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Florida Keys Electric Cooperative

J U LY 2017

FKEC Introduces Solar Loan Program

To help make access to solar power easier for members, FKEC is now offering a competitive loan program for solar arrays and/or solar battery storage systems. The solar loan program is structured so the monthly loan payment is conveniently included and payable with your FKEC electric bill.

See page 4

Students Visit FKEC PAGE 6

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Mixon and Mulholland Retire PAGE 7

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Members acknowledge that $4.08, 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. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services. MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for Florida Currents, query first. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for writer’s guidelines. Address requests and queries to Ruralite Services. DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

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Trend Offset Printing Services 10301 Busch Drive North Jacksonville, FL 32218 © 2017 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Five Tips to Help Keep Your Cool It’s hot out there. That means your air conditioner or heat pump is working hard. Unfortunately, most of us—without thinking— make it work even harder. Here are five tips to reduce how hard your cooling system has to work, save energy and keep your house cooler. • Use a microwave or other small cooking appliances whenever possible. They create less heat than a full-size oven or cooktop. An added benefit is they use less energy, too. • Line-dry your clothes to avoid heating

up the house with the clothes dryer. If it’s an extremely humid day, hang them to dry indoors. • Incandescent lighting produces a small amount of heat. As they burn out, replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs. If nothing else, keep lights turned off as much as possible. • Turn off computers and other heatproducing electronics when not in use. • Do you still have a big, bulky tube TV? They produce a significant amount of heat. Flat-screen TVs are more energy efficient and produce much less heat than tube TVs. 

Inside

July 2017 Vol. 6, No. 9

Chasing the Thrill 12

Despite the risks, extreme sports offer a rush that keeps enthusiasts coming back for more. 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, 26, 32 Proudly serving you since 1940

J U LY 2 0 1 7

July-2017-2_Layout 1 6/13/17 2:54 PM Page 2

FKEC NEWS J U LY 2 0 1 7

FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.

W W W. F K E C . C O M

SCOTT NEWBERRY Chief Executive Officer

Member Owned Since 1940

BOARD OF DIRECTORS James J. Boilini District 1, Key Largo • President Gretchen Holland District 1, Key Largo • Vice President Cale Smith District 3, Islamorada • Treasurer Michael H. Puto District 4, Marathon • Secretary David C. Ritz District 1, Key Largo Craig Belcher District 2, Tavernier Joseph Roth District 2, Tavernier George D. Hertel District 3, Islamorada Karl M. Wagner District 4, Marathon

P.O. Box 377, Tavernier, FL 33070

MEMBERS SHOULD KNOW: Learn more about FKEC’s “green” initiatives, programs and services at www.fkec.com/Green/ Unless otherwise noted, “FKEC NEWS” writing, design & photography by:

Nikki Dunn • news@fkec.com Edited by: Rebecca Callahan Newman

JULY 2017

FKEC Solar Loans: Payable with your Electric Bill Enabling our members to explore and implement green energy practices is always a goal at Florida Keys Electric Cooperative. In an effort to help you, our members, have financial access to solar power generation, we are happy to introduce our Solar Loan program.

consumers must have a minimum of a 12-month “clean” billing history with FKEC, and commercial members must have a minimum of 24-months.

Solar Loan Program

Solar Interconnectivity

The program offers a streamlined application process, along with the convenience of having your loan payment payable with your monthly electric bill. Approved members may receive a loan, less any available qualified rebates, up to $20,000 for the purchase and installation of a grid-tied Distributed Energy Resource (DER) system. This includes distributed renewable solar photovoltaic systems and grid-tied battery storage systems – All of which must be installed by a qualified solar installer. The program is offered to both our residential and commercial members, and repayment of the competitively priced loan is 10 years or less with no penalty if paid off early. Qualifying for the FKEC Solar Loan is based solely on the applicants credit history with FKEC. Residential

This loan program ties in with the solar interconnectivity service we already offer. FKEC began offering solar interconnectivity in 2004, to make it easy for solar homes to draw power from the local power grid while also producing their own solar energy. We currently have 47 interconnected members, and growing. Interconnectivity also allows FKEC to incorporate more solar power into its system by buying back the surplus generated by the solar homes. As a member-owned co-op, it is our duty to serve our members to the best of our ability. This includes offering programs and services that address your interests and needs. By offering this loan option, we hope to help make solar generation financially possible for members interested in pursuing the green dream.

July-2017-2_Layout 1 6/13/17 2:54 PM Page 3

Interested in Solar? Finance with FKEC! Florida Keys Electric Cooperative is committed to making access to solar power generation possible for interested members. To help make purchasing a solar photovoltaic systems and/or grid-tied battery storage system easier, FKEC is now offering a loan program to qualified members. With the FKEC Solar Loan program, there is no need for third party lending. Itâ€™s easy, obtain a solar loan from FKEC and make convenient payments through your monthly electric bill.

How do I qualify? Qualifying for the loan is based solely on your credit history with FKEC. Residential members must have a minimum 12-month clean billing history with FKEC and commercial members must have 24 months.

What are the terms of the loan? FKEC will be offering competitively priced, simple interest rate loans, less any available qualified rebates, up to $20,000 for the purchase and installation of a grid-tied Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems, including distributed renewable solar photovoltaic systems and grid-tied battery storage systems installed by a qualified solar installer. Repayment of the loan is 10 years or less, with no penalty if paid off early.

How do I start the application process? Start by calling FKEC member service at 305-852-2431 to see if you are eligible. Also, review the seven steps to obtaining a solar loan (see right) and/or access information at www.FKEC.com

SEVEN SIMPLE STEPS to a SOLAR LOAN 1. Contact FKEC Member Service to determine your eligibility and obtain current interest rate 2. Select your qualified solar installer 3. Complete the FKEC Solar Loan Program application 4. FKEC will review the application and notify the member of approval or denial 5. Follow FKECâ€™s interconnection process www.fkec.com/Green/interconnectivity.cfm 6. Complete all FKEC Solar Loan Program documents

7. REPAY THE LOAN WITH YOUR MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILL To learn more contact FKEC Member Service at 305-852-2431 or visit www.FKEC.com JULY 2017

July-2017-2_Layout 1 6/13/17 2:54 PM Page 4

Ivan Mixon Retires After Three Decades FKEC recently celebrated the retirement of 30-year employee Ivan Mixon. Mixon joined the cooperative as an Oiler Trainee in the Marathon Generation Facility in 1987. He later became an Operator Mechanic, and then after completing the proper training he was promoted to Senior Operator Mechanic. “Ivan has been a pleasure to work with,” said Substation and Generation Manager Keith Hargrove. “I appreciate all he has taught me about the generation plant since I joined FKEC nearly two years ago. He’s a constant professional and great guy.” Throughout his years at the generation facility, Mixon saw and adapted to many changes in the operation of the plant. He also participated in many generation plant tours helping teach our members about the generation of electricity and history of the facility. He also served as a Visible Emission Evaluator for the Facility. “Ivan’s years of hard work are greatly appreciated and his experience irreplaceable,” said Marathon Manager & Director of Distribution Ops Darrell Birkhimer. “We will miss his dedication to his job and his friendship. Good luck in your retirement Ivan.” Mixon and his wife look forward to splitting their time between their home in North Florida on Lake Talquin and their home in Marathon.

Co-op Career Opportunities Florida Keys Electric Cooperative is proud to employ over 110 local residents in the Upper and Middle Keys. To learn more about cooperative career opportunities at FKEC visit www.employee.fkec.com/careers/ 6

JULY 2017

Photo by Sara Hamilton

Ornelas Promoted to Member Service Rep. Veronica Ornelas recently earned a promotion to Member Service Representative. Ornelas joined FKEC in 2011, first on a parttime basis, then as a full-time office clerk at the Tavernier office. She later worked as a Consumer Accounts Representative before earning her current promotion. When not working she enjoys reading, running and spending time with her children, Gigi, Luis and Geovana.

July-2017-2_Layout 1 6/13/17 2:54 PM Page 5

Shawn Mulholland Retires After 33 Years FKEC recently said farewell to long-standing employee Shawn Mulholland who retires after 33 years with the Cooperative. Mulholland joined FKEC as a Member Service Representative in 1984, later earning a promotion to Member Service Supervisor. As the Member Service Supervisor, Mulholland led his department in quality customer service. “Shawn has been a great leader, teacher and friend,” said fellow Member Service Representative Maria Jones. “I appreciate Shawn for sharing his knowledge throughout the years, and for playing an intricate role in leaving Member Service prepared to run smoothly in his absence. We will miss him.” During his time at FKEC, Mulholland addressed bill inquiries, answered consumer questions, preformed energy audits, promoted energy savings, made community outreach presentations and much more. “Shawn has been a great asset not only to this company but to our members. His commitment to customer service, as well as community awareness of electrical safety and energy efficiency has been invaluable,” said CEO Scott Newberry. “Thank you Shawn. Have a happy retirement and enjoy your time on the golf course.” Mulholland will be moving to North Florida, where he looks forward to perfecting his golf game, and spending time with friends and his rescue dog, Ace. “FKEC is a great company. I’ve been so fortunate to work with amazing people who are more like family, and to serve a great community,” said Mulholland. “Thank you all for the great memories.”

Contributed photo

Jones Promoted to Member Service Supervisor FKEC congratulates Maria Jones on her promotion to Member Service Supervisor. As supervisor, Jones is responsible for ensuring members receive quality customer service. In her position, she oversees the two Member Service Representatives, and together the department addresses members needs including bill inquires, conducting community outreach and safety presentations, spearheads energy saving programs and much more. Jones joined FKEC in the Billing

department in 2000. Shortly after, she transferred to Engineering where she worked as the department secretary before being promoted AUTOCAD Technician. In 2005, Jones was promoted to Member Service Representative in Tavernier. In that position she has excelled earning her current position of supervisor. FKEC is proud of their Member Service team who consists of Jones, T.J. Patterson and Veronica Ornelas. Together they offer nearly four decades of utility customer service. JULY 2017

July-2017-2_Layout 1 6/13/17 2:54 PM Page 6

Switlik Students Visit FKEC Photos by T.J. Patterson and Lucy Miranda

Before the end of the 2017 school year, FKEC hosted a group of 18 students from Stanley Switlik’s school enrichment program. The visit wrapped up the classes study of electricity. FKEC’s T.J. Patterson led the students on a tour of the facility, starting in the Marathon warehouse where each child received their own hard hat. The tour continued to the generation facility. There, students learned about power production, and two lucky kids got to push the button to start up a generator. The students were also treated to FKEC’s live line safety demonstration. “You could tell by the questions the students were asking that they enjoyed the demo and also had been studying electricity,” said Patterson. FKEC appreciates the opportunity to offer a tour to the first through third graders. The students’ knowledge and interest in electricity was impressive.

During the live line safety demo, volunteer Eva White helped FKEC’s Jason Richards and Billy Goodwin complete a circuit to light up a bulb.

Students, and teacher Merlou Robinson, from Stanley Switlik’s enrichment program concluded a lesson on electricity by visiting the FKEC Marathon generation facility.

FKEC’s Keith Hargrove shows students outdoor equipment including fuel storage for the generators.

FKEC’s T.J. Patterson began the tour in the warehouse where each child received their own hard hat.

JULY 2017

A student pushes the button to start one of the generators.

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Sailing Into History Businessman returns home to Apalachicola and helps restore the town’s maritime museum and heritage By Pamela A. Keene

Postcards From Florida

Longboat Key

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Shooting directly into the late afternoon sun produces a silhouette effect of a daughter and mother on the beach at Longboat Key. “It looks like the light is beaming us up,” says Katherine Frank. 10

J U LY 2 0 1 7

River water runs in his veins. As a fourth-generation Floridian with maritime roots, George Kerwin Floyd lives his mission of ecology and historic preservation in his hometown of Apalachicola. In the past eight years, George has brought the Apalachicola Maritime Museum back to life, introduced a wooden-boat-building school that attracts people from across the country and introduced ecological heritage cruising to this once-sleepy Gulf Coast oystering town. George’s latest endeavor is a five-year labor of love—with a bit of financial support thrown in—as he shepherds restoration of a riverboat paddle-wheeler replica once owned by the late Debbie Reynolds. Christened the Patty Gordon when it was launched in 1983, it was renamed the Jean Mary. Moored in St. Augustine in 2012, George acquired the boat from the Reynolds family and began stem-to-stern restoration at a shipyard in Jacksonville. Two years ago, George moved it to a marina on the St. Johns River in Green Cove Springs, where work continued. The vessel has been completely updated—from the hull and engines to the passenger cabins and the new commercial kitchen. George estimates more than 110,000 man-hours have gone into the project. The restored paddleboat will take its 850-mile relocation voyage from its current port at Green Cove’s Reynolds Park Marina and Boat Yard to Apalachicola. It will head through the coastal waterways of Florida’s east coast, stopping at a half-dozen towns before crossing the state via the Okeechobee Waterway to emerge on the gulf for a 250-mile openwater cruise northward to Apalachicola. “Once we move her to her permanent home at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, she’ll be formally re-christened the Samuel Floyd in honor of my

great-great-grandfather Samuel Augustus Floyd, who sailed these waters in the mid1800s,” George says. “We’re restoring her original beauty and elegance and bringing paddle wheeling back to the Apalachicola River for the first time in more than 75 years.” The Samuel Floyd will be used for excursions and as a special event venue for weddings, corporate meetings and family reunions. The plan also includes weekend and weeklong excursions up the Apalachicola. The paddle-wheeler has six wellappointed staterooms featuring private baths, hardwood floors, wood trim and queen-sized beds. It has a wood-paneled library/salon with a working fireplace and a paneled dining room that can seat 16. A successful businessman with a career in health information technology, George entered a new phase of his life about 10 years ago when he retired from the corporate world. With a passion for the environment and deep Florida roots, he left Atlanta and moved back to Apalachicola. One of his first projects was to bring the maritime museum back to life. “We wanted to bring the museum’s former flagship, the Governor Stone, back home, but she had been permanently moved westward,” George says. The 63-foot two-masted schooner, listed as a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1877. It is now moored at St. Andrews Marina in Panama City, where it serves as a floating classroom.

Photo by Pam Blair

A Mammoth Crustacean In 1980, sculptor Richard Blaze began a five-year journey to create Betsy—a 30-foot-high, 40-foot-long fiberglass model of the clawless spiny lobster, prized in the Keys for its tail meat. By the time it was completed, the restaurateur who commissioned the piece was out of business. Tom Vellanti acquired Betsy for display at Treasure Village on Plantation Key. When the village transitioned to a school, Betsy went into storage. In 2009, she came out of hibernation and moved up the Overseas Highway to her new home at the Rain Barrel Artisan Village in Islamorada, where she towers above cars and buildings. Thought to be the world’s largest lobster sculpture, Betsy is one of the Keys’ popular roadside attractions. n

George Floyd in the wheelhouse of the paddle-wheeler, right, that will be christened the Samuel Floyd. Top photo by Chelsea Venrick; photo at right courtesy of Apalachicola Maritime Museum

George and others with the museum found an L. Francis Herreshoffdesigned 58-foot wooden ketch in Maine and brought it to Apalachicola in 2007. A replica of a line of boats built in the 1930s, she was renamed Heritage of Apalachicola and stays busy with sailing adventures on the bay and river. A second Herreshoff-designed boat, the Golden Ball, was added. At 46-feet long with a shallow draft of 2 feet, she is used for sailing training and excursions along the coast of Franklin County. The museum also houses a wooden boat-building school. Visitors from across the East Coast learn to hand-build canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and dinghies. “For a great weekend project, we’ve had

families come and build a canoe,” George says. “It’s pretty simple, and kids can even help. When they’re finished, the boat is a water-worthy vessel that can be paddled on protected waters like rivers or lakes.” Within the past year, George has announced plans to start a harbor and channel project connecting St. George Island to Florida’s mainland. One of the main components of the work is to dredge the harbor’s accumulated silt—much of it the result of Hurricane Dennis in 2005. “What George has been doing is a great opportunity for Franklin County,” says Curt Blair, administrator of the

Franklin County Tourism Development Council. “He’s got a pretty interesting story with the history of his family on the Apalachicola River, and now that he’s bringing paddle-wheel boating back, it’s a great way to connect the communities in the county and help with economic development and our brand. “From the educational and environmental programs to the wooden boat school and now the paddle wheeler, George has been able to achieve a great deal more than a nonprofit could accomplish.” n For more information about the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, visit www.ammfl.org. J U LY 2 0 1 7

Despite their risks, extreme sports offer a rush that keeps enthusiasts coming back for more By Christopher Gaylord

Last spring, after breaking a rib and fracturing one of her vertebrae, wakeboarder Heather Bouchard considered, for the first time, a grim worst-case scenario: What if she could never return to the sport she had spent years falling in love with? The mere thought crushed her. Luckily, a few months later, Heather was able to get on a wakeboard again. Despite all the practice time she lost during recovering, and all the fear and worry about her future on the water, just five months later she managed to walk away from the 2016 USA Wakeboard Collegiate Nationals a winner. The 21-year-old took home first place in the Women’s A division of the competition, which brings together the best athletes from the 16 best U.S. colleges, making her the top female collegiate wakeboarder in the country. “Being with my team, riding, learning from

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them, trying new tricks—all of that—I know is when I’m at my happiest,” says Heather, who just finished her junior year at the University of Florida in Gainesville. “If that was just suddenly stripped away from me from an injury, which was definitely what crossed my mind, I don’t know what I would do.” Such is the high-stakes risk a person must accept in a sport where the likelihood is high for bad injuries.

It is a risk Joe Connelly takes every day. Joe, 20, has surfed, skateboarded and snowboarded for most of his life. In that time, he has fractured most of the bones in both wrists, suffered a concussion, nearly torn the muscles in his back, had fluid drained from his elbows after taking hard slams and almost drowned. “It’s dangerous, and there’s that risk,” says Joe, who currently lives in Gainesville. “Team sports don’t have that aspect. Yeah, you can get hurt, but that’s not a huge factor of team sports.” Joe cannot claim the same accolades in his sports as Heather. Nonetheless, he takes the risks. In the extreme sports world, it is often less about status and more about the rush one gets. From casual hobbyists to dedicated professionals, participants share a common belief: The risk is worth the adrenaline and excitement that come with testing physical boundaries. Origins Rooted in Necessity Activities that set the stage for today’s extreme sports world date back as far as 20,000 years, according to Ohio-based author Kelly Boyer Sagert. In her book, “The Encyclopedia of Extreme Sports,” published in 2009, Kelly features a timeline of extreme sports precursors and milestones across the world that begins at 18,000 B.C., when people began crafting boomerangs. Among more than 100 major events and markers in her timeline are the first known use of a parachute by one of ancient China’s legendary leaders, Emperor Shun, who died in 2185 B.C.; the acts of lava sledding in Hawaii and sandboarding in Egypt, both around 2000 B.C.; the popularization of dragon boat racing in China more than 2,000 years ago; and the first uses of kitepowered canoes by Indonesian

and Polynesian fishermen in the 12th century. Many of the early-origin practices that launched what the world recognizes today as extreme sports emerged to fulfill basic survival needs, Kelly says. Boomerangs were most likely used for hunting, while kite-powered canoes—and ice skating and cross-country skiing—allowed people to travel faster from one place to another, Kelly explains. Eventually, activities such as throwing boomerangs and paddling kite-powered canoes either lost their necessity or became obsolete with new technology and advancements. Then, the old way of doing things became fun. She cites mountain climbing as an example. For all of humanity, people who lived in mountainous regions or who needed to pass through such places climbed because they had to. Fast forward to 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary—a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer and philanthropist—became the first climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Around the same time, flying by plane had become rather commonplace. “All of a sudden now, it’s not like something everybody did, and he didn’t have to do it,” Kelly says. “And it’s a little crazy to do it when you don’t have to. But that adds that kind of thrill. “Most of us don’t want to do things we have to do. We want to do things we want to do.” The Mind of a Risk Taker What is different about those who seek thrill and enjoyment in doing what many consider terrifying and life-threatening? It is a question best answered by the field of psychology. A moment trapped alone with a powerful and angry monster of an animal does not match anyone’s idea of a good time—unless you are Derek Kolbaba. Derek’s description of riding a bull sounds like the stuff of most people’s worst nightmares.

Joe Connelly, 20, grinds along the edge of a bowl at a skate park in Florida. Joe, who lives in Gainesville and attends Santa Fe College, has been skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding for most of his life. Photo by Mari Tamaccio

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Derek Kolbaba holds on tight as the bull bucks during the Professional Bull Riders 2016 Built Ford Tough Series. The 21-year-old—who began riding bulls professionally at the age of 18—now ranks among the top-10 bull riders in the world. Photo by Bull Stock Media

But it is what he lives for. “You’re kind of dancing with an 1,800-pound animal,” says the 21-year-old professional bull rider from Walla Walla, Washington. “There are no timeouts, and there is no stopping the bull.” In professional bull riding, injury is not a matter of if, but when. Derek has broken his jaw—which has a couple of plates and screws in it—and his leg, which was put back together with four or five surgeries. He also has suffered multiple pulled groins. Derek is still quick to call himself lucky. But not once has he let an injury—or the fear of one—faze him. He says it is “part of loving what you do.” The intense rush of each ride atop a bull’s back is a large part of that. “Your adrenaline’s going through the roof, your heart’s pumping,” Derek says. “There’s no other feeling like it in the world.” Anita Cservenka, assistant professor with the School of Psychological Science at Oregon State University, has a bit of experience with the type of feeling Derek describes. She has researched risk-taking and reward-seeking behaviors—particularly in adolescents—and says there are not only stark differences between extreme sports enthusiasts and other people, but differences clearly evident from a young age. 14

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“It’s that feeling you get when you do something that either you didn’t think was super obtainable or that others told you you couldn’t do.”

—Joe Connelly

Anita proposes that people drawn to extreme sports likely have a different underlying neural structure, function or neurochemical transmission related to their motivation for rewarding feelings, resulting in a greater attraction to new or thrilling experiences. These types of people also may have underactive neural responses to fearful situations, perhaps resulting from the part of the brain responsible for processing fear: the amygdala. “Differences in the development of this brain region over the course of childhood or adolescence could be related to reduced fear response in individuals who become interested in extreme sports,” Anita says. This means adults who take part in an extreme sport likely have a history with risky behavior.

The claim holds true for Heather, Joe and Derek. Heather’s parents had to tie a rope to her during family skiing trips when she was young because she wanted nothing more than to barrel straight down the mountain at full speed. Joe grew up on board sports. And Derek has been riding bulls, dirt bikes and snowmobiles since he was a kid. The three are what some would call adrenaline junkies. While these theories offer insight, they alone do not paint a complete picture. Anita says thrill-seeking ultimately takes shape in much the same way as other behavioral characteristics, starting with a genetic basis and changing along with hormones, environment, peer pressure and any number of other social factors. It is the result of a combination of many influences from all aspects of a person’s life. But strip away the intricate principles of psychology and a simple, shared truth emerges among the many extreme sports communities that is common in most people everywhere: It feels good to reach new achievements—to accomplish new feats that are hard-earned. The Excitement of Progression Ask Joe to describe the proudest achievement in his years as a surfer, and he talks about one 20-second ride like it was yesterday.

He was at a popular, well-known Hawaii hotspot when his first wave of the day turned into something spectacular. The wave closed fully around Joe as he rode it, encasing him in a tube of sea—an ultimate zenith experience surfers call “getting barreled.” Some even talk about the thrill in a spiritual sense. “At that moment, there was nothing else,” he recalls. “It’s kind of cheesy and kooky to say, but it was easily one of the best moments of my life.” For Joe, each wave is a different expression of himself that no one else can replicate—his own personal, unique experience. He says it is the same with tricks on a skateboard. There are always new tricks to attempt, and with each one, he has an opportunity to do something better and different. In the end, it is about personal accomplishment. “It’s that feeling you get when you do something that either you didn’t think was super obtainable or that others told you you couldn’t do,” he explains. The power of achievement resonates in the world of extreme and adventure sports. It is what Joe says has kept him coming back, in spite of pain or failures. “For me, at least, it’s not how much better I am than other people,” says Joe. “It’s how much better I am than I was yesterday, or the day before that. “It’s the idea of progression. There’s never a set limit you can reach.” n

Heather Bouchard, 21, who competes for and is president of the University of Florida’s college wakeboarding team, performs a trick called a scarecrow during a practice ride at Lake Wauburg, outside of Gainesville. A scarecrow involves turning 180 degrees during a front flip. Photo by Marley Boerema

Share your extreme sport experience on Facebook @ FloridaCurrents and Twitter @Florida Currents. J U LY 2 0 1 7

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

An unusual combo of sugary crepes and crisp watermelon is sure to appeal to youngsters of all ages. Photos courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board

Sweet Summertime Watermelon Watermelon in a Blanket 12 crepes, pre-made or purchased 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar 12 1-inch-by-8-inches seedless watermelon logs, drained to remove excess moisture 1 serving vanilla and lemon yogurt

Sprinkle one side of the crepes with cinnamon sugar. Place a watermelon log at the end of each. Roll them up and serve with yogurt for dipping.

Steel-Cut Oats With Watermelon 1 cup 1-percent milk 1 cup water 1/2 cup steel-cut oats 3/4 cup diced seedless watermelon 2 tablespoons dried tart cherries or cranberries 16

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2 tablespoons chopped pecans 2 tablespoons maple syrup Additional milk, optional

In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the milk and water to a gentle boil. Pour in the oats and stir. Return to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes. While oats are cooking, combine the watermelon, dried fruit, nuts and maple syrup in a small bowl. Portion out the oats and top with the watermelon mixture. Add additional milk, if desired.

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt Dash cayenne pepper 2 whole pita breads, halved, or wholegrain flatbreads 1/4 cup prepared spreadable herb cheese 4 large lettuce leaves

Place sliced watermelon on paper towels to remove excess liquid. Mix chicken, cilantro, yogurt, garlic salt and cayenne. Spread inside surfaces of pita bread halves with herbed cheese, and fill each with about 1/4 cup chicken mixture. Arrange watermelon and lettuce in pita bread.

Greek Pita Flatbread

Grilled Cheese Panini

4 wedges seedless watermelon, cut into bite-size pieces 1 cup diced cooked chicken 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

4 slices watermelon, approximately 4-inchby-4-inch-by-1/2-inch thick 8 slices 100 percent whole-grain bread, preferably chewy in texture 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard

cilantro and jalapeno pepper. Add lemon juice and season to taste with Tabasco sauce, pepper and salt. If additional sweetness is desired, add a small amount of sugar. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Watermelon Rind Slaw Dressing 1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream 11/2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon poppy seeds 2 teaspoons olive oil Dash salt and pepper, to taste Breakfast takes a new twist with a watermelon, yogurt and muffin parfait.

Watermelon rinds make a tasty slaw. Plus, the rind has compounds that aid in healthy blood flow.

6 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, divided into 4 equal portions 11/2 cups baby arugula Cooking spray

Crumble the muffins and divide among the bottom of four 12-ounce glasses, reserving about ¾ cup of the crumble. Mix the cinnamon and yogurt, and divide half of it over the crumbled muffin in the glass. Divide the watermelon and cranberries over the yogurt in the glasses. Divide the remaining yogurt over the watermelon and cranberries. Split the remaining muffin crumble over the glasses, and top with honey. Garnish with toasted sliced almonds, and top with watermelon cubes.

Place watermelon pieces between paper towels to absorb extra liquid. Set aside. On each of four slices of bread, spread mustard and top with 11/2 ounces of cheese. Top with second slice of bread. Spray cooking spray on a griddle, and grill the sandwiches on each side until cheese begins to melt. Remove from griddle, open and place a slice of watermelon and arugula. Close sandwich and cut in half. Serve.

Muffin Crumble Parfait 3 small bran muffins 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 cups fat-free vanilla yogurt 2 cups chopped seedless watermelon, well drained 1/2 cup toasted, sliced almonds 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup honey 4 cups small cubes of watermelon

Watermelon Pineapple Salsa 2 cups watermelon, cut in 1/3-inch cubes 2 cups pineapple, cut in 1/3-inch cubes 1/2 cup red onion, cut in 1/3-inch cubes 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 1 diced jalapeno pepper 1/4 cup lemon juice Tabasco sauce, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste Granulated sugar, optional

Combine watermelon, pineapple, onion,

Slaw 4 cups grated watermelon rind, with fruit and green peel removed 1 cup grated carrot 11/2 cups diced fresh pineapple

In a small bowl, blend dressing ingredients thoroughly. Set aside. Place watermelon rind on paper towels to soak up excess liquid. In a medium-sized bowl, place dressing, rind, carrot and pineapple. Toss to thoroughly coat. Serve.

Watermelon Raspberry Lemonade 6 cups watermelon chunks, seeds removed 1/4 cup raspberries 1 cup water 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup lemon juice

Place watermelon, raspberries and water in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher. Stir in sugar and lemon juice until sugar dissolves. Refrigerate until chilled. Recipes courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board J U LY 2 0 1 7

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

The Living and the Dead I have always been drawn to cemeteries, especially old ones containing grave markers from the Civil War era. There is something primitive—something I cannot completely explain—that draws me there. Whether or not we admit it, many people are drawn to cemeteries. We enjoy walking slowly among the gravestones and monuments, reading the names, inscriptions and epitaphs and wondering what the lives were like, the living souls of those represented in stone. For me, a slow walk in a cemetery is a quiet sermon— a reminder of my own mortality. It draws to my mind Moses’ prayer in the Psalms: “Teach us to number our days that we might apply our hearts to wisdom.” I can walk among the lives of those past, realizing I, too, must take my turn. For the moment, however, being able to walk away and enjoy what precious, unknown time I have left makes life richer. Visiting a cemetery is also a way of honoring the dead. It gives the living something to do, and is a place to focus

Angelo Battaglia pullls weeds around his parents’ grave on Mother’s Day, 2013. “After they died, I came every day, but now I don’t come as often as I should,” he said. Most people appreciate talking about loved ones that are gone. Photo by David LaBelle

their grief or talk with loved ones. They find comfort and purpose in the routine. Perhaps we visit cemeteries because we recognize, maybe even hope, somebody will care enough when we have left this life to visit and remember us. There are a few places in our world—public places— where exhibitions of semi-private grief are shared for any who care to stop and watch. I realize my view may be unpopular with some people. People have asked how I can make pictures from afar

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.

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of people grieving or visiting graves of loved ones. I believe I am paying both the dead and the living the ultimate compliment. I am saying they mattered, they lived and their memory is still affecting those walking this earth. From a distance, I am not interrupting, which is my greatest concern. From afar, the figure is universal, a shape in the poetic landscape, a figure and an object without name or story. It is when I approach them—when they are finished with their quiet communion—that I explain that I made their picture and why I did so. It is then I learn of their affection for those now invisible. I learn of their relationship, their story. Both of us are enriched with the memory. Usually, the person I have photographed finds comfort in sharing, and truly

appreciates the opportunity to tell me about the one whose face I have never seen. We often foolishly assume we are disrespecting, interrupting or stealing if we make a photograph of someone in a cemetery. Legally, I believe if someone performs an act in the public eye, they can be photographed. Morally, I try to ask for their support or even permission to share the photograph. Each of us is different when it comes to sharing, and some do choose to suffer alone in silence. I respect and honor a person’s right to grieve alone. But in all the times I have photographed from a distance and then approached the person at the graveside afterward, seldom has that person been offended or not wanted to share. Usually they are hungry to talk about loved ones. n

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Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

Florida Beaches No. 1

Florida’s beaches topped the list of the 10 Best Beaches in the United States, as compiled by Dr. Beach, also known as Stephen P. Leatherman. Based on nearly 50 criteria—including water and sand quality, safety, green management and access to local activities—Florida had the largest number on the list with three. Hawaii claimed two spots. Five states were represented by one beach each. Leatherman is director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University in Miami. Perhaps surprisingly, his list recognizes beaches not in that area, but in other parts of the Sunshine State. Leatherman has ranked beaches in the United States for more than 26 years. His list attracts national attention. Siesta Beach near Sarasota on Siesta Key (www. siestakeychamber.com) earned the top spot for its soft sand, which is 99 percent pure crushed quartz. Grayton Beach State Park (www.graytonbeach.com), in the Panhandle between Panama City Beach and

Its soft sand was a key to landing Siesta Beach the top spot on a list of the 10 Beach Beaches in the United States. Photo courtesy of VisitSarasota.com

Destin, ranked No. 4 because of its turquoise waters and smooth white sand. People can camp and hike in the park, and visit the tidal lakes and freshwater ponds. You have to take a ferry, private boat or long walk from Clearwater Beach to visit Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin/Clearwater (www.floridastateparks. org). It came in at No. 7 for its super-soft crystalline quartz sandy beaches that are caressed by emerald waters. Swimming Holes Florida’s many springs offer some great—and very cool, temperature-wise—opportunities for swimming, tubing and snorkeling this summer.

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

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Among those offering water-based adventures are Ginnie Springs in Northwest Florida’s High Springs (www. ginniespringsoutdoors.com), Ichetucknee Springs in Fort White (www.floridastateparks. org) and Silver Glen Springs in the Ocala National Forest (www.floridasprings.org). Recently, MSN listed its best hidden swimming holes in the nation. Florida’s Devil’s Den (www.devilsden.com)— a privately owned facility billed as a scuba diving training center—does not allow general swimming. However, it is open to snorkelers and certified scuba divers. The spring’s pool, which is 120 feet in diameter, is located below ground in an open cavern. Travel Insurance? If you are planning a trip that costs more than $5,000— especially if it involves international travel—consider

buying trip and travel insurance. Unfortunately, that is not straightforward. Are you looking for flight coverage, other trip costs or medical coverage while away? Some tour companies and cruise lines offer their own insurance, but check out insurance websites to compare coverages offered and costs. A couple of options are InsureMyTrip (www.insure mytrip.com) and Squaremouth (www.squaremouth.com). Read the fine print to make sure the items you are interested in are included. Tell Us About Your Florida Staycation Have you played tourist in your hometown lately? If so, we want to hear about it. What surprises have you discovered in your backyard? What’s your favorite getaway? Send your story and photo to info@floridacurrents.com. n

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Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

Please Submit Events July 1, Wewahitchka Independence Festival and Street Dance Enjoy music, a kids’ zone, arts and crafts, door prizes and raffles beginning at 9 a.m. at Lake Alice Park. There will be a tye-dye presentation and demonstrations by chainsaw sculptor Chad Gainey (pieces to be auctioned off at the end of the day) and Mr. Murp the blacksmith. The event is sponsored by the city and Wewahitchka Search and Rescue. shabarr@fairpoint.net; (850) 832-4843

July 1, Lake Placid Independence Day Celebration The Lake Placid Jaycees host the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at DeVane Circle Park, with fireworks at 9 p.m. over Lake June. jayceeslp@gmail.com

July 4, Sebring Fireworks Show See the show at 9 p.m. at City Pier Beach. (863) 471-5100

July 4, Lynn Haven Fourth of July Celebration The day starts with a parade at 9 a.m. along Highway 77 and ends with fireworks at 9 p.m. at A.L. Kinsaul Park. In between is old-fashioned family fun at Sharon Sheffield Park (until 1 p.m.) and A.L. Kinsaul Park (beginning at 4 p.m.). www.facebook.com/cityoflynnhaven; (850) 271-5547

July 4, Key Largo Fireworks Show on Blackwater Sound The mirrorlike surface of the water makes the 10 p.m. display at MM 104 seem like a 3-D viewing experience. www.keylargofireworks.com

July 4, Pensacola Independence Day Celebration For the 28th year, area Sertoma organizations coordinate and host the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast. Events begin at 11 a.m. at Seville Square Park, with fireworks over Pensacola Bay at 9 p.m. www.pensacolafireworks.com; (850) 434-1234

July 4, Panama City Beach Star-Spangled Spectacular Celebrate Independence Day at Pier Park with dueling fireworks from the city field and county pier. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

July 4, Marathon Beach Party and Fireworks Show A patriotic parade begins around 10:30 a.m. and proceeds from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach for a daylong celebration of food,

To include your event, send details 60 days in advance to info@florida currents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to get more information. If you own rights to a high-resolution photo promoting the event, please include it and information identifying the people shown and the photographer. drink, kids’ crafts, entertainment and fireworks. www.floridakeysmarathon.com; (305) 743-5417

July 8, Lower Keys 33rd annual Underwater Music Festival The submerged songfest is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The marine musical event is broadcast underwater via speakers suspended beneath boats positioned above the reef. www.lowerkeyschamber.com; (305) 872-2411

July 8-9, Sebring Sebring 500 The Formula and Automotive Racing Association event features a four-hour endurance, sprint and Southern pro-am truck series road races, and the HPDE Driven to Perform Driving Academy for street cars. Courtesy tickets are available from Alan Jay Automotive dealerships. Entry at the gate is $10. Parking is $10 in the midway or $20 in the paddock. www.farausa.com

July 11, Key West Autism Society of the Keys Learn about resources available to your child from other families dealing with autism at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 2713 Flagler Ave. autismsocietyofthekeys@gmail.com; (305) 942-5172

July 18-23, Key West 37th annual Hemingway Days Celebrate the legendary author’s birthday, work and lifestyle with literary readings, the running of the bulls, a short story competition, fishing tournament, 5K run, paddleboard race and lookalike contest. www.fla-keys.com; (305) 296-2388 (look-alike); (305) 797-0579 (literary); (305) 240-0727 (run and paddleboard)

5th annual Key Lime Festival

Photo courtesy of Key Lime Festival

Elliot Zeller celebrates his 2016 pie-eating championship, consuming his pie in 62 seconds. In addition to that contest, the festival features a wacky talent show, cooking contests and other tasty temptations July 1-4 in Key West. For more information, visit www.keylimefestival.com.

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July 21, Pensacola Movies in the Park Bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets and spread out on the lawn at the Hunter Amphitheater at Community Maritime Park to watch a free, family-friendly movie, “The Jungle Book” 2016, at 7:50 p.m. Concessions are available. No pets or glass containers, please. www.pensacolacommunitymaritimepark.com; (850) 436-5670

Photo by Specialist 1st Class Daniel M. Young, U.S. Navy

Pensacola Beach Air Show

The world-famous Blue Angels perform the Delta Break Out over Santa Rosa Island in the Gulf of Mexico during the Pensacola Beach Air Show in 2016. This year’s event is Saturday, July 8. For more information, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil or call (850) 932-2257. July 21-22, Marathon Children’s Summer Theatre Students conclude a six-week workshop with presentation of “Into the Woods Jr.,” by Stephen Sondheim. Performances are at 7 p.m. at Marathon Community Theatre. www.marathontheater.org; (305) 743-0994

July 22, Bradenton Snooty’s Birthday Bash and Wildlife Festival Celebrate the 69th birthday of Snooty, the world’s oldest manatee on record, with a free outdoor festival at the South Florida Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and half-priced museum admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See regional wildlife awareness organization exhibits, join in museum games and activities, eat from food trucks and see Snooty from an underwater viewing area. www.SouthFloridaMusuem.org; (941) 746-4131

July 22, Bradenton Mixon Farms Arts and Crafts Fair Artists and vendors display their goods 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mixon Fruit Farms. Admission is free. www.mixon.com; (941) 748-5829

July 25, Big Pine Key 6th annual Lobster Palooza Learn about spiny lobsters from research biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and learn how to properly measure a lobster at Bahia Honda State Park. The event— from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—features games for the kids, environmental booths and a Coast Guard vessel tour. Regular park entrance fees apply. www.floridastateparks.org; (305) 872-9807

July 27, Pensacola Korean War Remembrance Night U.S. Army Sgt. (Retired) John Phillips, a Bronze Star recipient who was at the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, is featured in the Heroes Among Us speaker series at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park and Wall South. www.veteransmemorialparkpensacola.com; (850) 434-6119

July 28-30, Lake Placid 27th annual Caladium Festival Travel by bus to caladium fields, buy caladium bulbs and plants, and enjoy food, entertainment

and fun at Stuart Park. Admission is free to all activities, which include more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, a floral arrangement competition, an ornamental plant sale, an art contest, a wine display by the area’s grape growers and 5K race. www.visitlakeplacid.com; (863) 465-4331

July 29, Lake Placid 21st annual Car and Bike Show In conjunction with the Caladium Festival, visit DeVane Park to see Corvettes, trucks, motorcycles, antique tractors, and vintage and special cars. The top three in each class earn awards. Food and entertainment also are featured during the event. www.visitlakeplacid.com; (863) 465-4331

July 29-30, Pensacola 42nd annual Coin and Currency Show Buy, sell and trade coins, currency, stamps, pocket watches, tokens and other collectibles from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Hadji Temple. Food and drinks are available. Admission is $1. www.pensacolacoinclub.com; (850) 602-7600

J U LY 2 0 1 7

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Take the Bite Out of Summer Local fishing guru, Pop, taught kids more than how to fish. He taught them a lot about bugs, too. “Keep your mouth shut,” he told a girl complaining about mosquitoes one day. The other kids shut up immediately; they thought Pop was mad. It wasn’t until later they found out he was really teaching a lesson. Mosquitoes find human targets by zeroing in on the carbon dioxide they expel. By minimizing talking, you make it harder for them to find you. Pop’s broader lesson was to learn more about pests and use the knowledge to fight back against them. Start by reducing the area of skin exposed to mosquitoes and other biting bugs. Wear long sleeves and long pants in heavily infested areas. Select light-colored clothing. Dark clothes actually attract bugs. Go on offense with bug repellent. Products with DEET are the most effective. Use them sparingly and

Biting black flies are an especially persistent nuisance outdoors, particularly near bodies of water. Fortunately, many of the things that repel or protect against mosquitoes are also effective deterrents for black flies: light-colored clothes, long sleeves, citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus oil and minty scents. © iStock/walterbilotta

always follow instructions on the container. However, many people prefer natural repellents. Citronella oil and lemon eucalyptus oil are top choices. They repel mosquitoes, black flies and ticks. But they are only two of the many scents that bug bugs. I remember Pop used to chew peppermint gum and shower beforehand using lavender-smelling soap. He claimed both scents repelled mosquitoes. I don’t know about that, but one thing’s for sure: Pop was the sweetestsmelling old gent on the river.

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.

J U LY 2 0 1 7

Three Quick and Easy Fishing Tackle Hacks • Get hooked on neat. Keep hooks organized by threading them onto large safety pins. • Prune your line. The last several feet of line on your reel takes a lot of abuse. Cut it off after each outing to eliminate nicks and potential weak spots caused by wear and tear. • Dry up. Keep a small packet or two of silica gel or some other dessicant in your tacklebox. It will eliminate moisture that can wreak havoc on your gear over time. Outdoor App of the Month—Leafsnap Ever come across a tree and wonder what species it is? Leafsnap knows. The beauty of the Leafsnap tree identification app is its ability to identify trees by visual recognition. Users photograph

tree leaves and Leafsnap matches the image to thousands of high-resolution images in its vast database. This free app is currently available only for Apple devices, but an Android version is scheduled to be released soon. What Makes July Special? July is National Picnic Month. July 3: Stay Out of the Sun Day. July 20: Ugly Truck Day. July 22: Hammock Day. Show-and-Tell Time 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. 

Patrick Keegan Cut Your Utility Bills

Efficiency Tips for Homebuyers

Home Energy Rater Kanyon Payne uses an infrared camera to show consumers where energy losses occur. Photo courtesy of United Cooperative Services

Q: I recently became a real estate agent and several of my clients have been asking about the energy efficiency of the homes I show them. Do you have any suggestions about energy-related questions I should help my clients consider before they buy a home? A: Many homebuyers do not consider energy costs—electricity, gas and propane—which are significant expenses for any home. The average home costs approximately $2,000 in energy expenses per year. Think about how much money that is during the life of the home. The type of home you want to buy can influence energy performance. The size of a home is one of the biggest factors. As square footage increases, lighting requirements increase, and use of heating and cooling equipment increases. In general, newer homes have better energy performance due to advancements in building codes. Yet buying a new home does not guarantee efficiency. Building codes are not always enforced, and a minimum-code home is not as efficient as homes built to a higher standard. For example, if energy efficiency or green features are a high priority for your clients, look for homes that have Energy Star, Built Green or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications. Newer manufactured homes are typically more efficient than older manufactured homes, but do not have to meet the same energy code requirements as sitebuilt homes. Residents of manufactured homes spend about 70 percent more on energy per square foot of living space than residents of site-built homes. If you are considering a manufactured home, those built after 1994 or are Energy Star-certified have superior energy performance. Once you are interested in a specific home, consider how the energy performance of the home compares to similar homes. Although you may request electricity, natural gas or propane bills from

the sellers so you can estimate how much it costs to heat and cool the home annually, this is not a precise measurement of home energy performance. The Home Energy Rating System Index is like a “miles-per-gallon” rating for a home that allows consumers to comparison-shop based on energy performance. A certified RESNET home energy rater will need to inspect the home and develop a HERS rating. This rating can be done during the inspection process, or may be requested from the seller. Although many homebuyers focus on aesthetic energy features such as windows and lighting fixtures, the hidden systems have the most effect on energy performance. Heating and cooling systems consume about half of a home’s energy use and are costly to replace. Here are a few questions you should consider about heating and cooling. • How old is the heating system? If the home’s heating system is more than 10 years old, it may need to be replaced. • What is the seasonal energy efficiency rating of the home’s air conditioning system? If the air conditioner has a SEER less than 8, you will want to replace it. If the quality of the building envelope—which insulates the home’s interior from the outdoor environment—is compromised, it can contribute to higher heating and cooling costs. R-value is the thermal resistance measurement used for insulation to indicate its resistance to heat flow. You may want to learn about the recommended R-value for homes in your region so you understand the quality of a home’s building envelope. If you determine energy investments are necessary in a home you are considering, call your electric utility. Many utilities can assist with energy audits and offer incentives for energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. n This column was written by Pat Keegan of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information, visit www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.

JU LY 2 0 1 7 25

July-2017-2_Layout 1 6/13/17 2:54 PM Page 8

FKEC Outdoor Lighting Q&A WHERE CAN FKEC INSTALL OUTDOOR LIGHTS? Outdoor lights provided by FKEC can be installed on existing FKEC distribution poles only and cannot be installed on meter poles. Also, not all poles are capable of a light installation. Co-op engineering personnel survey sites to determine if a new fixture can be installed.

Problem with an Outdoor Light? If you are aware of an inoperative or malfunctioning outdoor light operated by FKEC, please call the Co-op at 305-852-2431 or 800-858-8845 to report it. Printed in compliance with Florida Statute 768.1382. When reporting the problem, please have the following information available: • The specific street address where the light is located. • A description of where the light is located on the property. • A description of the problem. • Your contact information including name, address and telephone number.

HOW DO I REQUEST AN OUTDOOR LIGHT? Any Member can request an LED outdoor light by calling FKEC at 305-852-2431 or by visiting www.fkec.com/AccessAct/outdoor-lighting.cfm and filling out an "FKEC Outdoor Lighting Agreement.” The requesting FKEC member is responsible for the monthly cost of the lighting service. WHEN WILL THE LIGHT OPERATE? Outdoor lights installed by FKEC operate from approximately dusk to dawn each day. These lights are controlled by photocells and turn on based on the amount of natural light detected. CAN I TAKE OVER PAYMENT OF AN EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHT? Yes. If you are a new homeowner and want to maintain the outdoor light requested by the previous owner, or if a neighbor has decided to stop payment for a light you may take over the billing responsibilities. Call FKEC at 852-2431 or visit www.fkec.com/AccessAct/outdoor-lighting.cfm to file an “FKEC Outdoor Lighting Agreement.” DOES FKEC MAINTAIN THE LIGHT? FKEC will repair or replace any malfunctioning light. However, it is the sole responsibility of the member to notify the Co-op when repairs are needed. For more information about outdoor lighting call 305-852-2431 or visit www.FKEC.com/AccessAct/outdoor-lighting.cfm

Does FKEC Have Your Current Phone Number? Before an outage occurs, make sure FKEC has all of your current phone numbers, including cell phone numbers. When you call FKEC to report an outage, the Co-op’s automatic computer system matches the phone number you are calling from with your service address. It then references FKEC’s database to determine which equipment all current outage reports have in common. This helps determine 26

JULY 2017

the likely cause and location of damage and expedites restoration.

Why? It allows the Co-op to determine the cause and location of outages faster and saves you time on the phone.

Can I Use A Cell Phone? Yes! You can register any two phone numbers you would call from to report an outage - including cell phones.

How Can I Update My Numbers? To update or verify your numbers call FKEC at (305) 852-2431 or visit www.fkec.com/AccessAct/ WhyPhoneNumber.cfm.

To Report an Outage Call: (305) 852-2431 or 800-858-8845.

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Your Co-op Your Community

Home Grown, Member Owned When making consumer choices, consider choosing the cooperative way By Todd Munsey

Cheese, juice, camping gear, butter, cranberries, electricity—while the differences may seem like comparing apples to oranges, a common theme runs throughout the companies featured here: member ownership. Your Electric Cooperative Unless you recall life in your town before electricity, you may not know you are part of an electric cooperative. Your electric cooperative is memberowned—governed by a board of directors elected by the members to represent their interests. They set the rates, policies and bylaws. It is local control as it should be. Seven cooperative principles guide board decisions and the governance of your electric company: 1. Voluntary and Open Membership. Cooperative membership is voluntary and open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. 2. Democratic Member Control. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. 3. Members’ Economic Participation. Members contribute equally to the capital of their cooperative. 4. Autonomy and Independence. Cooperatives are autonomous, selfhelp organizations controlled by their members. 5. Education, Training and Information. Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, board members, elected officials, managers and employees. 28

J U LY 2 0 1 7

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Cooperatives serve their members most effectively by working together, including neighboring cooperatives. 7. Concern for Community. While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities. While the most important thing to electric cooperative members is having the lights come on when they flip a switch, it is also important to know their electric company is different in many positive ways, starting with being owned by those who are served.

Florida’s Natural In 1933, a group of Florida citrus farmers formed a cooperative to make the best citrus products possible. Today, it is the only 100 percent American-made national orange juice brand, Florida’s

Natural. Every orange and grapefruit that goes into Florida’s Natural is grown, picked and squeezed into juice in Florida. The company is owned by more than 1,000 farmers/owners who represent more than 60,000 acres of citrus groves in the heart of Florida. The company headquarters, processing plant and visitors’ center are in Lake Wales, Florida. The cooperative members share the same vision: to produce the freshest tasting, not-from-concentrate orange and grapefruit juice around. Their co-op slogan is, “We own the land. We own the trees. We own the company.” While as citrus growers their cooperative mission may be different than those of an electric utility, the principles remain the same, with an emphasis on member ownership and local control.

Tillamook County Creamery Association Since 1909, nearly 100 members, owners and families of Tillamook County, Oregon, have worked hard to produce the best dairy products possible, or as they like to say, “Dairy done right.” They are farmers, not shareholders, and their priority is working together so values, not profit, guide decisions that benefit their consumers and the Tillamook County community. For generations, family members have been caring for their cows, milking them once around 2 a.m. and again in the afternoon. All of the cooperative principles apply to the Tillamook County Creamery Association. This is a membership of people working hard to produce a reliable, quality product that benefits

everyone inside and outside the cooperative.

Recreational Equipment Inc. OK, so who knew that is what REI actually stood for? And who knew it was a cooperative? In 1938, 25 climbing pals formed what is now the nation’s largest consumer cooperative. Governed by the same seven cooperative principles, the co-op is open to anyone. For a lifetime membership fee of $20, members enjoy an annual dividend, members’-only special offers and special travel pricing. Hopefully you are starting to feel a little better about the cooperative business model.

Ocean Spray Started by three cranberry growers in 1930, Ocean Spray has grown to include more than 700 families in North America. There are Ocean Spray growers from Oregon to Massachusetts and British Columbia to Florida. Like other cooperatives, sustainability is at the forefront of management decisions. Cooperatives practice good

stewardship of the environment through water conservation, energy efficiency, less packaging and minimizing waste. It is all done in the name of ensuring a sustainable future for the cooperatives and members who own them.

Land O’Lakes Inc. In 1921, 320 dairy farmers formed the Minnesota Cooperative Creameries Association to efficiently and effectively distribute members’ products nationwide. The association evolved into the company now known as Land O’Lakes Inc. Today, the company has 10,000 employees, and its products are distributed in 50 states and 50 countries. Its net sales in 2016 were $13 billion, and $187 million was returned to its 3,825 members as capital credits. Land O’Lakes summarizes its cooperative business model: “Today, our businesses give us a farm-to-fork view of agriculture. Pair this with our farmer ownership and we’re uniquely qualified to fulfill our purpose of feeding human progress around the world, while always delivering on our responsibility to member-owners through our core values. “We’re united in a common cause, committed to excellence and inspired by our place in the world—but there are no shortcuts. We’ve never lost sight of the value of a hard day’s work.” What’s Next? Embrace your cooperative membership and get involved. If you have a choice when buying consumables, understanding cooperatives should make your decision easier. There is a difference in companies out there. Hopefully, you will select those that care about their people, their products, their consumers and the environment. n J U LY 2 0 1 7

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Summer Sunset

A large piece of driftwood catches the eye and the last rays of the day during sunset last summer at Little Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida. The barrier island lies west of the town of Placida. It is connected with Don Pedro Island to the north by a thin strip of beach and mangrove swamp, and borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west. —Tara Adcock, Myakka City We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot and Postcards From Florida. We 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 information about where it was taken. Include your name and mailing address (for payment purposes) and send to photos@floridacurrents.com.

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FL-152

Fight Back Against Rising Temperatures Tips to combating the impact of the summer heat on your electric bill

Summer is here and so are rising temperatures. As the mercury climbs inevitably so will the cost of electric bills. Why? Because hotter temperatures and higher humidity keep air conditioners working harder to keep homes and businesses comfortable. Even if you don’t lower your thermostat for summer, cooling can still account for half or more of your electric bill during hot weather. And, if you do lower your thermostat in high humidity, your air conditioner runs longer which increases energy use even more. Here are some tips to help you combat the summer’s heat impact on your electric bill:

Prepare Your Home

How Rising Mercury Impacts Cooling Cost For every degree the outdoor temperature rises above your indoor temperature setting, your A/C will use 6-8% more electricity.

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Indoor Temperature

• Seal leaky air ducts, cracks, gaps and leaks. • If applicable, consider adding insulation to ceilings, walls and attics. It can reduce cooling costs by 5% to 25%. • Shade your outdoor A/C unit but do not block air flow. • Plant trees or use shutters to shade windows. • Tint windows and glass doors to reduce heat exchange by 30%. • Close curtains and blinds during the heat of the day.

Maintain Your Cooling System • Clean or replace A/C filters every 30 days. • Use a programmable thermostat to better manage your settings day and night. • Set A/C to highest comfort level. • Use fans to augment cooling but turn off when not in the room. Ceiling fans do not cool a room,

they just make you feel cooler. • Have your A/C tuned up by a professional. Help your A/C run as efficiently as possible by having it checked by a qualified professional. • Consider buying a new, efficient A/C system that has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 16 or higher. For room units, select a EER of 12 or higher. • And remember, turning your thermostat lower than normal will not cool your home any faster.

Fight Against Humidity • Use bathroom exhaust fans to remove humidity when showering. • Use the kitchen exhaust fan to remove heat and humidity produced while cooking. • Avoid running humidifying, heat producing appliances (i.e. washer, dryer, dishwasher) during the heat of the day. • Cover aquariums to keep moisture in.

305.852.2431 • 800.858-8845 • www.FKEC.com