Florida Currents Florida Holidays
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Florida Currents
December 2025 • Volume 15, No. 2
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 Sable Riley, CCC; Valeri Saldanha Rosa
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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A Trail of a Tale Hernando County’s mermaid sculpture collection expands Up Close, Page 10
Isaiah 117 House aims to improve foster care Spotlight, Page 12 Appetizer Classics In the Kitchen, Page 16
PRECO Members to Receive $4.2 Million in Capital Credits
Capital Credits Facts
All electric co-ops operate at cost, so any excess revenues—called margins—are allocated and returned to members in the form of capital credits.
Since Peace River Electric Cooperative was founded in 1940, we have returned more than $38 million in capital credits to members.
Peace River Electric Cooperative is returning more than $4.18 million in capital credits to members who received electric service during 2005 and a portion of 2006. Qualifying members with active PRECO accounts and capital credit retirements under $50 receive credit on their November or December electric bills. Members with retirements of $50 or more will receive their checks in December.
Because PRECO is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative, members share in its ownership and prosperity. Your participation in capital credits is one of the key benefits of being a PRECO member.
Allocation and Retirement of Capital Credits
PRECO returns capital credits through a two-step process:
Step 1:
Allocation
Each year that PRECO earns margins—revenues that exceed operating expenses— the cooperative allocates those margins to members’ accounts based on the amount of electricity each member purchased during that year.
Step 2: Retirement
When the cooperative’s nancial condition allows, PRECO retires, or pays, those allocated capital credits to members who helped build the cooperative’s equity.
For questions regarding capital credits, call PRECO at 800-282-3824.
ADOBE
What Are Capital Credits?
Understanding this unique co-op benefit
You’ve probably heard about capital credits at Peace River Electric Cooperative, but what exactly are they?
Capital credits set PRECO apart from investor-owned utilities. Since PRECO is a member-owned cooperative, it doesn’t generate profits.
Like all utilities, PRECO collects revenue to cover operating costs and plan for future improvements. However, investor-owned utilities structure rates to generate profits for stockholder dividends. In contrast, PRECO sets rates to cover expenses, support growth and maintain financial stability.
When revenues exceed the costs of operation, the co-op earns net margins. These margins are allocated to active members based on their total annual billing during the year the margins were earned. These are known as capital credits.
Deck the Halls ct l D e a
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and giftgiving. As we embrace the festive spirit, let’s remember the importance of energy efficiency.
Everyone has experienced the strain of the economy, and we all play a role in the amount of energy we consume. This Christmas, choose gifts that bring the holiday spirit to your loved ones and contribute to reducing energy use.
Here are eight gift ideas that make both the recipient and their electric bill happy.
With Energy-Efficient Gifts
energy use and save money on utility bills. Plus, they often come with awesome features and designs, making them functional and stylish.
1 Solar-Powered Gadgets
Solar-powered gadgets are the perfect gift for tech enthusiasts and eco-conscious individuals alike. From solar chargers to power banks to garden lights, these devices harness the power of the sun to provide renewable energy.
Solar chargers are particularly handy for keeping smartphones and other devices functioning while on the go, perfect for those who go camping, hiking or just enjoy being outdoors.
2 Energy-Efficient LED Lights
3 Energy-Efficient Home Appliances 4
Among the most iconic decorations of the holiday season are the twinkling lights that adorn our homes and trees. Opting for energy-efficient LED lights instead of fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs is a great way to reduce energy use.
LED lights use less electricity, last longer and produce less heat, making them a safer and more energy-efficient choice.
A smart thermostat is a fantastic gift for anyone looking to make their home more energy efficient. These devices learn the household’s temperature preferences and adjust heating and cooling systems accordingly. Thermostats can significantly lower heating and cooling costs and reduce energy waste by minimizing the amount of electricity used to heat and cool a home.
Consider giving the gift of energy-efficient home appliances. Energy Star-certified appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers, lower
For those who love hands-on projects, consider creating a DIY energy-saving gift basket. These kits can include weatherstripping, LED bulbs and smart power strips. Encourage your friends and family to embark on energy-saving home improvement projects that are easy to complete and help them reduce their energy consumption and lower their energy bills in the process.
Some of the most heartwarming and energy-efficient gifts we can give this season are blankets and warm clothing. These gifts provide more than just physical warmth—they can help reduce energy use during the colder months. By remaining cozy with warm blankets and attire, your friends and family can stay comfortable while lowering the thermostat.
These gifts can provide an energy-efficient approach to staying cozy this winter while helping to lower the thermostat.
Smart Thermostats 5
DIY Energy-Saving Kits 6 Blankets and Warm Clothing
Smart outlets and switches are excellent tools for improving home energy efficiency, making them a thoughtful and practical gift. These smart devices allow consumers to remotely control and schedule the power to various appliances and electronic devices, ensuring they are not left on unnecessarily.
Through smartphone apps and voice commands, users can turn off lights, chargers and other devices when not in use, reducing standby power consumption.
By giving smart outlets and switches as Christmas gifts, you empower your loved ones to take control of their energy consumption and lower their electricity bills.
Dryer balls and drying racks can significantly boost energy efficiency in the laundry room. When used in the dryer, dryer balls help improve airflow and reduce drying time, cutting down on energy consumption. Additionally, they prevent static cling and soften clothes naturally, eliminating the need for dryer sheets.
Drying racks also offer benefits. They are an alternative to using the dryer and are ideal for delicate items. Gifting both or one of these items is a surefire way to help your friends and family reduce their energy use, while helping them keep their clothes fresh and clean.
This holiday season, embrace the spirit of energy efficiency and give practical gifts. These thoughtful Christmas gifts bring joy to your friends and family, and contribute to saving them money on their electric bills. Give the gift of saving all year long.
Smart Outlets and Switches
Dryer Balls and Drying Racks
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY PIXELSHOT
PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC
DECEMBER
2025
Nominating committee names director candidates.
FEBRUARY 2026
Members vote for directors at district meetings.
JANUARY 2026
Nominations by member petition must be submitted by Jan. 2. District meeting and candidate information is mailed to voters in each voting district.
MARCH 2026
Newly elected board members are seated at PRECO’s Annual Membership Meeting.
Board of Director Elections
Peace River Electric is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative. As part-owner of the co-op, you have a voice in who serves on its board of directors.
To ensure strong local leadership, members elect directors, on a rotating basis, from each of our nine districts. In 2026, terms are expiring for Districts 1, 4 and 7.
If you would like to run for a seat on the board of directors, there are two ways to qualify for the ballot: nomination by committee or nomination by petition. Contact the cooperative for details and official forms.
BOARD QUALIFICATIONS
Anyone who meets the qualifications is eligible to serve as a director. For a complete listing of director qualifications, please read Article IV, Section 2 of the cooperative’s bylaws. Copies are available online at PRECO.coop or any PRECO office.
If you have questions about the election process, please contact Ashleigh Hayes at 800-282-3824 or Ashleigh.Hayes@preco.coop.
DIRECTOR TERMS EXPIRING
Leonard Crawley District 1
Hollis Albritton District 4
Chris Portale District 7
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Hernando County’s mermaid sculpture collection expands
By Cheré Coen
Some creative ideas work so well, they just keep growing.
That is the idea behind Mermaid Tale Trail on Florida’s Adventure Coast, home to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and its legacy of living mermaids—think humans with fake tails.
When the park turned 75 in 2023, Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau decided to honor the milestone with 27 life-sized mermaid statues, all standing over 6 feet tall with contoured tails hand-painted by Florida artists. The statues were placed throughout Hernando County, with one mermaid greeting visitors at the Florida Welcome Center on Interstate 75 at the Georgia border.
Kristy Lowman, a former Weeki Wachee mermaid, served as the model for the mermaids’ faces, but each statue’s tail features a unique theme, such as area wildlife, nautical images, references to Weeki Wachee, and Florida’s culture and history.
Former Weeki Wachee mermaid Lydia Singer painted a statue titled The Spring, permanently placed at the state park. On the sculpture’s tail, Lydia painted Weeki Wachee’s underwater performances and famous visitors, such as Elvis Presley.
The Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau also launched a Mermaid
Tale Trail Passport program. Visitors and residents can download a map from destinationmermaids.com, which is accessible from a mobile device. No app is necessary. Participants check in at each mermaid statue location to earn prizes.
“People are having so much fun with it,” says John Athanason, multimedia communication specialist for Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau. “It’s a fun scavenger hunt, and you get to see local artwork. They are strategically placed so you can discover something new in Hernando County.”
The Mermaid Tale Trail is so popular that the tourism office, with its sponsors Brooksville Main Street and the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, erected 10 more statues this year.
“We decided that every year, we would release more,” John says. Judges carefully choose artists from across the state, and they must apply special paint to withstand the Florida climate, John says. A few artists have created more than one statue.
Some of the mermaids for 2025 include: Althea, a fairy mermaid who lives by a pond surrounded by flowers and friendly wildlife; La Bella Luna, who holds the moon in the night sky above the Adagio Fountain at Weeki Wachee Springs; Lilly, of Japanese folklore, who lives in a freshwater lake surrounded by koi fish; and Pearly the Pirate Mermaid, who guards Florida’s coastline by carrying a magical map to help sailors navigate to safe harbors.
Looking forward, Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau hopes to install new mermaid statues every year but will likely slow down a bit from this year’s pace.
FROM LEFT: Meraki is unveiled at the Visit Florida Welcome Center on Interstate 75 at the Georgia border. Artist Jancie Uribe created this mermaid named Tifara: Mermaid Goddess of Deep Open Waters. The second round of mermaid statues of Mermaid Tale Trail in Hernando County was introduced at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park earlier this year. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA’S ADVENTURE COAST VISITORS BUREAU
“I think what we’re going to be doing is one-offs,”
John says. “But we will let everyone know when there’s a new mermaid in town.”
Visit the Trail
In downtown Brooksville, visitors may enjoy two different walkable routes to see the mermaids: a 1-mile trek and a 2-mile journey.
For those who prefer to drive, a map available at the Brooksville Welcome Center or through the Mermaid Tale Trail Passport website lists the locations of all 36 statues. Mermaid statues are found at parks, historic points of interest, restaurants and other commercial establishments, civic centers such as Brooksville City Hall and Hernando County Courthouse, and tourist attractions such as Anderson Snow Park.
To download a map, visit floridamermaidtrail.com.
Why Mermaids?
Hernando County is home to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park at the headwaters of the Weeki Wachee River. Before becoming a state park, then-landowner Newton Perry opened the springs to tourists in 1947, allowing visitors to view the crystal-clear spring waters from a submerged theater built into the side of the springs. There, in addition to the fish and occasional manatee, women in mermaid costumes would swim behind the glass wall and perform.
Florida acquired the property and turned the springs into a state park in 2008. Visitors can still see the live mermaid show in a modern 400-seat theater, as well as paddle down the spring-fed river, join a boat cruise or swim in Buccaneer Bay.
The park hosts Sirens of the Deep Mermaid Camp, a two-day weekend camp for adults who wish to try their hands at underwater performances with a tale. The camp is taught by former Weeki Wachee mermaids and offered spring through fall. Dates are announced every January, says John Athanason, multimedia communication specialist for Florida’s Adventure Coast Vistors Center, and tickets go fast.
“We send out a notification that camp dates are open, and it’s a free-for-all,” John says. “It’s usually sold out within a day. Every date is sold out.”
Lavishing
By Cheré Coen
Isaiah 117 House works to change how foster care begins
Danae Bunso, of Jacksonville, has fostered 30 children over the years. Some arrived on her doorstep in the middle of the night with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
She witnessed the trauma children experience when they’re torn from everything they know, so when she watched Mike Rowe’s Facebook show “Returning the Favor” in 2020, in which the former “Dirty Jobs” host documented Isaiah 117 House, her passion for assisting kids grew.
“It filled the gap that we were called to,” Danae says.
Isaiah 117 House, founded by Ronda Paulson in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is a collection of homes where children removed from abusive or neglectful environments are brought by social workers to wait until foster parents can be found. Volunteers who are on call at all hours greet the children by name and provide meals and comfort foods. Children can take a bath and dress in new, clean clothes in a comfortable place to play and sleep.
While the children are being cared for by trained volunteers, child protective investigators from the Florida Department of Children and Families search for foster placements.
“A lot of kids feel like they’re in trouble when they’re removed (from their homes),” Danae says. “We are there to help on a day when they’ve had everything taken away from them.”
The homes are decorated with warm, inviting surroundings, including cozy bedrooms and playrooms filled with new toys. Children remain at Isaiah 117 House until appropriate housing is found, which could mean a few hours to an overnight stay. Once foster care placements are secured, children leave Isaiah 117 House with items to help with the transition.
From left, Florida State Director for Isaiah 117 House Danaé Bunso, Founder and Executive Director Ronda Paulson and Duval County Location Leader Shanté McCleod cut the ribbon on Florida’s first Isaiah House, in Duval County. PHOTOS COURTESY ISAIAH 117 HOUSE
“Every child we serve, we pack a bag just for them,” Danae says.
That bag may contain essential items, such as toiletries, or comforting things, such as toys and books.
“These are things the kids have chosen themselves,” she says. “We believe that on the worst day, they can choose new things just for them.”
The bottom line of what Isaiah 117 House serves is dignity and love. Danae and her army of volunteers want the transition to be less traumatic for both the children and their foster families.
“Lavish love is our mission,” she says.
‘Defend the cause of the fatherless’ In 2014, when Ronda and Corey Paulson took a class to become foster parents, they learned children waiting to be placed in foster care would spend hours—and sometimes days—in Kentucky Department of Children’s Services offices before a foster home could be found.
“When we were sitting in the conference room, it was dirty, no windows, and they announced that when a child was removed from the home they come
there,” Ronda says in the “Returning the Favor” documentary, titled “The Woman Changing the Foster Care System.” “I looked around that room, I thought, ‘Why would you bring a child here?’”
The thought of scared children being pulled from their homes waiting in such an environment touched Ronda’s heart. A year later, when the couple was called to care for a 9-month-old toddler named Isaiah, who arrived at their home with a filthy diaper bag and wearing a too-small diaper, Ronda decided to take action.
“I heard God say, ‘These are your children, what are you going to do?’” she says in the documentary.
Ronda created the first Isaiah 117 House, based on the Bible verse, “defend the cause of the fatherless.” Today, the organization runs homes in 13 states, including four in Florida. The first Florida home was built in Duval County, and more than 500 children have come through its doors since it opened. Another house is scheduled to be built in Hillsborough County in 2026.
“Our home is their home to use,” says
Danae, who works as the Florida state director for Isaiah 117 House. “We’re excited to be growing in Florida.”
Although the stories of some of the children Danae has helped are heartbreaking, many have left happier from the experience.
A 17-year-old arrived on her birthday and told volunteers she had not celebrated her birth since she was 10. The volunteers “went all out,” Danae says, cooking the girl’s favorite Lowcountry boil and shopping for special gifts. When she opened the last present—a tiara—the teen cried, explaining her mother had bought her a tiara for her last birthday celebration.
“We truly believe that God is in all things,” Danae says. “God knew that, and that tiara was chosen for her, and we see that time and again. It’s been incredible to see things that might not seem meaningful, but they make a difference.”
Another young girl arrived wearing long sleeves and pants to hide her bruises. She admired a new dress at the Isaiah 117 House in Duval County but didn’t want to expose her injuries. A volunteer ran her a bath and fixed her hair,
LEFT: The mission of Isaiah 117 House is to lavish love on children entering foster care and to let them know they’re not alone.
BELOW: The Isaiah 117 House in Duval County is the first of its kind in Florida.
RIGHT: Inside Florida’s Duval County Isaiah 117 House is, from left, Sally Dougherty, Shanté McCleod, Georgia Dougherty, Mariah Ngiumbous and Danaé Bunso.
and the girl decided to try on the dress.
“When she looked in the mirror, her head was so high,” Danae says. “She looked at her transformation, and she thought, ‘I am beautiful.’”
Isaiah 117 House also supports child protective investigators, the state workers who must make the difficult decisions to remove children from bad situations. CPIs are encouraged to use the offices at Isaiah 117 House locations to make sensitive phone calls while also keeping an eye on the children.
The timeline for children in transition into foster homes varies, but on average it takes about six hours for CPIs to find foster parents, Danae says.
“We wrap arms around them, too,” she says of the organization’s mission to help CPIs, including a monthly appreciation event. “It’s really a thankless job.”
It Takes a Community
Marcia Wood taught middle school for 30 years before retiring. When her son entered college and she found herself with an empty nest, she looked for a way to contribute to the community.
“I was kind of lost and thought, ‘What am I going to do now?’” she says.
She began volunteering for the Duval County Isaiah 117 House in March 2021.
“I thought this is so cool, such a needed thing, helping a child on the worst days of
their lives,” Marcia says. “We are there to help flip the switch for them because they had a really bad day.”
Marcia now serves as the county’s local advisory team lead and stresses how important volunteers are to the organization. In Duval County, more than 100 Isaiah 117 House volunteers are on the books, some on call for different time periods, some skilled in nursing. There are others who serve without connecting with the children and social workers, such as cleaners and those who bring in and stock donations.
“It’s like a hotel,” Marcia says, adding that food needs preparing and bedding must be cleaned and replaced, among many other
RIGHT: A bedroom at the Duval County Isaiah 117 House is comfortable and welcoming.
BELOW: For children entering foster care, the journey is often filled with fear and uncertainty. Isaiah 117 Houses always include a safe, warm space filled with toys.
duties. “The volunteers are an integral part of making it work. Some are on call and come in anyway.”
All volunteers are trained to deal with children experiencing trauma, plus they learn the Isaiah 117 House philosophy of “lavishing love on a child,” Marcia says. “We want them to feel secure and that we care.”
Marcia’s experience as a volunteer at Isaiah 117 House has been just as rewarding for her as it is for the children she helps.
“As for me, it has enriched my life so much,” she says.
Isaiah 117 House has locations in Baker, Marion, Sarasota and Duval counties, all of which were established with the help of
the community, Danae says. It begins with someone reaching out to Isaiah 117 House to state a need, then the organization does research and shares its findings—and its stories—with the community after about six months to a year.
“We build those relationships with the community along the way,” Danae says.
Organizers begin fundraising and look for partners who may donate land or money to buy land. Construction companies may contribute a service or donate the construction of the whole building. The end goal is to build a home that’s debt-free with enough operating funds for a year.
Materials, toiletries, clothes, toys and other essentials are often donated by community members.
“There are lots of ways for the community to be involved,” Danae says.
The organization performs outreach in the communities it serves, operating lemonade stands at community events, speaking at schools, and attending church fairs, festivals and more. Some volunteers, such as Marcia, share their stories with women’s organizations and church groups.
Visit isaiah117house.com/getinvolved to find out how you can help.
Florida volunteers assist at the Duval County Topgolf Tournament in April, a fundraiser for Isaiah 117 House.
ABOVE: Shanté McCleod, Duval County location leader; Danaé Bunso, Florida state director; Leahy Kelley, Duval County support coordinator; and Lori Surber, Duval County care coordinator, pause for a photo.
LEFT: Mariah Ngiumbous, Sarah Tabak, Michelle Buckelew, Karen Copeland, Britney Rhodes, Danaé Bunso and Kacey Drew run a thank you lemonade stand at a Department of Children and Families location.
LEFT: Corey Paulson, founder and director of development; Ronda Paulson, founder and executive director; Emily Martin, Baker County care coordinator; Sherrie Steadman, Baker County location leader; Kara Maddox, Baker County support coordinator; and Danaé Bunso, Florida state director, gather at the Baker County Ribbon Cutting in June 2024.
Appetizer Classics CELEBRATE WITH NOSTALGIC FAVORITES
1 roll puff pastry, defrosted
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
1/3 cup whipped cream cheese
10 to 12 thin slices salami or other cold cut
5 green olives
5 large cubes hard cheese
Lightly roll out puff pastry and smooth it out. Spread cream cheese evenly over pastry, and top with salami slices. Slice into nine or 10 strips lengthwise.
Fold strips of dough accordion-style. Start with narrow layers and widen as you go, mimicking the shape of a Christmas tree. Insert a long skewer through the center starting at the base, through the top of the tree. Place on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan.
Refrigerate trees for 15 to 20 minutes. While chilling, heat oven to 350 F. Bake appetizers about 15 minutes or until golden. Top each tree with a green olive or cheese cube.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY
Cocktail Meatballs
32-ounce bag frozen, fully cooked meatballs
12 ounces chili sauce
10 ounces grape jelly
Add frozen meatballs to a slow cooker. Add chili sauce and grape jelly. Cover. Cook for 2 to 3 hours on high or 4 to 6 hours on low, until sauce is hot.
Serve directly from slow cooker with a serving spoon or toothpicks, or transfer to a serving dish.
Cheese Straws
½ cup butter, softened
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
Heat oven to 400 F. Grease a sheet pan.
In a large bowl, cream butter and cheese together. Stir in flour and salt. Mix well. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch strips. Sprinkle with ground red pepper.
Place strips 1½ inches apart on prepared pan.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp.
Sausage Balls
3 cups all-purpose baking mix
1 pound ground hot pork sausage, uncooked
1 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Cooking spray
Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly spray two sheet pans with cooking spray.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, pressing mixture together with hands. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared sheet pans.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned.
Olive Spread
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
1½ teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
5.75-ounce jar sliced salad green olives with pimentos and juice
Pinch of paprika, optional
In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder until light and fluffy.
Add sliced salad olives with juice. Use hand mixer to incorporate into creamy mixture. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Before serving, remove olive spread from refrigerator and allow to stand 20 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika. Use olive spread to make tea sandwiches or crudites and crackers.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
1 pound thick asparagus
spears, ends trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Heat oven to 425 F.
½ pound thinly sliced prosciutto
1 ounce ParmigianoReggiano cheese, plus more for garnish
Balsamic glaze
Place asparagus on a sheet pan, and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Lay the prosciutto slices on a cutting board. Slice each in half lengthwise. Sprinkle a thin layer of ParmigianoReggiano on top of prosciutto.
Roll each asparagus spear with cheese and prosciutto.
Arrange in a single layer on sheet pan.
Bake 7 to 10 minutes, until asparagus is still somewhat firm but tender.
Grate more cheese on top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Stuffed Celery
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sour cream
¼ cup chopped walnuts
20 green olives with pimentos, chopped
1 bunch celery, trimmed and cut into logs
In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and sour cream. Stir in walnuts and chopped olives.
Spread filling onto celery pieces. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Neiman Marcus Dip
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ cup thinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
½ cup lightly toasted sliced almonds, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon hot sauce
Assorted crackers, for serving
Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat, flipping often until rendered and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
Whisk together cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in cheddar, pepper, scallions, almonds, hot sauce and bacon until just combined.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional scallions and almonds. Serve with crackers.
NIKON D810, 70mm lens ISO 200, f/4 at 1/1250
Rick Dedrick, left, tells his son, Logan, about his grandfather’s death. Xavier Howard, center, was there to support his teammate through the moment.
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
By Dave LaBelle
A lot of folks, especially those of my generation or earlier, still send out Christmas cards. I usually receive about a dozen annually, sometimes with a letter telling of the family’s accomplishments or the exotic places they have visited in the past year.
Some of my relatives and friends with a sense of humor send creative e-cards with digital scenes and messages. Since the U.S. Postal Service raised it rates again this year, and a first-class card or letter costs nearly a dollar to send, I expect many of us will receive more of these.
Being a print guy, I decided this year to send you, my readers, a picture Christmas card on slick magazine stock.
But not the kind you would expect.
There is no snow falling, no red-suited Santa, reindeer, stained-glass windows or religious reenactments.
Instead, here is my favorite photograph from this year—a real, unscripted, painful, yet beautiful scene of a father, son and best friend together in sorrow.
My Christmas Postcard
However, there is more to this picture than meets the eye.
Beyond the pain of losing an important college lacrosse game, which eliminated any hope of the team making the playoffs, sophomore Logan Dedrick also learned his beloved grandfather passed away.
Logan’s father, Rick Dedrick, who traveled several hundred miles to watch his son play, didn’t want to tell Logan his grandfather had died before such an important game. Waiting until after the game as the team walked back to the locker room, Rick asked Logan’s best friend and teammate, Xavier Howard, to join him in breaking the news to his son.
“We didn’t want him to be alone when he learned of his grandfather’s passing,” Rick says.
Though Christmas is celebrated in a variety of ways, there is no substitute for a father’s love.
I hope each of you has a meaningful Christmas.
Reader Challenge
What is your favorite or most meaningful photograph of 2025? Share why you chose the image you did. If you have not made your favorite image yet, you still have a month.
Email your best image—just one—with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop.
We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
Internationally renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. He has shared photo tips and life perspectives with readers since 2009. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Noble Game Birds
Across the Southeast, bobwhite quail populations declined for decades as habitats vanished and predator populations increased. However, Florida still offers places that hold wild birds.
Native to Florida, bobwhites live throughout the Sunshine State, where they find suitable habitats. Quail do not like thick forests, marshes or bottomlands. Upland longleaf pine savanna lands with widely spaced trees and thick grasses between the pines provide great quail habitat.
In such lands, prescribed fire can improve quail habitat. Fire clears out undesirable growth, and eliminates ground clutter and debris. Fire also stimulates new plant growth by allowing more sunlight to hit the ground and adds nutrients to the soil. Some seeds only sprout after a fire, so some landowners burn a third of their properties each year.
A dense canopy blocks sunlight, inhibiting plant growth at ground level. In good habitats, the birds nest and forage on the ground for food. Quail need bare dirt at ground level to feed. They mostly eat seeds, insects, fruits and other vegetable matter.
On forested properties, selectively cut the trees to open the canopy. Leave scattered trees and thickets in place for escape cover. If flushed or threatened in the grasslands, quail can fly to one of these sanctuaries.
Bobwhites thrive in well-managed private lands. Many plantations supplement their wild quail populations by releasing pen-raised birds on their properties. Some plantations allow people to hunt their lands.
Quail also like fallow agricultural fields growing with native grasses, such as ragweed. Cultivated grain field edges and openings also make great quail habitat.
The birds feed and roost in coveys that
might consist of as many as 25 individuals. Pen-raised birds that mix with wild coveys might survive predation. Good ground cover, thickets and similar places can provide quail protection from predators, particularly hawks.
Ground predators also take their toll. Foxes and bobcats are especially a concern, alongside fire ants destroying nests, and opossums, skunks and raccoons eating the birds’ eggs.
Predators destroy 50%-70% of all bobwhite nests annually. In about 25% of those cases, the adult bird also dies.
Ironically, one much-maligned predator helps quail populations. Coyotes eat few quail, but they eat feral cats, which are one of the most vicious predators of small birds. Coyotes also chase foxes away from quail habitat.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Quail Enhancement Areas provide hunting opportunities at designated wildlife management areas for the noble game birds. Besides QEA lands, hunters might find wild quail on other wildlife management areas. Any lands with good quail habitat might hold birds.
The Florida statewide quail season is Nov. 8 through March 1, 2026, with a daily bag limit of 12. Some wildlife management areas and other public properties might offer different season dates and impose other regulations, so always check before hunting.
For more information on quail and places to hunt, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at myfwc.com.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. He’s written more than 3,500 articles on a wide variety of outdoor topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
Well camouflaged, a bobwhite quail hides in dense underbrush. Quail need cover to protect themselves from predators like foxes, bobcats and hawks.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN N. FELSHER
FLORIDA CURRENTS
Dec. 6
PLANNER
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
AVON PARK
Dec. 1
Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
Join the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce for this annual parade. For the best viewing locations, spectators are welcome to bring chairs or blankets to sit along Main Street, lining east and westbound lanes from Donaldson Park to The Jacaranda Hotel. apccfl.org/events-calender/#!event/2025/12/1/avon-park-christmasparade; 863-453-3350
PENSACOLA
Dec. 5-24
Winterfest
Pensacola’s downtown streets are lit up with more than half a million lights to form a backdrop for Winterfest, an iconic celebration that ends on Christmas Eve. The festival offers a daily supply of live performances, holiday trolley tours, cascades of “snow,” and photos with Santa and the Grinch. When the conductor calls your name, climb aboard for the most magical journey you’ll take this holiday season. www.pensacolawinterfest.org; 850-583-1365
AVON PARK
Dec. 6
Christmas on the Farm
Arbuckle Creek Farms continues its tradition of Christmas on The Farm. This festive event from 5-9 p.m. provides an inviting atmosphere where families and friends can gather to celebrate the holiday season. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, the farm transforms into a festive wonderland, offering a unique experience for visitors who seek the warmth and magic of the holiday season. bit.ly/3JGQ7XW; 239-872-5477
BRADENTON
Dec. 6
Holiday Boat Parade
A cherished tradition since the 1970s, this parade brings festive cheer to the community along the Braden River. The parade starts at 7:30 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E. The public is welcome to join in or simply enjoy the spectacle. Expect twinkling boats, live music before the parade and a jolly guest in red to delight all ages. www.jiggslanding.com; 941-727-4181
TAVERNIER
Holiday Market
Stroll the gardens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and explore outdoor vendors featuring unique arts and crafts, food and plants at the Francis Tracy Garden Center (MM 94). This location is perfect for holiday shopping in a beautiful garden setting. Stop by for some holiday shopping before it’s too late. gardenclubupperkeys.org
PHOTO BY MAIKO GREEN
PERDIDO KEY
Dec. 11
Christmas Market
Celebrating the magic of the holidays from 4-9 p.m., Warrior Beer Co. transforms into a glowing wonderland. Step into Santa’s workshop, and explore booths filled with local makers and handcrafted treasures. Families can snap photos with Santa, discover unique gifts, and soak up the sights and sounds of the season. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly holiday celebration, where the magic of Christmas comes to life in the Perdido Key. bit.ly/49xcKbI; 850-492-4660
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 13
Pops in the Park
This free outdoor concert from 4-5 p.m. has a “Santa’s Musical Workshop” theme and features fun holiday music, singalongs and sweet treats at Founders Park, MM87. Special guests include Handbell Ringers and Santa. Activities include snowball games, so make sure to bring a friend. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-394-1123
PENSACOLA
Dec. 13
Annual Camellia Flower Show With UWF Garden Tour and Plant Sales
The Pensacola Camellia Club hosts its annual show and plant sale featuring more than 1,000 blooms grown by hobbyists. Camellia blooms vary in color, form and size. The club encourages everyone to participate, whether you only have one bush or hundreds. A novice classification allows new camellia growers to compete for prizes with their blooms. If your plant does not normally bloom in December, club members are available with instructions to force your plants to bloom early. Membership is not a requirement for attending meetings or placing blooms in the show. pensacolacamelliaclub.com; 850-780-0410
SEBRING
Dec. 13
The Red Easel’s 5th Annual Craft & Fun Fair
Kick off the season and start your shopping from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Red Easel’s fifth annual Craft & Fun Fair. Browse dozens of local vendors, enjoy food and live music, and let the children get creative at the Kids Create Corner. Bring an unopened toy for the Ag Angels Toy Drive for children in Highlands and Hardee counties. Admission is free. theredeaselstudio.com; 863-271-9506
ISLAMORADA
Dec. 5
21st Annual Holiday Fest
Come and kick off the holiday season from 4-10 p.m. with a parade, winter wonderland, bazaar, ornament competition and more in Founder’s Park. The event’s star attraction, the Holiday Fest Snow Mountain, will once again be made from 30 tons of the cold white stuff—more than enough to delight mitten-clad children and some of their more playful parents. Meanwhile, throughout the evening, Islamorada’s 35-foot-high official holiday tree will blow magical snow through its branches. islamoradachamber.com/holiday-fest; 305-664-4503
LAKE PLACID
Dec. 13-14
Central Florida Spartan Trifecta Weekend
Prepare for an epic challenge on the sprawling Skipper Ranch. Battle through flat farmland, dense marshes and slick mud as you take on the Sprint, Super or Beast courses. With more than 20 obstacles per race, you’ll face grueling tests of endurance and grit. Just a couple hours from Orlando and Miami, this centrally located race is an opportunity for anyone looking to complete a Trifecta in the Sunshine State. Participants can qualify for the 2025 Trifecta World Championship in Sparta, Greece. Racing options for the weekend include Sprint 5K, Super 10K, Beast 21K, Kids Race and the Trifecta (Sprint + Super + Beast). spartan.com/en/races/central-florida
PENSACOLA
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Keep your eyes focused on the Pensacola Beach skies this New Year’s Eve for a free fireworks display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. At midnight, the light display will take place over the Santa Rosa Sound. The fireworks are provided by the Pensacola Beach Chamber, the Santa Rosa Island Authority and the Escambia County Tourist Development Council. www.pensacolabeachchamber.com; 850-932-1500
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents?
Head online and enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents or use the QR code for easy access. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a printquality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ISLAMORADA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
GARDENING
Thriving Beyond the Season
It’s the time of year when some people may gift or receive festive holiday plants. In Florida, these plants can grow well beyond the holiday months. Here are commonly gifted plants and how to grow them year-round in the Sunshine State.
Christmas Cactus
This plant gets its name from its colorful blooms in December that often resemble ornaments on a Christmas tree. It can grow indoors or in containers outside during warmer months.
This cactus grows best in indirect light and can be fertilized every one to two months from April to September. It prefers welldrained soil and needs to be watered when the soil feels dry.
For more information, visit bit.ly/3Ln5p4B.
Amaryllis
This plant comes with flowers in many colors and can grow multiple per stock. It goes dormant at certain times of the year, when flowers die back but green leaves remain. You can then prune flowers to the base, so the plant blooms again in spring.
If you have a wax-dipped amaryllis bulb, enjoy the plant while in bloom, then peel the wax and place it in a pot of well-drained soil. Encourage early flowering by keeping at least one-half of the bulb above the soil. It will eventually sprout roots and rebloom.
Amaryllis can be grown outdoors between September and January in Florida and grows best if planted in partial sun and welldrained soil. Overwatering an amaryllis bulb can lead to root rot.
For more information, visit bit.ly/4qFPqPr.
Rosemary
An herb perfect for a holiday feast or beverage of choice, rosemary grows well in a pot or directly planted into your landscape. When selecting a site to grow rosemary, look for an area that receives at least six hours of sun, ensure it has well-drained soil and be careful not to overwater. This plant can be difficult to
germinate from seeds but propagates well from cuttings. For more information, visit bit.ly/494Ynvg.
Poinsettia
The showy portions of the poinsettia, which most people think of as the flower, are actually colorful leaves called bracts.
Whether grown in a pot or planted in the ground, poinsettias can grow throughout the year with proper care. They won’t maintain their vibrant color year-round, but there are ways to manipulate the plant into reverting back to its colorful state the next year.
Kept in a pot:
• Make sure it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
• Water only when the top layer of soil is dry.
• Once leaves and bracts begin to fall, prune the plant. Then provide ample light, water and fertilize every four to six weeks.
• In October, place the plant in darkness—in a closet or under a cabinet—for 13-14 hours a day. The plant needs bright light the remaining hours of the day. After two months, blooms redevelop.
Planting in the landscape:
• Poinsettias can be planted in the ground in early spring or once we’re past the last frost.
• Plant in a location that receives three to six hours of sun but does not receive artificial light at night.
• A leaves and bracts fade, prune them back 4-6 inches.
• Poinsettias want well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
• Prune as needed, leaving at least four leaves per stem. After September, allow the plant to flush out for a December display. For more information, visit bit.ly/49ElGMz.
Clarissa Chairez is the Residential Horticulture/Master Gardener volunteer coordinator agent in Orange County. She has a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education and a Master of Science in agronomy. She has six-plus years in education and three-plus years in greenhouse/nursery management.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY PIXELSHOT
85 Years Strong:
Honoring Our Past, Powering the Future
As 2025 comes to a close, Peace River Electric Cooperative celebrates an incredible milestone—85 years of powering our communities with reliable, affordable electric service. This special year has been filled with well-deserved celebrations, but it’s also a time to pause, reflect on our beginnings and look toward the bright future ahead.
Looking Back
PRECO began in 1940 when a group of determined farm families in Central Florida came together with a bold dream—to bring electricity to rural homes and businesses that private companies had left in the dark.
That first year, only a few hundred members received service. But the light that filled those homes did more than brighten rooms. It changed lives. It brought opportunity, progress and comfort to families and farms across the region.
Through the years, PRECO continued to grow and evolve.
• 1950s: More families join the cooperative as electricity becomes an essential part of rural life. Line crews build hundreds of miles of power lines, often by hand, to reach new members.
• 1960s–’70s: New substations and system improvements strengthen reliability as agriculture and small towns flourish.
• 1980s: PRECO celebrates 15,000 members joining the co-op, representing steady growth and trust.
• 1990s: One-way automated meter-reading technology is introduced in rural areas. These meters take up to 48 hours to report a reading.
• 2004–05: A string of powerful hurricanes tests the cooperative’s resilience. With help from mutual aid crews, power is restored quickly and safely—a true example of the cooperative spirit.
• 2010s: Modern technology brings faster service and better communication through outage management systems and other upgrades.
• 2020s: PRECO reaches 65,000 members and sets restoration records following major storms Hurricanes Ian and Milton.
Through every challenge and every era, one thing has never changed—PRECO’s promise to its members.
Today’s Cooperative
Eighty-five years later, PRECO is still more than an electric company. It’s a community partner. We proudly support local schools, youth programs and economic development projects because we know that when our communities thrive, so does our cooperative.
Owned by the people we serve, PRECO remains focused on what matters most—keeping power reliable, affordable and innovative while staying true to the cooperative values that started it all.
Moving Forward Together
Our story has always been about people—the brave families who came together in 1940, the hardworking employees who keep the lights on today and the members who make up the heart of PRECO.
As we step into the next chapter, we do so with gratitude for our past, pride in our present and hope for our future. Together, we’ll continue to power our communities for the next 85 years and beyond.
Today: PRECO serves over 72,000 active accounts across 10 counties as it celebrates 85 years.
1940: PRECO forms to electrify rural Central Florida.
2010s: Modern technology brings faster service and better communication.
1990s: One-way automated meter-reading technology is introduced in rural areas.
1960s: New substations and grid improvements strengthen reliability.
ENERGY SCAMS TIPS TO AVOID
Look out for the “energy-saving device” scam.
Whether sold on social media platforms or through random emails, consumers have fallen victim to scams where these products claim to reduce or even eliminate energy bills.
These products are advertised as devices that will “balance” or “clean” the power in your home, thus saving you money.
There is no such device that can simply be plugged in to lower energy use.
ATTENTION 11TH GRADERS:
Your D.C. Adventure Awaits
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Peace River Electric Cooperative is accepting applications for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 2026 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., and you could be chosen to represent our co-op.
Why Go?
Explore iconic monuments and landmarks.
Meet your congressional representatives.
Connect with more than 1,800 students from across the nation.
Make lifelong friends.
Learn how electric cooperatives like PRECO power communities.
The Details
Trip dates: June 15–20, 2026
Who can apply: Current 11th graders who attend approved schools within PRECO’s service area.
Deadline to apply: Jan. 16, 2026
Don’t just read about history, experience it. Past Youth Tour delegates call it “life-changing” and “the best week of high school.”
Scholarship Season Is Almost Here
To apply, you must:
Have a minimum 2.75 GPA, unweighted.
Live in a home served by PRECO.
Your future starts now—don’t miss it!
Applications become available Jan. 2, 2026.
Mark your calendar. Peace River Electric Cooperative’s charitable foundation, Operation Round Up, will begin accepting college scholarship applications in January.
DEADLINE: Applications must be submitted, or postmarked, by Feb. 28, 2026.
$140,000 in scholarships are up for grabs—for students pursuing both two-year and four-year programs. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, current college student or adult returning to school, this is your chance to turn dreams into degrees.
Attend an accredited college, technical or vocational school.
Since 2006, Operation Round Up has helped 289 students pursue higher education by funding scholarships worth more than $1.3 million. This is just another example of how PRECO powers possibilities across its communities.
A Colorful Start to the Day
From the setting of the sun to the creatures that make their homes in your backyard, Florida is filled with beautiful moments. The scenes you capture have a chance to brighten someone’s day. From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space.
Submit your photo by emailing a JPEG to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
PHOTO BY CALVIN ROBERTS
Forest Through the Trees
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FL-155
CEO Message
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
Dec. 16
Jan. 27
Feb. 24
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.
ONLINE E-ZINE
Prefer to receive Florida Currents online? Sign up through your online account or call us at 800-282-3824.
A Message of Gratitude and Progress
As we close another year, I want to take a moment to thank you, members of Peace River Electric Cooperative. Your trust and support keep us moving forward.
PRECO was built on neighbors coming together to improve lives in their communities. That founding spirit still guides every decision we make today.
Each choice, whether it’s investing in technology, strengthening reliability or advocating for sound energy policy, starts with one question: How will this benefit our members?
This past year, cooperatives across the country worked together to influence important energy policies that directly affect reliability and affordability. One major focus was the Environmental Protection Agency’s Power Plant Rule. As originally written, the rule would have forced a fast shift away from alwaysavailable power generation, threatening grid stability. While renewable energy continues to grow, we know resources such as natural gas and coal remain essential to keeping the lights on.
By uniting our efforts, electric co-ops helped shape a more balanced approach, one that supports clean energy innovation while protecting reliability and keeping costs reasonable for members.
We also made strides toward federal permitting reform. For too long, outdated processes have slowed construction of the infrastructure needed to
strengthen the grid. Cooperative advocacy helped push for changes to make the process more efficient and predictable, so critical projects can move forward more quickly.
Another effort gaining bipartisan support is the Federal Emergency Management Agency Act of 2025. If passed, it would streamline disaster recovery for electric cooperatives. After major storms, co-ops often face long waits for reimbursement. This legislation would cut red tape, allowing faster recovery and stronger resilience for rural communities when disaster strikes.
These are not just policy wins, they’re victories for our members and the communities we serve.
As we look ahead, we’re also investing in new technologies and tools that make our system smarter and more reliable every day, such as advanced monitoring systems that help identify issues before they occur. With these investments, we’re building a stronger foundation for the future.
The energy industry is changing quickly, but one thing remains constant: our commitment to you. With the dedication of PRECO’s employees and support of our members, I’m confident we’ll continue to meet challenges head-on and deliver reliable power, today and for generations to come.
