The Light Post, Escambia River Electric Cooperative, July 2026
Ryan Campbell, P.E.
JAY OFFICE
3425 Highway 4
P O Box 428 (mail) Jay, FL 32565
850-675-4521 or 800-235-3848
WALNUT HILL OFFICE
4950 Highway 99A Walnut Hill, FL 32568
850-327-4122
OFFICE HOURS
7:00 a m to 4:30 p m Monday - Thursday
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every other Friday
Closed on alternating Fridays Walnut Hill is closed from 12 :00 - 1:00 p m
STAFF
Ryan C. Campbell, P.E., CEO
Sonya Dooley, Director of Finance and Administration
Lanie Sells, Director of Engineering
Glenn White, Director of Operations
Cortney Owens, Manager of Marketing Communications
Derek Bridwell, Manager of Information Technology
Crystal George, Manager of Accounting
TRUSTEES
Escambia County
Brian Davis (President)
James E. Hall
Ernie Hester
Sam Walker
Gary Wiggins
Santa Rosa County
Mickey Diamond (Vice President)
Rick Hunsucker
Philip Marshall
Wesley Scott
Dale Westmoreland (Secretary/Treasurer)
The board of directors meets at 5 p m the third Monday of each month at the cooperative’s Jay office.
FOR POWER OUTAGES
Call 877-OUT-EREC or 877-688-3732 For emergency conditions, call 911.
Contact Cortney Owens (cowens@erec com) regarding this monthly publication
This Independence Day marks a remarkable milestone as our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, opportunity, and perseverance As we gather with family and friends, we also pause to remember and honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Their commitment to our country has helped ensure that the American spirit continues to endure for generations. We are grateful for all those who have answered the call to serve and for the families who have supported them along the way.
As we reflect on our nation's history, we are reminded that strong communities have always been built by people working together for a common purpose From our country's earliest days to the present, Americans have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a willingness to help one another through both challenges and triumphs. That same spirit continues to strengthen communities across the country today.
At Escambia River Electric Cooperative, we are proud to serve communities that embody those values of service, responsibility, and neighbor helping neighbor. We remain committed to providing reliable service and supporting the communities we call home. On behalf of our Board of Trustees and employees, thank you for allowing us to serve you We wish you and your family a safe, happy, and meaningful Independence Day
2026 HURRICANE NAMES
PLAN AHEAD
Do you know what you’ll need if a hurricane hits and you’re without power for days? A well-prepared emergency kit could save your life and protect your family.
While each family’s needs vary, the items listed here provide a solid foundation for assembling your own survival kit.
Basic supplies
Water: 1 gallon per person per day (minimum three-day supply)
Medications: Seven-day supply, plus necessary medical items
Multipurpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene
supplies
Edouard Fay
Gonzalo
Hanna
Isaias
Josephine
Important documents: Copies of medication lists, medical histories, birth certificates, health insurance cards and other critical records
Cellphone with chargers and a power bank
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Make sure to customize your kit to address specific health, dietary or safety needs unique to your family.
HEADINGOUT OFTOWN?
Take a few minutes to unplug. TVs, coffee makers, phone chargers and gaming systems consume energy even when in "off" mode.
What to do before a hurricane if you have medical needs
At EREC, our mission is to provide safe, reliable electric service to all members. However, when hurricanes or tropical storms strike, extended power outages are often unavoidable due to high winds, flooding, fallen trees or debris. If you or a loved one depend on electricity for medical needs, preparation is essential Here’s how to stay safe and ready before a storm hits:
Register With Emergency Management
If you need help evacuating or accessing a shelter during a storm, don’t wait Register in advance with your county’s emergency management office. Florida’s Special Needs Registry connects individuals with first responders and shelter resources during disasters Visit floridadisaster org to register or contact your local emergency management agency directly.
Medically Essential Service Program
If you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment powered by electricity, EREC offers a Medically Essential Service designation. While this does not guarantee uninterrupted power, it helps us prioritize communication with you during outages
To enroll:
• Download the Medically Essential form at EREC com/your-account/forms
• Have your physician sign and complete the form.
• Return it to us promptly.
• For assistance, call 850-675-4521.
Your Personal Emergency Plan
Because even the best planning can’t prevent storm-related outages, we recommend taking these precautions:
• Relocate in advance to a friend’s or family member’s home outside the storm’s projected path.
• Invest in a backup generator to keep critical medical equipment operating during an outage
• Coordinate with your home healthcare provider to ensure your emergency plan is thorough and up to date.
• Reach out to local hospitals to understand what support they offer to patients with critical medical needs during disasters.
Your Safety is Our Priority
EREC is committed to keeping members safe, informed and empowered, especially during hurricane season. If you or someone in your household has special medical needs, don’t wait until a storm is nearby. Prepare now and stay protected
RED, WHITE, AND BERRY
Ingredients
If the account number below matches yours, call us at (850) 675-4521 to claim a $10 credit on your next electric bill!
8798-0001
FROSTY STRAWBERRY SQUARES
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup butter, melted
2 egg whites
1 cup white sugar
2 cups sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream
Nutrition Information: 24 servings
Calories: 159 cal per serving
Fat: 9 g
Carbs: 19 g
Protein: 2 g
HELP HAS ARRIVED!
Summer is here, and we’re grateful for our amazing summer parttime helpers! They keep our campus looking its best. From lawn care and sweeping to maintenance rojects and veryday pkeep, their ard work and edication make a real ifference
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil In a bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, walnuts and melted butter. Toast in the oven until walnuts are fragrant, about 15 minutes; stir occasionally Sprinkle 2/3 of the walnut mixture evenly over the bottom of the 9x13 inch dish.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whip the egg whites with the lemon juice until they can hold a soft peak. Gradually add white sugar while continuing to whip to firm peaks Fold in the strawberries
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whip the cream with an electric mixer until stiff but not grainy Fold into the strawberry mixture Spoon over the crust in the dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining walnut mixture Freeze for 6 hours, or overnight
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
Escambia County
Oh My Tay Creations McDavid, FL
850-982-6439
Email: trigby2012@gmail.com
Check them out on facebook & instagram!
Oh My Tay Creations specializes in handmade, customized gifts that add a personal touch to any occasion. Each item is thoughtfully crafted to be unique, meaningful, and perfect for celebrating life’s special moments. They offer a variety of wristlets, pens, keychains, bag charms, along with practical items like wine stoppers, bottle openers, corkscrews, letter openers, stylus pens, pencils, and more!
Oh My Tay Creations is dedicated to creating thoughtful, handmade gifts that turn everyday items into lasting keepsakes
Don't be the one telling stories about the "big one that got away" because you forgot the bait! Chumuckla Bait & Tackle is your one-stop shop for everything you need before heading to your favorite fishing spot They carry minnows, shiners, worms, crickets, tackle, and more to help make your next fishing trip a success. Open 7 days a week from daylight until past dark, but remember, it's cash only! Stop by the blue barn, stock up, and get ready to reel in your next big catch
