PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NOVEMBER 2026
This Peace River Electric Cooperative member and KoreaVietnam veteran is a familiar face at the cooperative’s annual membership meetings. This Veterans Day, PRECO honors him and all who have served our country.
Happy Veterans Day! INSIDE >> Reserve a Free Booth at the Annual Meeting | Youth Tour Applications Are Open
PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC
Florida Currents November 2026 • Volume 16, No. 1
CEO Michael Shepard SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble Sprayberry SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS Sable Riley, CCC; Valeri Saldanha Rosa ASSISTANT EDITORS David Herder, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SENIOR MANAGER Elizabeth Beatty SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Alyssa McDougle
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Members acknowledge that $4.83 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Sirens of Florida
Back issues: Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Weeki Wachee Springs’ Mermaid Experience takes visitors underwater
Up Close, Page 10
Keep Them Flying
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES American MainStreet Publications, 611 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 504, Austin, TX 78704-1714; 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200; amp.coop.
The Bird Lady’s legacy rescues thousands Spotlight, Page 12
© 2026 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit pioneer.coop.
Picture Hunt 18 Gardening Planner 22 Get Outside Co-op Pages: 4-8, 25-26, 28-29, 32
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Soup Season Is Here Warm up with a bowl full of comfort
In the Kitchen, Page 16 NOVEMBER 2026
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PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC
RESERVE Y Be Part of PRECO’s Biggest Day of the Year!
OTH O B E E R F OU R
ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATIONS BY KRIT AND LINA
AT PRECO’S BIGGEST DAY OF THE YEAR! Peace River Electric Cooperative invites you to reserve a booth at its 87th Annual Membership Meeting on March 13, 2027. This is your chance to: • Showcase the incredible work your organization does for our community. • Connect face-to-face with PRECO members. • Shine a spotlight on your services and programs.
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Booth space is free, but spots fill up fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to let your group take center stage at one of PRECO’s most celebrated events. Please note: Exhibitors are welcome to share information about their services, but fees or charges may only be solicited with prior cooperative approval.
Ready to claim your space?
Contact Vice President of Member Services Lori Shreaves at 800-282-3824 or lori.shreaves@preco.coop.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETINGS Board of Director Nominating Committee members meet in December to select candidates for Districts 2, 5 and 8. If you would like to be considered for nomination to the board of directors for your district, please contact a member of your nominating committee.
DISTRICT 2 Vicky Pate 1891 Hampton Road Wauchula, FL 33873 863-773-5614
Betty Roberts 982 Metheny Lane Wauchula, FL 33873 863-781-5040
Zee Smith P.O. Box 2294 Wauchula, FL 33873 863-773-3614
Jill Southwell 985 Popash Road Wauchula, FL 33873 863-781-2882
Marlon Pendergrass 5095 Sweetwater Road Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 863-991-0977
Willie King 5210 Lansdowne Way Palmetto, FL 34221 941-243-9593
Ray Parker 5145 Lansdowne Way Palmetto, FL 34221 813-748-9064
DISTRICT 5 Mary Lynne Driskell P.O. Box 2456 Wauchula, FL 33873 863-781-0714
DISTRICT 8 Andy Branco 6342 36th Court E. Ellenton, FL 34222 609-315-2036
MEETING DETAILS Meetings will be at 4 p.m. DISTRICTS 2 & 5 Tuesday, Dec. 8; Wauchula Administration Building DISTRICT 8 Thursday, Dec. 10; Manatee Service Center
Scan here to look up or verify your district.
Further Ahead: 2027 District Meetings District 2 – Monday, Feb. 8; Wauchula Administration Building District 5 – Tuesday, Feb. 9; Wauchula Administration Building District 8 – Monday, Feb. 1; St. Frances Cabrini Church in Parrish
All meeting, registration and voting times will be determined and announced at a later date; polls close and the business meetings commence at 7 p.m.
NOVEMBER 2026
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Holiday Safety Starts at Home
White lights adorn a tree at a marina. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MARGARET BURLINGHAM
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PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC
As you prepare for the holidays, keep safety on your checklist. Between family gatherings, festive decorations and seasonal errands, a few simple precautions can help protect your home and loved ones. Safety is a priority at Peace River Electric Cooperative. Whether you’re hanging lights, preparing for a power outage or enjoying outdoor activities with the grandchildren, keep these tips in mind. Electrical Safety • Turn off decorations when unattended. Switch off indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before going to bed or leaving home. • Use tested, undamaged items. Choose electrical decorations certified by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. Inspect lights, plugs and extension cords for damage before use. Replace items with frayed wires, cracked sockets or loose connections. • Avoid overloading outlets and circuits. Follow manufacturers’ limits for connecting light strings. Do not exceed the ratings of extension cords or power strips, and never plug one power strip into another. Adding a surge protector does not increase a circuit’s capacity. • Use outdoor-rated products outside. Plug outdoor lights and decorations into outlets protected by groundfault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs. Keep plugs and connections out of puddles and standing water. Keep yourself, ladders and decorating equipment at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. • Keep decorations away from heat. Keep combustible materials at least 3 feet from space heaters and fireplaces. Use battery-operated candles instead of open flames. If you have a fresh-cut Christmas tree, check its water level daily and remove it when it dries out. Downed Power Lines • Assume every downed line is energized. Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen lines and anything touching them. Keep others away, and never drive over downed lines. • Stay inside a vehicle touching a line. Call 911 and warn others to stay away. Remain inside until utility personnel tell you it is safe to exit. • Exit only if there is an immediate danger, such as fire. Jump clear, landing with your feet together, without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time. Shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet close together and on the ground, until you are at least 35 feet away. • Never attempt a rescue near a power line. Do not touch a person, pet or object in contact with a line. Call
911 immediately. • Report downed lines to PRECO at 800-282-3824 after calling 911. Generator Safety • Inspect your equipment. Check for damage and fuel leaks before use. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and operating instructions. • Operate portable generators outdoors only. Keep them at least 20 feet from your home, with exhaust directed away from buildings, windows, doors and vents. Never operate a generator in a home or garage, even with doors open. Install carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup. • Keep the generator dry. Protect it from rain according to the manufacturer’s instructions without enclosing it or restricting ventilation. Never operate it in standing water. • Use the correct cords. When powering appliances directly, use undamaged, heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with enough capacity required by the generator. Start the generator before connecting appliances, and avoid overloading it. • Prevent backfeeding. Never plug a generator into a household outlet. Connecting a generator to your home’s wiring requires a properly installed transfer switch. Have a licensed electrician perform the work. • Refuel safely and keep children away. Turn the generator off and let it cool before adding fuel. Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces and moving parts. Children and Outdoor Safety • Keep electricity away from water. Teach children not to handle plugged-in devices with wet hands or use them near pools, puddles or other water. • Stay away from electrical equipment. Substations, utility poles and ground-level electrical cabinets are not places to play or climb. Never enter a substation to retrieve a toy; contact PRECO for help. • Fly kites and drones away from power lines. Choose open areas clear of overhead wires and electrical equipment. Never try to retrieve anything caught in a power line. Avoid flying during thunderstorms or strong winds. Taking a few extra minutes to check decorations and review safety precautions can help you enjoy the season with family and friends. From all of us at PRECO, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season. NOVEMBER 2026
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PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 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 2027, terms are expiring for Districts 2, 5 and 8. 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.
MAP OF DISTRICTS 2, 5 AND 8
DIRECTOR TERMS EXPIRING Scan here to verify your district.
BOARD QUALIFICATIONS Anyone who meets the qualifications is eligible to serve as a director. For a complete listing of director qualifications, read Article IV, Section 2 of the cooperative’s bylaws. Copies are available online at PRECO.coop or any PRECO office. Kenneth Oden District 2
If you have questions about the election process, contact Ashleigh Hayes at 800-282-3824 or Ashleigh.Hayes@preco.coop.
DECEMBER 2026
Nominating committee information is published in Florida Currents. Qualified candidates should contact the committee if interested in running for a seat on the board. 8
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Ellen Bachman District 8
ELECTION TIMELINE FEBRUARY 2027
Nominating committee reports director candidates. Nominations by member petition must be submitted by Dec. 28.
NOVEMBER 2026
Marie Dasher District 5
Members vote for directors at district meetings.
JANUARY 2027
MARCH 2027
District meeting and candidate information is mailed to voters in each voting district.
Newly elected board members are seated at PRECO’s Annual Membership Meeting.
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Got a Story Idea? We Want to Hear It. Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY GUY BRYANT
Florida Currents is a magazine about the people, places and moments that make Florida home, and nobody knows those stories better than you. Whether it’s a hidden gem in your community, a local hero worth celebrating or an organization doing great work in your area—we’re listening. Scan the QR code or visit the link to submit your story idea. Our editors read every submission. Thanks for reading and for helping us tell Florida’s best stories.
Sirens of Florida Weeki Wachee Springs’ Mermaid Experience takes visitors underwater By Cheré Coen
“Mermaids” perform an underwater show daily at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. PHOTOS BY JOHN ATHANASON
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There would surely come a moment, after a swimmer slips into shockingly cold water while wearing a mermaid tail, when she begins to have second thoughts. For me, that moment at Weeki Wachee Springs arrived as I prepared to do my best Ariel impression. I was even humming her ballad from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” while getting ready to learn how the attraction’s iconic mermaids perform ballet, twists and turns—and even sing—underwater. A few minutes before, I watched three mermaids perform from an auditorium 10 feet below the surface of the spring. Behind 4 inches of glass, the women smiled, spun and posed as if they were born swimming with their legs bound in a tail. They received air through a hose apparatus and floated effortlessly before the audience. How hard could it be, right? I signed up for the Mermaid Experience at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park along U.S. 19 in Hernando County. Women have performed as mermaids since the 1940s, when former Navy frogman Newton Perry discovered a dilapidated spring pouring 117 million gallons of water daily from an aquifer hundreds of miles below ground. Newton cleaned the trash from the spring, developed an underwater breathing system and trained the Aqua Belles from St. Petersburg to perform in a water show. They didn’t wear fins in the early days, “but they were called mermaids back then,” says John Athanason, multimedia communications specialist for Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau. John worked for years promoting Weeki Wachee before moving to county tourism, and he knows the history well. Those early swimmers would stand along U.S. 19 and entice passing motorists to see the show. The American Broadcasting Co. bought Weeki Wachee in 1959 and built a clamshell theater 10 feet below the surface to give visitors a better view of the performance. Attendance boomed. At the attraction’s peak, about half a million visitors arrived each year to watch 35 mermaids take turns performing underwater. The springs also attracted Hollywood. Movies, including “Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid” and “Neptune’s Daughter,” featuring swimming legend Esther Williams, were filmed there. “The Incredible Mr. Limpet,” starring Don Knotts, used the springs for the world’s first underwater movie premiere. In 1962, Elvis Presley stopped by to watch a mermaid show while filming “Follow That Dream” in nearby Citrus County, a thrill for mermaids and visitors alike. ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY WILLY MOBILO
UP CLOSE
TOP: Mermaid Crissa, right, shows writer Cheré Coen how to swim in a mermaid costume in Weeki Wachee Spring. Flotation devices help keep them afloat. RIGHT: Cheré shows off her mermaid tail.
“When the most famous person comes, you know you’ve made it,” John says. “That was when the mermaids were in their heyday.” Disney World and Interstate 75 took the thunder away from many of Florida’s roadside attractions, including Weeki Wachee. Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only springfed water park, was added to attract tourists. But the mermaid shows never faltered. Today, visitors can not only watch the mermaids perform but get a taste of what it’s like to don a fin as well. The Mermaid Experience Mermaid Crissa—last names steal the magic, I was told—met me behind the scenes after I watched her perform in the afternoon show. She applied glitter makeup to my cheeks and fitted me with a mermaid tail. To slip inside the tail, I had to lie down on my back to insert my feet into the plastic feet portion inside the tail and then pull the fabric up to my waist. Crissa then helped me to a ladder that led into the spring water. Weeki Wachee Springs are 72 degrees year-round, one reason manatees love to swim into the river when waters chill. Although 72 sounds like a balmy spring day, the cold water can be a shock to the system. It’s why the mermaid shows are never more than 30 minutes, John says, because
being underwater longer might lead to hypothermia. After a couple of minutes, I adjusted to the cold. Crissa then led me around the spring with a flotation device because I lost my kicking legs to a tail. She recommended I swim like a dolphin, so I racked my brain, trying to remember “Flipper” episodes from my youth. I hardly moved an inch, but then the rushing water from the springs’ source created a current. I used a snorkeling mask to peer underwater and watch the mechanics of the mermaid show, such as where they arrive, and how they change costumes and props. The most impressive sights were the massive cave leading down into the earth and alligator gar and other fish drifting through the spring. “Sometimes we get a manatee,” Crissa says. “Many people ask about the fish, ask if they’re animatronic.” No, this isn’t Disney World. That realization came home the minute Crissa instructed me to sink into the water before the auditorium windows for a photo. “Twist your body and point your right hand toward your tail,” she told me. I had seen the mermaids do such a pose and figured this couldn’t be too difficult. The trouble was, as soon as I went under, my body insisted I float back up. I might have had more control if my legs were exposed, but I just couldn’t stay down. Apparently,
the air hoses and breathing techniques the mermaids use in performances help manage their position underwater. After a few more attempts, I was done. It was a fun experience but not nearly as easy as these lovely young women make it seem. Most Weeki Wachee mermaids take six months to a year to learn the craft, including being athletic and scuba certified. Crissa had gymnastics experience before beginning her mermaid career. I was awarded an honorary mermaid certificate, and I left with newfound appreciation. “It’s a great job for them,” John says, adding most Weeki Wachee mermaids are local. “It’s a lot of fun.” But it sure ain’t easy. NOVEMBER 2026
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SPOTLIGHT
Keep Them
Flying The Bird Lady’s legacy rescues thousands By Melanie Jones
In the 1980s, the late Laura Quinn often carved small birds from bits of wood. But one day, a real bird caught her eye— a pelican in a tree struggling against a fishing line that had tangled around it. Laura freed the bird, and the experience forever changed her life’s trajectory.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY KRIS
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After that first rescue, Laura turned her Islamorada oceanfront home into a sanctuary for birds unable to live in the wild. The birds chattered, squawked and screeched, but she didn’t mind the noise. They shed feathers and did their business in her yard, but she didn’t care about the mess or smell. Laura, who became known as The Bird Lady, just wanted to save the sick and injured creatures. Eventually, there were too many feathered friends for one backyard, and Laura acquired land in Tavernier for a new home for herself and the birds. Since 1988, that land has been home to Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, comprising Mission Wild Bird Rehabilitation Hospital, which opened a new building in 2015, and Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. Laura died on her 82nd birthday in 2010, the same day the sanctuary was dedicated to her, but her dream continues. “Laura was a character for sure,” center board member Sara Hamilton says. “I only knew her the last couple of years of her life, but I have heard stories over the years. She was her own person, but she did amazing things for the birds.” Florida Keys Wild Bird Center strives to uphold Laura’s legacy. When a call comes into the center’s “birdgency” line, staff members jump into action. After retrieving a sick or injured bird, they bring it back to the center where it is assessed and treatment begins. They never know what they’ll find when they answer the call. “Maybe it’s a songbird that is on the ground at their house and can’t fly away, or maybe it’s a pelican hanging out in a marina with fishing line around it,” Executive Director Erin Allison says. The center attempts to treat them all. The goal is to release the birds back into the wild, Erin explains, sometimes with public release events. Other times, they are allowed to quietly fly away. The birds whose injuries are so severe they can’t be released find a home at the center’s Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. There, shorebirds can enjoy their own lagoons. Other birds have adaptive perches, and still more jump from branch to branch.
ABOVE: Avian Care Coordinator Allie Pydynowski, left, holds an Eastern screech owl while Dr. Alison Millington examines it. RIGHT: Dr. Nancy Saxe performs a procedure on a brown pelican at Mission Wild Bird Hospital while interns look on. PHOTOS COURTESY
OF FLORIDA KEYS WILD BIRD CENTER
Many species find safety and healing at the center. Pelicans are the most common birds admitted to the hospital, with 78 treated in 2025. Mourning doves take the No. 2 spot at 75. Waterfowl and songbirds are other common species seeking care. Last year, the center treated its first American flamingo. Migratory birds are frequent patients at Mission Wild Bird Hospital. “The Keys are important to migratory birds, so that’s what we see a lot of,” Erin says. “These birds are making incredible journeys twice a year, passing through the Keys and getting injured or exhausted.” The center has survived ups and downs over the close to 40 years since Laura started her work, but now it is thriving. “I think just through a good board and
just keeping an amazing executive director at the helm, it’s paid off over the years,” Sara says. “If we close the doors, there’s nobody else to help.” If it weren’t for Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, it would be a long journey for those who find sick and injured birds in the Keys—if the birds survived at all, Sara says. Sara came to the board through her role as environmental services manager at Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, where NOVEMBER 2026
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Hawks are among the full-time residents in Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary’s raptor habitat.
Oliver and Erin Allison work with the center’s bird ambassador, Mickey the Mississippi kite.
she was already familiar with bird and wildlife rescue. The relationship comes in handy, she says, when rescuing an entangled bird stuck in trees requires using the cooperative’s bucket trucks. The cooperative also works around eagles who build nests on power poles, despite guards the cooperative installs. “We don’t want the animals to get electrocuted,” Sara says. “But they are very persistent, stubborn creatures.” Sara says employees often knock down the sticks when eagles are first forming their nests in hopes of discouraging them. If that doesn’t work and the eagles persist, the cooperative often installs another pole with a nesting platform on it. It was a shared love of nature that led Sara and Erin to the wild bird center. While in college, Erin, who is from Miami, worked there as an undergrad as the education and research coordinator. She left Florida and went to West Virginia to earn her graduate degree at West Liberty University, where she worked in a lab studying crawfish throughout Appalachia. “After living through winter there, I realized that winter is optional,” she says. “I realized I’m from a really cool place, and I should go back there.” Now in her third year as director, Erin says she fell in love with the bird center. “It was just sort of like the stars aligned,” she says. “The executive director position
was opening up. It was always my dream to come back to the organization and serve in more of a leadership position.” Sara began her role on the rescue and sanctuary board when she rotated off the Marine Mammal Conservancy board. Through her role at the cooperative, she worked with the center coordinating rescues. “Being in the Florida Keys, which is a little piece of paradise, and with my background in biology and marine science, I felt it was my duty to help preserve and
protect these animals,” Sara says. Sara says while there’s not much room for the center to grow its facilities, it continues to grow in its purpose. She and Erin are excited to have an outreach coordinator on staff. “Education is an important part of our mission,” Erin says. The outreach coordinator and education intern visit schools, libraries and community events to share programs about the birds. “We’ve also been able to glove train an
ambassador bird,” Erin says. Mickey, a Mississippi kite, is popular at the visits and with homeschool groups and others who stop by the center. Those outreach programs are important, Sara says. “I think getting the word out there and educating our next generation about wildlife and why it’s important is vital,” she says. “I just hope that we can keep up with the stability, that we can continue to help all these animals, the hundreds of birds coming through the center.”
AIGENERATED ILLUSTRATION BY BRANDON POMRENKE
Everyone Can Protect Birds into windows, Erin says. They see the light reflected in the window and think they have a clear flight path. One easy way to prevent those injuries is to put decals on your windows. Another option is to use Zen Wind Curtains—strands of paracord spaced about 4 inches apart outside your window. Erin says they protect the birds and don’t obstruct the view. Fishing lines and hooks also pose serious risks to birds. “If you snag a tree while you’re fishing, try to get as much of that line out as possible,” Erin says. “If you’re out paddleboarding in the mangroves and you see fishing line wrapped around the mangroves, please cut it off.” Fishing line stays in the environment for up to 600 years, Erin says. “It’s detrimental not just to birds, but to all kinds of wildlife that can get tangled in the lines,” she says. To reduce the risk, the bird center has placed fishing line recycling bins around the Keys.
Creating a bird-friendly yard by using native plants in landscaping is a great way to help birds flourish. Erin says bird feeders can also be friendly, as long as you disinfect them every time you refill. She does not recommend birdbaths. They can be breeding grounds for parasites and bacteria that can hurt birds, and for mosquitoes that can hurt humans.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY DAVID
Birds come to Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary for many reasons. Some are natural, such as illness or emaciation, and others are human-caused. But Erin Allison, executive director of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, says people can take steps to protect birds. The most basic precaution is checking for nests in trees and shrubs before trimming them, Erin says. Falling nests can kill birds or cause parents to fly away, leaving chicks orphaned. She says people should exercise caution letting their cats roam outside, as they can knock down nests and attack birds. Slowing for birds in the roadway can save lives or prevent injury, both human and avian. “Most people assume they’ll just fly away, but that’s not always the case,” Erin says. About 15% of the injuries the hospital sees are caused by road collisions. Birds are often injured or killed when they fly
NOVEMBER 2026
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IN THE KITCHEN
Soup Season Is Here
WARM UP WITH A BOWL FULL OF COMFORT Pasta Fagioli
1 tablespoon olive oil 4 slices thick-cut bacon or 4 ounces pancetta, chopped 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped 2 ribs celery, finely diced 1 medium onion, finely diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 5 cups chicken stock
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY PIXEL-SHOT
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14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes 19-ounce can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed 19-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 bay leaf 1 Parmesan rind 1 cup ditalini pasta, uncooked 2 cups freshly chopped spinach or kale 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Parsley or thyme, for garnish
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add bacon or pancetta. Cook until lightly browned. Add carrots, celery and onion. Cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, beans, bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender. Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook until al dente. Just before serving, stir in spinach and adjust seasonings as desired. Top with Parmesan, then garnish with parsley or thyme.
Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 6-ounce package long-grain and wild rice blend, quick-cooking version with seasoning packet 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour 2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed
6 cups chicken broth 3⁄4 cup butter 1 cup carrot, diced 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup onion, diced 3 cups half-and-half
Open rice and remove seasoning packet. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, combine chicken and broth. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover, then remove from heat. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots, celery and onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Stir in contents of seasoning packet. Continue cooking vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add seasoned flour gradually while constantly stirring to form a roux. Saute roux for 3-4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste. Whisk in half-and-half, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir half-and-half mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Mexican Chicken Soup 2 teaspoons canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium bell pepper, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 medium jalapeno, diced and seeded 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 5 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 15.5-ounce can low-sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed 14.5-ounce can low-sodium kernel corn, drained and rinsed 1 large tomato, diced 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onion and jalapeno. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often until vegetables are tender. Stir in garlic, garlic powder and cumin. Cook another minute. Add broth to saucepan, increase heat to high and bring to a rapid simmer. Add chicken. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in beans, corn, tomato and cilantro. Cover. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Top with cilantro before serving hot.
Minestrone
2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup diced carrots 1/2 cup diced celery 1/2 cup chopped onion 4 garlic cloves, minced 32 ounces chicken stock 28-ounce can petite diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste 15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed Parmesan cheese rind
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Black pepper 1 fresh rosemary sprig 2 bay leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 medium zucchini, diced 2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens Parmesan and red pepper flakes, for garnish
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Stir in carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Saute until tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, Parmesan cheese rind, salt and pepper. Add rosemary, bay leaves, basil and parsley. Bring to a boil, then cover. Cook on low for 40 minutes. Remove the bay leaves, rosemary sprig and Parmesan rind. If you prefer a thicker soup, pulse a few times with an immersion blender. Add the zucchini and spinach. Cover. Simmer until the zucchini is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
Russian Mushroom and Potato Soup 5 tablespoons butter, divided 2 leeks, chopped 2 large carrots, sliced 6 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried dill 2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced 1 pound fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 cup half-and-half
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Mix in leeks and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes. Add broth, dill, salt and pepper. Mix in potatoes. Cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender but firm. Add half-and-half. Mix with an immersion blender until slightly thickened. If you don’t have an immersion blender, ladle soup into a hot-safe blender and blend before pouring back into the saucepan. Melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute mushrooms for 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Stir into soup before serving. NOVEMBER 2026
17
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
iPhone XR 4.2mm lens ISO: 80 f/1.8 at 1/121
BugsA and Butt erfl ies time to get close
Story and photo by Dave LaBelle
The old adage says sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees. We are so preoccupied sometimes with our busy lives and the big picture that we end up missing small, valuable details that give our lives much-needed flavor. A note scribbled on a bench, an unlikely flower climbing through a crack in a sidewalk or a small creature—such as a ladybug or butterfly—can catch our attention and stop us in our tracks. On my way to a morning budget meeting and carrying only my cellphone—I live 2 blocks from the newspaper office—I spotted these crazy-looking eyes on the window of a nearby business. I recognized the creature as a large moth. I stopped to admire its beauty and design and to make several pictures with my iPhone. I learned later it was a polyphemus moth, with a wingspan of 4 to 6 inches. The pattern of the eyespots on its wings looks like the face of a great horned owl, something its predators find frightening. Capturing these small but important details can be challenging. However, because my iPhone focuses at a minimum of 3 inches, it was perfect for capturing this resting creature.
Reader Challenge
Macro photography is a fascinating proposition and something easy to get addicted to. Seeing and capturing details such as an ant’s jaws can be scary but inviting. In past years, I attached my camera lens to a microscope to capture such magnification. I was zealously experimental in my younger years, whereas now I focus more on moments and storytelling. If you find macro photography compelling and want to get even closer, many smartphone models have macro features, often on Pro phone models. Many cameras also have a macro setting. To use your phone’s macro setting, place your phone close to your subject, and it should automatically adjust. If you’re unsure if your phone shoots macro, just corral someone younger to help. You can also look for add-on lenses and accessories from third-party vendors.
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writing, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Slow down, observe, listen, stop and appreciate the small storytelling details that enrich your life. These can be found in your home or in nature. Whether you use a cellphone or a DSLR (35mm digital camera), get close and see if you can capture a storytelling picture. Email your best image—just one—with caption information and an explanation of how it affects you to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels. 18
N O V E M B E R 2026
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Seniors get new medical alert device No contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever FastHelp is the only Medical Alert device that won’t break the bank. That’s because it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free. You don’t need a cell phone or a land line. And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide. So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated
or expensive, you’ll want to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device with no monthly bills. The medical alert device slugfest was dominated by two main combatants who both offer old style monitored help buttons that come with a hefty bill every month. But now Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly connecting you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S. There’s absolutely nothing to hookup or install. You don’t need a land line and you don’t need a cell phone. Everything is done for you. ■
■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.
Seniors born before 1964 get big boost
Instantly connects to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button with no contracts, no deposits, and no monthly bills Seniors born before 1964 get new medical alert device Nationwide: Demand for new Medical Alert Device soars The phone lines are ringing off the hook. That’s because for seniors born before 1964, it’s a deal too good to pass up. Starting at precisely 8:30am today the PreStore Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever. “It’s not like old style help buttons that make you talk to a call center, only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or anywhere and everywhere cell service is available whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians. “We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, today’s instant rebate (Continued on next page)
■ FLYING OUT THE DOOR: Trucks are being loaded with the new medical alert devices called FastHelp. They are now being delivered to lucky seniors who call the National Rebate Center Hotline at 1-800-221-2809 DEPT. FSTH231 today. Everyone is calling to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
(Continued from previous page)
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practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said. FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever. ■ The only device that makes you look important, not old The problem with medical alert devices is, nobody wants to wear them because it makes them look old. Well, that’s not the case with FastHelp. That’s because it’s the first state of the art medical alert device designed to make you look important, not old. Old style monitored help buttons you wear around your neck, or require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy, it’s just outdated. Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the floor helpless and all alone with no help. But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and get to STAY living in their own home independently. Yet millions of seniors are still risking their safety by not having a medical alert device. That’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices. That’s why seniors born before 1964 are rushing to cash in the whopping $150 instant rebate before the 21 day deadline ends. So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this year because seniors born before 1964 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s publication before the 21 day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■
Doctor urges seniors to get new medical alert device Instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever
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Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills
and their family members are snapping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said. Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert systems come with monthly bills. To s olve t he s e problems Universal Physicians, a U.S. compa ny, went to work to develop a new, modern, stateof-the -ar t medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and
no monthly bills ever. “This slick new little device is designed to look incognito to slip in your pocket. Seniors love them, because it actually makes them look important, not
old,” Dr. Howren said. FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select publications. ■
People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when sea soned vetera n emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up. “Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home. That’s why seniors
Five Star Customer Reviews Hurricane Help “We had two hurricanes recently. I had no electricity for 6 days. I fell, so I pushed the button, and they came right out and picked me up off the floor. I tell many of my friends they need to get FastHelp!” - Virginia, FL
BORN AFTER 1964: You cannot use the rebate coupon to the right and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-221-9773 EXT. ADFH1126
WE LOVE THE PRODUCT “We bought it outright with no bills ever.” - Rosemary, NY
Very appreciative of having FastHelp “I did have an emergency. Help RESPONDED quickly and came in a few minutes.” - Irving, PA
Safe anywhere “This little FastHelp device is my guardian angel. I’m so glad my daughter-in-law got it for me.” - Pete, FL
A+ Rating: These are unsolicited consumer feedback from satisfied customers as reported to Universal Physicians.
HOW TO GET IT BORN BEFORE 1964: Use the rebate coupon to the right and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-221-2809 EXT. FSTH231
LIFESAVER “When I got my FastHelp I never thought I’d have to use it, but when I fell and broke my hip it saved my life.” - Harold, OH
BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. With the instant FastHelp rebate, it is a real steal at just $149 and shipping. There are no monthly bills ever.
PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal a must have. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.
CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1964 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.
REBATE COUPON
VALID FOR USE
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Amount of Rebate (AOR)
1P
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PLEASE USE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH NO TRANSACTION FEE. ALL OTHER PAYMENT FORMS HAVE A THREE PERCENT TRANSACTION FEE. FASTHELP IS COVERED BY A 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE LESS SHIPPING AND A 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. FASTHELP IS A 4G CELLULAR DEVICE. FASTHELP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE 911 CALLS WHEN CELLULAR SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE SUCH AS IN REMOTE AREAS. FASTHELP USES GPS TRIANGULATIONS TO APPROXIMATE YOUR LOCATION WHEN YOUR DEVICE IS TURNED ON. DR. HOWREN IS A COMPENSATED MEDICAL ADVISOR. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. UNIVERSAL PHYSICIANS 7747 SUPREME AVE, NORTH CANTON, OH 44720. P7484 OF24695R-1
FLORIDA CURRENTS
PLANNER
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has fun options for everyone.
ISLAMORADA
Nov. 1 Dia de Los Muertos Celebration Celebrate with memory, music and dance during a celebration in the colorful Florida Keys Brewing Company beer garden featuring mariachis, a sugar skull station, Calavera face painting, and a pop-up community altar and gallery. Find meaningful engagement for all ages, connecting hands-on creation to the rich traditions of honoring and remembering our ancestors. This authentic way to explore cultural heritage through storytelling and intergenerational connections is sure to create a celebratory day for everyone. communityartsandculture.org/2026programs
PENSACOLA
Nov. 4 Rock the Runway: Living Art Opera comes alive at Rock the Runway, where fashion meets stunning storytelling in a creative fusion of the visual and performing arts. Pensacola Opera presents Living Art during the first week of the Foo Foo Festival at the historic downtown Saenger Theatre. Step inside the story as we transform the theater into a stunning spectacle where breathtaking larger-than-life projections, soaring operatic voices, electrifying beats, ballet dancers and runway models bring iconic operatic scenes to life through a vivid collision of music, movement, fashion and bold artistic immersion. This one-of-a-kind fashion theater experience celebrates Pensacola’s thriving arts community, inviting audiences to step inside a world where every scene is a work of living art. pensacolaopera.com; 850-433-6737
LAKEWOOD RANCH
Nov. 14 CAALR 24th Annual Fall Arts & Artisan Show The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch proudly presents its annual one-day indoor art show and sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. For nearly a quarter century, this event has celebrated the creativity and craftsmanship of local artists while connecting the community through the visual arts. Visitors are invited to browse an exceptional collection of original paintings, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, clocks, fiber art, tabletop decor, shell art, handcrafted journals and more. The show offers the opportunity to meet local artists, purchase one-of-a-kind artwork and discover distinctive handcrafted gifts while supporting the arts in our community. Admission and parking are free. caalr.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF CAALR
KEY WEST
Nov. 6 First Fridays on Fleming Every first Friday of the month from 6-9 p.m., Fleming Street transforms into a lively celebration of island creativity, community and local flavor during First Fridays on Fleming. Stroll through the charming Fab 500 Block and discover an inviting mix of boutique shopping, gallery openings, artisan pop-ups, live music, tastings, book signings and neighborhood eateries. fabflemingkw.com
ISLAMORADA
Nov. 14 Guided Bird Walk at Green Turtle Hammock Start your morning discovering the birdlife of the Upper Keys during a guided bird walk at 8:30 a.m. at Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve. The walk invites participants to explore the preserve while learning about the native and migratory birds that rely on Florida Keys habitats. The nearly one-hour walk follows a flat, 0.4-mile loop trail, making it an approachable nature experience for families, residents and visitors of all ages. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and water, along with plenty of curiosity for the morning’s wildlife sightings. The guided walk is free to attend with donations welcome to support local conservation efforts. floridabayforever.org/events/bird-walk; 305-509-7545
PENSACOLA
PHOTO BY JASPER DUNESAND
Nov. 14 Full Throttle for Vets This event is open to all makes and models, and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a day of awesome vehicles, food and fun—all for a meaningful cause. In partnership with Healing Paws for Warriors, the event raises awareness and funds for our veterans. All proceeds from this event will benefit Healing Paws for Warriors, an organization dedicated to saving lives at both ends of the leash by pairing veterans with trained rescue dogs that become their service dogs. The event is free to attend as a spectator, and car enthusiasts are welcome to register their vehicles for the show. Early registration is just $25 per vehicle, while day-of registration is $35. fullthrottleforvets.org; 850-776-6794
ISLAMORADA
Nov. 20 Mote’s 4th Annual Reef Revival Fest Celebrate coral science, restoration and community at this free, familyfriendly event hosted by Mote Marine Laboratory. The evening starts at 5 p.m. and offers an opportunity to learn more about Mote’s work to restore the Florida Coral Reef while enjoying live music, local food trucks and craft beer from Florida Keys Brewing Company. Families can visit the kids’ zone, where interactive activities introduce young visitors to coral science and conservation. Throughout the festival, guests can get a closer look at the science behind reef restoration through coral nursery tours, hands-on demonstrations and educational activities. Visitors can learn how corals are propagated and prepared for restoration while meeting team members working to increase reef resilience throughout the Florida Keys. mote.org/event/motes-4th-annual-reef-revival-fest-2026; 941-388-6683
SEBRING
Nov. 21 Let It Grow Plant Festival and Sale This free event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Highlands County Ag Civic Center is sponsored by the Highlands County Master Gardener Volunteers. There will be more than 100 vendors selling plants and crafts, alongside live music and food trucks. facebook.com/groups/highlandsmg; 863-402-6540
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY CORRI SEIZINGER
PANAMA CITY BEACH
Nov. 11 Veterans Memorial Honor those who served in the U.S. military at Panama City Beach’s Veterans Memorial. The memorial is on West Park Drive, immediately south of Aaron Bessant Park near Pier Park. bit.ly/4zbY37M
PENSACOLA
Nov. 27 Elf Parade and Christmas Jubilee Come celebrate with costumes, contests and wagons. Show off your creativity at the Elf Parade by wearing your best outfit, salvaging an ugly holiday sweater or decorating your wagon/stroller. During the parade lineup, you can join any contest you like. The parade starts at 2 p.m., and Santa will announce the winners just before we march. Each winner will lead their section of the parade. pensacolawinterfest.org/pensacola-elf-parade-and-downtown-opening-night; 850-583-1365
PANAMA CITY
Nov. 6-7 Public Eye Soar Projection Art Festival Come enjoy an art festival celebrating the works of hundreds of artists from all over the world and locals alike. Art, light and music combine on the walls and campus of Gulf Coast State College. All ages are welcome to this free family-friendly event from 6-10 p.m. Come create live art, listen to music and enjoy art from all over the world. Past exhibits and interactives include Giant Pinball, Laser Drums, The Maze, The Shadow Dome, Doodlers!, Shadow Puppets, Veterans’ Wall, Sand Art, Big Head Nation, The Yellow Room and Ceramics Rave Party, alongside artworks from local and international artists. publiceyesoar.net; 850-890-6631
HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS Want to share a family-friendly event with Florida Currents readers? Enter 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.
NOVEMBER 2026
23
GARDENING
Holida Decorating With Natural Materials
There’s something special and cozy about having fresh greenery inside your home for the holidays. Even more special is bringing things you grow into your home. Fortunately, several plants suited to North Florida landscapes lend themselves beautifully to holiday decor, such as garlands and wreaths. Boxwood might not be the first plant that comes to mind, but the greenery lends a formal look to wreaths and your garden. These plants are slowgrowing and should be planted in part shade. Magnolia foliage looks great mixed in wreaths and garlands or as a standalone star on the mantel. Make sure to turn a few leaves to the backside as you build your decor so the cinnamon-colored undersides create a pleasing and elegant contrast. The Southern magnolia can grow to 90 feet tall and is typically used as a specimen tree in large landscapes. However, the Little Gem Southern magnolia has the same beautiful features in a more compact size, topping out at 30 feet. Red cedar trees are the standard for native, cut-it-yourself Christmas greenery. Connect branches with floral wire to build a garland for your staircase or front door. These long-lived trees can be used for privacy hedges and are a resource for birds for nesting and food. Arizona cypress is another fine-textured evergreen that can double as an outdoor Christmas tree. The striking blue-green needles smell fantastic when crushed. The foliage looks great mixed with magnolia for texture and color contrast in garlands, arrangements and wreaths. Grow these trees in full sun and well-drained soil where they have plenty of room to reach 40 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide. Use the foliage color as a focal point in the landscape all while providing thermal cover for your backyard birds. You can also dress up your designs with the red berries of our native hollies. All our native hollies have all male flowers or all female flowers. Only the females produce the berries, so be sure to plant one if berries are what you want. Jewel is one variety of yaupon holly known for plentiful berry production. Want your decor to have a Florida vibe? Use dehydrated orange slices as garland or incorporate clove and orange pomanders into your table centerpieces. The pomanders make your house smell good as the oranges dry. If you want to plant an orange tree, be aware there is a common disease it can get called citrus greening that has no cure and eventually kills the tree. The University of Florida recommends planting the mandarin variety Sugar Belle, as it’s more tolerant of the disease. While not a plant, natural Florida materials—such as seashells, sea stars and sand dollars—can look unique and inviting in wreaths and other designs. Each year, Duval County Master Gardener Volunteers at Beaches History Museum decorate the historic buildings on the grounds with greenery that incorporates shells and sea stars. If you’re in the area, stop by and stroll around the garden. Go outside and see what you can clip to bring in, and enjoy these last few days of the season. Orange pomanders in a bed of Arizona cypress will be on my table. I wish you comfort and joy as you celebrate. Tonya Ashworth is an environmental horticulture agent and master gardener coordinator for Duval County UF/IFAS Extension. She has more than two decades of horticulture experience, specializing in Florida-friendly landscaping, vegetable gardening and volunteer development. Tonya has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from Mississippi State University.
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N O V E M B E R 2026
PHOTO BY TONYA ASHWORTH AND ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY S43
PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC
Certified
PRECO director achieves credential in today’s electric utility competencies Chrysta Chancey from Peace River Electric Cooperative recently received the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. An ever-changing business environment imposes new demands on electric cooperative directors, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills and a solid knowledge of the cooperative principles and business model. The NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director, or CCD, program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of the basic competencies taught in five core courses: • Director Duties and Liabilities • Understanding the Electric Business • Board Operating and Process • Strategic Planning • Financial Decision Making Congratulations to Chrysta on earning this certification and for her dedication to fulfilling her duties as a director.
Paul Roberts, interim general manager of Peace River Electric Cooperative, congratulates PRECO board director Chrysta Chancey on earning the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate.
NOVEMBER 2026
25
CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS
Tips for Sealing Ductwork for Savings Story and photo by Miranda Boutelle If you live in a home with a forced-air furnace, the biggest energy waster may be out of sight. Improve your home’s efficiency and comfort by repairing and sealing ductwork. Up to 30% of the air you pay to heat or cool is lost through leaks, holes or poorly installed ductwork in the average home, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This results in wasted energy and uncomfortable homes, regardless of the thermostat setting. Properly sealing ducts can reduce wasted energy by delivering conditioned air where you want it inside the home. If you have a room that is cold in winter and hot in summer, the culprit might be a leaky or disconnected duct. Duct sealing also helps with indoor air quality. Leaking return ducts can pull air from the spaces they run through, such as attics and crawl spaces. You don’t want to breathe in dirt, dust and insulation. If you have gas appliances—such as a gas water heater, dryer or furnace—leaking return ducts can inadvertently cause backdrafting, introducing combustion gases back into the home instead of outdoors where they belong. You can seal ducts yourself or hire a professional. For a do-ityourself approach, start with a visual inspection to determine your duct type. Most homes have flexible or metal ducts. Metal ductwork comes in various shapes and sizes, including round and rectangular, and with various options for turns and connections. Ducts should be insulated when they run through unconditioned areas, such as crawl spaces, attics and garages. If your metal ducts are insulated, remove the insulation to properly seal them, then reinsulate. Flexible ducts typically have an inner layer and an outer layer with insulation in between. The inner layer is made of bendable plastic reinforced with wire, similar to a stretched-out Slinky covered in plastic. The outer layer holds the insulation in place. The inner liner in flexible ducts can become brittle over time, causing leaks. If your inner liner is in bad shape, replace the flexible duct. Check for any obvious disconnections, gaps, extra bends or sagging ducts. Improve airflow by using short, straight, taut runs. Avoid sags and excess turns. Metal ductwork should be fastened together at each joint using sheet metal screws. Make sure your ducts are properly supported to keep the joints from separating over time. For flexible ducts, use Panduit straps. These are heavy-duty nylon zip ties that offer long-term durability. Use a tensioning tool specifically designed to tighten them. When it comes to sealing ducts, use products designed for the
Using duct-sealing mastic, close air gaps at every joint and seam, including under register covers inside your home’s living areas.
job. Seal every joint and seam using duct-sealing mastic—a thick paste that can be applied with a paintbrush or gloved hand. When it dries, mastic creates a flexible, airtight seal, eliminating leakage. Use mesh tape to bridge larger gaps before applying mastic. Remove register covers inside the home to seal the joints and seams there. You also want a good seal where the duct meets drywall or flooring. In easier-to-reach areas, you can opt to use UL-listed foil-backed tape designed for ductwork. Do not use duct tape. Fluctuations in temperature cause the adhesive to fail. Duct sealing is messy, so make sure to protect yourself and your home. Use drop cloths to protect flooring. Metal tape and the edges of metal ducts are sharp, so put on coated work or garden gloves underneath nitrile or latex disposable gloves. To protect your arms, wear a long-sleeved shirt tucked into your gloves or a long sock with the toes cut out. After air sealing, have an HVAC professional test the airflow during your next annual maintenance visit. If you don’t feel comfortable getting your hands dirty, hire a professional. Most companies that install ductwork or heating and cooling systems can also seal ducts. Sealing your ductwork gives peace of mind that your home is not wasting energy or introducing unhealthy air into your living space.
Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energy-efficiency 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.
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N O V E M B E R 2026
This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, nor any products or services it offers.
GET OUTSIDE
Building
Bonds
Squirrel hunting is a good introduction for young hunters, providing more activity than sitting in a deer blind. PHOTOS BY JOHN N. FELSHER
Teaching children to create lasting memories Some people make the mistake of taking children deer hunting when they’re too young. Children grow bored quickly and need more action. Instead, take them small game hunting to learn about the outdoors. “I highly encourage people not to stick really young children in a deer blind and tell them to be quiet,” says Jackie Bushman, outdoor enthusiast and founder of Buckmasters, an outdoor media company. “Take them squirrel hunting. Kids like a lot of activity. When they get older, take them deer hunting.” Squirrel hunting creates outstanding opportunities to introduce children to the outdoors and teach them safety and woodsmanship while building lasting bonds. Most youth learn by accompanying a parent or an older, experienced relative. For starters, get the child an appropriate gun that he or she can handle. Teach them how to safely shoot it. A single-shot .410 makes a great starter gun for beginner squirrel hunters. Next, young hunters must learn how to spot the “gray ghosts of the forests.” Because squirrels can quickly disappear in trees, practice spotting them by going to a park or similar place. Make a game of it. See who can spot the squirrels first. Of course, hunting squirrels in a forest requires much more skill than simply walking through a city park. Practically anywhere with hardwood trees or mixed hardwoods and pines holds squirrels. During the season, walk through the forest slowly, watching for activity. Take a few steps, stop, look and listen. Scan trees for any movement. Advance a few steps and repeat. Occasionally, sit on a log or lean against a comfortable tree trunk. Stay still and quiet for a while. Hunters frequently hear squirrels long before they see them. Listen for claws scratching on rough bark, branches shaking or
objects dropping from trees. Keep an ear out for squirrels scampering along the ground, chattering or barking. An experienced hunter can identify those sounds for a youngster. Let the youth do most of the shooting. If they miss, so what? Hunters will spot another squirrel. When alerted, squirrels habitually put trunks, branches or leaves between themselves and hunters. If a squirrel disappears in the nook of a tree but doesn’t leave, the experienced hunter could walk around the tree making noise. That squirrel will focus its attention on the walking hunter. It might shift to a new position, thus revealing its location and presenting the youth with a clear shot. Florida squirrel hunters enjoy access to many public properties. The state manages more than 6 million acres of wildlife areas in varied habitats for public hunting throughout Florida. In addition, the federal government controls more than 1.2 million acres of national forests and another 800,000 acres in 29 national wildlife refuges in Florida. Seasons, limits and other regulations on public properties may vary, so always check the laws. For hunting season dates, regulations and places to go, visit myfwc.com/hunting. Sharing time in a forest teaching youngsters woodsmanship forms lifelong bonds and memories for the adults and children.
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. NOVEMBER 2026
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PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC
Every generation leaves behind a legacy, footprints that shape the future. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is your chance to do the same. It’s more than a trip to Washington, D.C. It’s an opportunity to step into history, discover your voice and begin writing the story only you can tell.
The best part? It’s free! All transportation, meals and program costs for students chosen to be delegates are covered by Peace River Electric Cooperative. The program is coordinated and facilitated by the Florida Electric Cooperative Association and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Delegates selected from Florida will join more than 1,800 students from across the country in Washington, D.C., June 17-23, 2027. They’ll explore historic monuments and world-class museums, meet with elected officials, and, most importantly, develop leadership skills, build their resumes and form lasting connections with other young leaders from across America. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You don’t want to miss it! Get ready to apply! Application dates will be posted on our social media channels soon, so be sure to keep an eye out!
To learn more about the program, visit preco.coop/community/youth-tour. 28
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TIPS TO AVOID
ENERGY SCAMS Stay alert for fraudulent utility calls. Scammers can spoof caller ID to make a phone call appear to come from your electric utility— even when it doesn’t. They may threaten disconnection, demand immediate payment or ask for personal information. Don’t rely on caller ID alone to verify a caller’s identity. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact Peace River Electric Cooperative using the phone number printed on your bill, in this magazine or listed on PRECO.coop. Source: Federal Trade Commission
NOVEMBER 2026
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BEFORE YOU GO
Ready for new adventures A blue heron readies itself to take off near Sarasota. “I wondered where he was headed and what his journey would be like,” Nancy Reilly says. “I needed to preserve this image and snapped this before he flew away.” PHOTO BY NANCY REILLY
As space allows, we share reader-submitted photos on this page. Send your photo by emailing a JPEG to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.
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1 DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 11/30/2026. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Get 24-months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase six (6) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 11/1/2026 and 11/30/2026. Only valid on initial visit. Subject to credit approval. 24-month Promotional Period: when no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if balance is paid in full before Promotional Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after Promotional Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on terms disclosed in the financing agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for details. †It is the only warranty among top selling window companies that meets all of the following requirements: easy to understand terms, unrestricted transferability, installation coverage, labor coverage, geographically unrestricted, coverage for exterior color, insect screens and hardware, and no maintenance requirement. Visit renewalbyandersen.com/nationsbest for details. ‡Review aggregator survey of 5-star reviews among leading national full-service window replacement companies. Reputation.com March 2026. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2026 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA14201
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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 CHRYSTA CHANCEY
District 2
KENNETH ODEN
District 3
BRUCE VICKERS
District 4
MATT HARRISON
District 5
MARIE DASHER
District 6 DAN PUCCIO
District 7
CHRIS PORTALE
District 8
ELLEN BACHMAN
District 9
WILLIE DAWES
BOARD MEETINGS Nov. 17 Dec. 17 (moved from Dec. 15) 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.
CEO Message
Let the Cooperative Spirit Shine This Thanksgiving As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us think about the people and places that make life special. At Peace River Electric Cooperative, we have much to be thankful for. At the top of that list are the members and communities we’re proud to serve. Being a cooperative means we are more than an electric utility. We are part of the communities we serve. Our employees live here, raise families here, shop at local businesses, attend local schools and churches, and volunteer alongside many of you. The power lines that stretch across our service area connect more than homes and businesses. They connect neighbors, families and communities. That connection is at the heart of the cooperative spirit. Cooperatives were built on a simple idea: People can accomplish more when they work together. We see the same spirit throughout our communities every day. We see it when neighbors help one another through Operation Round Up, when volunteers give their time, when teachers support their students and when local organizations come together to meet a need. We are thankful to play a part in those efforts. Whether we are supporting local classrooms, investing in the next generation, helping community organizations or simply working each day to provide safe and reliable electricity, our purpose goes beyond keeping the lights on. We are thankful for the trust you place in us. Serving our members is a responsibility we take seriously. Your patience during outages, your kind words when you see our crews working and your participation in cooperative programs help make PRECO stronger. As families and friends gather around Thanksgiving tables this month, we hope you take a moment to appreciate the people who make your community feel like home. From all of us at Peace River Electric Cooperative, thank you for allowing us to serve you. We are grateful to be your cooperative, your neighbor and part of the communities we all call home. Wishing you and your family a safe, happy and blessed Thanksgiving, Your PRECO Family
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