PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
AUGUST 2025 PICTURE-PERFECT
See the winning shots from PRECO’s 2025 Photo Contest
Page 4
“Comorant Morning Snack” by Jeff Faulkner captures a cormorant about to snap up a fish from the water. The photograph won Best of Show in Peace River Electric Cooperative’s 2025 Photo Contest.
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August 2025 • Volume 14, No. 10
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Valeri Saldanha Rosa; Sable Riley, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
SENIOR MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.49 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
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August is Back-to-School Safety Month. Watch out for students walking or biking, and always stop for buses picking up or dropping off children. Let’s keep our children safe as we begin a new school year.
Honorable Mentions
$100 BILL CREDIT Best of Show
By Sable Riley and Michael Leitman
America’s appetite for energy never takes a break—and neither can the power grid. That reliability stems from a diverse energy mix. Across the country, electric utilities depend on coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar, hydropower, biomass—from organic waste like wood chips—and geothermal sources to keep the power flowing.
Energy Mix by the Numbers
According to the U.S. Energy Information
Administration, natural gas is the leading source of energy, generating about 43% of the United States’ electricity in 2023, the most recent statistics available.
Coal, once dominant, has fallen to about 16%. Nuclear produces roughly 18%, delivering reliable baseload power. Renewables continue to grow. Wind contributes about 10%, hydroelectric dams about 6%, solar farms 4%, and biomass and geothermal together account for 1-2%.
Altogether, renewables make up just more than 20% of the mix. This balance—60% fossil fuels, 20% nuclear and 20% renewables— leverages the strengths of each resource.
Electric utilities embrace an
all-of-the-above strategy. Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, says diversity of electric generation, including baseload sources, is essential to providing dependable, affordable power.
Utilities use what’s local and available— hydro in the Northwest and solar in the Southwest—and exchange power regionally to stay flexible.
Some sources can be turned on when needed; others can’t. Dispatchable sources like natural gas, coal and hydropower—if
Energy choices—and the sheer volume of power produced— swing wildly once you break the country into the four Census Bureau regions. This map shows each region’s 2023 electricity output, then stacks the fuel mix so you can see who leans on gas, who burns coal, and where wind, solar and hydropower dominate from coast to coast.
• Natural Gas: 25%
• Coal: 32%
• Nuclear: 12%
• Renewables: 31% - Wind: 24% - Solar: 3% - Hydropower: 3% - Other: 1%
NOTE: Percentages are approximate shares based on the most recent data available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration utility-scale net generation. *Other renewables combine biomass and geothermal fuel data.
• Natural Gas: 30%
• Coal: 10%
• Nuclear: 4%
• Renewables: 56%
- Wind: 14%
- Solar: 18%
- Hydropower: 22%
- Other: 2%
• Petroleum: 1%
Northeast (524 TWh)
• Natural Gas: 47%
• Coal: 5%
• Nuclear: 29%
• Renewables: 18% - Wind: 5% - Solar: 4% - Hydropower: 8%
- Other: 1%
• Petroleum: <1%
South (1,934 TWh)
• Natural Gas: 45%
• Coal: 18%
• Nuclear: 17%
• Renewables: 19% - Wind: 9%
- Solar: 6% - Hydropower: 3% - Other: 1%
• Petroleum: 1%
those resources are available—ramp up and down on command, responding instantly to demand changes. In contrast, nondispatchable sources like wind and solar depend on weather. A reliable grid needs both types working in concert. On a sunny afternoon, solar farms may flood California’s grid with power. At sunset, fast-start gas and hydroelectric plants take over.
“The growth of renewables has had many benefits, but the wind doesn’t always blow, and the sun doesn’t always shine,” Southwest Power Pool’s Paul Suskie said in a 2023 congressional testimony on grid security.
Grid operators must rely on other fuel sources to ensure demand can still be met, Paul said. Real-world events underscore this interplay.
During California’s 2022 heat wave, battery storage systems and gas plants met peak evening demand after solar generation declined. Conversely, Winter Storm Elliott in December 2022 caused blackouts in parts of the Southeast when more than 100,000 megawatts of coal and gas capacity failed during freezing conditions. That crisis revealed the risk of over-reliance on a single resource.
Electricity demand is also skyrocketing, fueled by new data centers and a surge in domestic manufacturing.
According to the North American Electric Reliability Corp., electric demand growth is now the highest it has been in more than two decades. Over the next 10 years, peak power
needs are expected to rise by more than 18%, with new projects driving demand even higher. That puts grid reliability under the microscope.
Regulators at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and at the state level are adjusting policies to support capacity, storage and demand response. In 2024, FERC Commissioner Mark Christie warned the United States is heading for a catastrophic situation in terms of reliability if changes aren’t made carefully during testimony before the House Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security.
The nation’s energy mix is shifting, driven by economics, innovation and policy choices. Federal incentives from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act accelerated investments in solar, wind, batteries and advanced nuclear. At the same time, environmental regulations are prompting closures of older coal and gas plants.
NERC’s 2024 assessment cautions that rising demand combined with shrinking
LEFT: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind provide many benefits and can deliver low-cost electricity, but they only generate electricity when the sun shines or the wind blows.
are
baseload capacity puts many regions at risk of shortfalls during extreme conditions— even after recent solar and storage additions.
Energy storage is a promising development. Batteries help balance intermittent renewables by storing surplus energy and releasing it when needed. Battery capacity in the United States jumped 66% in 2024 to roughly 26 gigawatts and could nearly double again by the end of 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
No single energy source can guarantee affordable, uninterrupted electricity across a country as vast and weather-diverse as the United States. Natural gas is flexible but susceptible to supply disruptions. Coal and nuclear plants offer consistent output but are less adaptable and aging. Wind and solar, while clean, depend on weather, and storage solutions remain limited.
Having a range of energy resources safeguards against any one fuel becoming scarce, expensive or unexpectedly unavailable. That’s why electric utilities continue to invest in a balanced portfolio of energy sources—diversity gives the grid the resilience it needs to meet demand in the moments that matter most.
Switch to Paperless Billing today for a chance to win up to $100 in bill credits
There’s still time to sign up and win! Peace River Electric Cooperative members enrolled in paperless billing will be automatically entered into weekly drawings for a chance to win one of three $85 bill credits—two winners from new enrollees and one from existing paperless billing participants. Participants are also entered into a drawing to win one of three $100 bill credits.
Sign up for paperless billing through the SmartHub app.
Be entered in weekly drawings for $85 credits.
Grand prize drawing is Aug. 30. Three lucky members will win a $100 bill credit—two new paperless members and one current paperless participant.
More chances to win. More reasons to switch.
Enroll today through the SmartHub app and simplify your life with paperless billing.
By Melanie Jones
Don’t expect to see a hymnal or hear a longwinded sermon at Cowboy Up Church in Plant City. The only sign you’re in a church is a cross next to the riding pen. And while it may not feel like church, the congregation hears good horse training tips and about 15 minutes of preaching on how training a horse relates to building a relationship with God.
Cowboy churches are for people who normally wouldn’t attend a worship service. Cowboy Up takes it further.
“From the few cowboy churches that I’ve been to or watched on TV or Facebook,
the only thing different is they wear their cowboy hats and boots,” preacher Skipper Calder says. “It’s still church just like it always was—they sing some songs, they do a sermon and they take up an offering.”
Cowboy Up has no singing or offering plates.
“We use a horse,” Skipper says. “We’re trying not to be too churchy. We don’t want it to look like a church because we’re trying to reach people who do not go to church. We call it horse training with a message.”
The services are held in a pole barn at a riding stable. At Cowboy Up, there are not a lot of rules and regulations, Skipper says. It’s a relationship.
“That’s what we teach with the horse,” he says. “The horse-human relationship is the closest relationship there is on Earth to man and God. Man and dog isn’t a good illustration. But a horse, if he doesn’t like you, he won’t be good to you. He won’t be kind. He won’t be obedient. You have to become his leader, where with a dog, they just love you anyhow.”
Before Sunday services at Cowboy Up,
Skipper, his wife, Kathy, and other leaders show up 30 minutes early to pray in the riding pen and the pole barn for the message, the people who will attend and for church services everywhere.
Skipper has no trouble finding horses. People come to him to train their animals. He generally has a few to choose from each Sunday, and he doesn’t use the same horse twice. If a horse owner doesn’t show up with the animal scheduled for that Sunday, he can always find one at the riding stables where church services take place.
“Whatever the horse gives me, I have the gift of relating that to our relationship with God,” he says. “And while I’m working with a horse, I can make statements that will talk about, this looks like us and God sometimes. ‘Avoidance always comes before surrender’ is one of them.
“Focusing on the world instead of the trainer is huge. Many times, I get really
excited, nervous horses, and it’s because, in their mind, they are the leader. Jesus taught us to be a follower. As a trainer, I can get this horse to follow me pretty quick, and then he finds peace.
“That’s the essence of what we want to do is help people find peace through Jesus.”
Skipper did not take the straight road into ministry, but the cowboy part came naturally.
“I grew up the cowboy way,” he says. “I am a cowboy. I love the cowboy way, riding different horses, training horses.”
Before establishing the church, Skipper rode in rodeos for five years. He won seven saddles, some buckles and endured his share of injuries along the way.
“I’ve had 44 broken bones and have three artificial joints,” he says. “It’s a rough life. Part of my broken bones is that every time a horse bucked me off, I broke ribs. A
lot of them were the same ribs. That’s how I accumulated so many.
“I love the life, but it’s a very hard life,” he adds. “I’m sure glad God changed my direction to where I can keep doing what I love—working with horses and talking about God.”
Skipper didn’t understand having a relationship with God, as he puts it, until tragedy struck.
He and his wife were friends with neighbors who were expecting a baby. The wife went into labor early, and the baby and the mother died. All the friends were heartbroken, but the woman’s father came around and spoke with each of them, telling them she was at peace in God’s arms.
“The belief that he had, the strength that he had, I wanted that,” Skipper says. “I wanted that peace.”
Cowboy Up Church meets at 11 a.m. Sundays at 5534 Turkey Creek Road in Plant City.
By Pamela A. Keene
If you have ligustrum, Bradford pear trees, heavenly bamboo or English ivy in your yard, you’re growing a potentially invasive species that can change the balance of nature.
“The definition of an invasive plant is threefold,” says Lilly Anderson-Messec, director of North Florida Programs for the Florida Native Plant Society. “One, it has its origin somewhere else. Two, it spreads rapidly. And three, it has negative economic and environmental effects.”
Some nonnative plants are introduced when landscapers or residents buy an
attractive plant to fill a particular need. They are also spread by birds eating the seeds and dropping them elsewhere.
“I’m always surprised at how many box retailers and nurseries continue to sell invasive plants,” Lilly says. “Becoming educated about the benefits of native plants can go a long way toward protecting the environment.”
Lilly cites some of the most invasive plants in Florida landscapes and offers native options.
Chinese privet and ligustrum, for example, are often used as privacy screens.
“For a long time, these were popular basic landscaping materials, but they proved to easily multiply through their seeds or berries, spread by the birds that feed on them,” she says.
She suggests native alternatives, such as wax myrtle, Ocala anise or cherry laurel.
“Any of these have dense growth habits, are evergreen and can be pruned into hedges,” she says. “Natives like Simpson’s stopper, Walter’s viburnum and Yaupon holly can also provide privacy. They are better left to their own growth habit rather than pruning them.”
For South Florida, the Florida Native Plant Society recommends native sea
grapes and cocoplums. Both are used for coastal dune erosion control but also make effective privacy screens.
Flowering trees are very popular in home landscapes. In the mid-1960s, Bradford pears, with their clouds of white spring blossoms, became a favorite— particularly in North Florida.
“When they were introduced, developers claimed these trees would be unable to reproduce from seed, but after about 40 years, this proved untrue,” Lilly says. “Fast forward to today, and states like South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Ohio have banned them from being sold.
“Other states have classified them as invasive. The branches break easily, and they can become eyesores, but even more importantly, they are aggressively competing with native plants to the detriment of wildlife and the ecosystems we depend on.”
Another type of flowering tree once popular for home landscapes, the powder-puff tree—also called mimosa—is categorized as invasive by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Its softpink blooms are easily pollinated, leaving behind seed pods that feed birds.
The Florida mimosa is native, but its rapid spread displaces other natural vegetation, landing it on the prohibited lists of some Florida counties.
Instead, Lilly says many native plum trees are excellent choices, as are
dogwood, crabapple and redbud.
“These are all small native trees with lovely umbrella-type forms that also bloom prolifically in spring,” she says.
Blooming trees and shrubs are pretty, but, more importantly, they provide food for pollinators and other wildlife—such as bees, insects and birds. They are also important larval hosts for butterfly and moth caterpillars that depend on the specific leaf chemistry of native plants
they evolved with. The trees adapted to host caterpillars eating their leaves without incurring harm.
“We want to see holes in the leaves of our native plants because that means they are a functioning part of the food chain,” Lilly says. “Caterpillars are critical sources of protein and nutrients for all wildlife, but especially baby birds.”
Songbird chicks can only eat insects. Without native trees that host caterpillars and other insects, songbird parents don’t have access to the critical food source.
“Songbird populations are crashing, largely due to the loss of habitat that provides them food,” she says. “Ecosystems are delicately balanced machines that provide many services we depend on for our health and happiness, like clean air, clean water, pollination of food crops and extreme weather buffers. “The choices we make in our yards have reverberating consequences on the health of our wildlife and ourselves.”
shades out native trees and plants on the forest floor,” she says. “Its roots prying into the bark can hold moisture and cause splitting or rotting, eventually killing the tree.”
Eliminating English ivy is challenging and can be a multiyear project. The root system must be removed which often requires using a sod cutter. Vines growing vertically up tree trunks must be cut and carefully pulled down once dead to avoid damaging the tree.
owner. Let them know you’re interested in converting your landscape to include native plants. Area horticultural organizations often hold native plant sales, including your local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society or area Master Gardener groups.”
Floridians can help protect the state’s unique environment by learning about native plants.
“If you have English ivy adjacent to your property but it hasn’t spread there yet, keep a regular eye on it,” Lilly says. “Stopping the spread is much easier than trying to remove large areas.”
“It’s so important that residents are conscious of the implications of invasive species,” Lilly says. “Becoming educated about the benefits of native plants in your landscape can be an excellent first step in helping protect wildlife and the ecosystems that we as humans depend upon.”
Several vining plants are good replacements for English ivy, including Virginia creeper, crossvine, yellow jessamine and native coral honeysuckle.
“Finding good native options for landscaping can be challenging,” she says. “Get to know your local nursery
For more information about native plants and invasive species, how to manage them and where to find native plants, check out the Florida Native Plant Society at fnps.org and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
Nandina or heavenly bamboo, introduced from Asia as an ornamental shrub, spreads prolifically through its bright-red berries and is now on invasive plant lists.
“It can quickly crowd out native plants,” Lilly says. “The pretty red berries contain natural cyanide, making them toxic to birds, especially cedar waxwing and mockingbirds.”
English ivy, most common in North Florida and the Panhandle, can cause serious ecological and environmental issues. Deemed invasive in many states, it can quickly grow up tree trunks and spread to limbs and nearby trees.
“Like many invasive vines, the sheer weight of English ivy can do severe damage to the trees it covers, plus it
Classic Caprese Pasta Salad
Pasta salad
1 pound of your favorite shaped pasta, cooked and cooled
3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, plain or marinated, halved
Dressing
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1⁄3 cup basil, chiffonade
¼ cup parsley, chopped
1⁄8 cup freshly grated ParmigianoReggiano cheese
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
1 garlic clove, minced Salt Pepper
In a bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cheeses and herbs. In a glass measuring cup, whisk dressing ingredients. Season to taste. Pour dressing over pasta salad, and toss to combine. It’s best if it’s chilled for an hour. Garnish with more basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup scallions, chopped
½ cup chopped fresh basil, packed
1⁄8 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
½ cup sour cream
Place all ingredients except for sour cream in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add sour cream and process until blended.
Keep refrigerated until serving on your favorite salad.
½ cup toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups basil, leaves only
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for a smoother pesto
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until well chopped. Add the basil. Pulse until combined.
With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Pulse until combined. Add the Parmesan cheese, and pulse to briefly combine. Add more olive oil if desired.
Vinaigrette
1 shallot, roughly chopped
2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves, stems removed (about 4 ounces)
1 clove garlic
Pasta
1 pound pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic
2 shallots, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 zucchini, cut into coins
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 lemon, juiced
Fresh basil
Parmesan cheese
To make the vinaigrette, combine all ingredients in a highpowered blender. Blend for 60 seconds until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallot and red pepper flakes. Saute until fragrant. Add the zucchini, and saute until just soft. Add the pasta and ½ cup of basil vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Add more basil vinaigrette as needed. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice before serving.
2 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup vegetable oil, at room temperature
½ cup quality olive oil, at room temperature
Place the egg yolks, lemon juice, Parmesan, mustard, basil, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process for 30 seconds until smooth.
Combine the vegetable oil and olive oil in a liquid measuring cup. With the processor running, slowly pour the oil mixture through the feed tube to make a thick emulsion.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to use; it will keep for up to a week. Serve with beef tenderloin or steak.
Baguette bread, preferably stale, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon kosher sea salt, divided
2 pounds ripe tomatoes, any variety or color
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
2 garlic cloves, grated to a paste
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Large pinch red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Black pepper
1 cup sliced English cucumber
½ cup torn basil leaves
¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
Heat oven to 425 F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet, and toss with 2 tablespoons oil and a pinch of salt. Bake until dried out and golden brown at the edges, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
Cut tomatoes into bite-size pieces, and transfer to a large bowl. Add mozzarella, onions, garlic paste, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat, then set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil until the mixture is thickened. Stir in cucumbers, basil and parsley.
Add bread cubes and cucumbers to the tomatoes. Toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before serving. Toss with a little more olive oil, vinegar and salt if needed just before serving.
By Dave LaBelle
I have written in past years about the merits of photographing people from the back, but the concept is worth repeating.
Body language—or gesture, as it is often called—can convey much in a still photograph. We can often tell a lot about a person’s disposition just by the way they carry themselves.
Whether overt gestures such as raising a fist in protest or outstretched hands imploring agreement speak loudly, the quieter, subtle gestures—such as the way one walks, or tilts their head when speaking or listening—can also communicate a lot when our eyes pay attention.
If you have never closely studied Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” I suggest you give this masterpiece a serious look. Beyond the mood-setting color, the postures of the son, father and brother—especially the positions of the hands—are powerful details employed to tell this compassionate story in one of the artist’s greatest works.
A few years ago, I was walking in the hills with a dear friend, Mark, after he had lost his oldest son. He often took long hikes alone to pray. He asked one day if I would walk with him. I did not carry a camera on this day, but I did have my cellphone.
Following behind on the narrow path,
the movements of his body—sometimes unsteady on the stony path—felt like a metaphor for his life then.
I know you are struggling day by day, I observed.
He softly answered, “It is more like hour to hour.” n
Capture a storytelling photograph without showing a person’s face. Pay attention to body language. Watch how one sits or walks and where they do so. It’s not uncommon to see older men ambling alone with their hands folded behind them.
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.
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. iPhone 6s, 4.2mm lens ISO 25, f/2.2 at 1/2959
A toothy Florida native offers outstanding sport all over the Sunshine State, yet few people fish for it.
“Chain pickerel are found in most waters throughout Florida,” says John Cimbaro, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist. “Not very many people target pickerel in Florida. Most people catch them incidentally while fishing for other species, like bass. Anyone who hooks into a pickerel can expect some exciting runs and jumps.”
Closely related to northern pike and muskellunge, chain pickerel resemble green torpedoes. Built for speed, this fish can exceed 30 inches and weigh more than 9 pounds. A fish caught in Lake Talquin holds the Florida state record at 6.96 pounds.
Frequently called jackfish, duckbill or snakefish, pickerel hit extremely hard, fighting with speed and tenacity. They thrive in weedy waters, where their splendid splotchy green camouflage hides them. When an enticing morsel passes close, these toothy terrors launch from their lairs, seizing prey with razor-sharp teeth.
“Chain pickerel are almost always found near vegetation,” John says. “In streams
or rivers, they like quieter pools. Like a barracuda, their streamlined bodies are designed for the same kind of high-speed ambushes and chases. They are big fish eaters, but they eat a varied diet to include frogs, crawfish, snakes and even small mammals, like mice.”
Pickerel commonly attack lures meant for largemouth bass, particularly anything that mimics shad, bream or shiner. Such “fishy” lures often provoke brutal strikes from terrifying predators. Some better lures include spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, weedless spoons and crankbaits.
Pickerel occasionally hit topwater baits. They especially like frogs buzzed across matted grass. Live shad, wild river shiners and other fish make great natural baits.
“Chain pickerel are very fun to catch and will hit almost anything that a largemouth bass will hit, but they like flashy lures more than soft plastics,” says Mark Shepard, a bass guide. “Lake Okeechobee has quite a few chain pickerel. We catch them with rattling baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits. We also catch pickerel on weedless spoons worked over matted grass tops.”
Chain pickerel range throughout
Florida. Anglers might catch a pickerel on any cast in any weedy freshwater system. Some better waters include lakes such as Seminole, Talquin, Jackson, Panasoffkee, the Kissimmee and Harris chains, and the St. Johns River system.
“Anglers might catch pickerel almost anywhere in the state,” John says. “(Those) wanting to target chain pickerel should concentrate on lakes and rivers in northcentral or northwest Florida. In southeast Florida, the Everglades Water Conservation Area canals hold pickerel. Fly anglers should throw quickly retrieved, bright or flashy streamers.”
Although bony, big pickerel are excellent for eating. However, anglers should handle pickerel with care. When grabbed, the incredibly agile fish can easily bend their bodies and sink their teeth into flesh or drive a hook into a finger. Sharp gill plates can slice flesh. Use pliers to unhook them.
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.
By Drew Woolley
ages, cooperatives have learned a few helpful tricks to resonate with younger audiences. Hands-on activities, such as asking kids to look through their backpacks for electronic devices and calculating how much energy they use, can drive home just how much electricity they use in their daily lives. Meanwhile, avoiding technical terms like “energy efficiency” can help saving energy feel less daunting and more fun.
Everyone likes finding ways to save on their energy bill. But watching the thermostat like a hawk, turning off lights behind everyone in the house and sweating an investment in energy-efficient appliances isn’t much fun, especially when you’re trying to get the kids to play along. Fortunately, electric cooperatives have been working to make energy savings more approachable for many years.
AIGENERATED ILLUSTRATION
BY FREEPIK/BRANDON POMRENKE
Even so, some of the most effective ways to drive home the importance of energy conservation are the routine reminders members may have heard from their parents growing up. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to teach your kids the importance of energy conservation while having fun as a family.
After decades of educating kids of all
Here are some fun ways to encourage energy efficiency and conservation at home: Cook a family-powered dinner. Have the whole family help cook dinner with one rule: No electricity is allowed. Avoid using major kitchen appliances like electric ovens, blenders, mixers or
microwaves to teach kids about common ways your family uses electricity during peak demand times. Top it all off with some no-bake treats.
Take turns on power patrol. Every child enjoys being in charge from time to time. Take turns letting everyone in your family be responsible for enforcing good energy habits around the house for a week. You can even set up a point system for every time they notice a light left on in an empty room, unplug unused electronics chargers or adjust the thermostat to a more efficient setting. Offer prizes and rewards to encourage them to be mindful of energy use every day.
Build an energy-efficient dream home. Encourage everyone to design their dream home with energy-saving features in mind. This is a great way to introduce ideas like solar panels, efficient appliances and sustainable building materials. Break out the crayons and art supplies to bring their homes to life, or use household crafts to build models.
Play energy-saving bingo. Make bingo cards with squares for energysaving actions like using natural light instead of lamps or ceiling lights, unplugging devices, turning off lights and cooling off the temperature by opening a window. Kids can cross out each square as they complete each task, and the first one to bingo gets a prize.
Have power-free fun. Designate one night a week as power-free time when everyone in the family turns off phones, computers and TVs together. Play a board game, spend time reading your favorite books or enjoy some outdoor activities technology-free. Save on your electric bill, teach the importance of reducing energy use during peak periods and get some valuable family time all at once.
Make an energy-saving scavenger hunt. Make up a list of energy-saving practices, such as updating light fixtures with LED bulbs, turning off lights in empty rooms and unplugging
unused devices. Challenge your kids to search the house and check off an example of each scavenger hunt item. You can celebrate with small prizes or treats for each energy-efficient discovery they make along the way.
Create energy-efficient art. Kids enjoy seeing their artwork displayed, so put those creative skills to work on energy-efficient reminders around the house. Spend arts and crafts time teaching your kids about some of the steps they can take to save energy around the house. Make fun signs to serve as daily reminders to close the fridge quickly, turn off lights and only change the thermostat as a last resort.
every time someone spots an unused device still plugged in. Set a goal and reward yourselves when everyone keeps phantom energy use down. No matter what you do to keep energy savings fun around the house, the most important part of instilling good habits is reliably reminding your family of the little steps they can take to be more efficient. Consistency is key.
Keep “phantom power” waste bottled up. Phantom energy—the electricity devices use even when they are turned off— can be a tricky concept for kids to understand. Illustrate it in a fun way by adding marbles to a glass bottle or jar
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.
Aug. 2
William Shatner Live On Stage with ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’
Set your phasers to stun! Prepare to be beamed up for an unforgettable night with the original Capt. James T. Kirk, award-winning actor William Shatner. Following a screening of the classic film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” Shatner takes to the stage to share fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories from his career and answers audience questions. VIP tickets include a postshow photo op with Shatner. You don’t want to miss this warp-speed, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. bit.ly/4nqEV0x; 850-595-3880
Aug. 2
History Tour of Camp Helen State Park
Join a park ranger from 10-11 a.m. CST for a guided tour of the grounds. Follow along as staff share park history from the Hicks family building the historic structures that still stand on the grounds, all the way through the colorful history of Avondale Mill using the property as its employee vacation retreat. Dress appropriately for the weather. Park entry fee is $4 per vehicle or $2 per pedestrian or bicycle in the honor box at the entrance or via the QR code on the entry sign.
floridastateparks.org/events/history-tour-36; 850-245-2157
Aug. 3
Guided Bird Walk
Come meet the birds at Anastasia State Park and join a knowledgeable park volunteer for an informative walk on the beach, boardwalks, trails and other areas. Participants of all birding levels may observe a diverse variety of seabirds, shorebirds and wading birds. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes and a field guide if you have one. Meet at the Island Beach Shop & Grill at the end of the main park drive. This walk is free with regular park admission fee: $8 per vehicle with two to eight people; $4 per single-occupant vehicle; and $2 per pedestrian, bicyclist, extra passenger and passenger in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
floridastateparks.org/events/guidedbird-walk-119; 850-245-2157
Aug. 2 & 16
Salt Air Farmers Market
Join us from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays in discovering fresh produce, handmade crafts, plants, and more from local farmers and artisans. This dog-friendly market offers a fun, family-friendly experience in a shaded downtown park at the corner of U.S. 71 and Reid Avenue.
saltairmarket.com; 850-373-7379
Aug. 6
Library Summer Reading Program: Reno’s Reptiles
Join us from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Big Lagoon State Park for a reptile showand-tell as alligators, tortoises and other critters visit your local library. All ages are welcome. Visitors receive free entry to the park for this event with their library card. If visitors wish to remain in the park after the event, they should obtain a $6 day pass per vehicle.
floridastateparks.org/events/library-summer-reading-program-renos-reptiles.com; 850-245-2157
Aug. 8
Cinema in the Sand
Presented by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, this beloved tradition invites locals and visitors to gather under the stars, feel the sand between their toes and enjoy timeless movie classics against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico. This month’s movie is “Shrek.” www.visitpensacolabeach.com; 850-530-3349
Aug. 9
Smokey Bear’s Birthday Celebration
Come celebrate Smokey Bear’s 81st birthday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. The party includes several activities to educate and promote prescribed fire, including a prescribed burn demonstration, touch-a-fire-truck, Smokey Bear storytime and a meet-andgreet. This event is free with park entry of $5 per vehicle. floridastateparks.org/events/smokey-bears-birthday-celebration-0; 850-245-2157
Aug. 15
Gallery Night: Retro Rides and Art Vibes ‘Car Show’
Presented by Publix, this event brings the streets of downtown Pensacola to life with more than 70 art vendors showcasing their work along Palafox Street. Stroll through a vibrant, open-air market filled with local artists, live performances and creative experiences, all celebrating Pensacola’s thriving arts scene. www.gallerynightpensacola.org
Aug. 16
Bathysphere Anniversary Tours
Join the History of Diving Museum at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for special guided tours of the exhibits. The tour is included in the admission price. August’s tours coincide with the 91st anniversary of William Beebe and Otis Barton’s historic dive in the Bathysphere, which took the two men to 3,028 feet in 1934. These tours feature highlights of the Bathysphere and its incredible feats. divingmuseum.org; 305-664-9737
Aug. 23
Early American Pie-Making Class
Join expert volunteers and staff as they teach participants the historic art of early American pie-making with wild berries. Preregister at the number below. Participation cost is $10 per person in addition to $3 per vehicle or a Florida State Parks Annual Pass.
floridastateparks.org/events/early-american-pie-making-class; 352-793-4781
Aug. 7
Truman Waterfront Farmers Market
Shop with a view from 2-7 p.m. on the harbor by the USCG Ingham Museum at the corner of Southard Street and Weech Way. Find great food options—including ready-to-eat items, fresh Florida produce and other grocery items—along with gifts, home decor and art. keysartisanmarket.com; 305-731-3385
Aug. 30
Gulf County Labor Day Rodeo
Dust off your boots and get ready for a night of heart-pounding rodeo action, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and the rodeo starting at 7:30 p.m. at TL James Park. This family-friendly event promises a spectacular showcase of traditional rodeo events. The evening features crowd favorites such as bull riding, barrel racing and roping. Whether you’re a longtime rodeo fan or just looking for something exciting to do over Labor Day weekend, this event delivers big thrills and smalltown fun. Tickets are $20 for those 13 and older and $10 for 6- to 12-year-olds. Children 5 and younger enter for free.
bit.ly/44yNQo5; 850-229-7800
Aug. 30-31
Florida Scallop, Music and Arts Festival
Featuring the best arts and crafts vendors from the region and incredible food vendors, this annual event at George Core Park offers a full music lineup across both days. Tickets are sold at the gate as one- or two-day passes—$10 and $20, respectively. Children younger than 12 given free admission. Bring a lawn chair, but outside food and drinks are not allowed. www.gulfchamber.org/annual-monthly-events; 850-227-1223
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Head online and enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents or use the QR code for easy access. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.
Trundling along,
Dipped brow.
Weighty preponderance.
What contemplation droops the brow
Of one so bright?
Flirting with ephemerality,
A bouncing farewell.
Corolla left trembled
From the footsteps
Tickled surfaces.
The gift of pollen delivered.
— Alyssa Vinson
We follow the spiral of humming locomotion as a bee dips and trundles, sipping nectar and inadvertently ushering in the reproduction of flowers. Pockets overfull with golden pollen or dusted daftly across the fuzzy hairs of their abdomens— sometimes so rotund that flight seems impossibly comical.
Bees arrive in the periphery of our awareness, often only the focus when we fear the sting. These harbingers of pollination and many other beneficial services are often overlooked when conversations emerge around the topic of saving pollinators. Butterflies are so much more gregarious and therefore receive an outsized portion of our gardening attention. Bees of all sorts, and particularly native bees, are essential components of a vibrant and healthy local environment.
The common honeybee (Apis mellifera) is not native to North America. Originating in areas of Africa, this bee traversed the globe with human settlement. Used for centuries by humans for their honey, comb, wax and pollination services, honeybees are iconic and familiar. Less well known are the hundreds of species of native bees that evolved in our specific ecosystems.
The broad diversity of native bees includes bees of vibrant and gleaming green or blue, fuzzy bumblebees fatter than your thumb, and bees so small they might be mistaken for flies.
In Southwest Florida you may come across bright green sweat bees, metallic dark blue mason bees or the fuzzy large bumblebee.
While honeybees have the advantage of commercialization and industry to support their continued health and growth, native bees rely on the abundance and diversity of plant species in our landscapes and natural areas for their survival. Significant declines in insect populations and diversity are documented across the globe. Bees native to Florida developed
specific relationships with native plants over the course of their evolution. They provide significant ecosystem services in terms of pollination and act as key components of many food webs.
To encourage native bees in your landscape, plant a diversity of flowering plants, including different colors, shapes, sizes, forms and structures. Bees love plants with short- or mediumlength flower tubes to easily access the pollen and nectar, and they tend to prefer flowers that are white, yellow, blue or purple.
Remember to provide bees with plants that have not been treated with systemic insecticides, and limit the use of pesticides in your landscape.
For more information on how to encourage native bees to visit your landscape, visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1255.
To understand the types of bees in Florida, read this guide from UF/IFAS: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1285.
Alyssa Vinson is the Urban Forestry Extension agent in Hillsborough County. Alyssa has lived in and explored Florida for almost 20 years. She serves residents and professionals of southwest Florida with programs on all things “tree.”
Dear valued member, Peace River Electric Cooperative’s 10-county service area is divided into nine regional districts. District lines are drawn based on natural boundaries, shared community interests, geographic size and the number of members residing in each district.
Each year, your board of directors reviews these districts, as required by Article IV, Section 4 of the cooperative bylaws. As a result of the changes in our service
territory in recent years, the board has approved several revisions to district boundaries. Your membership may now fall under a different district. These changes take effect as of the date of this notice.
Refer to the map below for details on the updated district boundaries. You may also use the QR code, at right, to access our district lookup tool.
For more information, call us at 800-282-3824 or visit PRECO.coop.
The first step to improving an old home is air sealing and adding insulation to attic spaces. PHOTO COURTESY OF BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: How do I improve the efficiency of my old home while keeping its charm?
A: I love old homes. The details and craftsmanship have always drawn me in. The features of older homes can make them less efficient than modern construction, but it doesn’t have to remain that way. You can keep the charm and make your home more efficient.
Start by prioritizing invisible upgrades that make your home more comfortable and efficient. When we were children, I doubt any of us thought, “When I grow up, I want to spend my hard-earned money on insulation.” It’s not as exciting as new countertops or a remodeled bathroom, but air sealing and insulation can save you money every month. You can use those savings for aesthetic improvements.
Many older homes are not adequately insulated. Insulation has several benefits beyond sealing your home and preventing outdoor air from seeping in. It reduces outside noise and improves your comfort. Always properly air seal before you insulate. Older homes with pocket doors, coved ceilings, dumbwaiters, doors to attic spaces and laundry chutes allow indoor air to escape through cavities, gaps and cracks around these classic features.
Sealing these open cavities usually requires plywood, rigid foam or drywall fastened into
place and caulked around edges.
Keep an eye out for framing features that cause drafts. Balloon framing is a type of construction where wall studs run all the way from the foundation to the roof, allowing air to flow freely within those spaces.
Second floors with knee-wall attics on both sides are known for air leakage. Open cavities allow air to flow horizontally between attic spaces, making the home uncomfortable and inefficient. Seal these cavities in the floor framing and insulate attic spaces.
Dense-packed cellulose or closed-cell foam insulation can be sprayed into exterior walls. Skilled contractors can remove pieces of siding and drill holes to fill wall cavities from outside the home.
For brick or stone homes, holes can be drilled from the inside and then patched and painted. Insulating walls from the inside of the home requires more time and effort in preparation and cleanup, but having wellinsulated walls is worth it.
Knob-and-tube wiring—commonly used from the early 1880s to the 1930s—has no grounding wire and should be replaced prior to insulating walls and attics for safety purposes. Contact between insulation and knob-and-tube wiring can cause a fire.
People often think new windows are the best way to improve a home’s efficiency. With the high cost of replacing windows, I recommend investing in air sealing and insulation first. Then consider storm
windows to keep the charm of the original windows, such as leaded or stained glass, as long as they’re in good condition. Choose from interior or exterior options that are operable and inoperable.
Once you’ve addressed the envelope of your home, consider appliance upgrades. Replace old electric water heaters with heat pump water heaters. This upgrade can save a family of four an estimated $550 per year, totaling more than $5,600 over the lifetime of the water heater, according to Energy Star.
Invest in high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. A mini-split heat pump, also called a ductless heat pump, is more efficient than electric baseboard heating and provides the added benefit of air conditioning.
Old homes don’t have to be inefficient. Show your home some love by investing in energy-efficient upgrades.
Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company.
Delete deceptive emails. If you receive an email that appears to be from your electric cooperative but you are unsure about it, delete it.
Never click on a link, open an attachment or send a reply to an untrusted source. When in doubt, contact your co-op directly to report suspected email scams.
Source: Utilities United Against Scams
Peace River Electric Cooperative is excited to once again support local teachers through our annual Teacher Mini-Grant Program. Up to $25,000 in total funding is available, with individual grants of $500 to help bring innovative classroom projects to life.
Whether you’re planning a hands-on science experiment, organizing a field trip or building a classroom library, we want to help make it happen. If it’s educational, exciting and benefits your students, we encourage you to apply.
Since 2021, PRECO’s Operation Round Up charitable foundation has awarded more than $62,000 in grants to 144 classrooms across our service area. These funds have supported school band instrument repairs, classroom gardens, book collections, STEM learning tools, and much more.
Applications are open at PRECO.coop/teacher-mini-grants. deadline to apply is Oct. 3.
Brittany Stone, fifth grade teacher, Barbara A. Harvey Elementary
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be able to do these activities with my students. Without your financial help, I would not be able to have these educational moments that the students will remember forever. Students learned and reviewed about space with hands-on activities, stepped into a one-room schoolhouse during the Colonial days, trying different foods and games, planted and harvested Earth Boxes, and practiced their math skills while taking their friends’ orders at the Decimal Diner. I appreciate everything you do to help support the schools and letting us be creative to help students be successful.
Forensic science students in Jessica Biehl’s class at Parrish Community High School
“Thank you for the opportunity to get hands-on experience with exploring the different organ systems of a fetal pig. I had a lot of fun doing the various tasks in the lab.”
“I would like to thank you for this experience, just learning about autopsies isn’t enough in my opinion to understand every detail about the procedure. Your support has provided us with invaluable hands-on learning.”
“I am very thankful for having the opportunity to do these types of labs, and without your donations, we wouldn’t be able to learn in such a hands-on way. This experience has greatly impacted my understanding and interest in forensics.”
The
We believe in investing in educators who make a difference every day. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your students through creative learning opportunities.
“This project was an amazing opportunity, and I really appreciate the chance to be part of something so unique and educational. It has inspired me to pursue further studies in science.”
“I’m grateful for your generosity in funding this project. It has been a highlight of my high school experience and has opened my eyes to new career paths I hadn’t considered before.”
LEFT and BELOW: Brittany Stone, fifth grade teacher at Barbara A. Harvey Elementary, used her grant to teach students astronomy through exploring space, below, and math, left, by running the Decimal Diner.
below, and math, left,
From lakes to the ocean and parks to beaches, Florida’s geography is vast and beautiful. Some of you have views from your homes that rival the views of national parks.
From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space. If we use your photo here, we will send you your choice of a $25 gift card to REI or Amazon.
To submit your photo, email a JPEG file to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
More than 2 people die from skin cancer every hour. See something new, changing or unusual? It could be skin cancer. Check yourself for The Big See today.
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
Aug. 26
Sept. 23
Oct. 28
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
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Summer in Florida means longer days, sizzling temperatures and a higher demand for electricity. As we head into August—the hottest stretch of the season—air conditioners run harder and longer, and most of us head indoors to escape the heat. All of this adds up to one thing: peak energy demand.
At Peace River Electric Cooperative, we work closely with our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric, to ensure the power supply keeps up with demand. But when energy use spikes during these hot summer afternoons, it puts additional strain on the electric grid—and your wallet.
Peak hours are times when electricity use is at its highest. For PRECO members during the summer, that’s typically 2-6 p.m. When demand peaks, utilities must increase power generation from various sources—coal, natural gas or solar—which often comes at a higher cost. These increased production costs, combined with increased consumption, are why summer electric bills can rise.
When we all do our part to reduce energy use during peak hours, everyone benefits. Lower demand means lower wholesale energy costs, which helps PRECO keep electric rates stable for all members. It also reduces stress on the power grid and supports a more sustainable energy future.
thermostat a few degrees higher during peak hours. Smart or programmable thermostats can automatically adjust your cooling schedule to match off-peak times.
• Use fans strategically. Ceiling and oscillating fans help you feel cooler without lowering the temperature. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
• Delay chores. Run your dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer after 6 p.m. You can use timers to schedule pool and hot tub pumps and water heaters to nonpeak times, when you need them.
• Unplug and power down. Electronics continue to draw energy when plugged in. Use power strips to make it easy to disconnect unused devices.
Here are a few easy ways to shift your energy use outside of peak times:
• Bump up the thermostat. Set your
• Block the sun. Close curtains or blinds during the afternoon to keep your home cooler without cranking the AC.
At PRECO, we’re committed to delivering reliable power and helping members save energy and money. When we all pitch in to conserve during peak times, we protect the grid, reduce energy costs and support a stronger, more efficient power system. So this summer, let’s work together to beat the peak. Your small actions can make a big difference for your home— and your co-op.
