Florida Currents, Peace River Electric Cooperative, January 2026

Florida Currents PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

JANUARY 2026

Cozy Coupes for a Cause

Full Throttle Festival collects cash donations and nonperishable food for Hardee Help Center Page 4

ALSO INSIDE >>

$140K Up for Grabs | Buzzworthy Teamwork | Unclaimed Capital Credits

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PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC

Florida Currents January 2026 • Volume 15, No. 3

CEO Michael Shepard VICE PRESIDENT 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; Nina Todea, CCC PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SENIOR MANAGER Elizabeth Beatty SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Alyssa McDougle Members acknowledge that $4.89 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, 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.

Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 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.

From our co-op family to yours—Happy New Year! We’re grateful to serve you today and every day.

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.

Port Theatre Revival

DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704-1714; 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200; amp.coop.

Port St. Joe’s crown jewel comes back to life Up Close, Page 10

© 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 www.pioneer.coop.

Small but Mighty Fruit The kumquat gets its moment at Dade City celebration

For additional content, search @FloridaCurrents on your favorite social media sites and floridacurrents.com.

Spotlight, Page 12 Great Picture Hunt 18 Planner Get Outside 19 Before You Go Co-op Pages: 4-8, 25-26, 28-29, 32

22 30

Breakfast Is Ready

In the Kitchen, Page 16

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COZY COUPES For a Cause

What do you get when community spirit meets a classic redand-yellow toy car? The Cozy Coupe Full Throttle Festival is a fun, family-friendly event that brings people together while supporting the Hardee Help Center.

This year’s festival was a true team effort. The Hardee Help Center provided several Cozy Coupes to local organizations, challenging each group to turn a kid-sized car into something unique. Participants included Peace River Electric Cooperative, Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, Wauchula Police Department, Wauchula Fire Department, Send Me Missions and Peralta’s Mobile Mechanic.

Each group brought their creativity to the challenge. The sheriff ’s office turned its car into a mini patrol unit, the fire department created a small-scale fire engine and PRECO transformed its coupe into a bucket truck complete with a pole trailer, utility poles and wire. Send Me Missions built a bulldozer inspired by its community rebuilding work, and Peralta’s Mobile Mechanic designed a car honoring hard work and service.

After the decorating was complete, the cars were auctioned off, with all proceeds going directly to the Hardee Help Center to support local families. By the end of the night, the festival raised more than $3,000, and attendees filled two large bins with nonperishable food to help restock the center’s pantry.

“Your participation helped us kick off our 2025 Drive Out Hunger and Homelessness campaign in an amazing way,” says Lori Friers, executive director of Hardee Help Center. “From our vendors and volunteers to the families who came out to enjoy the evening, each of you played a part in showing what community truly means.”

With plenty of smiles, activities and strong community pride, the Cozy Coupe Full Throttle Festival showed that even the smallest vehicles can make a big difference. 4

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The Hardee Help Center provided several Cozy Coupes to local organizations, challenging each group to turn the kid-sized car into something unique.

PRECO transformed its coupe into a bucket truck complete with a pole trailer, utility poles and wire.

PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC

$140K in Scholarships up for Grabs Apply today for a PRECO Operation Round Up grant toward your higher education Thinking about college, trade school or university next year? Peace River Electric Cooperative wants to help power your future.

PRECO is excited to award more than $140,000 in scholarships to support hardworking students as they pursue their education and career goals.

Whether you’re a high school senior preparing for graduation, already enrolled in college or an adult eager to enhance your skills and job opportunities, you are encouraged to apply to the Operation Round Up Scholarship Program.

Who Can Apply PRECO members and their dependent children are qualified.

How to Apply • Submit an application online at PRECO.coop.

• The application window is Jan. 2–Feb. 28.

Transcript Requirement Official high school or college transcripts must be postmarked by March 6.

Why Apply?

This scholarship program can make a real difference in reducing the costs of higher education while empowering students of all ages to pursue their dreams.

PRO TIP: Don’t wait to request your transcript.

Schools often need extra time to process requests. Ask early and have it mailed to: Peace River Electric Cooperative Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 1310 Wauchula, FL 33873

Since 2006, Operation Round Up has awarded almost $1.5 million in scholarships to over 328 students across the Peace River Electric Cooperative service area.

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PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC

CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: A local beekeeper carefully holds the queen bee after removing a hive from a secondary vault, an underground enclosure that houses low-voltage electrical cables. The beekeeper shows a piece of honeycomb extracted from electrical equipment. She gently transfers bees into a temporary hive box. An active hive is visible inside a secondary vault, where hundreds of bees are settled. PRECO partners with a beekeeper to safely relocate the colony and protect nearby co-op employees. After safely removing bees, remnants of the beehive are discarded.

By Claire Thomas

Buzzworthy Teamwork PRECO’s safe bee removal generates buzz

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When members call Peace River Electric Cooperative, they’re usually reporting a power outage or downed line, but some calls come with a bit more buzz.

Recently a member noticed a large swarm of bees nesting inside a secondary vault. A secondary vault—an underground fiberglass box that contains low-voltage cables and connections—provides a protected space for electrical equipment but can also attract wildlife seeking shelter. Concerned for their safety, the member reached out to PRECO for help. What followed was another example of how PRECO’s crews go above and beyond to protect both people and the environment.

Safety First—For People and Pollinators When the service crew arrived, they confirmed hundreds of bees had taken up residence inside the secondary vault. Working around live electrical equipment is always serious business, but adding an active hive into the mix takes risk to another level.

Rather than spraying the bees or removing the hive by force, the crew took a different approach. They called in a local beekeeper to safely remove and relocate the colony. The beekeeper carefully transferred the bees into a temporary hive box so they could be taken to a nearby apiary, where they can continue essential work as pollinators.

“It’s all about balancing safety and stewardship,” Vice President of Operations Van Crawford says. “We protect our members by ensuring the area is safe and powered properly, but we also recognize the importance of bees in our ecosystem.

Everyone wins when we can do both.”

When bees are found, the area is safely isolated until the hive can be removed.

Why Bees Choose Certain Areas Electrical equipment, such as secondary vaults, can provide the perfect home for a bee colony. They are warm, dry and protected from predators. Unfortunately, that also creates a hazard for lineworkers and anyone nearby. A single sting can distract a lineworker mid-task, and with high-voltage electricity involved, even a small distraction can be dangerous.

That’s why PRECO crews stay alert for unusual signs when inspecting equipment, like a steady stream of insects or a faint humming sound coming from inside a box.

Creating Buzz of a Different Kind After successful removal, the beekeeper reported the hive was thriving in its new home. The member’s power was restored, the bees were safe and lineworkers were back on the road, ready for the next call, whatever it might bring.

Stories like this remind us that cooperation, safety and respect for nature all go hand in hand at PRECO. Whether it’s restoring power after a storm or carefully relocating a hive of bees, our crews embody the cooperative spirit that keeps our communities buzzing. 

Environmental Responsibility in Action Protecting the environment is part of PRECO’s mission as a cooperative. Each year, crews encounter a wide range of wildlife, from osprey nesting in poles to squirrels hiding acorns in meters, but bee rescues are among the most delicate situations.

“Whenever we can relocate instead of eliminate, that’s the goal,” Van says. “We’re proud that our crews take that extra step. It reflects our cooperative values and our care for the community we serve.”

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY STOCKGIU

Did You Know?  Bees pollinate onethird of the world’s food supply.  Florida is home to more than 300 native bee species.  PRECO works with local beekeepers to safely relocate hives found on electrical equipment.

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PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC

Does the Co-op Owe You a

Peace River Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric utility owned by the members it serves.

As a member-owner, you share in the profits, called margins.

They are returned in the form of capital credits.

PRECO is attempting to locate current and former members whose capital credits checks issued in 2022 remain unclaimed.

These checks were either returned by the U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable or were not cashed.

Visit PRECO.coop to see if your name or business is on the list, or stop by one of our offices during regular business hours:

Returning margins is a two-step process that begins with allocating capital credits in the year margins are generated.

 PRECO Headquarters 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

210 Metheny Road Wauchula

 Step 1. Margins are generated whenever PRECO collects revenue in excess of expenses. Annually, PRECO prorates margins to its members according to members’ total annual billing for that year.

 Manatee Service Center 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 2 to 5 p.m.

14505 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch

 Step 2. In the future, when it’s financially sound to do so, PRECO disburses the capital credits through the retirement process.

If your name or business is listed, call 800-282-3824. The deadline to claim 2022 credits is March 31, 2026. 

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How Capital Credits Work

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ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY SEBESTYEN BALINT

Deadline to request unclaimed capital credits retired in 2022 is March 31

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Londyn’s family discovered hope at St. Jude.

When Londyn was found to have blood cancer, she was referred to St. Jude, where doctors take on the toughest cases with confidence. “St. Jude takes a lot of the worry away,” said her dad. “The things that St. Jude does are unbelievable.” The discoveries made at St. Jude are shared freely, so every child saved here means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

Learn more at stjude.org

©2018 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (34142)

St. Jude patient Londyn blood cancer pictured with her dad, Anthony

Port St. Joe’s crown jewel comes back to life, thanks to community support

By Colette Boehm This year, Port St. Joe celebrates the revival of one of its most cherished landmarks, the Port Theatre.

The long-anticipated achievement is the result of years of work, from fundraising to manual labor, by Port Theatre Art & Culture Center, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and improving the theater. Members David and Trish Warriner played an integral part in bringing the theater back to life.

In addition to his own business interests in downtown Port St. Joe, David has led the theater’s nonprofit since its inception in 2012. From managing grants from state and federal sources to contributing through his family’s foundation, David’s efforts have been a labor of love and part of his vision for the town he calls home. The result is a centerpiece for Port St. Joe and an attraction that draws people from beyond its borders.

“I’ve always believed the theater is the crown jewel of our city, our downtown,” David says. “I believe in having cultural experiences for our people, for locals, but also for our region and for tourists. This is not a Port St. Joe theater. This is a regional cultural center.”

The Port Theatre opened in 1938 to host vaudeville shows and movies. It became a much-loved center of the community, where musicals, live theater and community events were held until its 10

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closure in 1967. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 because its art deco facade and interior features remained intact, though worn and battered by time and storms.

After a stint as an auction house, then sitting idle again, the theater went on the market.

“In about 2011, we heard the owner might be interested in selling the theater,” David says. “So, we got together a group of local people who loved the arts. A group of community leaders thought the theater was needing to be rebuilt and restored back to its prior glory.”

In 2015, the nonprofit received a $350,000 state grant to buy the theater and began the long path to this year’s reopening.

“We went to work on it and started having small events in there,” David says. “It was not real fancy, but we cleaned it up and did some work and made it fairly habitable. The community loved it. It was tremendously well-received. We sold out events. We probably had about 20 events between 2016 and 2018 in the theater, from local children’s choirs to Christmas parties and gatherings to Grammy Award-winning artists and songwriters.”

In early October 2018, the group launched a significant capital fundraising campaign.

“On Oct. 2, we gathered a small group of board members and donors on the street out in front on Reid Avenue, and we lit the neon as kind of a sneak peek, as a fundraising kickoff,” David says.

“Eight days later, Hurricane Michael came—and, wow—it reset us back to zero.”

In the years since, the group has steadily moved forward, regaining its momentum and never wavering from its mission.

The restoration effort has taken nearly $2.5 million. The funding sources have been many, including grants from the Federal

UP CLOSE

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: Years of construction and fundraising have gone into restoring the historic Port Theatre. PHOTO BY SARA NEGRIWHITMER David Warriner and a group of volunteers spent years bringing the Port Theatre back to life.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PORT THEATRE

In 2018, the foundation lit the theater’s restored original neon. PHOTO BY DAVID WARRINER

Emergency Management Association, the National Park Service, the state Historic Preservation Service and an appropriation from the state legislature. Local and regional financial institutions and foundations, including Warriner’s family group and the George G. and Amelia G. Tapper Foundation, have contributed to the effort.

“We’ve been spending that money on the theater, trying to bring it back to its former glory, and then some,” David says.

He acknowledges that balancing historic elements and modern building codes is challenging. The original projection room and second-floor balcony have been reclaimed and brought back to life. The 400-seat theater also has a concession area, a classroom and new restrooms.

David commends all those involved in the project, saying that far more than money has gone into the effort.

“The support we’ve had from the community, beyond the fundraising, has been significant,” he says. “We’ve had such great support from board members. They have been tenacious. They’ve stuck around. I’ve been most of the time the rubber-to-the-road guy on the thing, but they provided me with the gas and the fuel to get there. I’ve appreciated their longevity and their support.”

That operation will be in full swing this year. A soft opening in November welcomed a sellout crowd with a relighting of the neon, as David says, “a touchstone in our progress.” Plans include hosting movies, live musical performances and community events in the theater year-round.

“I think the theater is a huge asset,” David says. “It’s going toward that vision that I personally have for the town, and that is for us to be kind of an eclectic, artsy, second-home coastal community.” 

A Small but

Mighty Fruit

The kumquat gets its moment at Dade City celebration Story and photos by Cheré Coen They’re the size of a large grape and covered with an orange shell, much like their bigger citrus brethren most associated with the Sunshine State. Like the mighty Florida orange, kumquats are rich in vitamins A and C and full of fiber and antioxidants.

What makes kumquats different is the fact that you can pop the whole thing in your mouth—rind and all—for a unique taste sensation.

Kumquats, however, are not as popular

as the mighty orange. Alan Goldstein, in a Pasco Times article of 1988, called them “the Rodney Dangerfield of fruit … for they get little respect.”

But that’s not the case in Dade City, where thousands flock every January to celebrate the little gold gems of the citrus family with a festival that attracts more than 40,000 visitors to downtown streets.

What are kumquats?

Kumquats are not native to the United States. China takes credit for harvesting the little citrus fruits for thousands of

A wide variety of products can be made from kumquats, such as kumquat honey, marmalade, vinaigrette and strawberry blueberry preserves.

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years in the southern regions of the country, where the climate is mild and sunny. The kumquat came to the United States in 1885, when two Florida nurseries imported some varieties from Japan.

Today, kumquats are grown in Florida, California and some areas along the Gulf Coast. In Pasco County, the small fruit is celebrated every year in a big way. The annual Kumquat Festival takes over city streets the last Saturday in January with hundreds of arts, crafts and food vendors and, of course, kumquat products in every shape and size.

Kumquats, which grow on small trees, are harvested from December through March. The trees produce multiple blooms, allowing farmers to harvest kumquats throughout the season.

The species includes the Hong Kong Wild, the Marumi, Meiwa and Nagami, the last two being the most common grown in the United States. The tartness of Nagami kumquats makes them ideal for cooking, especially in marmalades. Meiwa kumquats lean toward the sweet side, so they’re best eaten whole.

Kumquats have a smooth, edible, fleshy surface. The peel offers a sweet sensation, while the pulp, with its seeds and juice, counters with sour. The taste combination sets the fruit apart. The best way to eat a kumquat is to lightly roll the fruit between your fingers to release its aroma and oils, then pop the goodness into your mouth.

Just 10 kumquats can provide 100% of a daily allowance of vitamin C, says Melody Floyd, ADOBE STOCK IMAGES BY XBZZ, WATTANA, FAHIMA, SADNAN, GREY

SPOTLIGHT

ABOVE: Founded by brothers Blair and Ethan Hensley, Limoges serves up Southern favorites, including a popular kumquat pie. TOP RIGHT: The annual Kumquat Festival takes over the streets of Dade City and features a variety of kumquat items, such as kumquat cake. RIGHT: Kumquat Growers Inc., in Pasco County, is the nation’s largest producer of kumquats. It creates numerous kumquat products.

marketing coordinator for the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the annual festival.

“Pureed kumquats stay frozen for a year, and you can use them in anything that you can use citrus in,” she says.

Pasco County’s Kumquat History Bernard Barthle and his family arrived in Pasco County from St. Joseph, Minnesota, in the late 1800s. They named the area in which they settled to farm St. Joseph, in honor of their hometown.

Another Minnesota native arrived around the same time. Casper Joseph Nathe remembered kumquats from a previous job and decided to try his hand at growing the fruit.

According to Jeanette Marvin Brown’s “All About Kumquats,” Casper’s trees became the first commercial kumquat grove in Florida, fueling a popularity for the fruit’s decorative nature during the holidays and as a food source for Americans.

Other growers soon followed, putting Pasco County on the map as an American leader in kumquat production. The fruit was shipped nationwide in large barrels of brine. By 1926, Casper was known as the “world’s kumquat king.”

“Last Friday, the first solid carload of kumquats ever shipped, as far as can be ascertained, left Dade City over the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad to Chicago,” wrote the Dade City Banner in 1930. “The shipment was made by C. J. Nathe of the St. Joseph community.”

Like other crops, demand, shipping and climate issues—such as freezes—caused fluctuations in the market, but kumquat crops persevered. Today, Kumquat Growers Inc.—owned by Gude and Neuhoffer families descended from farmers who

settled in the St. Joseph community in the late 1800s—is the largest producer of kumquat fruit and various products in Pasco County. The growers ship various products, including marmalades, jellies and unique items like a tangy salad dressing.

And, of course, kumquats.

The Kumquat Festival Almost three decades ago, three women of the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce were looking for a way to bring dollars to downtown Dade City businesses.

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Vendors at the annual Kumquat Festival sell a variety of products, such as kumquat ice cream.

marketing efforts. The festival began around Dade City’s Historic Pasco County Courthouse with the theme of honoring the county’s most famous fruit.

The festival always included arts, crafts and food vendors, and throughout the years, more of them began to apply.

Word of mouth spread among the many vendors who migrate to Florida in the winter to sell their wares, so it was natural for them to swing over to Pasco County and add another festival to their itinerary, Melody says. The festival now includes all of downtown.

“We block off all of our downtown area,” Melody says. “We became the largest oneday festival in Central Florida.”

The festival takes place during the harvest schedule, which begins with the first harvest in December and extends to a final crop around March and April. The highly popular event includes a kids’ area and arts, crafts and food booths set up along downtown streets where businesses join in the fun. Dade City’s Treehouse Mercantile, for instance, sells kumquat pastries with its craft coffees and boutique items. Limoges restaurant fills with patrons looking to sample kumquat-enhanced entrees and its famous kumquat pie.

“All the local merchants get involved,” Melody says. “It’s the highlight of their year.”

Kumquat Lore

Sucheta Rawal tastes the kumquat cider served at Limoges.

Dade City Brew House on Seventh Street mixes local kumquats with a wheat beer to create its Little Gem. While the beer is available year-round, it’s a festival favorite, along with at least one other kumquat brew the company produces, says General Manager Guillermo “Gilly” Woolfolk.

“We typically brew a 10-barrel batch of Little Gem each year for the Kumquat Festival,” Gilly says. “Little Gem is typically available throughout the year thanks to our relationship with Kumquat Growers, but any kumquat beer variants we brew for the festival are only available during kumquat season.”

Kumquat food products to sample include kumquat ice cream, kumquatenhanced sangria, cakes, shaved ice, sourdough bread, candy, cookies and wine the local Rotary Club sells as a fundraiser, to name just a few.

“Just about everything and anything there is,” Melody says of kumquat food and products sold at the event.

The queen of the festival, however, remains kumquat pie, consisting of pureed kumquats and sweetened condensed milk. Think Key lime pie with a kumquat flavor.

Melody’s favorite—besides the pie, of course—is the kumquat ice cream, scones

and a tart-and-tangy salsa, although simplicity is also a hit in her house.

“I eat kumquats every day, but I also put them in my water,” she says.

Special Events This year’s festival includes two special events, the East Pasco Quilt Challenge and the annual Car and Truck Show. Quilts inspired by kumquats will be displayed outside, around the Historic Pasco County Courthouse’s fountain, and inside at the city library for the judged show. Some will be for sale. After the Kumquat Festival, the quilts will be shown at Pioneer Florida Museum, also in downtown Dade City.

All types of unique cars and trucks will be on display throughout the festival.

If You Go The 29th annual Kumquat Festival is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, in downtown Dade City. Streets are blocked from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and parking is free throughout downtown. There is no admission fee to the festival. For more information, visit kumquatfestival.org.

In coordination with the Kumquat Festival, Kumquat Growers hosts its annual open house at its packing house in nearby St. Joseph from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, and Friday, Jan. 30.

The kumquat symbolizes good fortune and wealth in Asian countries and is often given as a gift on Lunar New Year. Many people view the kumquat tree as a powerful aspect of feng shui—the Chinese belief in the flow of energy through buildings to bring about success and happiness within a home.

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Kumquat Pie Recipe

Rosemary Gude created kumquat pie, and it has become so popular it’s a staple at the annual Kumquat Festival and is the official pie of Pasco County.

Aunt Rosemary’s Kumquat Pie Courtesy of Florida Sports Coast Tourism INGREDIENTS cup pureed kumquats 1 can sweetened condensed milk 8-ounce container whipped topping ½ cup lemon juice 9-inch baked pie crust DIRECTIONS: To make the kumquat puree, wash fruit, cut in half and remove seeds. Place in blender or food chopper—a blender makes a finer puree. Do not cook.

Beat together sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping. Add lemon juice and beat until thickened. Add pureed kumquats. Once combined, pour in pie shell.

Refrigerate for several hours.

Cook’s note: Use puree fresh in recipes or freeze in ziptop bags or other containers. Frozen kumquat puree can be stored for at least six months. When using frozen puree, defrost and drain the excess liquid before adding to a recipe.

ABOVE AND LEFT: Kumquat pie is the official pie of Pasco County and a must-try item at the festival. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA SPORTS COAST TOURISM

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IN THE KITCHEN

Breakfast Is Ready START YOUR MORNINGS DELICIOUSLY

Caramel French Toast 6 slices white bread, halved ¼ cup butter ½ cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon corn syrup 3 eggs

PHOTO COURTESY OF CULINARY.NET

In a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to boil, stirring frequently. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish. Arrange bread slices over caramel mixture.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt.

Pour over bread slices. Cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight.

Remove dish from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Remove foil.

Heat oven to 350 F. Bake 25 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.

Source: Culinary.net

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¾ cup half-and-half ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt Powdered sugar, optional

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Overnight Oats

1⁄3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats ½ cup low-fat milk ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons mixed dried fruit 1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped

In a bowl or jar, combine oats, milk and vanilla extract.

Cover. Refrigerate overnight.

Before serving, stir in honey, dried fruit and walnuts.

Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie ½ cup rolled oats 1 cup milk 14 frozen strawberries

1 banana ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1½ teaspoons sugar

Use blender to grind up oats. Add milk, strawberries, banana, vanilla extract and sugar. Blend until smooth.

Pour and serve.

Source: culinary.net

Source: culinary.net

Sweet Potato Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Pastry Brunch Cups 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1½ cups milk 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

2 sheets puff pastry 18 eggs 2 cups diced ham Chopped fresh green onions

Heat oven to 375 F. In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter.

Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously. Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat, and stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside.

Use a rolling pin to thin out puff pastry sheets. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup, and sprinkle each with diced ham.

Bake 10 to 15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with onions.

Butter, oil or nonstick cooking spray 2 cups uncooked rolled or old-fashioned oats 2 teaspoons cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1½ cups 1% milk

2 large eggs 1 cup mashed sweet potato 1½ tablespoons butter, melted 1⁄3 cup maple syrup, plus more for drizzling 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2⁄3 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

Heat oven to 350 F. Coat inside of 2-quart baking dish with butter, oil or nonstick cooking spray.

Mix oats, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Beat in milk, eggs, sweet potato, butter, ⅓ cup syrup and vanilla extract. Mix, saving blueberries for last to prevent staining or crushing. Spread inside dish.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes until oats are tender and moisture is absorbed. Drizzle with maple syrup, to taste.

Source: North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission

Source: culinary.net

Egg Tot Muffins

Butter 36 thawed Tater Tots 10 eggs ½ cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half ½ cup shredded cheese

Sticky Cinnamon Bacon Rollups 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 2½ ounces bacon pieces Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste

Nonstick cooking spray 12 slices bacon, divided 2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ cup sugar

¼ cup melted butter 4 8-inch flour tortillas 2 tablespoons applesauce, divided

Heat oven to 350 F. Grease muffin tin with butter. Place three tots in each cup, and smash down.

In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and bacon. Season with salt and pepper.

Fill each muffin hole with mixture.

Place cookie sheet under muffin tin to contain messes.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes.

Heat oven to 375 F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Cook bacon, then drain. Combine cinnamon and sugar.

Mix well.

Brush melted butter on both sides of each tortilla.

Coat both sides with cinnamon sugar.

Place three slices bacon and 2 teaspoons applesauce on one edge of tortilla. Roll up and place seam-side down in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Bake 12 to 16 minutes until sugar mixture is bubbly.

Cut tortilla rollups in half before serving. Serve warm.

Source: culinary.net

Source: Farmland

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17

THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT

L

AYERED

Reality

By Dave LaBelle

I have visited dozens of photo shows and must confess: Few have left me inspired or wanting a second look. In fact, there have been few photographs I can look at for very long.

Occasionally, though, an image stops me, beckoning me to look deeper.

Usually, the image or painting that stops me is something that catches my compositional eye while also stirring and challenging my curiosity, inviting a closer examination.

Such images are rarely straightforward, one-dimensional photographs, where information is communicated quickly, like a sports action or news picture. I have often written how I am drawn to art that reveals what something looks like or how someone feels over what they look like or are doing—images more closely aligned with surrealism than literal reality. Photographs with obvious yet subtle truths with unexpected juxtapositions can surprise us and stir our imagination.

Just as good books often share subtle layers of information or foreshadowing, photographs that hold my attention are often rich with layers of information and yet are veiled with questions and mystery. These layers are created by light and shadow, size relationship and focus. n 18

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While trying to keep my balance on a crowded bus, I captured a variety of people traveling in Italy between Prato and Florence, a region with many refugees and immigrants from various countries looking for safety and work. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE

NIKON D800 | 85mm lens | ISO 1000 | f/2.8 at 1/125 See if you can make a layered photograph that incorporates foreground, middle and background to create depth in a single image. Maybe even challenge yourself and your camera to create a surreal image that addresses a dream you’ve had. See if you can use layers of information—such as light and shadow, size relationship and focus.

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.

Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

GET OUTSIDE

Wilderness Angling James Hillman, who guides out of Highland Park Fish Camp, catches a crappie in Lake Woodruff.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN N. FILSHER

Refuge waters offer good fish catches in wild setting Between the urban sprawl of Orlando to the south and Jacksonville to the north, the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge preserves 21,574 acres of remote, wet wilderness in a maze of lakes, rich backwater streams, swamps, marshes and creeks off the St. Johns River.

The river forms the western boundary of the refuge. Inside the refuge, polished ebony sloughs and sparkling springs dominate this lush wilderness of Volusia County about 5 miles northwest of DeLand. The 2,200-acre Lake Woodruff connects to the 1,800-acre Lake Dexter and other waters.

About 2.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, Lake Woodruff averages 7-9 feet deep. Thick vegetation grows around the perimeter.

Much of the middle remains flat, with a sandy bottom. These dark, tannin-stained waters running beneath cypress trees festooned with Spanish moss create an air of mystery far removed from the famed major manmade attractions of the Sunshine State.

Lake Woodruff is home to huge bass, catfish and various panfish. In the winter, many people come here for the crappie.

Some crappie exceed 3 pounds, especially in the winter when they feed heavily on baitfish to build their energy before the spring spawn.

“Normally, crappie fishing is pretty good all year, but in December, January and February a lot of the bigger fish move into the lake to spawn,” says James Hillman, who guides out of Highland Park Fish Camp off a tributary south of Lake Woodruff. “The biggest crappie I’ve ever caught weighed just over 3 pounds.”

People can catch crappie various ways.

During the winter, numerous anglers troll multiple baits behind their boats to see what works best that day. Others use “spider rigs.”

Place several rods in holders hanging off the boat bow to fish vertically. People who like more active recreation can cast live minnows or countless artificial enticements.

“By trolling in open water, we want to cover a lot of territory to find the fish,” James says. “We’re hoping to find scattered schools of crappie. I like to use a 1⁄16-ounce jig tipped with a 2-inch curly-tail grub. Experiment with colors to see what works best.”

Trolling provides an excellent way to introduce children and novice anglers to fishing. They don’t need to do much casting and possibly snagging trees. When a fish bites, the rod bends down. The slow movement of the boat usually hooks the fish. Anglers just need to lift the rod and begin reeling in the fish.

“Long-line trolling is easy to do, especially for youngsters who haven’t caught many fish or maybe none at all before,” James says. “It’s a no-brainer. When we pass through a school of fish and multiple rods go down at the same time, it gets hectic. We catch a lot of big crappie that way, especially during the winter.”  Highland Park Fish Camp offers camping, cabins and boat rentals. For more information or to book a trip with James, call 800-525-3477 or visit www.highlandparkfishcamp.com.

John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. He’s written more than 3,500 articles on a wide variety of outdoor topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.

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19

SCAMS

AND HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY COMBAT THEM

Protect your identity and finances from utility scams with this guide

By Christina Sawyer Online and phone scams have escalated in recent years, leaving people vulnerable to identity theft and financial loss.

Particularly concerning are the devious tactics scam artists employ to target members of utility services, threatening to shut off power unless immediate payment is made.

These scams often involve a phone call from someone posing as a utility representative. They may claim your power is about to be disconnected due to unpaid bills. The caller insists on immediate payment. Scammers create a sense of urgency or panic, demanding instant payment to avoid service disruption, typically through untraceable methods like prepaid cards or wire transfers. It’s fear tactics like this that keep members from thinking clearly.

Legitimate utilities do not require payments mentioned above, including prepaid debit cards, gift cards or cryptocurrencies. Customer service representatives at your cooperative will never use intimidation tactics to pressure you into paying.

Seniors and Scam Vulnerability Senior members of our communities often become prime targets for utility scammers who exploit their trust and routine lifestyles.

To combat this, it is essential to strengthen awareness and safeguards for those in this vulnerable demographic.

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Seniors are often disproportionately affected by fraudulent schemes due to their trusting nature.Scammers manipulate this trust, using aggressive tactics that can be very intimidating.

Family members and caregivers should talk with parents and grandparents, reminding them to scrutinize unsolicited requests for personal or financial information and reinforce the correct procedures for handling billing inquiries.

Verify All Communication If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up and call your cooperative directly.

Scammers may ask for social security numbers, bank account details or utility account numbers. Never provide personal information in response to unsolicited requests. Pay bills through authorized methods only, such as through the co-op’s official website or by mail. Payments over the phone are only safe when you initiate the call using a verified phone number. Spread awareness by discussing these scams with friends and family.

We take the education of our members seriously regarding fraud attempts. All official correspondence will come through verified channels and multiple payment options are available to ensure member security.

Reporting Scam Activities If you believe you have received a scam call, do not hesitate to report the incident to the police and your cooperative.

Reporting these fraudulent activities assists in preventing future scams and helps protect the community at large.

When reporting, provide the following information, if available: • Date and time of contact: Record the specific time and date the scam attempt occurred.

• Caller ID information: Note any phone number or name that appeared on the caller ID. • Nature of the request: Describe the request made by the scammer, particularly any mention of immediate payment or personal information.

• Payment methods mentioned: Document any payment methods the scammer directed you to use.

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY KATE3155

• Suspicious details: Relay any additional details that seemed out of the ordinary or raised suspicion.

By documenting these details, members aid in creating a thorough report that can be used in the investigation and prevention of future scam attempts.

Members are encouraged to promptly contact their co-op’s customer service representatives using official communication channels.

Scammers are unrelenting, but by staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself against these fraudulent schemes.

Remember, no legitimate company will pressure you for immediate payment through suspicious means or threaten you in any way. Always take a moment to verify any demands for payment, especially those related to your utility bills. Your cooperative is a service partner, not a source of threat, and we are committed to keeping your identity and personal information secure. n

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FLORIDA CURRENTS

PLANNER

All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.

PENSACOLA

Jan. 2

First Fridays Join Blue Morning Gallery for its First Friday Artist Reception, a monthly celebration of creativity. Each month features a new show with fresh works from local artists. Enjoy light refreshments, meet artists and experience the vibrant energy of the gallery. The event is free, open to the public and often includes live music to set the mood. bit.ly/4on9vYn; 850-429-9100

ISLAMORADA

Jan. 17

Art Under the Oaks A beloved annual tradition takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beneath the oak trees at San Pedro Church. This vibrant arts and crafts festival has brought the community together each January to celebrate local creativity with handmade goods, fine art, live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy everything from children’s crafts and face painting to specialty foods and raffle prizes. Whether you’re a shopper, artist or looking for a fun day out, this event offers something special for everyone. www.sanpedroparish.org/index.php/art-under-the-oaks; 305-852-5372

TAVERNIER

Jan. 17

Art Under the Oaks A festival of fine art and original crafts is presented from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at San Pedro Parish Gardens, MM 89.5, 89500 Overseas Highway. This festival includes viewing and shopping artists’ colorful art. Art pieces include crystal, prints, paint, wood and metal. Specialty and international food and refreshment booths are also available with live entertainment on stage throughout the day. Enjoy the lush gardens as you stroll through the walking paths previewing items for purchase. www.sanpedroparish.org/index.php/art-under-the-oaks; 305-852-5372

SEBRING

Jan. 17

Crazy Pepper Chili Cook Off Sample chili from noon to 3 p.m. while listening to live music, strolling through a car show or watching a chili dog eating contest. Proceeds from this event go back into the community to support local projects, charities and organizations. www.rotarychili.com

ISLAMORADA

Jan. 31

Pops in the Park This free outdoor concert from 4-5 p.m. has the theme of Symphony of Nations and features music from around the world. Included are Vivaldi’s Four Seasons sensory experience at Murray Nelson Center Peace Park, 103 MM. Special guests are the Ukulele J.O.Y. ensemble. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-394-1123

PHOTO BY DONNA DIETRICH

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PENSACOLA

Jan. 19

MLK Day Parade Join the community in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual MLK Day Parade. This is a vibrant event filled with music, culture and community pride. Each year, this inspiring celebration brings together residents, businesses, and visitors alike to reflect on King’s message of equality, justice, unity and hope. With marching bands, floats, dance groups and local organizations, the MLK Day Parade is a powerful tribute to diversity and unity. www.mlkparadepensacola.com; 850-378-9242

MARATHON AND TAVERNIER

Jan. 19-20, Jan. 26-27

Florida Keys Concert Association 2026 Concert Series World-class musicians perform six classical concerts from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Marathon High School Performing Art Center during the 56th season of the Florida Keys Concert Association. A self-conducted, ethnically diverse chamber orchestra from Los Angeles, Delirium Musicum performs Jan. 19 in Marathon and Jan. 20 in Tavenier. The group is composed of some of classical music’s top up-and-coming young artists and brings a magical aura to music, from baroque to contemporary. Kouzov Duo will hit the stage Jan. 26 in Marathon and Jan. 27 in Tavernier. An engaging and dynamic husband-and-wife duo of cellist Dmitry and pianist Yulia Kousov hail from St. Petersburg, Russia. The prize-winning performers have given critically acclaimed performances at venues throughout Europe and the U.S. floridakeysconcerts.com; 800-324-6982

ISLAMORADA

Jan. 21-April 15

Dive Into Art: Stories from the Sea This exhibit shows students and artists’ original works from 5-6:30 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, 82.9 MM. The works in this show are based on literature about the ocean. A reception is 5-6:30 p.m. Jan. 21. agpi.us

BOWLING GREEN

Jan. 24

Avion Palms Resort Craft Show Join fellow crafters for a celebration of creativity and talent from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Avion Palms Resort Craft Show and Bake Sale. The craft show includes handcrafted items such as woodworking, jewelry, artwork, stained glass and quilted items. Lunch is available 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Follow signs from Highway 17 to the clubhouse at 4650 W. Palm Drive. www.avionpalms.com; 863-375-4448

PHOTO BY JESSICA BURNS

WAUCHULA

Jan. 30

Peace River Pro Rodeo Classic This event is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association for world championship points toward $17.5 million in prize money at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. It’s an amazing opportunity to see professional athletes from all across the country compete right here in the heartland of Florida. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the performance begins at 7 p.m. The event offers fun for crowds of all ages. Mutton busting this year for children ages 4-7 will be part of the action. Food vendors and retail vendors are on-site. For all information, visit the website. www.peaceriverprorodeo.com; 863-781-0218

LAKE PLACID

ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY KAIKORO

Jan. 30

St James Catholic Church Trash to Treasure Sale Don’t miss this big sale that has anything you need for kitchen, bath, closet, workshop and outside work. You name it, we got it. Come join the fun from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.stjameschurchlp.com; 863-465-3215

TAVERNIER

Jan. 31

San Pedro Women’s Guild Yard Sale New, gently used and vintage items are featured 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the annual San Pedro Women’s Guild Yard Sale at San Pedro Church, 89.5 MM. Come early, join the fun and take advantage of the bargains. www.sanpedroparish.org; 305-852-5372

HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents?

Head online and enter the details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents or use the QR code for easy access. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline).

If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.

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GARDENING

Winter is Coming Protect your plants from the cold

One of my favorite things about Florida is our year-round warm weather. However, when we occasionally get cold weather that falls below freezing, we need to prepare our tropical plants.

Certain varieties of palm trees, avocados, mangos, cacao and other tropical fruiting trees can be sensitive to cold temperatures. It’s important to protect your plants from the cold.

Here are some tips to prepare for an approaching cold front: Before the Freeze Cover your Plants • Use nonplastic coverings such as frost cloths, large blankets, bed sheets or burlap. Frost cloths can be found at hardware stores and garden centers.

• For young trees, drape the cover over the plant so it reaches the ground.

Anchor it in place with bricks or other weights. Do not lollipop young trees by covering just the leaves and branches and tying the cover off at the upper trunk.

• Place mulches around perennials to protect the roots and trap soil heat.

• For palm trees, the most important part to protect is the young spear leaf that comes from the center of the palm. Wrap the palm leaves together in frost cloth.

Irrigation • Watering just before the cold front will help protect your plants. Wet soil will absorb more heat during the day and radiate it during the night.

Container Gardens • It’s best to relocate container gardens to somewhere sheltered, such as inside a garage, on a porch, or along fences, buildings, temporary coverings and adjacent plantings. These shelters can

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Covering your plants before a freeze helps protect them from the cold.

ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY FENG

protect plants from cold winds.

Raised Beds • You can lay your frost cloth over your raised garden beds and secure them with bricks or other heavy material. A more advanced method of frost protection is creating floating row covers using wire support hoops. This is a commercial agriculture technique that can be implemented in the home garden with a bit of work.

After the Freeze Watering • Watering your plants after a freeze will help thaw the soil if it’s frozen. This also provides water for your plants that

may have been lost due to transpiration.

Pruning • Dying leaves can be pruned. Be careful not to remove live branches or over-prune the plant. If the plant needs severe pruning, wait until after new growth appears.

Cold Injury Some cold injury isn’t immediate or obvious. One cold damage symptom is a lack of spring bud break leading to reduced fruit quantity. Additional damage could appear in discoloration, overall weak appearance and more.  If your plants experience cold damage and you’d like a consultation, you can contact your local extension office for assistance.

Clarissa Chairez is the Residential Horticulture/Master Gardener volunteer coordinator agent in Orange County. She has a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education and a Master of Science in agronomy. She has more than 10 years of experience in education and three years in greenhouse/ nursery management.

PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC

Safeguarding

Wildlife

and Power

ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA AND CHASE D’ANIMULLS

At Peace River Electric Cooperative, reliability and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Recently, our team visited one of our substations to capture photos and document the cooperative’s wildlife shielding upgrades, a key part of our ongoing efforts to help protect local wildlife and prevent power interruptions.

Small animals, such as squirrels, birds and snakes, often find electrical equipment to be appealing places to perch or explore. Unfortunately, their curiosity can sometimes lead to outages or harm. PRECO’s engineering and operations teams have been implementing a series of shielding strategies to prevent these incidents while maintaining system integrity.

These shielding strategies include installing protective covers, guards and insulated barriers on equipment that small animals might accidentally touch. By covering energized components such as bushings, jumpers and switches, PRECO reduces the chance of wildlife-related outages and helps keep animals safe without affecting system performance.

These upgrades highlight how thoughtful engineering and conservation can coexist. These efforts reflect our broader mission: providing safe, affordable, and reliable power while respecting the communities and ecosystems we serve.

By investing in these shielding projects, PRECO continues to protect wildlife, minimize outages and serve as a model for cooperative sustainability in Florida. 

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PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC

Teacher

2025 Grant Recipients Teacher and School

Grant

Teacher and School

Grant

Alice Lander, Tara ES

$159

Kaylee Cooper, Williams ES

$500

Alisha Grantham, Zolfo Springs ES

$500

Kelsey Cobb, Tara ES

$366

Amy Bradl, Willis ES

$490

Kerrie Carrier, Parrish Community HS

$500

PRECO Awards More Than $25K in Teacher Mini-Grants

Angela Willson-Conrad, Parrish Community HS

$467

Kim Brown, Parrish Community HS

$500

Ashley Eding, Palmetto HS

$500

Lindsy Kuhlber, Barbara A. Harvey K-8

$497

Brittany Torres, Wauchula ES

$458

Lynn Wolfe, Tara ES

$500

Cassandra Griffin, Annie Lucy Williams ES

$500

Mallorie Ray, Harvey K-8 at Cooperstown

$500

Cassandra McGlenn, Sun ‘N Lake ES $480

Margaret Lum, Gilbert C. McNeal ES

$500

Charles Rogalla, Tara ES

$500

Marisa Ceschini, Annie Lucy Williams ES

$500

Peace River Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation is excited to announce the award of $25,786 in teacher mini-grants, empowering educators to bring creative, hands-on learning experiences to their classrooms. A total of 57 classrooms across our service area will benefit from these grants, reflecting PRECO’s ongoing commitment to education and community support.

At PRECO, we know teachers often dream big for their students but face challenges when it comes to funding innovative projects. The Teacher Mini-Grant program was created to help bridge that gap, giving educators the resources they need to turn their ideas into impactful learning opportunities.

This year’s grant applications once again highlighted the passion, imagination and dedication of local teachers. From technology enhancements and STEM activities to literacy initiatives and art projects, the funded proposals represent a range of creative approaches designed to enrich the classroom experience and spark curiosity in young learners.

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our members who participate in Operation Round Up. By rounding their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar, members come together to support programs that directly benefit students, families, and schools throughout local communities.

PRECO is honored to invest in education and excited to see the positive effects these grants bring to classrooms across our service territory. Together, we’re helping build a brighter future, one innovative idea at a time. n

Colleen Hernandez, Freedom ES

$500

Mary Ann Duncan, Hardee County ESE Department

$500

Courtney Lancaster, Parrish Community HS

$200

Melissa Zelinski, Tara ES

$500

Crista Cummings, Lincoln Memorial MS

$500

Natalia LaBrosse, Freedom ES

$495

Deborah Hall, Tara ES

$500

Pamela Rahn, R. Dan Nolan MS

$500

Deven Schwindt, Palm View K-8

$500

Riza Lastimosa, Braden River MS

$350

Dominique Gabrielle Hipolito, Barbara A. Harvey K-8

$350

Rob Mullins, Palm View K-8

$451

Elizabeth Kimbrell, Freedom ES

$500

Robert Beatty, Hardee Senior HS

$500

Emily Camp, Palm View K-8

$476

Samantha Corn, Palmetto HS

$216

Emily Morse, Lake Manatee K-8

$500

Sarah Whiddon, North Wauchula ES

$499

Hanna Cuervo, Willis ES

$500

Savanna Finley, Parrish Community HS

$500

Janelle Sidnam, B.D. Gullett ES

$350

Shayla Bryan, Hardeen Junior HS

$500

Mini-Grants “Helping students by supporting teachers”

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Jason Mickan, Parrish Community HS $500

Tamara Peters, Braden River ES

$500

Jennifer Freesland, Barbara A. Harvey K-8

$500

Tarrah Milton-Keefe, Palm View K-8

$500

Jennifer Scheid, Tara ES

$500

Tiffany David, Palm View K-8

$112

Jessica Beihl, Parrish Community HS

$500

Tiffany Gallegos, Annie Lucy Williams ES

$500

Jessica Galbraith, Freedom ES

$500

Tracie Lehman, Braden River ES

$500

Kaleigh Hall, Tara ES

$500

Vickie Belcher, Hardee County ESE Department

$300

Karen Fletcher, Palmetto ES

$500

Wanda Lorenz, Virgil Mills ES

$500

Kathleen Brown, Braden River MS

$255

Wilfredo Rosario, Sara Scott Harlee Center

$500

Katie Kitchen, Blackburn ES

$315

Monday through Friday

REACHING OUT TO OUR

VETERANS IN NEED

One in four Veterans lives in rural areas. Every day, we strive to extend our reach, to make sure they have access to the compassionate care and attention they need—from advanced telehealth services to community-based outpatient clinics. Because all our Veterans deserve it, no matter where they are. We believe it’s up to us to ensure they lead healthier, happier lives.

Visit vacareers.va.gov to lend a hand.

PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC FEBRUARY 2026 Members vote for directors at district meetings.

JANUARY 2026 Nominations by member petition must be submitted by Jan. 2. District meeting and candidate information is mailed to voters in each voting district.

MARCH 2026 Newly elected board members are seated at PRECO’s Annual Membership Meeting.

Board of Director Elections Districts 1, 4 & 7 60 SR

SR 60

Osceola

SR 93A

SR 60

SR 17

SR 43

SR 700

45

District 1

SR 62

64

SR 64

District 7

SR 35

SR 70

SR 45

Hardee

SR 64

SR 70

SR

700

SR 64

SR 636

SR

Manatee

SR 17

SR

SR

37

SR 674

District 4

SR

66

SR 700

Sarasota

SR 72

DISTRICT

SR

DeSoto

72

SR 70 SR 25

State-Roads

SR

Legend

35

Highlands

O

1

COUNTIES

GIS Mapping August 2025

SR 31

SR

35

4 7

1 in = 8 miles

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, please read Article IV, Section 2 of the cooperative’s bylaws. Copies are available online at PRECO.coop or any PRECO office.

Polk

DIRECTOR TERMS EXPIRING

If you have questions about the election process, please contact Ashleigh Hayes at 800-282-3824 or Ashleigh.Hayes@preco.coop.

Leonard Crawley District 1

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Hollis Albritton District 4

MAP OF DISTRICTS 1, 4 AND 7

Hillsborough

SR 35 SR 35

Peace River Electric is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative. As part-owner of the co-op, you have a voice in who serves on its board of directors.

To ensure strong local leadership, members elect directors, on a rotating basis, from each of our nine districts. In 2026, terms are expiring for Districts 1, 4 and 7.

If you would like to run for a seat on the board of directors, there are two ways to qualify for the ballot: nomination by committee or nomination by petition. Contact the cooperative for details and official forms.

Chris Portale District 7

NOTICE: DISTRICT MEETING BYLAWS ARTICLE IV. DIRECTORS Section 5. Elections One Director shall be elected from each District not less than fifteen (15) days or more than forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of the current term of each District Director.

(a) Nominations of Director Candidates Nominating Committee Nominations At least one hundred twenty (120) days before the expiration of the current term of each District Director, the Board of Directors shall appoint a nominating committee consisting of not less than three nor more than five members residing in the District. No member of the Board of Directors may serve on such committee.

The nominating committee shall meet at least ninety (90) days before the expiration of the current term of each District Director and nominate at least one qualified individual to run for election as Director. If, before the scheduled election, a nominating committee nominee dies, becomes incapacitated, or ceases to be qualified to be a Director, then the nominating committee may nominate another individual.

Member Petition Nominations Members may nominate, through petition, a qualified individual to run for election as Director. Member petition nominations must be delivered to the Cooperative at least seventy-five (75) days before the expiration of the current term of office of each District Director. Valid petitions shall: 1. List, on each page of the petition, the name of the nominee and the Director position for which the

nominee will run; and Contain the printed names, addresses and original dated signatures signed within thirty (30) days after the first signature of at least twenty-five (25) members of the District.

All Director candidates are required to execute a notarized affidavit affirming their compliance with the Director qualifications as described in Article IV, Section 2, of the bylaws.

2.

(b) Election at District Membership Meeting If more than one qualified Director candidate accepts the nomination for a Director position, the Director shall be elected at a District membership meeting.

The Board of Directors shall call and set the date of such meeting. The Secretary of the Cooperative shall send a notice to each member residing in the District not less than ten (10) days before the meeting announcing the names of all qualified Director candidates and the date, time, and place of the District membership meeting.

One percent (1%) of the members of the District shall constitute a quorum for any District Membership meeting at which an election is required. Upon a member being present for any purpose at the member meeting, the member is deemed present for member quorum purposes for the remainder of the member meeting and for any adjourned member meeting. If less than a quorum is present at any District membership meeting at which an election is required, a majority of those present in person may adjourn the meeting to a date no less than fifteen (15) days before the annual meeting.

The Board may appoint any member of the Board of Directors to act as the Chairman and preside over any District

membership meeting. If the Board fails to appoint, or the appointed chairman is unable to attend, a Chairman may be selected from the members present.

A Secretary for said meeting may be furnished by the Cooperative or selected by the members present and shall record the proceedings of said meeting.

At the beginning of the District membership meeting, the Chairman shall inform the members present of the qualified Director candidates who have accepted the nomination. There shall be no additional nominations from the floor.

The meeting shall then proceed to the holding of an election for Director. Each member present and in person at the District membership meeting shall be entitled to one vote.

Upon voting for the Director candidates, the candidate receiving a plurality of votes cast by those present and qualified shall be declared by the Chairman to be the Director-elect and shall be seated at the annual meeting of the Cooperative.

In the event of a tie vote, the winner of a coin toss shall be declared Director-elect.

(c) Uncontested Election If only one qualified Director candidate is nominated or accepts nomination for a Director position, the Cooperative will dispense with balloting, no quorum will be required, and the candidate will be declared the Director-elect at the District membership meeting.

The good faith, inadvertent, and unintended failure of a member to receive notice of a District membership meeting does not affect an action taken at the District membership meeting. The Cooperative’s attorney shall have the authority to rule upon all questions that may arise relating to member voting and the election of Directors.

JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

29

BEFORE YOU GO

Perfect Pair

From the setting of the sun to the creatures that make their homes in your backyard, Florida is filled with beautiful moments. The scenes you capture have a chance to brighten someone’s day.

Randy Harvey found a simple way to cater to the woodpeckers that visit his home.

“Take an old branch (and) drill holes in it, and fill it with suet,” he says. “They like it much better than wire feeders.”

Creating a distraction such as this also helps redirect woodpeckers’ pecking activity away from your home and other property.

From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space. Submit your photo by emailing a JPEG to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.  A male pileated woodpecker brings along a friend to check out Randy Harvey’s suet feeder. PHOTO BY RANDY HARVEY

See Our Best Side... Wherever You Are!

Watch ManaTV.org Photo © Patrick M. Rose

30

JA N U A RY 2026

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FL-155

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 Jan. 27 Feb. 24 March 24 Any PRECO member may attend board meetings. Due to building security requirements and to facilitate attendance, members should contact the cooperative in a timely manner for logistical information regarding meetings.

ONLINE E-ZINE

Prefer to receive Florida Currents online? Sign up through your online account or call us at 800-282-3824.

32

JA N U A RY 2026

CEO Message

An Honor and a Privilege It is an honor and a privilege to serve as interim CEO and general manager of Peace River Electric Cooperative. Since joining PRECO in 2000 as an engineering intern, and in my most recent role as vice president of engineering, I have had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to members.

Now, as I step into this new role, my focus remains the same: serving our members with integrity and commitment.

Growing up in Hardee County, I’ve always felt a deep connection to this community. This is home, where I was raised, where my family lives and where I’ve built my career.

That personal connection makes my responsibility to you even more meaningful. I understand firsthand the important role PRECO plays in improving the quality of life for the people it serves.

In my many years with the cooperative, I’ve seen our employees’ dedication shine during times of progress and challenge. Whether restoring power after a major storm or upgrading our system to meet the demands of growth, our team works tirelessly to ensure your lights stay on and your cooperative remains strong. As interim CEO, I will continue to build upon that foundation.

My goal is to ensure a seamless transition while keeping our focus squarely on the future. We’ll continue to invest in reliability and technology, maintain financial responsibility and make decisions with your best interests in mind. The cooperative’s seven principles, especially Concern for Community and Democratic Member Control, will continue to guide every step we take.

I believe strongly in teamwork and open communication. PRECO’s success comes from the dedication of our employees, the leadership of our board of directors and the trust of our members. Together, we will continue to strengthen the cooperative you depend on each day.

Thank you for your continued support of Peace River Electric Cooperative. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to working together to power a bright future for the communities we call home.

Paul Roberts Interim CEO/General Manager