Florida Currents March 2015 by American MainStreet Publications

Escambia River Electric Cooperative

M A R C H 2015

Homegrown Goodness Matt and Dawn Carter, with their daughters, Jayden, left, and Emily, operate a family farm that supplies fresh produce to Byrneville and national grocery chains. See story on page 4.

Annual Meeting Upcoming PAGE 7

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Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124. HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS

Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email info@floridacurrents.com. Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com. Extra copies: $2 each, pre-payment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services. MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

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Manager’s Message

Preventing Future Outages

Spring is just around the corner. The flowers are starting to bloom and trees are filling out with thick, green foliage. I really enjoy this time of year because of all its beauty. But I also enjoy the comfort of knowing power will be available when I need it. At Escambia River Electric Cooperative, we are committed to providing you with reli- Clay R. Campbell able power. There are some things we cannot stop—high winds, ice storms and hurricanes—but we do what we can to prevent other causes of power outages. As you can probably guess, weather-related events cause most power outages for electric cooperatives. But left unchecked, vegetation— trees, shrubs and brush—growing too close to power lines and distribution equipment can cause a number of power interruptions as well. To cut back on potential tree-related problems, EREC operates an aggressive right-ofway program. Our crews look for foliage growing under lines, overhanging branches, leaning

or other types of “danger” trees that could pull down a power line if they fall, and trees that could grow into lines. It is a job that is never done. By the time crews finish trimming activities along our 1,800-plus miles of distribution lines, vegetation has started to grow back at the starting point. In working to keep a safe, reliable and affordable supply of power flowing to your home or business, we need your help. Let us know if you notice trees or branches that might pose a risk to our power lines. Even more important, before planting trees in your yard, think about how tall they may grow and how wide their branches may spread. As a rule of thumb, 25 feet of ground-to-sky clearance should be available on each side of our utility poles to give power lines plenty of space. Choose tree varieties with care, and plant with power lines in mind. Thanks for your help as we work together to keep electricity reliable. To report trees you think may pose a problem, call (850) 675-4521 or (800) 235-3848.

Inside

March 2015 Vol. 4, No. 5

Beekeeping: How Sweet It Is 12

Threatened honeybees are important to the state’s economy and agriculture. Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Outdoor Pursuits 24

Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 32

MARCH 2015

Escambia River

Homegrown Goodness Fresh produce a hallmark of family-run Carter Farms By Sabrina Owens

At Carter Farms, fresh is what they do best. Located in Byrneville, Florida, the family business provides garden-fresh produce to the local area and national chains such as Walmart. Farming is nothing new to the Carters. It has been the backbone of their family for years and will continue to be. Carter Farms is owned by Matt Carter. But the story actually starts with his father, Lance, and mother, Mary. Lance farmed with his brothers in North Carolina in the 1970s to 1980s, producing soybeans, corn, market hogs and dairy heifers. He met Mary on their farm when she and her family brought calves for Carter Brothers Farms to raise.

The Carter family was recognized in 2013 as Farm Family of the Year. The Carters, clockwise from left, Mary, Matt with the farm family award plaque, Lance, Dawn with the crystal vase received with the honor, Jayden (in her arms) and Emily, with the Congressional Record recognizing the family. 4

M A R C H 2 0 15

They married and chose to raise their family in her hometown of Byrneville. The second of three sons, Matt inherited his father’s love of farming. At age 12, Matt began working at a dairy farm and continued through high school. He began working at the West Fraser Sawmill in 2000. When he was laid off in 2008, Matt saw it as an opportunity to fulfill his dream of farming. Matt and his wife, Dawn, grow many varieties of produce on their farm: peas, butterbeans, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, eggplant, broccoli, cabbage, collards, kale, blueberries, blackberries and seasonal offerings. Carter Farms wants to expand its operation by adding a 2,200-squarefoot greenhouse that will allow them to offer products year-round. They plan to increase the amount of land they farm, which will multiply their yields. Matt hopes to grow Carter Farms into an operation that can be passed down for generations to come. Matt loves working hard with his family on the farm and instilling important values in his young daughters, Emily and Jayden. “Donating our products to the food bank and helping other people is one of the most fulfilling things about farming,” Matt says. Matt is active in community organizations, such as the Escambia County Agriculture Advisory Committee, and the Gulf Coast Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises team. He is a board member for the Panhandle Fresh Marketing Association and Central Water Works. He is both a board member and volunteer with the McDavid Fire Department. Matt and his family are members of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. n

Matt Carter with daughters Jayden, left, and Emily in a field of turnips.

MARCH 2015

Escambia River

Keep It Safe

Tools Need Spring Cleaning, Too While your lawn tools hibernated over the winter, they got dusty and maybe even rusty. Before you pull them out of storage to get your lawn ready for spring, clean and examine your tools for damage. Without proper maintenance, they might not operate well, could overheat and put you at risk. Lawnmowers, trimmers, drills and all tools that have moving electrical and mechanical parts need routine maintenance every spring. Here are tips for cleaning and storing your power tools and lawn equipment. • Thoroughly wipe down each tool with a damp cloth. Reach into hard-toclean areas such as exhausts and intakes with a lightly oiled cotton swab. Dry the tools before using them. • Blow compressed air from a can into vents and crevices to remove dirt from inside the tools. • Replace filters in tools that have them, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. • Inspect each tool for cracks or broken parts. Do not use a tool that is broken. • Turn on the tool and listen. Does it sound as good as it did last summer? If not, it might be time to replace it. • Examine corded electric tools for damaged or frayed cords and exposed wires. Check the plugs for bent or

missing metal. If you spot a problem, have the tool professionally serviced to prevent shocks. Unplug the tool before inspecting it. • Wipe off tools with a dry cloth after each use before storing them. • Store tools in a dry location away from the weather and dust. If you have the box or case a tool came in, store it in that.

• Save the instruction manuals for all of your tools so you can consult them when necessary. • Periodically lubricate a tool’s moving parts. Your instruction manual will suggest a type of oil. • Remove batteries from cordless tools before storing them. Batteries that sit unused for long periods can corrode. n

Keeping You in the Loop ... Tree-Trimming Locations During March, Escambia River Electric Cooperative right-of-way crews will trim trees and clear vegetation from power lines in the Chumuckla area of Santa Rosa County—Highways 178 and 197. EREC appreciates your cooperation in using caution near co-op and contract crews at work. Please give the crews and their equipment space to work safely and keep yourself out of harm’s way.

M A R C H 2 0 15

76th Annual Meeting Jay High School, Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. Silas Ballard with the grand-prize certificate he won at the 2014 annual meeting.

Be sure to look for your notice of the annual meeting and your registration card in the April issue of Florida Currents. Bring the card with you to the meeting and enjoy a day of fun-filled activities for the entire family!

Last year Angeline Andrews took home a professional garment steamer.

Bingo is always fun for the kids. MARCH 2015

Escambia River

Use Energy Wisely

Save Energy With Little Effort Tackle home improvement projects and change your energy behaviors to keep more money in your pocket

It does not take much time or money to reap the benefits of a more energy-efficient home. Here are ways you can save energy with little effort and less money.

• Caulk and weather-strip around windows and doors. Even the tiniest gaps

or cracks can let your heated or air-conditioned air outside and the outdoor air in. Use materials you can pick up at a hardware or home store to plug these energywasting leaks, and save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills. An extra benefit: Your home will feel more comfortable because it will be less drafty and the air will be conditioned more evenly.

• Turn off lights, fans and the TV when you leave the room. Unplug

everything you can before you leave the house for an extended time, such as a weekend away. Turning off your electric devices saves energy, and unplugging them—even if they already were turned

off—saves even more because it prevents them from using standby power. • Check your attic insulation. You might have plenty up there, but if it is sagging away from the surfaces it is supposed to touch, it is not doing you any good. A properly insulated attic can save you up to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills.

• Wash your clothes in cold water.

They will get just as clean as if you use warm water. Also, select the energysaver and no-heated dry options on your dishwasher.

• Change incandescent light bulbs in table lamps or overhead light fixtures to compact fluorescent bulbs. CFLs use at

least 30 percent less energy than traditional bulbs.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

Install foam insulation in an attic and caulk around windows to make your home more energy efficient. 8

M A R C H 2 0 15

Set it to turn down the temperature a few degrees in the winter and up a bit in the summer in the morning after everyone leaves the house for the day. You could save 10 percent on heating and cooling bills. • Use the Energy Star label. When it is time to replace an appliance, buy a new one with the Energy Star label. You will save up to 30 percent on the electricity it takes to run the appliance. n

Florida Current March x5533:2015 Master

12/15/14

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Breaking the Ice Drawing on his experience as an Olympic bobsledder, trainer urges his clients to go after their dreams By Liesel Schmidt

Postcards From Florida

McKechnie Field, Bradenton

avid LaBelle

Photo by D

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made Bradenton their spring training home since 1969. The Pirates open spring training Monday, March 2, with the Black and Gold intrasquad charity game to benefit the Manatee Education Foundation. For a schedule of games at McKechnie Field, see www. pittsburgh. pirates.mlb.com/spring. 10

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When Andrew Tucker headed to Atlanta in 1994 to try out for a position on a national team, the 20-year-old Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College student was hardly a stranger to team sports. His body was agile and speedy, having spent years on the football field as a running back. He knew how to use power and speed to his advantage. Accustomed to throwing some muscle into sprints on the field, his toes were familiar with the feel of the green under his cleats. But they had never gripped the ice, never felt the solid slickness of a rink. All of that changed when Andrew began his journey to becoming a member of the U.S. national bobsled team. “I’d never even seen snow,” recalls Andrew, 40, who now works as a certified personal trainer in Gulf Breeze. Driven not by a need to prove his athletic prowess, but his curiosity and unflappable sense of optimism, Andrew had the core components necessary to any serious candidate at the tryouts held in hopes of finding one last bobsledder needed for the U.S. national team. He says that made it worth a shot. “I was really just going over there for the fun of it, not really expecting anything,” Andrew says. “I just wanted to try out a new experience because I think it’s important to take any opportunity you can.” That spirit propelled him as he ran timed trials on the track the next two days, competed against other candidates in shot put and weightlifting events, and guided a wheeled bobsled over a 40-yard expanse of roller rink. Each score proved his potential. The Gulf Breeze native soon found himself with the opportunity of a lifetime: a plane ticket to the team training facility in Lake Placid, New York. For a guy who had never been out

of the Southeast, it was an adventure. But the real thrill began when Andrew was signed to the team. The next few months, he trained in the team’s developmental program, learning everything necessary to make him a strong bobsledder— both as an individual and to support his crew in the newly formed quartet. “The sport itself is very dangerous,” Andrew says, citing his own five crashes. “People have died, but the U.S. has a great developmental system to prepare the guys. You learn to really, truly trust the other guys to get you down the track. “Everything comes down to trust, and everyone has to be on their game. In bobsledding, you and your teammates do everything—you move the sled, you wax the sled, you make repairs on the sled. It’s all on us, so the bond that you form is extremely tight. You have to rely much more on one another in bobsledding, and you really have to be in sync, to be able to read each other’s body language.” As the brakeman, Andrew was the last man to jump in the sled. The position came with a unique set of responsibilities. The brakeman had to know the number of turns on each track, how to read the distance between sled and finish line, and calculate the precise timing of each pull on the brake. Too early meant a slow finish. Too late could result in a crash. During the next three years, Andrew traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe with his teammates, participating in the World Cup series in 1995. After a break, he was back on the ice in 2000, competing around the world and eventually making it to the 2002 Winter Olympics

Florida Keys Roadside Attractions on Exhibit The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center brings to life destinations and attractions along the scenic Overseas Highway in an exhibit that runs through Sunday, April 19, at the Islander Resort, MM 82, Islamorada. “Roadside Attractions” includes more than 80 images and offers a peek into the histories of some of the most significant attractions to spring up beside the Overseas Highway since it opened to traffic in 1928. Featured in the exhibit are the world’s first undersea park; Betsy the giant lobster; a dock where some of the biggest tarpon in the area wait to be hand-fed; a visit to the memorial of the most famous dolphin of all time, Mitzi, who became internationally known as the face of Flipper; the Florida Keys Memorial; the lone remaining mile marker used by Henry Flagler’s railroad; the seemingly outof-place Perky Bat Tower; and animal rehabilitation facilities such as the Wild Bird Center and Turtle Hospital. Presented by the not-for-profit Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, the exhibit is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $12. Admission for seniors is $10, and children 13 and younger enter for free. For more information, call (305) 9222237 or visit www.keysdiscovery.com.

Above, Andrew Tucker, with the red helmet, pushes the U.S. bobsled in a training run. He was part of the 2002 Olympic team. Right, today Andrew works in the fitness industry, training teams and individuals near Pensacola.

in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the team captured silver and bronze medals. For a young athlete from Florida, the experience was surreal—and the stuff of movies. Andrew had only as much knowledge of bobsledding and snow as the four mismatched Jamaican athletes who formed a team and inspired the popular Disney movie, “Cool Runnings,” a few years before his own tryouts. The Jamaican team helped the world realize that even small Caribbean countries could be players in a winter sport if only they took a chance—just as Andrew did when he showed up for tryouts in 1994. Taking a chance has become his mantra, a life lesson he teaches the young athletes he now works with as a personal trainer and strength coach. Bobsledding opened his eyes to new possibilities, new ways of training and

new avenues to pursue in his own future. Now, just as he once guided his team to a fast finish on the ice, he guides his clients to find the best in themselves, reminding them to take a chance, even when the odds seem stacked against them. “I tell my trainees not to let fear keep them from trying something new, that they shouldn’t be afraid to fail,” Andrew says. “The important thing is that they go in with the determination to try. “There were 103 guys at that tryout in Atlanta, and they only wanted one person. You never know when you’re going to be that one in 100. I’m proof of that.” n

The Caribbean Club billboard is among the roadside attractions featured in the exhibit.

MARCH 2015

Beekeeping: How Sweet It Is Threatened honeybees important to economy, agriculture

On a warm day in May, thousands of people gather in Lake Alice Park to take in the scenic view and enjoy an event that celebrates the sweet nectar that puts the small town of Wewahitchka on the map. The Tupelo Honey Festival hosts dozens of vendors and family friendly activities, but the six honey vendors are the true attraction. The festival—which By Victoria marks its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Hampton May 16—would not be possible without the region’s special ecological environment. Tupelo trees thrive along the river basin in the Panhandle region of Florida. Beekeepers, pollination of crops and harvested honey are important to the state’s economy. However, the future is uncertain because of mysterious bee dieCory Stanley-Stahr puts bumblebees in a blueberry field as part of a research project at Florida Blue in Waldo. The pallet shelter protects the bees. offs that have researchers and the beekeeping industry looking for answers. Photo courtesy of University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory Brian Bertonneau was in between jobs when he saw the Smiley Honey business thousands of gallons a year,” says Brian. in Wewahitchka listed for sale. Smiley Honey bottles honey from across the “I went after it,” he says of the opportunity. country, receiving shipments from Oregon, Georgia, Brian’s involvement in the honey industry North Carolina, South Carolina and central Florida. started with a love for the product, and evolved Varieties include cotton, sour wood, holly, orange into an appreciation for the work of the bees and blossom and wild flower, which represents the many four hives of his own. areas in which beekeepers harvest honey, and the “I’ve loved honey my whole life,” he says. “It’s a wide range of crops and plants honeybees pollinate. running joke with my family that if they don’t know Perhaps the most sought-after variety comes from what to get me for Christmas, they buy me some the tupelo tree. unique honey.” The trees were introduced from Asia nearly 300 Since 2012, Brian has operated Smiley Honey, a years ago, Brian says. The green-white blossoms of bottler and distributor. white tupelo gum tree are where honeybees harvest He receives honey from the sweet nectar that produces the unique, light yelbeekeepers with upwards of low tupelo honey. 3,000 hives. “The trees make for an amazing honey,” says “They deliver honey in Brian. “If you taste tupelo honey you’ll say, ‘Jeez, I’ve 55-gallon drums weighing never tasted honey that good before.’ It’s like the difabout 650 pounds,” Brian says. ference between filet mignon and salisbury steak.” “We store them in a climateMany of Brian’s clients have told him generic controlled warehouse and store-bought product could never stand up to the bottle it throughout the year.” quality of tupelo honey. The business collects half “One of my customers said it is a gift of the gods,” of its revenue from Internet he says. sales and the other half from Although the region receives considerable recogwholesale accounts such as nition for an ecosystem that helps the tupelo trees restaurants, grocery stores and flourish, the honeybees deserve the real credit for Tupelo honey is produced in the Panhandle. gift shops. the intense sunrise to sunset labor that goes into Photo courtesy of Brian Bertonneau “We receive thousands and producing this type of honey, Brian notes. 12

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Kent Bontrager of Sarasota inspects a bee box frame. Photo by Amanda Bontrager

The first recorded interaction with honeybees was 2,000 years ago in Egypt, where people kept honeybees for honey, says post-doctoral researcher Cory Stanley-Stahr. “That association has remained for thousands of years,” says Cory, who conducts her research at the University of Florida. “In the last century, people have shifted their focus from honey to the use of bees as pollinators.” Today, honeybees are responsible for $20 million worth of pollination a year. Bees are shipped throughout the country to pollinate a variety of crops. In Florida, they pollinate oranges, blueberries and watermelon, among other crops. In California, bees pollinate 900,000 acres of almonds a year. Colonies are moved from one locale to another during a single season—a trend known as migratory beekeeping. While that benefits crops nationwide, the movement does not come without consequence.

A honeybee prepares to sip the nectar from a blooming tupelo tree. Photo by Brian Bertonneau

“There is a multitude of challenges facing bees today,” says Cory. During 2006-2007, beekeepers nationwide reported 50 to 80 percent colonization loss, which MARCH 2015

How You Can Help Native and Domestic Bees Beekeepers and researchers nationwide have seen staggering honeybee die offs since 2006. While it is easy to determine a statistical mortality of honeybees because of commercial and hobby beekeepers, the loss of native bees is more challenging. However, native bees can be affected by the same diseases as honeybees, and some experts suggest honeybees out-compete native bees for nectar and pollen, resulting in habitat fragmentation. Gardeners can help bee populations by putting a little Photo courtesy of Joe Marchionno buzz in their lives, taking the following steps to protect these vivacious pollinators:  Plant a pollinator garden. Some people may not want bees in their backyards for fear of being stung, but most native bees rarely sting gardeners. Many government agencies, organizations and private individuals offer information to help pollinators receive a rich, varied diet and safe nesting areas. For information about how to create a proper habitat for bees and a list of plants that attract bees, contact the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (www.pollinator.org/nappc).  Avoid pesticides or choose non-chemical solutions for insect problems. Researchers theorize pesticides may be one of the reasons for the loss of bees. If you choose to use pesticides, spray them when pollinators are not active, such as before dawn and at sundown. To ensure pollinators do not sip contaminated nectar or carry off contaminated pollen, avoid applying the pesticide directly onto the flowers.  Provide a source of pesticide-free water and mud. A clean source limits the exposure to toxins that may be in the garden. Mud is used as an important nesting material for some bee species.  Mimic what grows naturally in your region. The pollinators in your area are used to feeding off the native foliage and can attract even more of these insects to your garden. Planting native flowering trees, shrubs and wildflowers that bloom successively throughout the seasons will help pollinators year round.  Reduce the size of your lawn. Replace it with a pollinator garden filled with flowers, plants and shrubs, or avoid pesticides and herbicides to allow more small wildflowers and plants such as clover, plantago and veronicas to grow in your lawn.  Provide nesting areas. Bees want to stay where they find a healthy food source. A small bare spot of soil, a pile of sand, standing dead trees, stumps and logs are great for bee nesting. So are bee houses that can be purchased or built. Homemade bee nests can be made of hollow paper tubes the size of drinking straws. Another option is to tie a bunch of hollow twigs together, place them in a small milk carton and hang them horizontally facing south or southeast. Native and domestic bees maintain a balanced ecosystem and help our crops flourish. In return for their service, apply these tips to any garden or landscaping to give them a larger habitat and keep them around for generations to come. Source: U.S. Forest Service and the Pollinator Partnership

M A R C H 2 0 15

represents the total number of bees. The movement of so many bees has added stress to the colonies themselves, and spread diseases, pathogens and parasites. When honeybees are transported to new areas, they can pick up different terminal problems that can kill the entire hive or spread destructive diseases, pathogens or parasites to other hives and native bees. “There is evidence or at least suspicions that some of the bumblebees have had pathogens passed on from introduced honeybees,” says Cory. “We don’t really know the impact on native bees because we haven’t done enough (research) yet.” Since the downfall of bees in 2006, beekeepers have reported average annual losses of 30 percent. Honeybees are prone to diseases and other lifethreatening problems when put in stressful situations that weaken their immune systems. This includes being transported, not having a variety of plants and crops to feed on, or not enough food, which causes them to become malnourished. “The worldwide biggest threat to honeybees is varroa mites,” says Cory. Introduced to the United States in 1987, varroa mites suck the blood of bees, transmitting seven different viruses that kill the bee. Another mite that affects bees is the tracheal mite. It attaches itself to the bee’s airways, deteriorating the bee’s lungs so it cannot fly. Colony Collapse Disorder—a blanket term—was coined in 2006 to help explain what was happening to honeybees. But Cory says the problem cannot be defined as a single disorder. “I feel like it is moving out of the forefront of our attention, as we realize what is really affecting the bees isn’t just this one phenomenon,” she says. “It’s a combination of threats to the bees all at once. There are multiple causes of bee decline instead of (one) umbrella term.” Some companies and beekeepers treat their bees for mites with store-bought chemicals or natural remedies. “If you aren’t treating for mites then you are going to lose your bees eventually,” says Brian, who uses commercial products to treat his hives. He slides two small plastic strips with a mite pesticide on them between each of the bee box frames and leaves them there for 45 days. He does that two to three times a year. “An untreated hive is a dead hive,” Brian says. “You want to keep your bee colony healthy throughout the whole year.” Brian is concerned about what monocropping—pollinating only one crop—may be doing to

honeybees. He said family farming operations used to harvest four or five crops a year, but now large farming operations stick to one crop annually. One way beekeepers are trying to cut the 30 percent yearly loss is by splitting healthy hives in half. “They keep the queen in the original hive and add a new queen to the new (bee box),” Brian explains. “That’s how they deal with hives that die off.” Even before the initial decline of honeybees in 2006, researchers experimented with alternative pollinators such as alfalfa leaf cutting bees and blue orchard bees for tree fruit pollination, Cory says. Hobby beekeeper Kent Bontrager of Sarasota tries to keep his bees healthy by avoiding commercial crops that have been treated with pesticides. In his area, many beekeepers harvest orange blossom honey, but “I’m trying to keep my bees away from the orange blossoms because of the amount of spraying they do,” says Kent, president of the Suncoast Beekeepers Association based in Bradenton. Kent keeps 11 hives a year. He harvests saw palmetto, cabbage palm and Brazilian pepper honey, which are all wild-growing plants. Although this is only his fifth season as a beekeeper, Kent is taking steps to be the best beekeeper possible, while educating his community. He is working on his master beekeeper certification through the University of Florida extension program. The certification takes years, Kent says, and includes multiple tests and several public presentations about bees each year. “I do a lot of presentations at elementary schools along with churches, nursing homes and I’ve done them for Boy Scouts,” Kent says. He covers the biology of bees, their role in the ecosystem, issues honeybees are facing and how the community can help. The presentations “make it a lot of fun,” he adds. “I’m still learning a lot, but I have fun doing it.” The Suncoast Beekeepers Association also works to educate members at monthly meetings where members hear presentations about bee health, hive management and issues affecting colonies. Brian sees the product the honeybees create as proof of the importance of these creatures. “I’m still in love with the varieties of honey and the different tastes you get from the different plants,” he says, noting you can see acacia honey right through the jar, but buckwheat honey is as dark as molasses. Brian also appreciates the intricacies of the hives. “There is somewhere between 30,000 to 50,000 bees crammed into one hive, and all they want to do is work,” he says. “They are making honey for them to feed on in the winter. People are able to borrow a lot of their honey, and they can still get

by. They are just wonderful creatures.” Brian notes honeybees can detect odors in the parts per trillion range. “Bees can pick out the smallest smell particle in the air and follow it,” he says. “I could go on about bees forever.” Brian looks forward to hosting the Smiley Honey stand at the Tupelo Honey Festival. “If you are a honey vendor, you need to be at this festival,” he says. Brian and the other honey vendors will share with the thousands who visit the park that day the special honey of the region, along with many varieties that took millions of flapping wings and thousands of miles to reach the waterfront in Lake Alice Park. With each bottle sold, a different type of honey is spread—and with it the knowledge of the variety of plants and crops honeybees pollinate every year, and the vital role they play in Florida agriculture. 

Tommy Duggar uses a smoker to calm the bees while checking the health of the colony. He wants to make sure no pests are attacking the hive, and that it is healthy and building a network of new larvae and honeycombs. Photo by Brian Bertonneau

MARCH 2015

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Irish or not, take the time this month to enjoy a traditional meal of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. Photos by shutterstock

Cooking up an Irish Celebration St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated throughout the world. Festivities often include feasts with traditional Irish food.

Homestyle Corned Beef with Dilled Cabbage 2½ to 3½ pounds boneless corned beef brisket ¼ cup honey 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds), cut into 8 wedges 3 tablespoons butter, softened 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 1½ teaspoons fresh dill, chopped

Heat the oven to 350 F. Place the brisket and 2 cups of water in a Dutch oven, and bring it to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook in the oven for 2½ to 3½ hours or until fork-tender. About 20 minutes before the brisket is done, steam the 16

march 2015

cabbage 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Remove the brisket from the water. Place in a broiler pan, and trim the fat. Combine the honey and mustard; brush the top of the brisket with half of the glaze. Place the brisket in the oven 3 to 4 inches from the heat, and broil for 3 minutes. Brush with the remaining glaze. Broil for 2 more minutes, or until glaze is bubbly and begins to brown. Combine butter, mustard and dill; spread over the hot cabbage. Carve the brisket diagonally across the grain, and serve with the cabbage. Serves 6-8

Courtesy of www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com

Dijon-Glazed Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes 1 boneless corned beef brisket (3½ to 4 pounds) with seasoning packet

6 cloves garlic, peeled 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns 2 cups water 6 tablespoons butter 1 cup green onions, thinly sliced ½ cup horseradish ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon salt 1 head green cabbage (1 to 11/3 pounds), cored and cut into 6 wedges 1½ pounds small red potatoes, cut in half

Glaze 2 tablespoons orange marmalade 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard

Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; heat to 350 F. Place the brisket in a roasting pan. Sprinkle the garlic, contents of seasoning packet and peppercorns around and over the brisket. Add water; cover pan tightly with aluminum foil. Braise the brisket in upper third of the oven for 3 to 3½

hours, or until it is fork-tender. Place the butter, onions, horseradish, pepper and salt in a glass measuring cup. Microwave on high 1 to 2 minutes or until the butter melts; mix well. Place cabbage wedges on one half of the baking sheet and potatoes on the other half. Drizzle the horseradish-butter mixture over the vegetables to taste, turning the cabbage and tossing the potatoes to coat. Cover with aluminum foil. Roast in the lower third of the oven with the brisket for 55 minutes. Uncover vegetables. Continue roasting for 15 to 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and begin to brown. Combine the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Remove the brisket from the roasting pan. Place it on a broiler pan, and brush it with the glaze. Place the brisket back in the oven so the surface of the brisket is 3 to 4 inches from the heat. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and begins to brown. Carve the brisket diagonally across the grain into thin slices. Serve with the potatoes and cabbage.

There are countless variations of colcannon, a classic Irish potato-and-cabbage combination.

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the milk, salt and pepper; cover and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 8 minutes. Add the cabbage mixture to the potatoes. Mash to desired consistency. Serves 4

Courtesy of www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com

Courtesy of www.potatogoodness.com

Red Potato Colcannon

Irish Potato Bread

1 pound small red potatoes, scrubbed and cut in half 1 tablespoon butter ½ cup onion, thinly sliced 6 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced 1 cup low-fat milk 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon white pepper

Two ¾-pound russet potatoes 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg white 1/3 cup canola oil, plus additional for greasing the baking sheet ¾ cup fat-free milk 2 tablespoons chives, minced ½ teaspoon caraway seeds 3¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting and kneading 1½ tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Place potatoes in a steamer basket and steam, covered, until just cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and cover to keep warm. Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion; cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the cabbage and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to brown, about 5 minutes.

Bring 1 inch of water to a boil over high heat in a vegetable steamer or a large saucepan fitted with a steamer. Peel one potato and cut into eighths; steam until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Rice or mash pieces in a large bowl; cool for 15 minutes. Position the rack in the center of the

oven, and heat the oven to 375 F. Lightly oil a large baking sheet. Peel the other potato, and grate it through the large holes of a box grater. Squeeze off any excess moisture. Add the grated potato to the riced/mashed potato. Stir in the egg, egg white, oil, milk, chives and caraway seeds until smooth. Add flour, baking powder and salt; stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms soft but sticky dough. Lightly flour a clean work surface and your cleaned, dried hands. Turn the dough onto the floured surface and knead for 1 minute. Add flour in 1 tablespoon increments to keep the dough from turning too sticky. It should remain a little tacky but workable. Shape dough into an 8-inch circle. Flatten slightly, keeping the loaf mounded at its center, and place on the baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to slash an X in the top of the dough, cutting into dough about ½ inch. Bake for about 55 minutes. Bread should be golden brown, firm to the touch and somewhat hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before slicing and serving. Courtesy of www.potatogoodness.com march 2015

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Art is Where You Find It ... In the Garden Some of my fondest childhood memories are of sinking my hands into the cool, dark earth and depositing tiny seeds into the soil and watching them grow into plants, some taller than me. We fastened paper seed packages with colorful pictures of watermelons, cantaloupes, carrots, corn, green beans and radishes on sticks at the end of each row. Each morning, I raced out of bed and ran barefoot across the cool ground to the garden to see if any green slivers had pushed up through the soil during the night. When the plants finally did emerge, I ran back to the house shouting like one of our hens that had laid an egg. There is something magical, even primal, about making a garden. Few things are more gratifying than eating from your own garden. But wouldn’t you love to preserve those plump tomatoes, golden ears of corn or

gorgeous green beans long after they have been eaten? You can! Preserve them in photographs that enable you to enjoy your beautiful garden for years to come. Photography is about light. Just as good soil is important for healthy plants, good light is needed to shoot Soft light, effective use of depth of field and focusing on details can transform simple subjects quality pictures. into powerful photographs. Usually, the best Photo by David LaBelle light is found early in the morning, while the dew that show environment, per• Vary the angle of your is still on the leaves, or late in haps even the size of your shots. Pictures from above the day, when colors are rich garden. provide a sense of place and and shadows are long. • Focus on one or two environment, while pictures When light comes from plants. Like great artwork, from a low angle may feel behind your subject, it defines close-ups allow us to see more dramatic, even personal. its shape; when it comes from important details. • Personalize your photothe side, it reveals texture. • Don’t be afraid to shoot graphs and provide a sense of Here are more tips to help into the sun. Backlighting can scale by including someone in you shoot blue-ribbon photos: create a beautiful rim of light your pictures. • Shoot overall pictures around your plants. Use one • Use flash. It adds light hand or a hat to block the to shadowy faces and contrast sun’s direct rays from striking on dull, overcast days. It even David LaBelle is an internationally known photographer, teacher, author and lecturer. He has your lens and causing flare. brightens colors on gray days. worked for newspapers and magazines across the • Include small critters • Finally, have fun and United States and taught at three universities. He or human hands to add life experiment! grew up on a frog farm in rural California, roaming to your photos. They show Every garden is a gift. Since the creeks and hills with his coon dogs. Many of the contrast, and reveal sizes and no two are exactly alike, keeplessons he learned during those magical boyhood years have been applied to photography and shapes. Since most lenses do ing a visual record of each teaching the essence of this art form. For more information, visit not focus closer than a foot, can be a way of remembering www.greatpicturehunt.com. consider buying a macro lens. them forever. 

M A R C H 2 0 15

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Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

Spread Your Wings and Take Flight Depending on your affinity for adventure, Florida offers many opportunities to experience the thrill of flight. A visit to an aviation museum offers a chance to become immersed in air-to-air combat in the safety of a flight simulator. Buckle up for a thrilling space shuttle launch on Florida’s Space Coast. For an extreme rush, strap yourself to an expert jumper for a tandem parachute drop.

A Museum and More You can be as passive or involved as you choose at Pensacola’s National Naval Aviation Museum (www.navalaviation museum.org). Meander through exhibits of 150-plus restored aircraft from floor to ceiling in the 350,000-square-foot museum and its 37-acre campus. Visit the IMAX theater, become a Blue Angel pilot via an interactive 3D exhibit, or try your hand at stunt flying on one of two state-of-the-art MaxFlight simulators. The Race for Space For decades, Cape Canaveral

are strapped to an experienced professional who has logged many successful jumps.

has captured the world’s focus as one of NASA’s major sites in the space race. The visitor’s complex at Kennedy Space Center (www.kennedyspace center.com) welcomes visitors to talk with astronauts, witness launches (weather permitting) and learn about the history of space exploration. But there is more. Sign up for a half-day astronaut training program, or fasten your seat belts aboard the Atlantis for a simulation of the 8.5-minute vertical ascent into orbit, just like the astronauts experienced.

Florida native Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who specializes in travel, gardening, personality profiles and feature writing. The avid traveler also is a photographer and professional sailor. Her website is www.pamelakeene.com.

M A R C H 2 0 15

Consider a Flying Leap Some people wonder what it would feel like to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Others take the plunge. Several sites in Florida offer tandem parachute experiences (www.wheretojump.com/fl), including Skydive Palatka, Kay Larkin Field; Skydive Florida Keys, Sugarloaf Airport near Key West; and Skydive Southwest Florida, Shell Creek Airport near Fort Myers. After completing the required paperwork and receiving a flight briefing, board a plane for the adrenaline-inducing thrill of your life. Be sure to get a video of your flight—from the rush of the 120-mile-per-hour freefall to the peaceful descent to earth after your chute opens. Worried? Remember, you

March Travel Tips How much of your home state have you visited? With nearly 95 million tourists annually, Florida is one of the nation’s top tourist destinations. But many of Florida’s 19.3 million residents never experience the Sunshine State’s treasures. Recently, I did the tourist thing in St. Augustine with my mom, aunt and cousin. Although I grew up only 20 minutes from the nation’s oldest city and as a kid went on many school field trips there, that afternoon adventure on the Old Town Trolley gave me a new perspective on a city I thought I knew well. Why don’t you give it a try, and share your experience (pam@pamelakeene.com). • Make a plan to check out what’s going on within a 50-minute drive of your home. • Stop at an area hotel or Florida Welcome Center and pick up brochures and rack cards to plan your trip. • Search Yelp, TripAdvisor and similar websites to find out what visitors are saying about attractions, museums and restaurants. See if you agree. • Check out travel apps— some for free—for current information and reviews. 

N EW

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Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

March 1, Bradenton Orange Blossom 5K Run Mixon Fruit Farms presents an inaugural run through the groves. (941) 748-5829 ext. 280

Barbecue Society contest. Local enthusiasts also compete for money and bragging rights in the Backyard competition. Admission is free. www.smokininthesquare.com; (850) 516-2622

March 1-April 17, Bradenton Camp Uzita Living History Camp De Soto National Memorial offers visitors a look into Spanish and Native American life in 16th century Florida with costumed re-enactments. Free daily programs are 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

March 7, Marathon Sombrero Beach Run Come for the 15K challenge, 10K run and 5K walk/run, and stay for the prizes and refreshments in the sun.

www.nps.gov/deso; (941) 792-0458

March 7, Panama City Beach Americana Music at the Lodge Singer/songwriter duo Scott and Michelle Dalziel perform at 6:30 p.m. at Camp Helen’s historic lodge. The concert is free.

March 5-15, Key Largo 49th Annual Judged Art Show The Art Guild of the Purple Isles invites you to the show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Key Largo Library Community Room, Tradewinds Plaza, MM 101.4. Vote for your favorite entry and visit with artists. www.artguildofthepurpleisles.com

March 6-7, Pensacola 6th Annual Smokin’ in the Square Professional barbecue teams from around the U.S. compete in Seville Square for money and points at the first locally sanctioned Kansas City

www.sombrerobeachrun.com; (305) 289-9868

(850) 233-5059

March 7, Milton 27th Annual Forestry Conclave and Lumberjack Festival Knife and axe throwing, log roll, bow sawing, cross cut and pulpwood toss are among the forestry competitions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pensacola State College. Bluegrass music, nature and wildlife exhibits, firefighting equipment

demonstrations, food and children’s activities are among other attractions at the free event. www.lumberjack.pensacolastate.edu; (850) 484-4436

March 7, Key Largo Florida Keys Bicycle Poker Run This 10-mile leisurely bike ride—a scholarship fundraiser— starts in Key Largo and travels through some of the Upper Keys neighborhoods tourists seldom see. Entrants receive a poker card at each of five stations, which feature fun games and additional prizes. At the last station in Islamorada, entrants are treated to a cookout, and prizes are awarded to those with the best hands of cards. www.floridakeysbicyclepokerrun.org

March 7, Marathon House and Garden Tour The Marathon Garden Club’s annual event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. features properties in Duck Key, Key Colony Beach and Marathon. Tickets are $25 a person and are available at the garden club, 5270 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida, and from the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and Key Bana. www.marathongardenclub.org; (305) 743-4971

March 14, Pensacola 38th Annual McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K Prediction Run The event begins at 9 a.m. at McGuire’s Irish Pub. Each runner/ walker predicts how long it will take to complete the course. The finishers who come closest to their prediction wins. Awards also are given for fastest times. www.mcguiresirishpub.com; (850) 433-6789

58th Annual Key Colony Beach Day Enjoy old-fashioned fun with a parade, 5K run/walk, a pancake breakfast, bake sale, food, drinks, music and vendors Sunday, March 8. Turn oceanside off U.S. 1 at MM 53.5 at the traffic light on to Sadowski Causeway. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ keycolonybeachca.

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How to Submit Your Events Want to include a familyfriendly event in an upcoming listing? Please send details to info@ floridacurrents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to get more information. Please submit the item at least 60 days before the event. If you own rights to a high-resolution photo promoting your event, attach it with photo credit information. booths, sweets, treats, beverages and the Florida Keys Art Guild open-air art show. www.marathonseafoodfestival.com; (305) 743-5417

March 18-21, Sebring 63rd Annual 12 Hours of Sebring Sebring International Raceway hosts one of America’s oldest and most prestigious sports car endurance races. www.sebringraceway.com

March 20, Panama City Beach Gators and Waders Learn about alligators and wading birds at St. Andrews State Park. Meet at the Gator Lake observation boardwalk. Bring drinking water and binoculars. (850) 233-5164

March 14-15, Milton Riverwalk Arts Festival Enjoy visual and performing arts, children’s activities, live entertainment and great food from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

March 21, Bradenton 5th Annual ArtSlam Teams of artists and performers create one-day works of public art from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Old Main Street in a festival that includes music, food and drink.

www.sracf.org; (850) 981-1100

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March 14-15, Marathon Marathon Seafood Festival Sponsored by Organized Fishermen of Florida and Marathon Chamber of Commerce, delicacies from the Keys highlight this event at Marathon Community Park, MM 49 oceanside. Enjoy live music, vendor

March 21, St. Augustine Founding of Fort Mose Commemorate the founding of Fort Mose and the granting of freedom to Captain Menendez and members of the Black Militia, which had been reconstituted in the 1720s. The event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. also

ages from 40 different churches to tell the timeless story of Christ. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Performances also are scheduled every Friday and Saturday night in April. www.storyofjesus.com

March 28, Pensacola 3rd Annual A Bark to Remember Dog demonstrations and contests, entertainment, vendors and an auction are featured from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Community Maritime Park. Admission and parking are free. (850) 430-0022

March 28, Sebring Music in the Park William Florian, formerly of The New Christy Minstrels, takes concert goers on a musical journey through the 1960s folk scene at 7 p.m. at Highlands Hammock State Park. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. www.floridastateparks.org

Okeechobee Cow Town Rodeo

Photo by Ron Mandes

Watch the roughest and toughest professional bull riders and bullfighters at Florida’s Cow Town Rodeo Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, in the historic Okeechobee Cattlemen’s openair grandstand arena, 1885 Highway 441 North, directly off Highway 70. Vendors from across the state are set up on-site, and the Speckled Perch Festival is in Okeechobee’s downtown park. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Children younger than 6 are admitted free, and admission for children ages 7-12 is $5. For tickets, vendor applications or information about the rodeo, visit www.okeechobeecattlemensassociation.com. For information on lodging or other offerings in Okeechobee, visit www.okeechobee-tdc.com. celebrates the free Black Militia, which traces its origins to 1683 when it was formed by Spanish Governor Juan Marquez Cabrera. (904) 823-2232

March 21, Gulf Breeze Rotary Gumbo Cook-Off Sample offerings from more than 20 professional and amateur chefs and vote for your favorites from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Shoreline Park. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate. Children younger than 8 attend for free when accompanied by paying adults. The event includes live music, a silent auction, burgers, beer and sodas. www.gulfbreezerotary.com/gumbo; (850) 292-7432

March 21, Islamorada Pops in the Park Viva Florida The Keys Community Concert band presents a free concert at 4 p.m. at the ICE Amphitheater, Founders Park, MM 87 bayside. Bring blankets; no chairs are provided. www.keyscommunityconcertband. org; (305) 853-7294

March 22, Sebring Bird Expo Birds of all kinds, exotic to farm, and puppies, bunnies, plants, cages and supplies are featured from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Johnson & Johnson Wood Products, 5948 State Road 66. (863) 385-1966; birdnestbox@gmail. com

March 22, Marathon 18th Annual Taste of the Islands The Marathon chapter of Business and Professional Women presents tastes of local restaurants vying for best-of honors. Tasters can buy tickets in advance or at the gate from noon to 4 p.m. at Key Colony Beach City Park. Music, vendors, fashion show and an auction round out events. Admission is free. (305) 393-9501 or (305) 731-6368

March 27 and 28, Wauchula The Story of Jesus This three-hour epic production at the Hardee County Cattleman’s Arena brings together a cast of 150 animals and 225 people of all

March 28-29, Bradenton Five Centuries of Florida History More than 30 re-enactors portray French and Spanish colonials; Seminole War fighters; and Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II soldiers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at De Soto National Memorial. Admission is free. www.nps.gov/deso; (941) 792-0458

March 28-29, Islamorada 24th Annual Florida Keys Island Fest A Taste of the Islands food competition and live music complement an art show with nearly 100 artists and crafters from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Founder’s Park, MM 87 bayside. Admission is free. On-site parking is available with a $5 donation to the Chamber of Commerce. www.islamoradachamber.com; (305) 664-4503

March 29, Bowling Green 9th Annual Fort Chokonikla Encampment The Seminole attack of KennedyDarling that resulted in the death of Captain George S. Payne and store clerk Dempsey Whiddon highlights a living history demonstration at Paynes Creek Historic State Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors demonstrate crafts and sell period gifts. Cost is $2 plus park admission. (863) 375-4717

MARCH 2015

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Spring Cleaning Without the Dust March is spring cleaning time. That goes for fishing gear, too. Not only is it a good time to muck out the tackle box, but it’s an opportunity to inspect, clean, replace and restock rods, reels and tackle. • Inspect rods closely. Look for cracks, nicks and loose parts. Pay particular attention to the guides, ferrules and reel seat. These are where problems are most likely to occur. Repair or replace as necessary. • Get reels in top spinning condition. Perform one or two casts and retrieves to see if they are working properly and smoothly. If necessary, clean parts with Reel Kleen or similar reel cleaner, and apply lubrication as recommended by the manufacturer. • Off with the old. Fishing line can become brittle and memory coiled in time. Replace with new line. Be sure to dispose of the old line properly. • Get the point. Keeping

Take time at least once a year to inspect, clean and organize your fishing gear and tackle box. Consider making a checklist of things to do to keep your gear in good condition and ready to perform during future outings. Photo by iStock/Doug4537

hooks sticky sharp is important. It can mean the difference between success and failure. It’s also one of those things many of us don’t take time to do on a regular basis. • Use it or lose it. Weed out unnecessary lures and other tackle. If you haven’t used it in a long time, get rid of it to make room for tackle you will use. Put the old stuff in a “loaner” tackle box for kids or fair-weather anglers who come to visit. • Replace old jar bait and plastics. Jar bait gets old fairly quickly once it’s opened. Toss it when it gets hard. The same

Many of Curtis Condon’s fondest memories involve outdoor adventures with friends and family, whether fishing with old school buddies, backpacking in the mountains of the Northwest with his sons or bird watching along the Gulf Coast with his wife. He feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to write about the outdoors and other subjects for more than 30 years.

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is true of plastic baits, which lose their resilience, stiffen and crack with age. Take a Kid Turkey Hunting The Florida Youth Spring Turkey Hunt weekends are February 28 through March 1 south of State Road 70 and March 14-15 in the rest of the state. Only kids 15 years old and younger are allowed to harvest a turkey, while supervised by an adult (adults are not allowed to shoot). No license or permit is required. For more information, visit www.myfwc.com/hunting. Outdoors 101: Know Your Wild Plants Outdoor enthusiasts should have at least a basic knowledge of trees and plants they may encounter. A generic field guide is helpful, but may not be enough. That’s because plants in Florida—particularly

in South Florida—can look different than the same plants in northern regions, where the photos in field guides may have been taken. Whenever possible, acquire plant information locally, whether by consulting a local expert or accessing a local field guide. For example, the Southwest Florida Water Management District produces a number of abbreviated guides. Visit www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ recreation/species/ to view its tree and plant guides. Got a Tip or a Whopper? Send us your favorite outdoor tip, photo or story. If selected, we will send you $25 for onetime use of the item. When sending a photo, identify people and pets, and tell us the story behind the photo. Email your submission to info@floridacurrents.com. 

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Head Spinning With Laundry Options? Wash clothes efficiently without getting caught in the information spin cycle

Washing machines perform a fairly simple function: getting dirty clothes clean. Yet prospective buyers today can be overwhelmed with all of the different models and bells and whistles available: top-loading, front-loading, high-efficiency, water saver, steaming and wrinkle removing, to name only a few. Energy-efficient washing machines— easily identified by the Energy Star logo—should be a priority for any costconscious consumer. Approximately 93 percent of American households have a clothes washer, adding up to 102 million clothes washers across America. About 9 million washing machines are sold each year. Efficient models account for slightly more than one-third of sales. Energy Star-rated washing machines cost slightly more than their less-efficient counterparts, anywhere from $400 to $1,500, depending on features selected. To get a handle on how much electricity a particular unit will draw, pay close attention to the yellow EnergyGuide before buying. An energy-efficient washing machine can save the typical homeowner around $50 a year, or $540 to $600 throughout the life of the appliance. Efficient machines also save more than 5,000 gallons of water a year. The energy and water efficiencies of clothes washers are measured according to their modified energy factor and water factor. These criteria generally limit Energy Star qualification to front-loading and advanced top-loading models.

Appliances that carry the Energy Star seal use less energy and water than non-certified appliances.

Front-loading clothes washers use a horizontal or tumble-axis basket to lift and drop clothing into the water, instead of rubbing clothes around a central agitator in a full tub. These units use less energy than conventional clothes washers by reducing the amount of hot water needed to clean clothes. Front-loading models also squeeze more water out of clothes by using spin speeds two to three times faster than conventional washers, reducing drying time and energy use. Energy Star-qualified top-loading models typically use spray valves to rinse clothes, rather than a new tub of water. This method not only reduces the energy required for water heating, but typically saves an average of 15 gallons of water

per wash compared with conventional clothes washers. Qualified top-loading models also boast sensors to monitor and adjust incoming water temperature. This keeps water hot enough to dissolve the detergent and provide high-performance cleaning, but cool enough to save energy and minimize hot water damage to fabrics. One limitation of efficient top-loading washers is many models do not offer a high-temperature standard wash option. By looking for the Energy Star logo and shopping at a store with knowledgeable staff, you should be able to leave with a new washing machine that will, over time, pay for itself. n Source: NRECA’s Cooperative Research Network MARCH 2015

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2015 Gadget Roundup From fanciful to frivolous, these products aim to find a place in your daily life Compiled by Mike Teegarden

Inventors and entrepreneurs have been hard at work developing new products and finding new twists to old ideas, all to entice you into thinking their idea is the next gotta-have product. Here are some of the more interesting products that are available now, and a few that are coming soon.

Keep Cool and Save Money The ThinkEco smartAC Wi-Fi starter kit brings intelligence to all plug-in air conditioners. Key benefits of the ThinkEco smartAC Wi-Fi starter kit include: • Plug it in, pair it with your Wi-Fi, and start saving money and energy by remotely controlling the temperature and on/off scheduling for room air conditioners. • The thermostat allows you to monitor the temperature in the room from your smartphone. If you turn off your AC when you leave home, you can see the temperature on your smartphone app. If the temperature is too high in a room, you can remotely turn on the air conditioner. • The smartAC thermostat senses the room temperature and turns your AC on and off to maintain a 28

M A R C H 2 0 15

room temperature that is 1 or 2 degrees around your desired set point. This helps you avoid over-cooling and over-spending on your energy bill. • Set a schedule to turn the AC on and off. If you go away on the weekend, you can turn off the AC and set it to turn on and cool the room an hour before you get home. • The ThinkEco smartAC WiFi starter kit allows you to see the room temperature and the amount of energy you are using. By being aware of the temperature, you can save money and energy. For every degree you raise the temperature you save an average of 6 percent on your electric costs per AC unit.

Prices start at $139; www.thinkecoinc.com/products/smart-ac

When Liquid Disaster Strikes Bheestie draws water out of personal electronics, from cell phones and MP3 players to laptops and large headphones. When a device suffers a liquid plunge or a moisture mishap, the key to preventing costly damage is to dry it out quickly and thoroughly. Do not rely on

home remedies when the life of a digital device is on the line. Bheestie even removes the daily moisture that invades electronics and keeps them from performing at their best. From that iPod that ran through a drizzly rain to the camera that caught shots of an approaching squall, Bheestie says its specially engineered molecular beads offer the fastest, most effective technology for removing moisture from your device—up to seven times faster than commonly used household methods. Prices range from $17.95 to $29.95; www.bheestie.com

a company named Lechal, which means “take me along” in Hindi. The company created insoles designed to help the visually impaired better navigate by syncing with Google Maps via Bluetooth. The insoles provide directional cues by using haptic feedback or vibrations to tell the wearer which direction to turn. The accompanying app works with voice commands, and tracks distance traveled and calories burned. Joggers and cyclists also might find the insoles helpful as they can get directions without having to stop and consult their phone. Prices reported to be $135, presales only; www.lechal.com

Low-Tech 3D Viewer Combine old-school cardboard, plastic lenses, a smartphone and a cool app, and you get Google Cardboard—virtual reality on the cheap. Held against the face, the contraption affords a 3D virtual reality experience. A smartphone with stereoscopic display software fits into this device. The lenses allow the viewer to see the images as a single three-dimensional image. The headset is designed by Google, but there is no official manufacturer or vendor for the device. Instead, Google lists the parts, schematics and assembly instructions freely on its website, or several outlets sell a self-assembled kit. Combine the cardboard viewing device with one of several apps to experience a virtual 3D world within games or virtual tours. Free to $25; www.google.com/get/cardboard

Taking Steps to Smarter Feet India’s answer to Google Glass, a wearable smart device disguised as glasses, is the smart shoe from

Charging Forward SolePower is working to bring to market a shoe insert that converts kinetic energy to electricity stored in an onboard battery. That power then can be used to charge USB devices. The insole is worn on one shoe and the battery is attached to the laces in a waterproof pouch. A 1-hour walk nets enough electricity to power 2.5 hours of cell phone talk time. Invented by students at Carnegie Mellon University, hikers can lighten their load by not having to carry solar panels to charge devices. Pricing reported to be $135-$175, presales only; www.solepowertech.com

Turn Photos into Tattoos Picattoo is a new service by INK361 that turns your Instagram photographs into temporary tattoos so that you can wear your photos on your body. Tattoos can be created by logging into your Instagram account through the Picattoo website and selecting 12 photos. The images are printed on high-quality tattoo transfer paper and last for about a week once applied. Twelve tattoos cost $15, with free shipping around the world. To get started, visit www.picattoo.com

MARCH 2015

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Like Father, Like Son

All decked out in his protective suit, William, 41/2, follows his dad, Kent Bontrager, as he checks his bee boxes in Sarasota. Kent started keeping bees about the time William was born. “I’m not sure if he is real interested in bees yet, although he usually comes along with me,” says Kent. “However, he does love going along to my classroom presentations and telling the kids about bees.” William also loves when Kent catches drones—the males, which have no stingers—and lets them crawl on him. Kent suspects his 18-month-old daughter, Claire, may be the one to follow in his footsteps “because of her attraction to all animals and bugs she encounters.” Photo by Amanda Bontrager, Sarasota

Want to See Your Photo Printed Here? Florida Currents pays $25 for interesting and humorous photos printed in the magazine. We are looking for images of kids in entertaining situations, animal antics, funny signs, heartwarming expressions ... something special that says “wow” or puts a smile on your face and includes a story. Not all photos are suitable for this page. The image needs to be high resolution, at least 700KB in size. Smaller file sizes are too small for good reproduction, and will not be considered. The odds of your photo being selected improves if you elaborate in your submission so we understand the complete story behind the picture. Remember: Other people are sending in photos, too. What makes yours stand out? Email your best shots (one photo per email message), to photos@ floridacurrents.com. Include your name, address and phone number. Don’t forget to write a few paragraphs telling the story behind your picture. If your photo is printed, we will send you $25. © Mike

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Staff Clay R. Campbell, General Mgr./CEO Faye Diamond, Mgr. of Administration/CFO Wesley Scott, Mgr. of Corporate Services Alex Scanlon, Mgr. of Engineering Derek Bridwell, Mgr. of Information and Communication Technology Sabrina Owens, Mgr. of Marketing Earl Youngblood, Mgr. of Operations Sonya Dooley, Dir. of Finance Nick Jackson, Dir. of Member Services

Trustees Escambia County James E. Hall Ernie Hester J. D. Powell Sam Walker, Vice President Gary Wiggins Santa Rosa County Mickey Diamond Rick Hunsucker, President Ed Kelley Radford Locklin Jr., Secretary/Treasurer Dale Westmoreland The board of directors meets at 5 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Jay office, except each May, when it meets at the Walnut Hill office.

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Relay For Life brings the community together to honor cancer survivors.

Celebrating Courage, Survivorship For most cancer survivors, every day is a victory and a celebration of survival. Each cancer survivor has his or her own badge of courage. On Saturday, April 11, cancer survivors will be honored at the Relay For Life in Jay, for their courageous fight against cancer. The six-hour event is from 4 to 10 p.m. The American Cancer Society’s national signature activity is a unique event that brings the community together to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, remember those who lost their fight to the disease and celebrate the victories of all cancer survivors. All survivors are invited to kick off the Relay For Life by leading the first “victory” lap and serving as inspiration throughout the event. For more information about Relay For Life, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org. n Important Account and Payment Information When you call EREC with a question about your bill, please have your account number ready for our member service personnel. This allows us to serve you in the most efficient manner possible. Your bill is due and payable upon receipt. Payment may be made by mail, online at www.erec.com, at one of our collection stations, at our convenient night depository at the cooperative office or in person at the cooperative office. We ask that you allow five days for mail and delivery to ensure we receive your payment on time. Your electric service is subject to disconnection if payment is not in the office by the collection date, even though you may have mailed the payment. Accounts not paid within 15 days after date of bill will receive reminder notices showing the account will be disconnected if not paid. Return check charge is $25 or 5 percent of the check, whichever is higher.