as attractive ornamental plants before we learned about their invasive qualities.
• Travel souvenirs: Invasive plants have also been introduced into Florida from other regions by bringing souvenir plant seeds or flowers home from international trips. While we may
enjoy exotic fruit, beautiful flowers and flourishing plants during our travels, it’s best to take only photos, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture has restrictions on bringing agricultural products into the United States. This is to protect American agriculture from foreign pests or diseases.
• Seed sharing: Even a wellintentioned exchange of plants between friends can unintentionally spread invasives. When in doubt, check with your local UF/IFAS Extension Office or send samples to the UF Herbarium for identification.
• In your yard: Get proper identification and seek out your local extension office. You can also send photos or physical samples to the UF Herbarium. Then remove the plant and replace it with a Florida-friendly plant, or implement a management method.
• In the wild: Report sightings immediately at www.eddmaps.org, including plants, insects, fungi/diseases or wildlife; or at bit.ly/3M9JoXL.
Clarissa Chairez is the Residential Horticulture/Master Gardener volunteer coordinator agent in Orange County. She has a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education and a Master of Science in agronomy. She has more than 10 years of experience in education and three years in greenhouse/ nursery management.
There’s something special about seeing our communities through the eyes of the people who call them home, and that’s exactly what Peace River Electric Cooperative’s annual photo contest
From glowing sunsets over wide-open skies to family adventures and everyday moments that deserve a second look, we invite members and their families to help us capture life across our
And the best part? Your winning photo could earn a spot on the cover of Florida Currents magazine, plus some exciting prizes.
Open to PRECO members and their families (employees are not eligible)
Up to three entries may be submitted per
Photos must be taken within PRECO’s service area: Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Osceola, Polk and Sarasota counties.
Only original, minimally edited, digital photos
Submit vertical (portrait) photos only.
Horizontal images do not qualify. Send highresolution JPEGs (300 ppi, about 8-by-10 inches), with a minimum file size of 1 MB.
$100 electric bill credit for the best photo.
$50 electric bill credit each for up to six
Peace River Electric Cooperative is proud to announce that District 5 Director Marie Dasher earned the Director Gold Credential certificate, a nationally recognized credential awarded by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. An ever-changing business environment imposes new demands on electric cooperative directors, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills and a solid understadningof the Seven Cooperative Principles and co-op business model.
PRECO is committed to work through NRECA to sharpen this body of knowledge for the benefit of our electric cooperative member-owners.
The Director Gold Credential recognizes directors who have already earned their Credential Cooperative Director designation and Board Leadership Certificate and who wish to continue to learn throughout their service on the board.
It is geared toward directors who desire a tangible credential that reinforces their stature as part of an experienced and educated group of directors. This credential also demonstrates to co-op members those directors’ ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their
Gold knowledge stature their performing abilities. directors.
NRECA represents the nation’s almost 900 member-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to more than 42 million people in 48 states, with over 7,200
If your home is like most, you and your family use about 64 gallons of water each day. If your water heater is electric, that probably accounts for about 18% of your power bill.
That makes your water heater the second-largest energy expense in your home. Why not use less electricity to heat it?
Today’s high-efficiency water heaters use much less energy than older models, so you don’t need to give up comfort for energy savings. That’s good news for your power bill.
There is a newer option to consider: an electric heat pump water heater. These units give you the hot water you need by pulling heat from the surrounding air to heat the water— like a refrigerator in reverse. Because they do not directly produce heat, electric heat pump water heaters are two to three times more energy efficient than standard units.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a family of four can save about $550 a year on water heating costs, which adds up to $5,610 over the lifetime of the unit.
A heat pump water heater may cost a bit more upfront than other models. However, according to the DOE, most people see a payback in less than three years due to the unit’s lower operating costs and energy savings. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for a water heater.
Check with your cooperative to see if a rebate is available to help you make the switch.
Tankless electric water heaters are another option, but carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks. These smaller units quickly heat water to provide it when called upon, but can use eight times more electricity than a standard water heater.
This high demand increases your co-op’s cost of purchased power, which plays an important role in how much you pay for electricity. In some cases, people who use electric tankless water heaters must upgrade their home’s wiring to support the greater demand for electricity.
Other ways to lower your energy costs include setting your water heater’s thermostat to no higher than 120 degrees, fixing leaks, installing lowflow fixtures, and using energyefficient dishwashers and washing machines.
Helping you save energy and money is another way your co-op is always here for you. n
Operations Safety Day is one of the most important days on Peace River Electric Cooperative’s calendar each year. It’s a dedicated time for training, qualifications and conversations that strengthen our safety culture and ensure our crews are prepared for whatever the job brings.
This year’s Safety Day kicked off with an informative session led by Ryan Keitel of Utility Service Agency. Ryan shared valuable insight on proper tool inspections, along with important industry updates that help keep crews informed, equipped and focused on doing the job the right way. Every time.
After the morning safety discussion, our line crews moved into one of the most critical portions of the day: annual rescue qualifications.
Each year, crews train and qualify in Bucket Truck Rescue and Pole-Top (Hurt-Man) Rescue.
These skills are among the most essential in linework, because when an emergency happens, there’s no room for hesitation. The goal is to complete the rescue in under four minutes, a crucial window when every second counts and immediate lifesaving care may be needed.
Our teams approach this training with the seriousness it deserves, sharpening their techniques and teamwork to ensure every crew member knows exactly what to do under pressure.
Following the morning qualifications, crews enjoyed a well-earned lunch featuring a taco bar catered by Frostproof BBQ. This kept everyone fueled for the afternoon sessions.
One of the highlights of the day was the return of the Way Out West Western Outfitters Boot Trailer, giving our employees the chance to pick out new safety boots on-site.
A big thanks goes to Way Out West for bringing the trailer down for the second year in a row. The team came prepared with plenty of inventory and helped make sure every employee found the right fit. Having this service available during Safety Day is not only convenient, but it also reinforces the importance of wearing the right protective gear every day in the field.
After lunch, employees heard from Scot Bush from the UF Health Shands Burn Center. Scot shared his experiences working with patients who suffered burns caused by electrical contact.
His presentation offered a powerful reminder of the lasting impact electrical injuries can have and the difficult road to recovery many patients face. Just as importantly, he covered immediate steps to take in the event of an incident. This critical information can make a major difference when quick action is needed.
The day wrapped up with Sam Cornwell, PRECO’s Safety & Loss Prevention representative from Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange. Sam shared industry safety data and trends, offering a valuable perspective on the experiences reported by utilities across the country and how continued focus on safety practices helps reduce risks and protect employees.
Operations Safety Day is about more than meeting requirements. It strengthens our commitment to each other. From rescue qualifications to expert speakers and hands-on safety support, the day serves as an important reminder that safety isn’t just a priority, it’s a core value.
This successful day wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and teamwork of so many. A sincere thank you to all PRECO employees who helped plan, coordinate, participate and support the event, along with guest speakers and partners who shared their time, expertise and resources. Your involvement helped make this Safety Day meaningful and impactful for everyone involved.
Our crews face challenging conditions and high-risk environments every day. By investing in training, equipment and education, we’re investing in what matters most, ensuring everyone goes home safe at the end of every shift.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Apprentice lineworker Connor Lambert resets a handline for a training exercise. The entire Department of Operations staff participated in Safety Day. Sam Cornwell, a representative from the Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange reviews safety procedures. Van Crawford, vice president of operations, oversees a pole-top rescue exercise. Bucket trucks are an important component of safety training.
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.
— Gene H.
Switzerland is synonymous with expensive, big-name luxury watches like Rolex®, Piaget® and Patek Philippe® that sell for thousands, but the Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch delivers Swiss precision for a fraction of the cost. Inspired by military timepieces like the American A-11, it combines rugged performance, simplicity, and legendary craftsmanship — built for action, not display cases.
Precision Takes Time
Swiss excellence demands patience. Each Stauer Swiss Tactical takes nearly nine months to complete, and this is a limited edition of 4,900. Crafted by master watchmakers, some of whom have worked with the other prestigious brands, this is your chance to own a rare, precision-engineered tactical watch without the inflated luxury price tag.
Why Pay for a Name?
Big brands charge more for status. Stauer delivers the same quality and precision with high-contrast markers for instant readability, a shock-resistant case to withstand hard knocks and Swiss-made movement for impeccable timing.
Limited Offer – Act Now
Don’t miss this rare combination of Swiss craftsmanship and unbeatable value. Only 4,900 available — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Why pay more when you can own precision, heritage, and adventure for less? Order now — time is running out.
Watch Specifications:
• Made in Switzerland with precision Swiss Ronda 515 movement. Stainless steel caseback. Brown leather band
• 44 mm diameter case. Date window at 3 o’clock
• Water-resistant to 3 ATM. Fits wrists up to 8 ¼"
Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch
$399 $59* + S & P Save $340
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
PRECO.coop
800-282-3824
TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE
Use the SmartHub app.
Text OUT to 800-282-3824.
Call 800-282-3824.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
210 Metheny Road
Wauchula, FL 33873
MANATEE SERVICE CENTER
14505 Arbor Green Trail
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1
LEONARD CRAWLEY
District 2
KENNETH ODEN
District 3
BRUCE VICKERS
District 4
HOLLIS ALBRITTON
District 5
MARIE DASHER
District 6
DAN PUCCIO
District 7
CHRIS PORTALE
District 8
ELLEN BACHMAN
District 9
WILLIE DAWES
BOARD MEETINGS
March 24
April 21
May 19
Any PRECO member may attend board meetings. Due to building security requirements and to facilitate attendance, members should contact the cooperative in a timely manner for logistical information regarding meetings. FL-155
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Spring in Florida is beautiful, until it isn’t. We enjoy the sunshine, outdoor weekends and return of open-the-windows weather. But, this is also the time of year when we start keeping a closer eye on the sky.
At Peace River Electric Cooperative, spring is more than a change of season— it’s a time when we shift into an even higher level of behind-the-scenes storm readiness.
Before severe weather ever reaches our area, our team is working through a long checklist that helps us respond faster when it counts, including:
• Reviewing response plans and identifying restoration priorities
• Inspecting equipment and identifying potential trouble areas
• Ensuring crews are ready to mobilize with proper supplies and equipment
• Confirming communication systems are prepared for high call volumes
• Coordinating with partners and mutual aid contacts
Storm response is a team effort, and it takes planning long before the first outage happens.
Preparedness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking a few small steps now can help your household feel more comfortable if the power goes out later:
• Build a quick grab-and-go supply bin with flashlights, batteries and a firstaid kit.
• Keep a few easy meal options that don’t
require cooking on hand.
• Charge portable power banks before storms arrive.
• Turn off major appliances during extended outages to reduce surge risks.
• If you own a generator, make sure you know how to operate it safely. We share one of the most important reminders every year: Downed power lines can be deadly. If you see one, stay far away and report it immediately. Never assume it’s safe.
We keep members informed through updates online or through the SmartHub mobile app, but the best way to report an outage is by calling 800-282-3824 or visiting the outage reporting link at PRECO.coop.
Responding using these methods helps operators respond efficiently and direct crews where they’re needed most.
We all hope for a calm spring and summer, but Florida weather has a mind of its own. At PRECO, we’re committed to being ready, because reliability isn’t just about equipment. It’s about the people who depend on it every day.
Paul Roberts Interim CEO/General Manager
