Florida Currents May 2016 by American MainStreet Publications

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

M AY 2016

Plan Now for Hurricane Season

Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 15-21. Take time before the warnings begin to evaluate your situation, collect supplies and write down a plan. The difference between being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor may be your preparation. See page 6 for details. PHOTO COURTESY OF POWERSOUTH ENERGY COOPERATIVE

Notify County of Special Needs PAGE 4 May is Electrical Safety Month PAGE 5 n

Gulf Coast

Safety starts here. 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, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services.

Use outlets with ground-fault circuit interrupters—the buttons in the middle— to reduce the risk of electric shock. We value your membership. We value you.

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www.gcec.com (800) 568-3667

Inside

May 2016 Vol. 5, No. 7

Nature’s Pantry Beckons 12

Trend Offset Printing Services 10301 Busch Drive North Jacksonville, FL 32218

Floridians forage for wild, edible plants that enhance meals.

Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32

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Gulf Coast

Notify County Agency of Any Special Needs

Emergency Management Agencies Serving GCEC’s Six-County Service Area XX

Bay County Phone: (850) 784-4000 Fax: (850) 784-4010

Calhoun County Phone: (850) 674-8075 Fax: (850) 674-4667

Gulf County Phone: (850) 229-9110 Fax: (850) 229-9115

Jackson County Phone: (850) 482-9678 Fax: (850) 482-9683

Walton County Phone: (850) 892-8065 Fax: (850) 892-8366

Washington County Phone: (850) 638-6203 Fax: (850) 638-6316

Registry is used for resource planning during emergencies According to Chapter 252.355 Florida Statutes, “In order to meet the special needs of persons who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment or sensory disabilities, the division, in coordination with each local emergency management agency in the state, shall maintain a registry of persons with special needs located within the jurisdiction of the local agency.” This registration helps the local emergency management agency identify those in need of assistance and plan for resource allocation to meet those needs. Persons with special needs may preauthorize emergency response personnel to enter their homes during searchand-rescue operations, if necessary, to

ensure their safety and welfare following disasters. This registration must be updated annually. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative helps local emergency management agencies get the word out about this program. If you or someone you know has a special condition affecting eyesight, hearing, speech, walking, breathing or an emotional condition and would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering, please contact your local emergency management agency. The level of care given in special needs shelters goes above the basic firstaid care available to shelters open to the general population. All information provided is kept strictly confidential. n

Help Reduce Demand for Electricity

Office numbers: Southport................(850) 265-3631 (800) 568-3667 Wewahitchka...........(850) 639-2216 (800) 333-9392 Panama City.............(850) 481-1188 4

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H2O Plus, a program available to you from Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, has the potential to dramatically reduce the demand for electricity. We just need your participation. Using energy wisely has never been easier. A device is installed on your electric water heater that allows our power supplier to cycle your unit for short periods. By managing energy use when demand is high—when you and your neighbors are using the most electricity—our supplier can reduce demand when electricity is most expensive, delaying the need to build facilities to generate more power, alleviating or pushing those costs out to the future. An added benefit is reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, thereby helping the environment. You still will have enough hot water for showers and household chores. In fact, you shouldn’t even notice a difference in the amount of hot water available. For more information, please call GCEC Energy Services Representative Manuela Heyn. She will take down your information and, after ensuring the program is a good fit for your household, schedule an installer to visit your home and install the device at no cost to you. In fact, for your participation, we will make a one-time credit of $25 to your electric bill. We look forward to hearing from you soon. n

May is Electrical Safety Month Look for home electrical hazards and practice safe habits May is National Electrical Safety Month. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is teaming up with the Electrical Safety Foundation International to spearhead the annual effort to raise awareness of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety. GCEC promotes electrical safety throughout the year by providing literature and safety demonstrations at local schools and community events. “Extension cord misuse and overburdened electrical systems are two of the main causes of home electrical fires,” said ESFI President Brett Brenner. “It is important to be aware of these common and preventable hazards, as well as other safety measures you can take to ensure that your home is electrically safe.” The National Fire Protection Association estimates 47,700 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments each year involve some type of electrical failure or malfunction as a factor contributing to ignition. These fires result in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage. Awareness and education are critical to reduce the number of electrical fires. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to educate the public. It has a number of resources on its website, www.esfi.org. One is the National Electrical Safety Month Electrical Safety Advocate Guide. It provides resources designed to raise awareness of safe practices. The guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to be an electrical safety advocate and champion the cause of minimizing electrically related deaths and injuries in your community, school and workplace.

Using a metal utensil to pry a bagel out of a toaster is a bad idea—particularly if the toaster is still plugged into the outlet. Photo by Mike Teegarden

Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees and communities prevents electrical fires, injuries and fatalities. For more information about electrical safety, visit www. esfi.org or www.gcec.com. n M AY 2 0 1 6

Gulf Coast

Plan Now for Hurricane Season Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 15-21

It only takes one storm to change your life and community. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by dangerous flooding, destructive winds and tornadoes from these storms. The National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issue watches, warnings, forecasts and analyses of hazardous tropical weather. Hurricane Preparedness Week is your time to put plans together in the event of a land-falling tropical storm or hurricane. Learn how with the daily tips below. Share these with your friends and family to ensure they are prepared. Sunday, May 15, 2016 Determine Your Risk Find out today what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live, and start preparing now for how to handle them. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland. It is easy to forget what a hurricane is capable. The U.S. has not been directly impacted by a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in more than a decade. However, hurricanes such as Ike, Sandy and Isaac remind us that significant impacts can

Hurricane Charley destroyed electric utility infrastructure throughout the state in 2004. Photo courtesy of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

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occur without being major hurricanes. Many people suffer from hurricane amnesia in the forms of complacency, denial and inexperience. This remarkable hurricane streak is going to end. We have to be ready for it to happen this season. Monday, May 16, 2016 Develop an Evacuation Plan Find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you are in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are, figure out where you would go and how you would get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone—perhaps a friend or relative who does not live in a zone or unsafe home—and work it out with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about. Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Secure an Insurance Check-Up Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat. Remember, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, you will need a separate policy for flood coverage. It is available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at www. floodsmart.gov. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Assemble Disaster Supplies You are going to need supplies not just to get through the storm, but for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Have enough nonperishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You will need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. Many of us have cell phones, which run on batteries. You will need a portable, crank or solar-powered USB charger to keep the battery going.

Uprooted trees and flying objects crushed homes and businesses in the path of Hurricane Charley in 2004. Photo courtesy of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

Thursday, May 19, 2016 Strengthen Your Home If you plan to ride out the storm in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Many of the retrofits do not cost much or take as long to do as you may think. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand winds. Friday, May 20, 2016 Identify Your Trusted Sources of Information The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrationâ€™s National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center are your official sources for hurricane forecasts and the issuance of hurricane watches and warnings. Your local NOAA National Weather Service forecast office provides information regarding the expected impacts from storms for your area. Emergency managers make decisions regarding evacuations.

Organizations such as FLASH make disaster safety recommendations. Media outlets broadcast this information to you. All work together to be your trusted sources, especially for those less able to care for themselves. Saturday, May 21, 2016 Complete Your Written Hurricane Plan The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, odds are you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions. Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan. Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies in order. You do not want to be standing in long lines when a hurricane warning is issued. Supplies you need may be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line. Being prepared before a hurricane threatens makes you resilient to the hurricane impacts of wind and water. It means the difference between being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor. n M AY 2 0 1 6

Gulf Coast

GCEC Clears Vegetation From Rights of Way Federal law requires GCEC to remove hazards Do you live in Wewahitchka, Ebro or Crystal Lake? Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews will work in May to clear rights of way in that area from trees and plants that threaten members’ access to safe, reliable power. GCEC has about 2,600 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a dangerous situation. Vegetation must be cleared from power lines to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition. When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and GCEC to allow right-of-way maintenance. The agreement gives GCEC the legal right to remove from the right of way anything that could interfere with safe, reliable electric service for all members. The co-op realizes most people regard trees as an asset, but if the cooperative’s right-of-way clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with power lines could increase the number of power outages. GCEC tries to work with landowners to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights of way. However, federal law requires GCEC to eliminate hazardous conditions. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you quality, reliable service. n

Remembering a Special Friend On March 5, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative lost a co-worker and a friend, Tomica Lowery. Memorial services were March 11 and 12 in Panama City and Wewahitchka. Tomica worked in the Wewahitchka and Panama City offices as a cashier/receptionist. She took classes at Gulf Tomica Lowery Coast State College and completed the nationally recognized Continuum Customer Service Training Program. “Tomica was a dedicated employee,” GCEC CEO/General Manager Michael White said. “She was also devoted to her family and her church. She was a people person who loved shopping and seeing movies. She always had a smile on her face, and enjoyed helping our members. She is sorely missed by all, and we are keeping her family in our prayers during this difficult time.” n

 Sunland Center will present their   second annual “Art in the Park” Show

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 Saturday, May 7th, 2016

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For many of us, nothing is more relaxing than a long, luxurious bath. Unfortunately, because of safety concerns, many people, particularly older people, have to forego this simple pleasure. Sure, you can spend big bucks to remodel your bathroom to provide a bathtub you can use, but who wants to do that? Now there’s a better way, and it lets you use the bath that’s in your home today. If you or a loved one has given up bathing because of age, mobility or safety concerns, the Neptune® Upright Bath Lift is the answer. It is so simple, you’ll wonder why no one thought of it earlier. The battery-operated “chair” safely and steadily lowers you to the bottom of the tub, and when you’re done bathing, it gently raises you back to the top of the tub, assuring a comfortable and safe exit from the tub. The remote is fully waterproof, so your bath won’t be a “shocking” experience. The New Neptune® Upright Bath Lift was redesigned making it lighter, more affordable, with more room to bathe—also making it easier to move the lift in and out of the tub. The bath lift features an easy-to-use hand control designed for comfort and safety. If there’s not enough power stored for a full lower/raise cycle, it will not operate. The bath lift also features a wide seat and high backrest for maximum comfort and support.

Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Teaching Water-Survival Skills Infant swimming lessons offer a line of defense against aquatic accidents By J.M. Garlock

Postcards From Florida

NAS Pensacola

Photo cour

a CVB

Are acola Bay

tesy of Pens

See more than 150 historic one-of-a-kind restored aircraft representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard at the National Naval Aviation Museum. With nearly 350,000 square feet of exhibit space on 37 acres, it is the world’s largest naval aviation museum and one of the most-visited museums in Florida. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Photo identification is required. Admission is free. For more information, call (800) 327-5002. 10

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It could have been a tragedy. As a 2-year-old, Kelly Pazzaglia and her twin sister had just finished swimming lessons at their home in West Palm Beach. They were left in the pool as their mother walked the instructor to her car. Mom thought they were under the watchful eye of their grandmother, but they were not. “The next thing she heard was my twin sister—who was out of the water— screaming,” says an adult Kelly. By the time her mother got back to the pool, she found Kelly floating in the middle of the pool on her back. “Knowing that I was calm and breathing, she waited to see what I would do,” Kelly says. “I actually fell asleep on my back. Every time I hear of a child drowning, I can’t help but think that could have been me.” Today, Kelly passes on the life-saving lessons she learned as an Infant Swimming Resource instructor in Wauchula. “I grew up knowing what to do to survive in the water,” says Kelly, who runs ISwim Wauchula. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Harvey Barnett, ISR has 450 instructors trained in survival swimming lessons for infants and young children. The YMCA and the Swim Academy are among other organizations that offer lessons for infants and young children. In 2013—the most recent year statistics are available—Florida had the highest unintentional drowning rate in the United States for children ages 1 through 4 at 7.54 per 100,000 population. Florida had the second-highest rate for the 1 through 14 age group at 2.54 per 100,000. After teaching her first three children how to swim, Kelly found Amy Mann, an ISR instructor in Lakewood Ranch, who

Hudson is all smiles as he swims underwater. Photo courtesy of ISR

taught Kelly’s youngest daughter survival swimming skills. “The time commitment and money I spent was so worth it,” says Kelly. “My daughter loves the water, is safe and can swim better than most kids her age.” Impressed by the ISR method, Kelly worked with Amy to become certified. The process consisted of six weeks of inwater and book training, video reviews, and CPR and first aid certification. Kelly has been an ISR instructor for two years, working with children 6 months to 6 years old. The younger ones learn to roll onto their backs to float, rest and breathe. Older ones are taught the sequence of swimming until they need air, rotating onto their backs to float and rolling back over to continue swimming. “ISR lessons are completed within five to seven weeks, and are taught at the child’s emotional and physical pace,” Kelly says, noting all lessons are oneon-one in the 15-foot round pool at her home. “I have had the opportunity to make sure that 38 children in my community have the skills they would need to survive if they found the water alone.” ISR does not differentiate between pools

A Monster Gator By Brandon Pomrenke

Kelly Pazzaglia supervises 10-month-old Henry as he floats on his back during a swimming lesson. Photo courtesy of Kelly Pazzaglia

and other bodies of water, such as the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. The goal of ISR is to teach children the skills they need to survive in any body of water. Florida’s weather encourages people of all ages to participate in water-related activities at homes, lakes or beaches. The National Swimming Pool Foundation estimates there are more than 10 million swimming pools across the U.S. Children are naturally curious. The gate to a wrought-iron fence is easily opened. A momentary lapse by a parent or guardian can result in tragedy. “As an ISR instructor, I know the skills I am teaching a child could someday save their life,” Kelly says. “This reality alone drives my passion to reach the next child before he or she reaches the water alone. I also enjoy watching my students become more confident in the water as they learn these important skills.

“As a parent, there is no greater joy than to know your child is safe in the water. Sharing that peace of mind with parents is priceless.” ISR is committed to educating parents on ways to keep their child safe. “The first line of defense is effective supervision of your child,” Kelly says. “Anticipating where your child will be in five seconds could prevent an accident before it occurs. The second line of defense is appropriate fencing around your pool and pool alarms. “The third line of defense—if the others break down—is your child’s ability to survive an aquatic accident. This is where the skills they have learned in ISR lessons could save their life.” n For more information about ISwim Wauchula, visit www.iswimwauchula.com or call Kelly Pazzaglia at (863) 535-5250. For an ISR facility near you, visit www.infantswim.com/instructor-locator.

Sure, dinosaurs are extinct. But the DNA of the gigantic creatures that once roamed the Earth can still be found in some of today’s animals. That prehistoric ancestry could be attributed to an alligator recently discovered in Okeechobee by staff from Outwest Farms in the form of a 780-pound, 13½-foot alligator thought to be feasting on local livestock. Owner Lee Lightsey and hunting guide Blake Godwin saw the alligator while out with hunters. “I saw it on the bank and I said, ‘Holy Toledo, look at that gator!’” Lee says. “I’d never seen one that big before.” The state’s gator records are 1,043 pounds and 14 feet 3½ inches long. They donated some of the meat and sent the massive gator to a taxidermist. For those not interested or not quite ready to hunt full-grown gators, Outwest Farms (www.outwestfarms. com) offers guided hunts for smaller alligators, boar and Osceola turkeys, as well as two-person Lake Okeechobee bass fishing excursions. Lee says the best part of the job is meeting people from all around the world. n

Nine-year-old Mason Lightsey with the catch of the day. Photo by Lee Lightsey

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Nature’s Pantry Beckons Floridians forage for wild, edible plants that enhance meals By Dianna Troyer

Park Ranger Kristin Wood scans the ground for fresh wild salad ingredients at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park near Bushnell in rural west-central Florida. She teaches popular wild plant classes, “Wild Foods Foraging” and “Incredible Wild Edibles,” five times a year. Kristin points out numerous greens: smilax tips, violet, wood sorrel, chickweed, dandelion relatives, and tread softly, also known as stinging nettle, which loses its stinging potential when the greens are cooked. Underfoot, yet often overlooked, common wild plants are becoming more popular to forage as tasty, nutrient-rich ingredients to supplement a meal. Whether the search starts in a backyard or deep in the wilderness, foragers nationwide are gaining hands-on experience from experts who have found a passion for nature’s free edible offerings. From camps to classes to books, seasoned foragers are sharing their expertise and hoping to help people return to their gathering roots. “More people are becoming interested in eating wild edible plants,” says Kristin, who taught 39 students at her most recent foraging class in March. Students of all ages enroll for a variety of reasons. “Some people want to supplement their diet with wild plants they feel are more nutritious than processed food in a grocery store,” says Kristin. “Others like the idea of eating freshly picked food that is easy to find without cultivating it. Some are interested in plants’ medicinal benefits or want to know what to

Kristin Wood snips lotus pod at Lake Hancock north of Bartow. Photo by Lucille Lane

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eat to be more self-sufficient. For others, learning about plants is a hobby.” To conclude the “Incredible Wild Edibles” class, students are served a meal to satisfy their curiosity about the flavors of the plants. At Kristin’s most recent class, the main course was bass and venison. Wild plants supplemented the entrée and included a smilax quiche, a salad of wild greens, wild plum/ hickory nut bread, acorn bread, elderberry blossom pancakes, wild onion butter, shiny blueberry pie, pignut hickory nut pie, poke and false hawksbeard greens, sand pine needle tea, lemonade made from winged sumac berries and passion fruit punch. As they ate, diners compared the flavor of the wild plants to more familiar food. Smilax tips taste like crunchy asparagus. Purslane’s succulent leaves are similar to a tangy cucumber. Chickweed tastes like corn silk or a light grass. Dandelion greens, comparable to spinach, can be sautéed in olive oil or boiled to remove their bitter flavor. Volunteer Judie Bradley, who helps with the plant classes, says one of her favorites is lotus pod seeds, which are harvested in fall and boiled 20 minutes. “Their texture and flavor remind me of blackeyed peas,” says Judie. She says students are amazed and delighted to learn of plants that are readily available in their yards. “I love working with wild edibles because God has given them to us freely,” says Judie. “They’re delicious and have natural health benefits.” Kristin’s appreciation of plants was instilled in her during her Vermont childhood. She learned to identify plants from her family while they hiked along trails on their homestead. “I learned the plant families, then studied them more in-depth in college,” she says. “Some of the same plants in the North grow here, too, like sumac. Students always really like the sumac lemonade.” Although the public is prohibited from foraging in the 80-acre state park, Kristin’s students can apply their newfound knowledge in their yards or elsewhere. She advises they avoid picking near roads, where vehicular exhaust fumes settle on plants, and says to get permission when picking on private land. From Field to Table In her private 4-acre yard of upland sandhill sloping to a lake full of cattails, Peggy Lantz, a wild food expert and author, browses as if she were wandering in an outdoor marketplace filled with free produce.

The 82-year-old lives on the shores of Lake Lucy, named for her great-grandmother, whose family helped settle nearby Woodsmere west of Orlando in the early 1900s. “Cattails on the cob and cattail hearts are some of my favorites,” Peggy says. Her yard has often been an outdoor classroom. “I’ve led classes here on many occasions, and sometimes at nature centers and herbal conferences,” says Peggy. “It’s a lot of fun and something different to do outdoors. Curious friends have liked the weeds I’ve served to them.” She offers advice and recipes in “Florida’s Edible Wild Plants: A Guide to Collecting and Cooking.” “Living off the land is a romantic idea, but can be difficult in practice,” says Peggy. “I wanted to explain how to locate, identify and prepare plants that may be growing in your backyard or the nearby woods. Using leaves, flowers, seeds, berries or roots, you can make gourmet treats from wild plants.” As if she were checking off a grocery list, Peggy names a few other favorite wild plants: Spanish needles, wood sorrel, wild radishes and acorns. “In May, different plants will be available to eat in different areas of Florida, depending on weather and rainfall, sun and shade, and many other factors,” Peggy says. “Spanish needles and wood sorrel are available pretty much year-round, as are many of the plants that will make tea: blackberry leaves, pine

needles, Yaupon and other holly leaves.” With her love of the outdoors and innate curiosity, Peggy launched her lifelong quest to learn about wild edibles about 50 years ago. “I read books by Bradford Angier and Euell Gibbons, and learned from my late friend and naturalist Dick Deuerling, along with incidental comments from many individuals,” says Peggy, a member of the Native Plant Society of Florida. She studied plants more in-depth, earning certification as a Florida Master Naturalist instructor. “I’ve picked blueberries in Maine and Georgia, and rosehips and chokecherries in Minnesota,” Peggy says, noting that wherever she travels, she finds wild foods to harvest. Whatever she picks, Peggy says she bears a philosophy in mind: “Never take it all. Leave some for the animals and to propagate the species.” Peggy’s philosophy harkens to ideas that came naturally to Florida’s original foragers, the Native Americans who relied on the land for their meals. Centuries of Native Foraging To help wild plants thrive and perpetuate their life cycle, Native Americans often scattered seeds as they harvested with the idea of taking care of the plants so the plants would take care of them. For generations, the knowledge of when and how to harvest wild edible plants has been passed down

Lake Hancock provides an idyllic setting for foraging. From left, Judie Bradley, Kristin Wood and Joyce Rinehart trek through the native foliage in search of edible plants. Photo by Lucille Lane

Purslane is rich in nutrients such as omega 3. Photo by Green Deane Jordan M AY 2 0 1 6

Participants in the Florida Master Naturalist Program tour the National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in southwest Florida. Photo by Eric Zamora

Be careful. Many plants are toxic, including the water hemlock, top, and the Atamasco lily. Photos by Green Deane Jordan

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among Florida tribal members, who relied on a year-round natural pantry, says Martin Main, associate dean and program leader of extension natural resources for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Tribal members and early settlers gathered fruits, nuts, roots, grains and greens that varied by habitat, region and time of year, says Martin. The most important foods historically included cocoplum, pond apple and saw palmetto, coontie roots and the heart of the cabbage palm, commonly called swamp cabbage. “I think the interest in edible plants represents one aspect of a growing interest in learning more about nature,” says Martin. “Nibbling on the tender tip of a smilax vine or using a red bay leaf to season a stew is fun, but so is knowing what these plants are and their various values for people and wildlife.” Martin suggests novice foragers enroll in the Florida Master Naturalist Program through local county extension offices to learn more about the state’s wild plants, their environment and the conservation issues they face. The program is open to everyone. He stresses the importance of being certain of a plant’s identity. “One caveat about plants reported as edible is that they possess compounds that could cause an allergic reaction or may need special processing to make safe to consume,” he says. “So caution is advised and unless certain, it’s better to admire than to eat wild plants.” A Cornucopia in the Keys There is no mistaking the identity of many of the wild edible food in the Keys, where fruit abounds. Like others, Nick Vagnoni foraged for tropical fruit growing up in Key West. “It was just part of the landscape,” says Nick, an English professor at Florida International University and co-author with Tiffany Noe of “Forager: A Subjective Guide to Miami’s Edible Plants.” Tiffany became interested in learning about foraging for wild edible plants while working on an

organic farm in Oregon. After returning to Miami, where she was raised, she noticed plants that chefs could use to make their menus distinctive and began providing them with wild edibles. “More chefs are becoming excited to work with foraged ingredients,” says Tiffany, co-owner of the Little River Cooperative, an urban farm in Miami. Many items mentioned in their book are common in the Keys: aloe vera, banana, Brazilian pepper, coconut, key lime, mamey, mango, papaya, sapodilla, sea grape, star fruit and tamarind. Mamoncillo is often referred to as Spanish lime, although it is not a citrus and is more related to lychee. While growing up, Nick picked Spanish limes, key limes, tamarind and Barbados cherries. “Guys from the local electric company would drive up our street with their cherry picker truck and get the Spanish limes that nobody else could reach,” he recalls. “Our neighbors had sapodilla, papaya, coconut and guava. A friend of mine lived on a lane that had an abandoned lot with a mango tree on it, so after playing basketball in his driveway, we’d go down the lane and pick mangos. It was daily life down there.” No matter the locale, Kristin says every season offers a cornucopia of wild edibles. “There’s always something good to add to a meal,” she says. “Pine nuts and Spanish needle leaves make a great pesto. Then there’s creeping cucumber, tread softly tubers, Florida betony, berries for pies, nuts and so much more.” n

Nutrients Lie Within Enriched with vitamins and minerals, wild edible plants appeal to many foragers for their health benefits. hh Lotus seeds supply protein, thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese. hh Lambs quarters have 281 percent of the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin A and 111 percent for vitamin C in a single serving. hh Purslane is filled with omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese. hh Seaweed provides fiber, B vitamins, vitamins C and K, zinc, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese. hh Fiddlehead ferns contain protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins A and C, riboflavin, niacin, copper and manganese. hh Dandelions greens have vitamins A, C, E, K, many B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, calcium, iron and manganese. Source: nutritiondata.self.com

People Hunger for Guru’s Advice By Dianna Troyer

What looks like a mere shamrock is much, much more to Green Deane Jordan, Florida’s wild edible plant guru. He knows what lies within the 6-inch-tall stem topped with three heart-shaped leaves. “It’s a sorrel, properly called oxalis, and is rich in vitamin C,” he says while leading an edible plant class in Jervey Gannt Park in Ocala in central Florida. “Sorrels are like McDonald’s restaurants: No matter where you are on earth, there’s one nearby.” Considered a pesky weed to some, sorrel and dozens of other wild plants are rich in nutrients and a tasty way to enhance a meal. “The top tastes a bit like rhubarb, while the root bulb is succulent and sweet,” Green Deane says. “Like spinach, it contains oxalic acid.” He suggests the leaves and stems be used in salad or soup, and notes it makes an ideal stuffing for fish and chicken. Green Deane, 65, walks his talk. “While I’m not a health nut, eating like our great-grandparents may just be the best diet,” he says, noting he tries to eat wild food every day. “They ate real food. Today we tend to eat processed semifood stuff, what I call techno-food.” Based in Maitland, Green Deane travels statewide teaching wild edible plant classes. For those unable to attend a class, he answers questions at his website, www. eattheweeds.com, and offers YouTube videos. A few of his do’s and don’ts: XX

Learn a little at a time.

“Pick one plant a month to learn about,” Green Deane says. “The oxalis is one of the easiest to identify.” During a four-hour class, he points out other common plants that are like a botanical multivitamin: sow thistle, chickweed, wild lettuce, smilax and wild mustard. The mustard triggers memories for him of growing up in Maine, where foraging was a way of life for his family. “One summer our yard was filled with mustard and pigweed,” he says. “We ate a lot of greens that summer.”

he says. “I don’t have allergies, but there are one or two wild plants that just don’t agree with me even though I like them.” Gallberry leaf tea makes him nauseous. Too many raw smilax shoots— similar to asparagus—upset his stomach. XX

Green Deane Jordan points out features of a sow thistle during the 2015 Florida Herbal Conference. Photo by Andy Firk

Like generations before him, he often dined on dandelion greens. “Mom often handed me a table knife and paper bag and told me to go find some dandelion greens for supper,” Green Deane says. “My mother foraged, as did my grandmother and great-grandmother. I learned about plants long before I learned what their names were.” XX

Find a qualified teacher.

After moving to the Sunshine State in 1977 to study communications at the University of Central Florida, Green Deane joined the Native Plant Society to learn about local edible plants. He also took classes from renowned and beloved naturalist Dick Deuerling. Twenty years ago, after requests from friends, he started offering classes. “The quickest and safest way to learn foraging is with a local expert who will share the local information on plants that is often lacking in books published even on a regional level,” Green Deane says. He maintains a list of foraging instructors at his website. XX

Eat unfamiliar plants in small amounts.

“Take it easy when first trying a plant,”

Remember the sea.

Ocean vegetables abound, too, including sargassum seaweed, sea beans and one of his favorites, sea blite, which thrives along beaches, salt marshes, dunes and inland coastal waterways. The narrow, pointed, cylindrical leaves that are similar to a spruce have a mildly sweet and briny flavor, he says. Its green prime starts around March. “The leaves can be eaten on their own, which sometimes requires boiling twice in fresh water to reduce the salt, or added to soups or salads,” Green Deane says. XX

Be positive of a plant’s identity.

A lovely lavender Atamasco lily is deadly and resembles a wild onion. “It doesn’t have the distinctive onion aroma, though,” he says. The flowers of toxic water hemlock are sometimes mistaken for wild carrot. XX

Avoid electronic apps.

Green Deane encourages his students to identify plants and not to rely on recently released electronic apps telling people where to find so-called wild food. “It’s better to own information in your head rather than rent it in your hand,” he says. XX

Don’t overharvest.

Green Deane is confident the plants he harvests will continue to grow. “The issue of sustainability with plants that are considered weeds is more a matter of good practice than actual damage,” he says. As he ends his foraging classes, Green Deane reminds students there is such a thing as a free lunch. “You just have to know where to look in each season,” he says. “In the summer, there’s a steady supply of Spanish needles. Mulberries and chickasaw plums are quite tasty. Then in fall there are persimmons. There’s something to forage year-round.” n M AY 2 0 1 6

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Potato cakes topped with apple dip add a tasty addition to any Mother’s Day brunch.

Delicious Delights for Mom Host a beautiful brunch to pay tribute to Mom and other special women in your life this Mother’s Day

6 tablespoons canola oil 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1/2 cup grated crisp tart/sweet apple 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro and extra whole pieces for garnish

Curried Potato Cakes with Apple Cilantro Dip

Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks. Put potatoes, coconut milk, 1 cup of the regular milk, bay leaves and 1 teaspoon of salt into a medium saucepan; heat to simmer. Continue simmering, on medium to medium-high heat, until potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork—about 18 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Reserve ¼ cup of milk mixture. Drain potatoes, but do not rinse. Move potatoes to a medium mixing bowl and discard the bay leaves. Add butter to potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash until potatoes are broken down and there are no pieces left bigger than a pea. The mash does not

2 large Russet potatoes (about 1½ pounds) 1 can coconut milk 1 cup milk (2 percent or whole) 2 bay leaves 11/2 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic 1 large egg, beaten 1 cup flour, divided 16

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need to be smooth. Add reserved ¼ cup of milk mixture, cayenne, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic, ½ cup of flour and egg. Stir to combine. Mix in curry powder. To form potato cakes, divide mixture into 12 equal portions, rolling each into a ball and dredging in remaining flour. Press lightly into pancake shape (3- to 4-inch diameter) and reserve on a plate. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick frying pan. Add half of patties and fry for about 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Put cooked patties on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining patties. Make yogurt dip by combining yogurt, lime juice, apple, 1/8 teaspoon salt and cilantro. Top each potato cake with dip and garnish with whole cilantro. Courtesy of United States Potato Board

Black tea combined with sorghum syrup makes a refreshing drink.

Sweet Sorghum Tea 6 cups water 4 black tea bags 3/4 cup sorghum syrup 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup bourbon (optional) Juice of 1 orange 1 orange, washed and sliced Mint for garnish

Boil water. Remove from heat. Add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in sorghum syrup and sugar. Pour into a pitcher and refrigerate until cold. Stir in bourbon and orange juice. Add sliced oranges to pitcher. Serve over ice and garnish with mint. Courtesy of HealthySorghum.com.

Spicy Latte 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder 11/2 teaspoons sugar Pinch of ground cinnamon Pinch of ancho, chipotle or cayenne chile pepper 1 cup fat-free milk

In a serving mug, stir together espresso,

Asparagus, Swiss cheese and eggs come together for a tasty casserole.

cocoa, sugar, cinnamon and pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons milk to make a paste. Heat remaining milk in a saucepan until very hot. Pour milk into a mug and stir to blend with paste. Serve immediately. Courtesy of MilkPEP

Mini Fresh Fruit Cups with Pastry Topper 1 refrigerated pie crust 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon cinnamon 11/2 cups fresh fruit 2 teaspoons wheat germ Honey (optional) Colorful, decorative sprinkles (optional)

Heat oven to 375 F. Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Using a cookie cutter (3 inches or smaller), cut pie crust into shapes. Sprinkle shapes with sugarcinnamon mixture. Bake on parchmentlined cookie sheet for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Top with decorative sprinkles. Cool. Slice fruit into a medium bowl and mix with wheat germ. Add honey, if desired, for additional sweetness. Divide fruit into 4-ounce ramekins. Let sit until pie crust

is cool, then top fruit with one pie crust shape per dessert. You will have several pieces of leftover crust. Courtesy of Wheat Foods Council

Asparagus and Swiss Bake 2 cups cut (1-inch) asparagus spears ½ cup chopped red bell pepper ½ cup medium green onions, sliced 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided ¾ cup Bisquick mix 1½ cups milk 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning salt 3 eggs

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray an 8-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray. In a 1-quart saucepan, heat 1 inch water to boiling. Add asparagus; cook uncovered for 2 minutes. Drain. In a baking dish, mix asparagus, bell pepper and onion. In a medium bowl, combine 1½ cups of cheese and remaining ingredients until blended. Pour into baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes, until knife inserted between center and edge comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining cheese the last 5 minutes of baking. Courtesy of Betty Crocker M AY 2 0 1 6

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Value Added

“And that’s not all,” the excited voice in the advertisement squawks. “Act today and you’ll also receive ...” Hoping to entice buyers by sweetening the deal, the seller “adds value” to the package. Like the bonus of a comb or carrying case, small details in your photo compositions can be the difference between an average photograph and one that evokes an emotional response, inviting viewers to return again and again. A dark figure walking in the background, a flag awakening in a breeze, an unexpected shaft of light breaking through a bank of dark clouds, or small gestures like the tilting of a head or positioning of a hand can transform an ordinary picture into something special. The difference between a good picture and a great picture is often found in the smallest of details. Like spices seasoning a meal, accents should not overpower your primary subject. They must quietly enhance the visual flavor and add to the

The addition of a bird to a static photo of a bridge is just enough spice to give the image some life. Photo by David LaBelle

overall content of your main photographic dish. Too much seasoning can overwhelm the flavor of a meal, and too much random, unrelated clutter can ruin a photograph. “See all corners of the frame” is the advice many photography teachers tell students learning composition. Be deliberate. Position every element where you want it before you press the shutter. None of this “I’ll crop it later stuff,” they grouse. Composition is the stage you build in your viewfinder while waiting for a performance to begin. It is a deliberate act. Documentary photography is about capturing fleeting

David LaBelle is an internationally known photographer, teacher, author and lecturer. He has worked for newspapers and magazines across the United States and taught at three universities. He grew up on a frog farm in rural California, roaming the creeks and hills with his coon dogs. Many of the lessons he learned during those magical boyhood years have been applied to photography and teaching the essence of this art form. For more information, visit www.greatpicturehunt.com.

M AY 2 0 1 6

moments. A fraction of an inch or a half-second can be the difference between a compelling image and an anemic record of a person, place or event. As photojournalists, we live in those half seconds. It is within these fleeting fragments of time stories are told: a face contorts, a head tilts, a bee unexpectedly lands on a nose. Anticipating, patiently waiting for and recognizing the supportive accents that enrich a composition, is one of the traits separating craftsmen from “button-pushers.” Most of us experience happy accidents—those lucky, unplanned things that happen in our viewfinders and make our pictures better. But most seasoned photographers don’t count on luck. They believe good things come to those ready for the unexpected. Some photographers— those left alone in the woods too long—become prone to humming or chanting like monks, praying for a rainbow to appear or a string of geese

to move across the sky of their vacant compositions. I have acted similarly. Others try to “will” a deer or red fox to step out of a dark forest into golden, late afternoon light so their hairy coats will catch the day’s last rays and add magic to their chosen scene. They hope for karma from the photo-gods. While we often work hard to clean up backgrounds, positioning our cameras to block or remove distracting elements, the smallest of accents—such as a bird flying through the frame—gives life or adds value to our images. When we relax, open ourselves to the unexpected and recognize the wonder before us, magic often happens. Make sure you always have a few frames left on your card, and keep your camera turned on and mounted on your tripod until it is too dark to see. The ordinary may become extraordinary right before your eyes if you make yourself and your camera available. n

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Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

A Peek at How the Other Half Lives

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a real mansion? The past two centuries, millionaires and billionaires flocked to Florida because of the agreeable climate. Some spectacular homes and gardens have become fascinating monuments to their original owners. Here is a sampling to whet your appetite for the finer life. Edison-Ford Winter Estates Fort Myers was the winter destination for Thomas Edison and his friend and colleague Henry Ford in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The 20-acre Edison-Ford Winter Estates (www.edisonfordwinterestates.org) includes the Edison Main House, the Ford House next door, the guest house, a caretaker’s house, extensive gardens and a museum showcasing the work of these forward-thinking inventors. Edison and his wife, Mina, developed the gardens in the early 1900s as they wintered in Florida. The gardens are open for tours and feature the multitrunked Banyan trees—a fascination for all ages. The largest one on the estate takes up almost 1 acre and is a perfect spot for a memorable photo. Stop by the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory, designated in 2014 as a National Historic Chemical Landmark

by the American Chemical Society. The website lists what’s in bloom each month.

Stetson Mansion The Victorian winter home of John B. Stetson, the founder of the famous hat company and one of the first major benefactors of DeLand’s Stetson University, is about 40 minutes northeast of Orlando. The Stetson Mansion (www.stetsonmansion.com) is now privately owned, but is open for several levels of tours that can include the thirdfloor bedrooms and even the private living quarters of the current owners. Extensively restored, the 10,000-square-foot home was built in the 1880s in the middle of an orange grove. It showcases intricate parquet floors and many period antiques and artifacts, including some of the earliest electrical fixtures installed by Thomas Edison himself. The guest house, originally built as a schoolhouse, is known for its nearly 16-foottall Polynesian ceiling. Tour reservations are required. Vizcaya Industrialist John Deering of International Harvester fame created Vizcaya (www.Vizcaya. org) in the early 1900s in Miami. It took nearly a dozen

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 accomplished sailor. Her website is www.pamelakeene.com.

M AY 2 0 1 6

Elaborately adorned Viscaya draws visitors from around the globe. Photo by Bill Sumner

years to plan and build. Much of the interior design is the result of involvement by Paul Chalfin, a well-known artisan who had hoped Vizcaya would launch his interior design career among the wealthy. However, his extravagant and expensive embellishments likely discouraged prospective employers. The formal gardens were modeled after similar gardens in Europe. Travel Tidbits • The University of Florida’s Whitney Laboratory in (www.whitney.ufl.edu) has a new sea turtle hopsital in St. Augustine, off the Intracoastal waterway. It is being used for research, public education and as a rehabilitative facility. • MSN Travel says the best beach in Florida is Barefoot

Beach Preserve County Park (www.friendsofbarefootbeach. org) just north of Naples in Bonita Springs. In selecting it from among more than 1,300 miles of Florida coastline, MSN cited its location on one of the last remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Southwest Florida. The preserve comprises 342 acres and a “pristinely perfect mile” with white sand and tiny shells. • The best view in the Sunshine State is from the Viceroy Miami’s 50th floor (www.viceroyhotelsandresorts. com/en/miami), according to MSN. It is no wonder, given the east-to-west panorama from Biscayne Bay to the Everglades. The rooftop pool and club with a 300-foot-long pool complex and an 80-person hot tub probably factored into the voting. n

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Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

Submit Events Want to share a familyfriendly event? Please send details to info@florida currents.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, please include it along with photo credit information.

Through May 29, Islamorada The Work of Photojournalist Arthur Rothstein Forty photographs taken in the Keys by Arthur Rothstein during the Great Depression in 1938 are displayed at the Keys History & Discovery Center, MM 82. The images showcase residents trying to make a living on the streets of bankrupt Key West and scenes from Upper and Lower Matecumbe. The center is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12, $10 for seniors and free for children 13 and younger. www.keysdiscovery.com; (305) 922-2237

May 2, Panama City Beach Happy 80th Birthday Enjoy live music, beach games, a photo booth and a dance floor evoking memories of Panama City Beach’s famous “Hangout” beachside pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the county pier. Food and drinks will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a commemorative birthday cake for Panama City Beach cut and served at 1 p.m. info@visitpanamacitybeach.com

May 4-6, Pensacola Naval Aviation Symposium The goal of the annual gathering of dignitaries is to preserve the rich and proud heritage of U.S. Naval Aviation by highlighting historic events in which it has played a major role. Admission to panel discussions and special presentations is free. www.navalaviationmuseum.org; (850) 453-2389

May 4-8, Key West 21st annual Songwriters’ Festival This showcase features America’s performing songwriters, with concerts in intimate settings. www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com; (305) 304-0814

May 6, Nationwide National Public Gardens Day To raise awareness about the role America’s public gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship, many member institutions will mark the day with special events. Participants include Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. www.publicgardens.org

May 6, Pensacola Beach Stargazing Join Fort Pickens Park staff and Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association volunteers for a night out under the stars. Get an upclose view of celestial objects and learn more about the night sky. Telescopes will be available for use. Meet at the Battery Worth Picnic Area at 6 p.m. (850) 934-2600

Photo by Cindy Higginbotham

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Ten hot air balloons light the night sky at the Tanger Outlets Thursday, May 5, in Foley Alabama, at the 12th annual event. Buy tickets for tethered rides Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, and watch the night glow both evenings at the Foley Sports Complex. Other activities include a Frisbee dog show, a 5K run, arts and craft vendors and live music. For more information, visit www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.

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May 6-7, Callaway Relay For Life Join the nationwide fight against cancer at the 12-hour fundraising event at Callaway Recreational Complex beginning at 6 p.m. www.relayforlife.org/eastsidefl; (850) 785-9205

May 7, Panama City Beach 34th annual Gulf Coast Triathlon Headquartered at Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort, the event includes sprint and half-iron contests for individuals and teams. www.gulfcoasttriathlon.com; (850) 329-5445

May 7, Perdido Key Rosamond Johnson Day Share in a special remembrance of the Korean War hero and Purple Heart recipient who was killed at age 17 while attempting to save fellow soldiers. The celebration is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gulf Islands National Seashore. www.visitperdido.com; (850) 492-4660

May 7, Marianna 2nd annual Art in the Park Sunland Center presents its show from 10 a.m. to noon at Sunland Environmental Park. (850) 482-9281

May 8, Lake Wales Mother’s Day at Bok Tower Gardens Give Mom an entire garden with free admission to all mothers. Enjoy live carillon concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. www.boktowergardens.org; (863) 676-1408

May 11, Lake Wales Worm Farming Lunch and Learn Polk County University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension presents information about worms, their need for bedding, what they eat, a little anatomy and recycling advantages. Make a mini worm farm to take home. No reservations are required for the event at noon at Bok Tower Gardens. www.boktowergardens.org; (863) 676-1408

May 12-15, Key Largo Key Largo Original Music Festival More than 30 musicians and bands are featured on multiple stages at waterfront venues. www.keylargoorginalmusicfest.com; (305) 394-3736

May 14, Pensacola Fiesta Family Weekend Visit Bayview Park for a treasure hunt, games and beach adventures geared for the entire family. www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; (850) 433-6512

May 14, Panama City Beach 3rd annual Ride to Remember The charity five-stop poker run raises funds for veterans and active military scholarships at Gulf Coast

Photo by Freddy Stewart

Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival

The waters off Marathon’s Sombrero Beach host dragon boat races beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 14. The event features local corporate and community teams, and competitive and recreational club teams from around the southeast. Racing concludes about 2 p.m., with awards and music following. Food, beverages, merchandise and entertainment are shoreside. Proceeds benefit Heron-Peacock Supported Living. For more information, visit www.battleinthebaydragonboat.com or call (813) 426-3544. State College. It begins at Gulf Coast State College Military Park at 9 a.m. and ends at Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach at 3 p.m. www.pcbharley.com; (850) 334-0055

May 14, Lake Placid 9th annual Blueberry Festival Tour the farm, pick blueberries, enjoy food and wine, and listen to music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Henscratch Farms. Admission is free. www.henscratchfarms.com; (863) 699-2060

May 14, Sebring Saturday Night Cruise See classic cars, listen to live entertainment and enjoy food from 5 to 8 p.m. at the downtown circle. www.sebringcruise.com

May 14-15, Pensacola 2nd annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day Taste lionfish, watch celebrity chef and fillet demonstrations, and enjoy family-friendly activities

at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Plaza de Luna Park. Nearly 3,000 invasive lionfish were removed last year. www.reefrangers.com; (850) 617-6919

May 18, Islamorada “Immerse Yourself! Hyperbaric Chamber” Scott Fowler of Mariners Hospital is the featured speaker at a free lecture at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, MM 83. www.divingmuseum.org; (305) 664-9737

May 21, Pensacola 2nd annual Escambia High School Football Car Show All years, makes and models are welcome from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the high school. Registration is $25 or $20 in advance. The event benefits the school’s football program. Enjoy food, music and vendor booths. www.escambiafootball.com; (850) 361-8688

May 21, Wewahitchka 26th annual Tupelo Honey Festival Taste and take home this delicacy from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Alice Park. Enjoy food, arts and crafts, live music and a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.tupelohoneyfestival.com; (850) 639-2605

May 21, Lake Wales Armed Forces Day Carillon Concerts Honor the brave men and women of our armed forces who have given their lives to preserve our freedom for concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. Admission is free for active, retired and disabled veterans of all military branches with valid ID. www.boktowergardens.org; (863) 676-1408

May 25, Islamorada Last Train to Paradise: Here Two Decades, Gone in One Night Author and Florida International University Professor Les Standiford

speaks at 6 p.m. at the Keys History & Discovery Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. Reservations are suggested. info@keysdiscovery.com; (305) 922-2237

May 28-29, Panama City Beach EVP Volleyball Gulf Coast Championship Teams compete to qualify for August’s world championships and spectators see elite athletes compete for honors on the sand and interact with the pros by participating in contests and promotions at Russell Fields Pier. www.evptour.com; (312) 287-5988

May 30, Lake Wales Memorial Day Carillon Concerts Hear a musical salute of gratitude to our nation’s veterans and members of America’s armed forces at 1 and 3 p.m. Admission is free to active, retired and disabled military from all branches with valid ID. www.boktowergardens.org; (863) 676-1408

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Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Change Can Be a Good Thing Fishing is like anything else: If you keep doing it the same way, don’t expect a different result. Let’s face it. We all fall victim to routine: fishing in the same places, using the same lures, doing the same things over and over. Every once in a while, it’s beneficial to reassess how we do things and change it up when it makes sense. Here are five tips that may offer a refreshing and rewarding change: • Reorganize your tackle box. Arrange it so you can find everything quickly. Also, remove ineffective and rarely used lures and other tackle. • Lighten up. That goes for rod, reel, line and sinker. Fishing with light gear can be more challenging, and many anglers consider it to be more satisfying. • Start anew. If you’re too attached to that banged up old reel or just making due with a rod that has seen its better days, take the plunge and replace it. Don’t skimp on quality. Invest in gear and tackle that will last, do its job and not fail you at a critical moment.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

• Don’t be afraid to experiment. Have an open mind to new tackle and new techniques, and take the time to thoroughly test them in the field before adopting or rejecting them. • Go for a change of scenery. Fight the habit of driving to the same old, triedand-true fishing holes. Take a risk and venture into the unknown. Sure, you may get skunked a time or two, but you also might find the next great sweet spot. Returning Sturgeon Provide Safety Reminder The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages boaters to be extra vigilant on the Suwannee River this time of year. Gulf sturgeon—which can exceed

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 having the opportunity to write about the outdoors and other subjects for more than 30 years.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologists weigh a Gulf sturgeon. This imposing-looking fish averages 40 pounds, but it can exceed 170 pounds. The annual population of sturgeon in the Suwannee River is estimated at 10,000. Researchers have determined sturgeon jump in order to communicate with other fish and to gulp air to fill their swim bladders.

170 pounds and leap 7 feet out of the water—have made their annual migration into the popular river. Injuries and even death can occur when boaters collide with sturgeon and other jumping fish. Last year, a child was killed and eight others injured by this type of accident. “The best course of action is to go slow, wear your life jacket and keep people off the bow of the boat,” suggests Major Andy Krause, FWC regional commander. As river levels drop, the frequency of jumping may increase. Also, sturgeon tend to jump more in holding areas along the river, such as above Jack’s Sandbar, between Fanning Springs and Usher Landing, and below the confluence of the Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers. Outdoors 101: A Cool Head is Your No. 1 Emergency Tool A sense of panic can set in when you suddenly find yourself lost, injured or in some

other unpleasant predicament on the water or in the wild. When panic strikes, your ability to think clearly and assess your situation is severely impaired. The most important thing you can do is stay calm. Take time to breathe, clear your thoughts and try to keep panic at bay. Then you can begin to assess your situation rationally and take steps to deal with the situation. What Holiday is It? May: National Barbecue Month May 8-14: National Wildflower Week May 15-21 National Bike Week Got a Tip or a Whopper? Send us your favorite outdoor tip, photo or story. If selected for publication, we will send you $25 for one-time use of the item. When sending a photo, identify people and pets, and tell us the story behind the picture. Email your submission to info@ floridacurrents.com. 

Gulf Coast

Trading Post For Rent Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. (740) 334-0341. Four-bedroom, one-bath, 1,800-sq.-ft. home in Scotts Ferry. Rents monthly. (850) 265-0872 or (850) 674-6409. Three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home in Lynn Haven. Great room with fireplace, two-car garage, privacy-fenced backyard and shaded, private patio. Quiet, friendly neighborhood on low-traffic street. Lease/purchase possible. $1,265 a month. (850) 271-0289. Three-bedroom, two-bath home in Lynn Haven. Garage and wooded area behind backyard. On a cul-de-sac. $1,035 a month. (850) 271-0289.

For Sale Medline blood pressure cuff, stethoscope. Perfect working order, $25 for both. (850) 773-1970. Mobile home steps. Five steps with handrails on both sides. Black metal with pressure-treated wooden steps. New in June 2015. Located at Howard Creek. $50. (850) 227-6679. Pomegranates, figs and lemons. (850) 639-9698.

Quarter horses. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957. 36-ft. Special Forces boat. High-speed, fiberglass, full flotation, fire retardant, full propeller protection, 455 hp 2300 RPM Detroit diesel, roomy cabin, tow system, hynoutic steering, 40 total hours on engine and 514 c 2 tol twin disc hydraulic transmission, new 4 blade 28x28 propeller. Beautiful, extra-strong, built for towing or commercial work. $40,000, firm. (850) 8142763 or (904) 403-0315. 20-ft. pontoon boat with lift trailer and 17-ft. Sylvan bass boat, aluminum with 75 hp Suzuki. Reasonable prices. (850) 639-3266 or (850) 381-4530. Miniature donkeys. Jacks and Jennys, black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up. Make great pets. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424. Trees: pomegranate, 10 varieties of figs, Japanese snowball, dwarf sweet lady finger banana and lemongrass. (850) 639-9698.

sound, surveillance equipment, digital thermostats, whole-house water filters, washer and dryer, showerheads, weather-stripping, curtain rods and blinds, etc. For details and free estimates, call (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or email proactivems@outlook.com. Complete home maintenance service: replace filters, clean A/C coils, flush water heater, clean dryer vent, clean drains, lubricate hinges, locks and doors. Inspect all home equipment, including fireplace, fire extinguisher, garage door opener/motor, well pump and sprinkler system. Free estimates. (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or email proactivems@outlook.com.

Real Estate FSBO. Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build. Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Has underground utilities, deep well and many fruit trees. $69,900. (850) 648-4214. ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220.

Miscellaneous Home service installations: child protection devices, pet doors, closet and garage shelving/ organizers, flat-screen TV mounts, surround

Two- or three-bedroom cabin. About 1,200 sq. ft. with large screened porch. 150 ft. on West Arm Creek in Meeks subdivision. (850) 271-9040.

Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE. Please circle the category that applies:

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Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com.

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2016 Miss Tupelo Pageant May 14, 2016 Saturday - 6pm CST at Wewahitchka High School Benefits: Wewahitchka Gator Track Team For More Information: Mary Holley 832-7006

ARMED FORCES DAY

MAY 21, 2016

MAY 21, 2016 TUPELO HONEY FESTIVAL

Tupelo Blood Drive May 21, 2016 Saturday 9 am – 2 pm For More Information: Tammy Bevis, One Blood 850-394-7353

SATURDAY, 9:00AM – 4:00PM CST 111 Lake Alice Park Drive, Wewahitchka, FL 32465

Arts & Crafts Festival Home of the Country’s finest Tupelo Honey, farmers from the area will have booths of honey in packages, along with food vendors, arts & crafts, and live entertainment by Dickey Merritt & The Original Bama Jam right on the banks of mossy Lake Alice. Benefits: Scholarships for Graduating 2016 Seniors For More Info: Michael Gortman or Leigh Little Newsome 850-639-2605 or 850-340-3002

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EMPLOYEES CLUB OF THE CITY OF WEWAHITCHKA P.O. Box 966 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 850-639-2605 850-340-3002 TupeloHoneyFestival.com Email: info@tupelohoneyfestival. com

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Gulf Coast

Move Over

Legislation protecting emergency workers was expanded in 2014 to include utility vehicles All Florida drivers should be aware of the state’s “Move Over” law, enacted in 2002 and amended in 2014. The law states drivers approaching a law enforcement or emergency vehicle parked along the roadway must slow to a speed 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit if traveling on a two-lane roadway. If traveling on a roadway with multiple lanes of traffic in the same direction, drivers must vacate the lane closest to the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Drivers may not be aware of an amendment to the law that was effective July 1, 2014. As of this date, the law has been expanded to include sanitation and utility vehicles. The jobs of our line technicians are hazardous and can become even more dangerous when they work on the ground around traffic. Let’s work together to follow the law, pay attention, slow down, move over and stay safe. n

Utility crews work along a roadway. State law requires motorists to move over and give crews room to work.

Specific Requirements On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to 5 miles per hour. XX If driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer. XX Violating the Move Over law can result in a fine and points on your license. XX XX

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One Life Makes a Difference How the death of a Supreme Court justice could affect the cost you pay for electricity

The butterfly effect describes how small events can have large effects. It is a concept named by mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz that refers to how a butterfly in Africa might circulate air that ends up as a hurricane in the United States. If the beat of a butterfly’s wings can cause a hurricane, how might one person’s life change the world? The easy response is that with so many people on the planet, no one life could affect us all. But sometimes it is clear that one life can have widespread and long-lasting effects. This idea comes to mind with the death of Antonin Gregory Scalia. Politics, the Courts and the EPA Scalia was a U.S. Supreme Court justice who died February 13. He served on the high court for 30 years after his appointment by President Ronald Reagan. He was known as an outspoken judge who used humor and satire in arguing issues. Scalia was referred to as a “textualist” because he held to the plain meaning of the text of the Constitution. He was the principal voice

Commentary By Gary Smith President and CEO

for conservative values on the Supreme Court. Justice Scalia’s absence certainly will lead to more liberal decisions in several significant cases now before the court. Those include abortion rights, affirmative action plans, voting rights and rules, the power of labor unions, contraception dissemination under Obamacare and immigration policy. His death will even affect issues not before the court. His replacement must be nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Republican Senate leadership has said a Supreme Court nominee will not be considered until a new

president is elected. That political strategy could affect the presidential and Senate elections this fall. Those elections will set the path for U.S. leadership for years to come. Justice Scalia’s death increases the odds that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will prevail in litigation to determine the applicability of the Clean Power Plan released last summer. Twenty-four states and hundreds of businesses and individuals sued the EPA, arguing against the agency’s authority to impose the plan. The Clean Power Plan litigation is being considered by the Washington, D.C., Circuit Court. But just four days before Justice Scalia’s death, the Supreme Court issued an unprecedented stay in the case, precluding the EPA from enforcing the rule until all litigation has been resolved. The grounds for the stay were based on whether the rule would result in irreparable damage and the likelihood it would ultimately be upheld by the court. The logical conclusion from issuance of the stay was that five Supreme Court justices—which included Justice Scalia— thought there was a considerable likelihood the rule would not withstand the lawsuit. The Future of Fuel Prices With Justice Scalia’s death, the Supreme Court will operate with eight justices until the president nominates and the

Senate confirms a replacement. A 4-4 split by the Supreme Court would affirm the lower court’s decision. It seems likely the lower court will affirm the EPA plan because two of its three judges are Democratic appointees. Without a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, a tie vote is likely, affirming the circuit court. If Justice Scalia’s replacement is appointed by a Democratic president, it is even more likely the Clean Power Plan will stand. The Clean Power Plan would virtually eliminate coal as a fuel to produce electricity. While coal has traditionally been a low-cost fuel, lowercost natural gas recently has replaced coal as the more economical fuel. However, looking to the future, increasing demand for natural gas means its price is likely to increase. A favorable ruling for the EPA on the Clean Power Plan also will likely spark an EPA attack on natural gas fracking. It is likely the convergence of those two factors will lead to much higher natural gas prices and higher electric costs for you. With Justice Scalia’s support, it appeared we were in a favorable position on the Clean Power Plan to maintain coal as a viable fuel to produce electricity. With his death, it appears we are not. Just like the beat of a butterfly’s wing, one life can make a difference. n M AY 2 0 1 6

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Last Chance to Share Your Story What do you collect? Maybe it is valuable in financial terms, or maybe the true value is in the memories the collection evokes. This woman collects Cabbage Patch Kids. Her current count: 1,079. Please share your collection with the readers of Florida Currents—whether your caboodle involves high-end cars, rusty old trucks, porcelain figurines, stuffed animals, old containers or anything else. Send us a high-resolution (1,000KB or larger) photo of you pictured with your items. Tell us about your collection, detailing what you have accumulated, highlighting your favorite treasures and explaining—if you can—why you collect. If we use your submission, we will pay you $25. Both a photo and story are required. The deadline is May 13. Please do not miss this opportunity to share your prized possessions. The story will appear in the July edition of Florida Currents. Email your photo and information to info@floridacurrents.

com, putting “Collectors” in the subject line. Include your name, postal address and the name of your electric cooperative. Submissions also can be made via regular mail: Florida Currents, Collectors, 5605 NE Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124. n We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot, and pay $25 for one-time use. Please send your best shots (must be a minimum 1,000 KB file size), along with the story behind the photo and your name and mailing address (for payment) to photos@floridacurrents.com.

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Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392 9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 Phone: (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com

CEO/General Manager Michael E. White

Trustees President Waylon Graham Vice President Jimmy Black Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Rupert Brown Doug Birmingham Robert Byrd Gary Cox Kinneth Daniels Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November). The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing cost effective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce. 32

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GCEC President’s Message

Become a Co-op Voter

As a member-owned electric cooperative, voting is in our DNA. It is how we maintain an electric utility responsive to the consumers it serves, and plays a crucial part in our representative democracy. Federal, state and local elections offer an opportunity to exercise a civic responsibility—to select the best leaders for our communities. Yet in places across America—even those served by electric cooperatives—citizens are not exercising that right. In the 2012 national elections, voter turnout dropped overall, but the decline in rural counties was 18 percent—twice that of Waylon Graham the nation as a whole. When voters miss the chance to vote, they lose the opportunity to communicate their concern to our leaders about the issues that matter to us, where we work, live and raise families. Reliable electricity is just one of the issues we all care about. It only becomes a priority if enough people show elected officials they are paying attention. Registering to vote and voting are the most effective ways to send this message. When we go to the polls with the cooperative principle of “Concern for Community” in mind, we instantly improve our political system. It is a system designed to produce a government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” People like you and me. I would like you to join me in a new initiative to get every eligible person registered to vote—you, me, our family and friends—and take the pledge to become a co-op voter. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative has joined America’s electric cooperatives in launching a campaign to get out the vote and insert issues important to co-ops into the public discussion. Called “Co-ops Vote,” this effort will help boost voter turnout in areas served by cooperatives across the country to ensure our voices are heard loud and clear every day—especially on Election Day. Visit www.vote.coop and take the pledge to support your community and electric cooperative when casting your vote in 2016. The website offers information on your elected officials and candidates, the voter registration process, election dates and locations, and background about key co-op issues we want our elected leaders to understand. The nonpartisan program was developed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association—the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives. With 42 million members across the nation, electric co-ops are a powerful voice on national issues that have a local impact. If you have any questions, please visit www.vote.coop or contact us at (800) 5683667. I hope to see you at the polls!

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!