Florida Currents, Glades Electric Cooperative, November 2026 by utilitypioneers

Florida Currents GLADES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

NOVEMBER 2026

Powered by Gratitud Glades Electric employees share the people, places and purpose for which they’re thankful. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS

ALSO INSIDE >>

Celebrating Longtime Employees — Pages 4-5 | Apply for Youth Tour — Page 7

GLADES ELECTRIC

Florida Currents November 2026 • Volume 16, No. 1

CEO Michael Shepard SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble Sprayberry SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS Sable Riley, CCC; Valeri Saldanha Rosa ASSISTANT EDITORS David Herder, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SENIOR MANAGER Elizabeth Beatty SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Alyssa McDougle

Members acknowledge that $4.83 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.

HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.

Sirens of Florida

Back issues: Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.

Weeki Wachee Springs’ Mermaid Experience takes visitors underwater

Up Close, Page 10

Keep Them Flying

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

The Bird Lady’s legacy rescues thousands Spotlight, Page 12

© 2026 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com or for more information, visit pioneer.coop.

Picture Hunt 18 Gardening Planner 22 Get Outside Co-op Pages: 4-8, 25-26, 28-29, 32

24 27

Soup Season Is Here Warm up with a bowl full of comfort

In the Kitchen, Page 16 NOVEMBER 2026

At Glades Electric Cooperative, we’re grateful for the employees whose years of experience benefit our members every day. On Aug. 16, the co-op celebrated a major milestone for its longestserving employee, Susan Watkins. She marked 30 consecutive years with the cooperative. Susan serves as senior construction coordinator, assisting members with having new services constructed to power their homes, businesses or irrigation pumps. She began her career at the co-op in 1996 as a temporary member services representative. Susan was promoted to district office supervisor in 2006, followed by construction coordinator. In 2021, she moved to senior construction coordinator. Over the years, Susan helped thousands of members establish their electric service, making her a familiar and trusted voice across the co-op’s service area. To mark her 30th anniversary and thank her for her dedication, we sat down to put a face with the voice. We asked Susan to look back on her time at Glades Electric—how she got started, what’s changed and what’s kept her here. Growing Up and Getting Her Start I was born in Miami. I moved here in 1988 because of my grandparents, and I graduated from Clewiston High School in ’92. After high school, I planned to become a teacher but decided that wasn’t for me. I went to Miami-Dade Community College, but after Hurricane Andrew I moved back here and never went back to school. I got married in 1994 and had my daughter in 1996—she was only 3 months old when I started working here. Landing the Job I actually applied at three places—here, another company and a daycare, since I already had my daycare certification through my mom’s home daycare. The co-op called me first for a temporary member services position. I was offered the job on the spot. I had worked in customer service, but I didn’t know anything about the electric industry.

N O V E M B E R 2026

Back then, you just learned by watching people work. The following week they had me sitting at a desk in the middle of the lobby, alone, handling everything myself—deposits, walk-ins, all of it. I remember the general manager being surprised I was already working solo after only a week. I just figured it out as I went. Working Her Way Up After about a year, I asked for something permanent and was moved into a permanent member services role. Roughly 10 years later, I was made a supervisor in member services. I ended up spending about 20 years total in member services. After 20 years, I was offered the opportunity to become the first construction coordinator. I was doing everything myself, and it was a lot—especially with all the growth that’s happened in the last 10 years. I asked leadership for help so I could stay thorough with our members without burning out, and they brought someone else on to share the load. I primarily handle the new services in just Glades and Hendry counties. It’s worked out well. The Personal Connection A former employee’s father used to visit often just to talk. He once left me a little paper bird he’d folded. Several older members came in just for that kind of connection. Some told me they had no family nearby and just wanted someone to talk to when they paid their bill. Some members have even cut my picture out of the magazine over the years, which still makes me laugh. Advice for Someone Starting Out Be willing to learn everything you can. The more you know, the better you can serve a member. And it’s OK to tell a member, “Let me get back to you,” rather than guess and give them the wrong answer. If I could go back and tell my first-day self one thing, it would be the same: Just learn everything you can. It makes everything else easier down the road. What ‘Neighbors Working for Neighbors’ Means to Susan It means doing everything within our power for our members— always trying to do right by them, in every way we can. I’ve stayed here for 30 years to make sure I do that. I’m happy to be here, and I plan to keep serving our members for as long as I can before I eventually retire. Life Outside the Co-op I raise chickens—it’s actually a small side business. And I sell eggs. Between that, four grandchildren and my oldest grandson’s football games, I stay busy seven days a week. 

GLADES ELECTRIC

Gratitud

Celebrating our longest-serving employees

Tony Cunningham

Mark Goodwin

Tony began his career with Glades Electric in 1999 as a groundman. He became a journeyman lineman in 2002 after working his way through the lineman apprentice program. He was promoted to lead lineman in 2008.

Mark began at Glades Electric in 1998 as a meter reader/collector. Two years later, he began working his way through the lineman apprentice program, becoming a journeyman lineman in 2004. In 2013, he accepted a position in our Staking department, where he has grown in experience and responsibilities as he helps members who need new electric services built.

Jim Morrissey

Jacob Whidden

Jim began with the co-op in 2001 as a journeyman lineman, then became line superintendent in 2007. He was later promoted to power supply manager for the co-op’s southern district and became responsible for the management of the fleet vehicles. Last year, he was promoted to director of power supply.

Jacob started out as a meter reader/collector in late 1998. In 2005, he became a groundman, followed by a journeyman lineman in 2009 after completing the lineman apprentice program. In March 2013, he was promoted to lead lineman.

27 years Lead Lineman

25 years Director of Power Supply

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATIONS BY ATTITUDE1 AND DARIAUSTIUGOVA

28 years Staker III

27 years Lead lineman

NOVEMBER 2026

GLADES ELECTRIC

The Glades Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees accepts the Conexon 100 Club plaque at its August board meeting in Moore Haven. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS

A New Connection for Every Member Glades Electric completes fiber build, joins Conexon 100 Club More than 80 years ago, Glades Electric Cooperative helped bring electricity to rural Florida’s Heartland, connecting homes, farms and businesses to a service that would transform the way people lived and worked. Now, the cooperative has reached another milestone in connecting its members to an essential service. Glades Electric has completed construction of its mainline fiber network, bringing fiber broadband access to 100% of the cooperative’s nearly 14,700 members across Glades, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee counties. The achievement has earned the co-op a place in the Conexon 100 Club, which recognizes electric cooperatives that have completed their on-system fiber builds and ensured every member has access to affordable, reliable broadband service. It’s a milestone that has been years in the making and one that required an effort from virtually every corner of the cooperative. “This project has been one of the most ambitious undertakings in Glades Electric’s history, and reaching 100% completion is an accomplishment we can all be proud of,” Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Koukos says. “Just as our cooperative brought electricity to rural homes, farms and businesses 80 years ago, we have now helped bring another essential service to those same communities. We wanted to close the digital divide for every single one of our members.” Building a Connected Heartland The journey began in September 2022, when Glades Electric announced its partnership with Conexon Connect to build a nearly 2,600-mile fiber-to-the-home network. At the time, high-speed internet access was only available to about 40% of the cooperative’s membership. For many rural residents and businesses, reliable broadband was unavailable 6

N O V E M B E R 2026

and becoming increasingly difficult to live without. The nearly $60 million project was designed to offer access to all while also providing a fiber network that could strengthen the cooperative’s electric grid and support its operations. More than $20 million in broadband grants helped offset the cost of the ambitious project, including more than $10.5 million through Florida’s Broadband Infrastructure Program and two $5 million Broadband Opportunity Program awards. Construction moved steadily across the cooperative’s four-county territory. In April 2026, Okeechobee County became the final county to be connected to be built-out. The result is a future-ready network offering symmetrical speeds from 200 Mbps to 2 Gbps, with 5 Gbps service on the horizon. More than 4,300 members have already subscribed to Connect, powered by Glades Electric Cooperative. The Next Chapter Joining the Conexon 100 Club is about more than a complete construction project. It reflects Glades Electric’s purpose. “Being a cooperative means listening to our members, understanding what our communities need and finding ways to make life better for the people we serve,” Jennifer says. “Broadband has become essential to education, business, agriculture and everyday life. We are proud that our members now have the opportunity to access that connectivity, no matter where they live within our service territory.” The fiber build may be complete, but its possibilities are just beginning. From powering the Heartland to connecting it, Glades Electric continues to invest in the communities it calls home. It carries forward the same spirit the has guided the cooperative since 1945: neighbors working for neighbors. 

NOVEMBER 2026

GLADES ELECTRIC

What is it?

$153

Power Bill

UP OUN

Operation Round Up is a program that allows members to round up their monthly bills to fund projects benefiting community members in need.

How does it work?

Amount due:

The average yearly contribution is $6 per member.

Operation Round Up

55 cents to your

neighbor in need.

$152.45

Nine members serve on the board of directors for Glades Electric Charitable Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Directors review applications and approve grants. District 1

District 2

Sommer Foster Beverly Eaves Moore Haven

Hendry County

District 6

District 3

District 4

District 5

Kelly Brantley

Dori Evans

Carol Roberts

Ortona/Palmdale

District 7

Lakeport

District 8

Highlands

Venus/Hicoria

District 9 Glades

Lee Andrus

Highlands Park

Melissa Callahan Lorida

Larry Howard Lake Josephine

$4,182.62 raised by Operation Round Up and Round Up Plus in August 2026.

75%

N NOOVVEEM MBBEERR 2026 2 026

The participation rate that would raise more than

$70,000 annually to support our communities.

43% How can I help?

Hendry

Okeechobee

in Operation Round Up funds were awarded to organizations and individuals in September 2026.

Round Up Plus allows members to add any set amount, $1 or more, to their bills each month.

Okeechobee

Paula Byars

$3,500.00

8,236 accounts participate in Operation Round Up or Operation Round Up Plus.

Funds from Operation Round Up go right back into the communities we serve.

How can I get help?

If you or a member you know needs financial assistance, please complete an application at: www.gladeselectric.com/community/operation-round-up.

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Got a Story Idea? We Want to Hear It. Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY GUY BRYANT

Florida Currents is a magazine about the people, places and moments that make Florida home, and nobody knows those stories better than you. Whether it’s a hidden gem in your community, a local hero worth celebrating or an organization doing great work in your area—we’re listening. Scan the QR code or visit the link to submit your story idea. Our editors read every submission. Thanks for reading and for helping us tell Florida’s best stories.

Sirens of Florida Weeki Wachee Springs’ Mermaid Experience takes visitors underwater By Cheré Coen

“Mermaids” perform an underwater show daily at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. PHOTOS BY JOHN ATHANASON

N O V E M B E R 2026

There would surely come a moment, after a swimmer slips into shockingly cold water while wearing a mermaid tail, when she begins to have second thoughts. For me, that moment at Weeki Wachee Springs arrived as I prepared to do my best Ariel impression. I was even humming her ballad from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” while getting ready to learn how the attraction’s iconic mermaids perform ballet, twists and turns—and even sing—underwater. A few minutes before, I watched three mermaids perform from an auditorium 10 feet below the surface of the spring. Behind 4 inches of glass, the women smiled, spun and posed as if they were born swimming with their legs bound in a tail. They received air through a hose apparatus and floated effortlessly before the audience. How hard could it be, right? I signed up for the Mermaid Experience at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park along U.S. 19 in Hernando County. Women have performed as mermaids since the 1940s, when former Navy frogman Newton Perry discovered a dilapidated spring pouring 117 million gallons of water daily from an aquifer hundreds of miles below ground. Newton cleaned the trash from the spring, developed an underwater breathing system and trained the Aqua Belles from St. Petersburg to perform in a water show. They didn’t wear fins in the early days, “but they were called mermaids back then,” says John Athanason, multimedia communications specialist for Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau. John worked for years promoting Weeki Wachee before moving to county tourism, and he knows the history well. Those early swimmers would stand along U.S. 19 and entice passing motorists to see the show. The American Broadcasting Co. bought Weeki Wachee in 1959 and built a clamshell theater 10 feet below the surface to give visitors a better view of the performance. Attendance boomed. At the attraction’s peak, about half a million visitors arrived each year to watch 35 mermaids take turns performing underwater. The springs also attracted Hollywood. Movies, including “Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid” and “Neptune’s Daughter,” featuring swimming legend Esther Williams, were filmed there. “The Incredible Mr. Limpet,” starring Don Knotts, used the springs for the world’s first underwater movie premiere. In 1962, Elvis Presley stopped by to watch a mermaid show while filming “Follow That Dream” in nearby Citrus County, a thrill for mermaids and visitors alike. ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY WILLY MOBILO

UP CLOSE

TOP: Mermaid Crissa, right, shows writer Cheré Coen how to swim in a mermaid costume in Weeki Wachee Spring. Flotation devices help keep them afloat. RIGHT: Cheré shows off her mermaid tail.

“When the most famous person comes, you know you’ve made it,” John says. “That was when the mermaids were in their heyday.” Disney World and Interstate 75 took the thunder away from many of Florida’s roadside attractions, including Weeki Wachee. Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only springfed water park, was added to attract tourists. But the mermaid shows never faltered. Today, visitors can not only watch the mermaids perform but get a taste of what it’s like to don a fin as well. The Mermaid Experience Mermaid Crissa—last names steal the magic, I was told—met me behind the scenes after I watched her perform in the afternoon show. She applied glitter makeup to my cheeks and fitted me with a mermaid tail. To slip inside the tail, I had to lie down on my back to insert my feet into the plastic feet portion inside the tail and then pull the fabric up to my waist. Crissa then helped me to a ladder that led into the spring water. Weeki Wachee Springs are 72 degrees year-round, one reason manatees love to swim into the river when waters chill. Although 72 sounds like a balmy spring day, the cold water can be a shock to the system. It’s why the mermaid shows are never more than 30 minutes, John says, because

being underwater longer might lead to hypothermia. After a couple of minutes, I adjusted to the cold. Crissa then led me around the spring with a flotation device because I lost my kicking legs to a tail. She recommended I swim like a dolphin, so I racked my brain, trying to remember “Flipper” episodes from my youth. I hardly moved an inch, but then the rushing water from the springs’ source created a current. I used a snorkeling mask to peer underwater and watch the mechanics of the mermaid show, such as where they arrive, and how they change costumes and props. The most impressive sights were the massive cave leading down into the earth and alligator gar and other fish drifting through the spring. “Sometimes we get a manatee,” Crissa says. “Many people ask about the fish, ask if they’re animatronic.” No, this isn’t Disney World. That realization came home the minute Crissa instructed me to sink into the water before the auditorium windows for a photo. “Twist your body and point your right hand toward your tail,” she told me. I had seen the mermaids do such a pose and figured this couldn’t be too difficult. The trouble was, as soon as I went under, my body insisted I float back up. I might have had more control if my legs were exposed, but I just couldn’t stay down. Apparently,

the air hoses and breathing techniques the mermaids use in performances help manage their position underwater. After a few more attempts, I was done. It was a fun experience but not nearly as easy as these lovely young women make it seem. Most Weeki Wachee mermaids take six months to a year to learn the craft, including being athletic and scuba certified. Crissa had gymnastics experience before beginning her mermaid career. I was awarded an honorary mermaid certificate, and I left with newfound appreciation. “It’s a great job for them,” John says, adding most Weeki Wachee mermaids are local. “It’s a lot of fun.” But it sure ain’t easy.  NOVEMBER 2026

SPOTLIGHT

Keep Them

Flying The Bird Lady’s legacy rescues thousands By Melanie Jones

In the 1980s, the late Laura Quinn often carved small birds from bits of wood. But one day, a real bird caught her eye— a pelican in a tree struggling against a fishing line that had tangled around it. Laura freed the bird, and the experience forever changed her life’s trajectory.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY KRIS

N O V E M B E R 2026

After that first rescue, Laura turned her Islamorada oceanfront home into a sanctuary for birds unable to live in the wild. The birds chattered, squawked and screeched, but she didn’t mind the noise. They shed feathers and did their business in her yard, but she didn’t care about the mess or smell. Laura, who became known as The Bird Lady, just wanted to save the sick and injured creatures. Eventually, there were too many feathered friends for one backyard, and Laura acquired land in Tavernier for a new home for herself and the birds. Since 1988, that land has been home to Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, comprising Mission Wild Bird Rehabilitation Hospital, which opened a new building in 2015, and Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. Laura died on her 82nd birthday in 2010, the same day the sanctuary was dedicated to her, but her dream continues. “Laura was a character for sure,” center board member Sara Hamilton says. “I only knew her the last couple of years of her life, but I have heard stories over the years. She was her own person, but she did amazing things for the birds.” Florida Keys Wild Bird Center strives to uphold Laura’s legacy. When a call comes into the center’s “birdgency” line, staff members jump into action. After retrieving a sick or injured bird, they bring it back to the center where it is assessed and treatment begins. They never know what they’ll find when they answer the call. “Maybe it’s a songbird that is on the ground at their house and can’t fly away, or maybe it’s a pelican hanging out in a marina with fishing line around it,” Executive Director Erin Allison says. The center attempts to treat them all. The goal is to release the birds back into the wild, Erin explains, sometimes with public release events. Other times, they are allowed to quietly fly away. The birds whose injuries are so severe they can’t be released find a home at the center’s Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. There, shorebirds can enjoy their own lagoons. Other birds have adaptive perches, and still more jump from branch to branch.

ABOVE: Avian Care Coordinator Allie Pydynowski, left, holds an Eastern screech owl while Dr. Alison Millington examines it. RIGHT: Dr. Nancy Saxe performs a procedure on a brown pelican at Mission Wild Bird Hospital while interns look on. PHOTOS COURTESY

OF FLORIDA KEYS WILD BIRD CENTER

Many species find safety and healing at the center. Pelicans are the most common birds admitted to the hospital, with 78 treated in 2025. Mourning doves take the No. 2 spot at 75. Waterfowl and songbirds are other common species seeking care. Last year, the center treated its first American flamingo. Migratory birds are frequent patients at Mission Wild Bird Hospital. “The Keys are important to migratory birds, so that’s what we see a lot of,” Erin says. “These birds are making incredible journeys twice a year, passing through the Keys and getting injured or exhausted.” The center has survived ups and downs over the close to 40 years since Laura started her work, but now it is thriving. “I think just through a good board and

just keeping an amazing executive director at the helm, it’s paid off over the years,” Sara says. “If we close the doors, there’s nobody else to help.” If it weren’t for Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, it would be a long journey for those who find sick and injured birds in the Keys—if the birds survived at all, Sara says. Sara came to the board through her role as environmental services manager at Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, where NOVEMBER 2026

Hawks are among the full-time residents in Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary’s raptor habitat.

Oliver and Erin Allison work with the center’s bird ambassador, Mickey the Mississippi kite.

she was already familiar with bird and wildlife rescue. The relationship comes in handy, she says, when rescuing an entangled bird stuck in trees requires using the cooperative’s bucket trucks. The cooperative also works around eagles who build nests on power poles, despite guards the cooperative installs. “We don’t want the animals to get electrocuted,” Sara says. “But they are very persistent, stubborn creatures.” Sara says employees often knock down the sticks when eagles are first forming their nests in hopes of discouraging them. If that doesn’t work and the eagles persist, the cooperative often installs another pole with a nesting platform on it. It was a shared love of nature that led Sara and Erin to the wild bird center. While in college, Erin, who is from Miami, worked there as an undergrad as the education and research coordinator. She left Florida and went to West Virginia to earn her graduate degree at West Liberty University, where she worked in a lab studying crawfish throughout Appalachia. “After living through winter there, I realized that winter is optional,” she says. “I realized I’m from a really cool place, and I should go back there.” Now in her third year as director, Erin says she fell in love with the bird center. “It was just sort of like the stars aligned,” she says. “The executive director position

was opening up. It was always my dream to come back to the organization and serve in more of a leadership position.” Sara began her role on the rescue and sanctuary board when she rotated off the Marine Mammal Conservancy board. Through her role at the cooperative, she worked with the center coordinating rescues. “Being in the Florida Keys, which is a little piece of paradise, and with my background in biology and marine science, I felt it was my duty to help preserve and

protect these animals,” Sara says. Sara says while there’s not much room for the center to grow its facilities, it continues to grow in its purpose. She and Erin are excited to have an outreach coordinator on staff. “Education is an important part of our mission,” Erin says. The outreach coordinator and education intern visit schools, libraries and community events to share programs about the birds. “We’ve also been able to glove train an

ambassador bird,” Erin says. Mickey, a Mississippi kite, is popular at the visits and with homeschool groups and others who stop by the center. Those outreach programs are important, Sara says. “I think getting the word out there and educating our next generation about wildlife and why it’s important is vital,” she says. “I just hope that we can keep up with the stability, that we can continue to help all these animals, the hundreds of birds coming through the center.” 

AIGENERATED ILLUSTRATION BY BRANDON POMRENKE

Everyone Can Protect Birds into windows, Erin says. They see the light reflected in the window and think they have a clear flight path. One easy way to prevent those injuries is to put decals on your windows. Another option is to use Zen Wind Curtains—strands of paracord spaced about 4 inches apart outside your window. Erin says they protect the birds and don’t obstruct the view. Fishing lines and hooks also pose serious risks to birds. “If you snag a tree while you’re fishing, try to get as much of that line out as possible,” Erin says. “If you’re out paddleboarding in the mangroves and you see fishing line wrapped around the mangroves, please cut it off.” Fishing line stays in the environment for up to 600 years, Erin says. “It’s detrimental not just to birds, but to all kinds of wildlife that can get tangled in the lines,” she says. To reduce the risk, the bird center has placed fishing line recycling bins around the Keys.

Creating a bird-friendly yard by using native plants in landscaping is a great way to help birds flourish. Erin says bird feeders can also be friendly, as long as you disinfect them every time you refill. She does not recommend birdbaths. They can be breeding grounds for parasites and bacteria that can hurt birds, and for mosquitoes that can hurt humans.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY DAVID

Birds come to Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary for many reasons. Some are natural, such as illness or emaciation, and others are human-caused. But Erin Allison, executive director of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, says people can take steps to protect birds. The most basic precaution is checking for nests in trees and shrubs before trimming them, Erin says. Falling nests can kill birds or cause parents to fly away, leaving chicks orphaned. She says people should exercise caution letting their cats roam outside, as they can knock down nests and attack birds. Slowing for birds in the roadway can save lives or prevent injury, both human and avian. “Most people assume they’ll just fly away, but that’s not always the case,” Erin says. About 15% of the injuries the hospital sees are caused by road collisions. Birds are often injured or killed when they fly

NOVEMBER 2026

IN THE KITCHEN

Soup Season Is Here

WARM UP WITH A BOWL FULL OF COMFORT Pasta Fagioli

1 tablespoon olive oil 4 slices thick-cut bacon or 4 ounces pancetta, chopped 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped 2 ribs celery, finely diced 1 medium onion, finely diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 5 cups chicken stock

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY PIXEL-SHOT

N O V E M B E R 2026

14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes 19-ounce can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed 19-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 bay leaf 1 Parmesan rind 1 cup ditalini pasta, uncooked 2 cups freshly chopped spinach or kale 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Parsley or thyme, for garnish

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add bacon or pancetta. Cook until lightly browned. Add carrots, celery and onion. Cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, beans, bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender. Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook until al dente. Just before serving, stir in spinach and adjust seasonings as desired. Top with Parmesan, then garnish with parsley or thyme.

Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 6-ounce package long-grain and wild rice blend, quick-cooking version with seasoning packet 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour 2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed

6 cups chicken broth 3⁄4 cup butter 1 cup carrot, diced 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup onion, diced 3 cups half-and-half

Open rice and remove seasoning packet. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, combine chicken and broth. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover, then remove from heat. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots, celery and onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Stir in contents of seasoning packet. Continue cooking vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add seasoned flour gradually while constantly stirring to form a roux. Saute roux for 3-4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste. Whisk in half-and-half, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir half-and-half mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Mexican Chicken Soup 2 teaspoons canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium bell pepper, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 medium jalapeno, diced and seeded 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 5 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 15.5-ounce can low-sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed 14.5-ounce can low-sodium kernel corn, drained and rinsed 1 large tomato, diced 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onion and jalapeno. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often until vegetables are tender. Stir in garlic, garlic powder and cumin. Cook another minute. Add broth to saucepan, increase heat to high and bring to a rapid simmer. Add chicken. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in beans, corn, tomato and cilantro. Cover. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Top with cilantro before serving hot.

Minestrone

2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup diced carrots 1/2 cup diced celery 1/2 cup chopped onion 4 garlic cloves, minced 32 ounces chicken stock 28-ounce can petite diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste 15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed Parmesan cheese rind

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Black pepper 1 fresh rosemary sprig 2 bay leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 medium zucchini, diced 2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens Parmesan and red pepper flakes, for garnish

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Stir in carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Saute until tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, Parmesan cheese rind, salt and pepper. Add rosemary, bay leaves, basil and parsley. Bring to a boil, then cover. Cook on low for 40 minutes. Remove the bay leaves, rosemary sprig and Parmesan rind. If you prefer a thicker soup, pulse a few times with an immersion blender. Add the zucchini and spinach. Cover. Simmer until the zucchini is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with Parmesan and red pepper flakes.

Russian Mushroom and Potato Soup 5 tablespoons butter, divided 2 leeks, chopped 2 large carrots, sliced 6 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried dill 2 teaspoons salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced 1 pound fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 cup half-and-half

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Mix in leeks and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes. Add broth, dill, salt and pepper. Mix in potatoes. Cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender but firm. Add half-and-half. Mix with an immersion blender until slightly thickened. If you don’t have an immersion blender, ladle soup into a hot-safe blender and blend before pouring back into the saucepan. Melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute mushrooms for 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Stir into soup before serving. NOVEMBER 2026

THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT

iPhone XR 4.2mm lens ISO: 80 f/1.8 at 1/121

BugsA and Butt erfl ies time to get close

Story and photo by Dave LaBelle

The old adage says sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees. We are so preoccupied sometimes with our busy lives and the big picture that we end up missing small, valuable details that give our lives much-needed flavor. A note scribbled on a bench, an unlikely flower climbing through a crack in a sidewalk or a small creature—such as a ladybug or butterfly—can catch our attention and stop us in our tracks. On my way to a morning budget meeting and carrying only my cellphone—I live 2 blocks from the newspaper office—I spotted these crazy-looking eyes on the window of a nearby business. I recognized the creature as a large moth. I stopped to admire its beauty and design and to make several pictures with my iPhone. I learned later it was a polyphemus moth, with a wingspan of 4 to 6 inches. The pattern of the eyespots on its wings looks like the face of a great horned owl, something its predators find frightening. Capturing these small but important details can be challenging. However, because my iPhone focuses at a minimum of 3 inches, it was perfect for capturing this resting creature.

Reader Challenge

Macro photography is a fascinating proposition and something easy to get addicted to. Seeing and capturing details such as an ant’s jaws can be scary but inviting. In past years, I attached my camera lens to a microscope to capture such magnification. I was zealously experimental in my younger years, whereas now I focus more on moments and storytelling. If you find macro photography compelling and want to get even closer, many smartphone models have macro features, often on Pro phone models. Many cameras also have a macro setting. To use your phone’s macro setting, place your phone close to your subject, and it should automatically adjust. If you’re unsure if your phone shoots macro, just corral someone younger to help. You can also look for add-on lenses and accessories from third-party vendors. 

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

Slow down, observe, listen, stop and appreciate the small storytelling details that enrich your life. These can be found in your home or in nature. Whether you use a cellphone or a DSLR (35mm digital camera), get close and see if you can capture a storytelling picture. Email your best image—just one—with caption information and an explanation of how it affects you to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels. 18

N O V E M B E R 2026

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Seniors get new medical alert device No contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever FastHelp is the only Medical Alert device that won’t break the bank. That’s because it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free. You don’t need a cell phone or a land line. And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide. So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated

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Instantly connects to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button with no contracts, no deposits, and no monthly bills Seniors born before 1964 get new medical alert device Nationwide: Demand for new Medical Alert Device soars The phone lines are ringing off the hook. That’s because for seniors born before 1964, it’s a deal too good to pass up. Starting at precisely 8:30am today the PreStore Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever. “It’s not like old style help buttons that make you talk to a call center, only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or anywhere and everywhere cell service is available whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians. “We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, today’s instant rebate (Continued on next page)

■ FLYING OUT THE DOOR: Trucks are being loaded with the new medical alert devices called FastHelp. They are now being delivered to lucky seniors who call the National Rebate Center Hotline at 1-800-221-2809 DEPT. FSTH231 today. Everyone is calling to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

(Continued from previous page)

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practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said. FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever. ■ The only device that makes you look important, not old The problem with medical alert devices is, nobody wants to wear them because it makes them look old. Well, that’s not the case with FastHelp. That’s because it’s the first state of the art medical alert device designed to make you look important, not old. Old style monitored help buttons you wear around your neck, or require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy, it’s just outdated. Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the floor helpless and all alone with no help. But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and get to STAY living in their own home independently. Yet millions of seniors are still risking their safety by not having a medical alert device. That’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices. That’s why seniors born before 1964 are rushing to cash in the whopping $150 instant rebate before the 21 day deadline ends. So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this year because seniors born before 1964 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s publication before the 21 day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■

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and their family members are snapping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said. Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert systems come with monthly bills. To s olve t he s e problems Universal Physicians, a U.S. compa ny, went to work to develop a new, modern, stateof-the -ar t medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and

no monthly bills ever. “This slick new little device is designed to look incognito to slip in your pocket. Seniors love them, because it actually makes them look important, not

old,” Dr. Howren said. FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select publications. ■

People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when sea soned vetera n emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up. “Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home. That’s why seniors

Five Star Customer Reviews Hurricane Help “We had two hurricanes recently. I had no electricity for 6 days. I fell, so I pushed the button, and they came right out and picked me up off the floor. I tell many of my friends they need to get FastHelp!” - Virginia, FL

BORN AFTER 1964: You cannot use the rebate coupon to the right and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-221-9773 EXT. ADFH1126

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A+ Rating: These are unsolicited consumer feedback from satisﬁed customers as reported to Universal Physicians.

HOW TO GET IT BORN BEFORE 1964: Use the rebate coupon to the right and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-221-2809 EXT. FSTH231

LIFESAVER “When I got my FastHelp I never thought I’d have to use it, but when I fell and broke my hip it saved my life.” - Harold, OH

BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. With the instant FastHelp rebate, it is a real steal at just $149 and shipping. There are no monthly bills ever.

PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal a must have. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.

CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1964 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.

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PLEASE USE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH NO TRANSACTION FEE. ALL OTHER PAYMENT FORMS HAVE A THREE PERCENT TRANSACTION FEE. FASTHELP IS COVERED BY A 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE LESS SHIPPING AND A 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. FASTHELP IS A 4G CELLULAR DEVICE. FASTHELP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE 911 CALLS WHEN CELLULAR SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE SUCH AS IN REMOTE AREAS. FASTHELP USES GPS TRIANGULATIONS TO APPROXIMATE YOUR LOCATION WHEN YOUR DEVICE IS TURNED ON. DR. HOWREN IS A COMPENSATED MEDICAL ADVISOR. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. UNIVERSAL PHYSICIANS 7747 SUPREME AVE, NORTH CANTON, OH 44720. P7484 OF24695R-1

FLORIDA CURRENTS

PLANNER

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

ISLAMORADA

Nov. 1 Dia de Los Muertos Celebration Celebrate with memory, music and dance during a celebration in the colorful Florida Keys Brewing Company beer garden featuring mariachis, a sugar skull station, Calavera face painting, and a pop-up community altar and gallery. Find meaningful engagement for all ages, connecting hands-on creation to the rich traditions of honoring and remembering our ancestors. This authentic way to explore cultural heritage through storytelling and intergenerational connections is sure to create a celebratory day for everyone. communityartsandculture.org/2026programs

PENSACOLA

Nov. 4 Rock the Runway: Living Art Opera comes alive at Rock the Runway, where fashion meets stunning storytelling in a creative fusion of the visual and performing arts. Pensacola Opera presents Living Art during the first week of the Foo Foo Festival at the historic downtown Saenger Theatre. Step inside the story as we transform the theater into a stunning spectacle where breathtaking larger-than-life projections, soaring operatic voices, electrifying beats, ballet dancers and runway models bring iconic operatic scenes to life through a vivid collision of music, movement, fashion and bold artistic immersion. This one-of-a-kind fashion theater experience celebrates Pensacola’s thriving arts community, inviting audiences to step inside a world where every scene is a work of living art. pensacolaopera.com; 850-433-6737

LAKEWOOD RANCH

Nov. 14 CAALR 24th Annual Fall Arts & Artisan Show The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch proudly presents its annual one-day indoor art show and sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. For nearly a quarter century, this event has celebrated the creativity and craftsmanship of local artists while connecting the community through the visual arts. Visitors are invited to browse an exceptional collection of original paintings, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, clocks, fiber art, tabletop decor, shell art, handcrafted journals and more. The show offers the opportunity to meet local artists, purchase one-of-a-kind artwork and discover distinctive handcrafted gifts while supporting the arts in our community. Admission and parking are free. caalr.com

N O V E M B E R 2026

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAALR

KEY WEST

Nov. 6 First Fridays on Fleming Every first Friday of the month from 6-9 p.m., Fleming Street transforms into a lively celebration of island creativity, community and local flavor during First Fridays on Fleming. Stroll through the charming Fab 500 Block and discover an inviting mix of boutique shopping, gallery openings, artisan pop-ups, live music, tastings, book signings and neighborhood eateries. fabflemingkw.com

ISLAMORADA

Nov. 14 Guided Bird Walk at Green Turtle Hammock Start your morning discovering the birdlife of the Upper Keys during a guided bird walk at 8:30 a.m. at Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve. The walk invites participants to explore the preserve while learning about the native and migratory birds that rely on Florida Keys habitats. The nearly one-hour walk follows a flat, 0.4-mile loop trail, making it an approachable nature experience for families, residents and visitors of all ages. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and water, along with plenty of curiosity for the morning’s wildlife sightings. The guided walk is free to attend with donations welcome to support local conservation efforts. floridabayforever.org/events/bird-walk; 305-509-7545

PENSACOLA

PHOTO BY JASPER DUNESAND

Nov. 14 Full Throttle for Vets This event is open to all makes and models, and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a day of awesome vehicles, food and fun—all for a meaningful cause. In partnership with Healing Paws for Warriors, the event raises awareness and funds for our veterans. All proceeds from this event will benefit Healing Paws for Warriors, an organization dedicated to saving lives at both ends of the leash by pairing veterans with trained rescue dogs that become their service dogs. The event is free to attend as a spectator, and car enthusiasts are welcome to register their vehicles for the show. Early registration is just $25 per vehicle, while day-of registration is $35. fullthrottleforvets.org; 850-776-6794

ISLAMORADA

Nov. 20 Mote’s 4th Annual Reef Revival Fest Celebrate coral science, restoration and community at this free, familyfriendly event hosted by Mote Marine Laboratory. The evening starts at 5 p.m. and offers an opportunity to learn more about Mote’s work to restore the Florida Coral Reef while enjoying live music, local food trucks and craft beer from Florida Keys Brewing Company. Families can visit the kids’ zone, where interactive activities introduce young visitors to coral science and conservation. Throughout the festival, guests can get a closer look at the science behind reef restoration through coral nursery tours, hands-on demonstrations and educational activities. Visitors can learn how corals are propagated and prepared for restoration while meeting team members working to increase reef resilience throughout the Florida Keys. mote.org/event/motes-4th-annual-reef-revival-fest-2026; 941-388-6683

SEBRING

Nov. 21 Let It Grow Plant Festival and Sale This free event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Highlands County Ag Civic Center is sponsored by the Highlands County Master Gardener Volunteers. There will be more than 100 vendors selling plants and crafts, alongside live music and food trucks. facebook.com/groups/highlandsmg; 863-402-6540

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY CORRI SEIZINGER

PANAMA CITY BEACH

Nov. 11 Veterans Memorial Honor those who served in the U.S. military at Panama City Beach’s Veterans Memorial. The memorial is on West Park Drive, immediately south of Aaron Bessant Park near Pier Park. bit.ly/4zbY37M

PENSACOLA

Nov. 27 Elf Parade and Christmas Jubilee Come celebrate with costumes, contests and wagons. Show off your creativity at the Elf Parade by wearing your best outfit, salvaging an ugly holiday sweater or decorating your wagon/stroller. During the parade lineup, you can join any contest you like. The parade starts at 2 p.m., and Santa will announce the winners just before we march. Each winner will lead their section of the parade. pensacolawinterfest.org/pensacola-elf-parade-and-downtown-opening-night; 850-583-1365

PANAMA CITY

Nov. 6-7 Public Eye Soar Projection Art Festival Come enjoy an art festival celebrating the works of hundreds of artists from all over the world and locals alike. Art, light and music combine on the walls and campus of Gulf Coast State College. All ages are welcome to this free family-friendly event from 6-10 p.m. Come create live art, listen to music and enjoy art from all over the world. Past exhibits and interactives include Giant Pinball, Laser Drums, The Maze, The Shadow Dome, Doodlers!, Shadow Puppets, Veterans’ Wall, Sand Art, Big Head Nation, The Yellow Room and Ceramics Rave Party, alongside artworks from local and international artists. publiceyesoar.net; 850-890-6631

HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS Want to share a family-friendly event with Florida Currents readers? Enter details at tinyurl.com/FloridaCurrents or use the QR code for easy access. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a printquality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.

NOVEMBER 2026

GARDENING

Holida Decorating With Natural Materials

There’s something special and cozy about having fresh greenery inside your home for the holidays. Even more special is bringing things you grow into your home. Fortunately, several plants suited to North Florida landscapes lend themselves beautifully to holiday decor, such as garlands and wreaths. Boxwood might not be the first plant that comes to mind, but the greenery lends a formal look to wreaths and your garden. These plants are slowgrowing and should be planted in part shade. Magnolia foliage looks great mixed in wreaths and garlands or as a standalone star on the mantel. Make sure to turn a few leaves to the backside as you build your decor so the cinnamon-colored undersides create a pleasing and elegant contrast. The Southern magnolia can grow to 90 feet tall and is typically used as a specimen tree in large landscapes. However, the Little Gem Southern magnolia has the same beautiful features in a more compact size, topping out at 30 feet. Red cedar trees are the standard for native, cut-it-yourself Christmas greenery. Connect branches with floral wire to build a garland for your staircase or front door. These long-lived trees can be used for privacy hedges and are a resource for birds for nesting and food. Arizona cypress is another fine-textured evergreen that can double as an outdoor Christmas tree. The striking blue-green needles smell fantastic when crushed. The foliage looks great mixed with magnolia for texture and color contrast in garlands, arrangements and wreaths. Grow these trees in full sun and well-drained soil where they have plenty of room to reach 40 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide. Use the foliage color as a focal point in the landscape all while providing thermal cover for your backyard birds. You can also dress up your designs with the red berries of our native hollies. All our native hollies have all male flowers or all female flowers. Only the females produce the berries, so be sure to plant one if berries are what you want. Jewel is one variety of yaupon holly known for plentiful berry production. Want your decor to have a Florida vibe? Use dehydrated orange slices as garland or incorporate clove and orange pomanders into your table centerpieces. The pomanders make your house smell good as the oranges dry. If you want to plant an orange tree, be aware there is a common disease it can get called citrus greening that has no cure and eventually kills the tree. The University of Florida recommends planting the mandarin variety Sugar Belle, as it’s more tolerant of the disease. While not a plant, natural Florida materials—such as seashells, sea stars and sand dollars—can look unique and inviting in wreaths and other designs. Each year, Duval County Master Gardener Volunteers at Beaches History Museum decorate the historic buildings on the grounds with greenery that incorporates shells and sea stars. If you’re in the area, stop by and stroll around the garden. Go outside and see what you can clip to bring in, and enjoy these last few days of the season. Orange pomanders in a bed of Arizona cypress will be on my table. I wish you comfort and joy as you celebrate.  Tonya Ashworth is an environmental horticulture agent and master gardener coordinator for Duval County UF/IFAS Extension. She has more than two decades of horticulture experience, specializing in Florida-friendly landscaping, vegetable gardening and volunteer development. Tonya has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from Mississippi State University.

N O V E M B E R 2026

PHOTO BY TONYA ASHWORTH AND ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY S43

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26 N O V E M B E R 2026 NOVEMBER 2026

GET OUTSIDE

Building

Bonds

Squirrel hunting is a good introduction for young hunters, providing more activity than sitting in a deer blind. PHOTOS BY JOHN N. FELSHER

Teaching children to create lasting memories Some people make the mistake of taking children deer hunting when they’re too young. Children grow bored quickly and need more action. Instead, take them small game hunting to learn about the outdoors. “I highly encourage people not to stick really young children in a deer blind and tell them to be quiet,” says Jackie Bushman, outdoor enthusiast and founder of Buckmasters, an outdoor media company. “Take them squirrel hunting. Kids like a lot of activity. When they get older, take them deer hunting.” Squirrel hunting creates outstanding opportunities to introduce children to the outdoors and teach them safety and woodsmanship while building lasting bonds. Most youth learn by accompanying a parent or an older, experienced relative. For starters, get the child an appropriate gun that he or she can handle. Teach them how to safely shoot it. A single-shot .410 makes a great starter gun for beginner squirrel hunters. Next, young hunters must learn how to spot the “gray ghosts of the forests.” Because squirrels can quickly disappear in trees, practice spotting them by going to a park or similar place. Make a game of it. See who can spot the squirrels first. Of course, hunting squirrels in a forest requires much more skill than simply walking through a city park. Practically anywhere with hardwood trees or mixed hardwoods and pines holds squirrels. During the season, walk through the forest slowly, watching for activity. Take a few steps, stop, look and listen. Scan trees for any movement. Advance a few steps and repeat. Occasionally, sit on a log or lean against a comfortable tree trunk. Stay still and quiet for a while. Hunters frequently hear squirrels long before they see them. Listen for claws scratching on rough bark, branches shaking or

objects dropping from trees. Keep an ear out for squirrels scampering along the ground, chattering or barking. An experienced hunter can identify those sounds for a youngster. Let the youth do most of the shooting. If they miss, so what? Hunters will spot another squirrel. When alerted, squirrels habitually put trunks, branches or leaves between themselves and hunters. If a squirrel disappears in the nook of a tree but doesn’t leave, the experienced hunter could walk around the tree making noise. That squirrel will focus its attention on the walking hunter. It might shift to a new position, thus revealing its location and presenting the youth with a clear shot. Florida squirrel hunters enjoy access to many public properties. The state manages more than 6 million acres of wildlife areas in varied habitats for public hunting throughout Florida. In addition, the federal government controls more than 1.2 million acres of national forests and another 800,000 acres in 29 national wildlife refuges in Florida. Seasons, limits and other regulations on public properties may vary, so always check the laws. For hunting season dates, regulations and places to go, visit myfwc.com/hunting. Sharing time in a forest teaching youngsters woodsmanship forms lifelong bonds and memories for the adults and children. 

John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. He’s written more than 3,500 articles on a wide variety of outdoor topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook. NOVEMBER 2026

From Light Switches to

Lifelong Habits

By Miranda Boutelle

Do you have energy-saving helpers at home? Teaching your children to build good energy habits saves money on electric bills and sets them up for a lifetime of smart energy use. Here’s how to get them started on an energy-saving adventure. Safety First When it comes to electricity, start with safety basics. Secure cords so appliances, lamps or other plugged-in items can’t be pulled down. Use outlet covers and safety plugs to keep little hands from getting injured. As they get older, teach children to never stick things in outlets. When they’re old enough to use outlets, let them know they should never unplug by pulling the cord. When playing outside, teach them to stay away from downed power lines, keep a safe distance from electrical equipment and understand the dangers of electricity near water. Teaching Energy Habits You can teach age-appropriate energy habits. Turning off fans and lights when leaving rooms is a good habit to instill. Fully powering down TVs, computers and gaming systems reduces energy waste. Keeping the refrigerator door open is a common energy waster. Teach them to take a quick look inside. If they need time to choose what they want, they can close the fridge while deciding. Keeping your home’s doors closed is another tip to keep heated or air-conditioned air inside. In addition to reducing wasted water, using less hot water helps you save on your energy bill. Heating water is typically the second-highest energy use in a home—behind heating and air conditioning. Reduce energy use by turning off the water while hand-washing dishes, taking short showers and not overfilling the bathtub.

PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND/PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES

Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energy-efficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company. This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, or any products or services it offers.

N O V E M B E R 2026

Gamify Your Bill Review the electric bill with older children. Be sure to focus on energy use, which is shown in kilowatt-hours on your bill. It’s also a good opportunity to teach budgeting and managing finances. If you save money on the electric bill, you may be able to do something fun with that money instead. Consider a trip to mini golf, getting ice cream or choosing a longer-term goal to fund a weekend family trip. Make it a game. Consider a family reward for using less energy than the previous month, or the same month of the Scan this QR code previous year, or give an individual reward to the one who to download an “Energy Detective” guesses how many kilowatt-hours you used that month. activity to help children get The winner gets to pick the movie for family night. excited about Exploring energy efficiency and conservation with identifying ways your children doesn’t have to be a chore. Find fun ways to save energy at home. to build lifelong energy habits and save energy around your home. 

GLADES ELECTRIC

Optimize Your HVAC System By Abby Berry

As November settles in and heating, ventilation and air conditioning companies get a respite from summer, it’s a great time to have your system serviced. Remember last winter’s extreme cold in Florida? Make sure your system is optimized to work efficiently for heating. Start with something simple. One of the easiest and most effective measures you can take is checking filters. A clogged or dirty filter makes it harder for air to move through your system, which can cause it to work longer and harder than necessary. Check filters regularly and replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Vents matter, too. If you have vents in the floor, look around your home to make sure furniture, curtains, rugs and other household items aren’t blocking any supply or return vents. If you have a heat pump, your outdoor unit also deserves extra attention this time of year. Leaves, limbs and other debris can collect around the unit and restrict airflow, so keep the area around your outdoor unit clear. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning recommendations. Don’t overlook what you can’t see. With forced-air systems, ductwork plays an essential role in delivering heated air throughout

your home. Leaks, gaps or disconnected sections can allow conditioned air to escape before it reaches the rooms where you need it. If you’ve noticed rooms that never seem to get comfortable or are unusually high energy use, ask an HVAC professional to inspect your ductwork. Fall is an ideal time for a professional tuneup. A technician can inspect your heating system, identify potential problems and make sure it’s operating safely and efficiently before cold weather arrives. Regular professional maintenance can also help extend the life of your equipment. Finally, take more control of your energy use by proactively managing your thermostat. There’s no reason to heat an empty house. Lowering the temperature when you’re asleep or away can help reduce energy use. Better yet, a programmable or smart thermostat can make those adjustments automatically, taking one more thing off your to-do list. Your home HVAC system is one of the largest sources of power use in your home. Give it a little extra attention this fall to help the system operate more efficiently, reduce unnecessary energy use and potentially prevent an inconvenient breakdown on a cold winter night. 

NOVEMBER 2026

BEFORE YOU GO

Ready for new adventures A blue heron readies itself to take off near Sarasota. “I wondered where he was headed and what his journey would be like,” Nancy Reilly says. “I needed to preserve this image and snapped this before he flew away.” PHOTO BY NANCY REILLY

As space allows, we share reader-submitted photos on this page. Send your photo by emailing a JPEG to photos@floridacurrents.com. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.

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1 DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 11/30/2026. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Get 24-months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase six (6) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 11/1/2026 and 11/30/2026. Only valid on initial visit. Subject to credit approval. 24-month Promotional Period: when no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if balance is paid in full before Promotional Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after Promotional Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on terms disclosed in the financing agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for details. †It is the only warranty among top selling window companies that meets all of the following requirements: easy to understand terms, unrestricted transferability, installation coverage, labor coverage, geographically unrestricted, coverage for exterior color, insect screens and hardware, and no maintenance requirement. Visit renewalbyandersen.com/nationsbest for details. ‡Review aggregator survey of 5-star reviews among leading national full-service window replacement companies. Reputation.com March 2026. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2026 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA14201

LADES

Electric Cooperative, Inc.

“Neighbors Working for Neighbors”

FL-153

A Season of Gratitude

855-940-3810 gladeselectric.com

OFFICES 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday 26733 U.S. Highway 27 P.O. Box 519 Moore Haven, FL 33471 214 SR 70 W. Lake Placid, FL 33852

REPORT AN OUTAGE ~ Via the SmartHub app ~ 855-940-3810 (24/7 outage reporting) Please have your account number ready.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lee Henderson, President, District 6 Highlands Park, 863-633-9281 Barney Goodman, Vice President, District 2 Hendry County, 561-414-8737 Angela Hodges, Secretary/Treasurer, District 9 Okeechobee, 863-801-3140 Donnie Lundy, Trustee, District 1 Moore Haven, 863-634-7314 Mike Pressley, Trustee, District 3 Ortona and Palmdale, 863-673-9158 Shannon Hall, Trustee, District 4 Lakeport and Brighton, 863-946-3242 Brad Oxer, Trustee, District 5 Venus and Hicoria, 863-441-1866 Fred Tagtmeier, Trustee, District 7 Lorida, 863-214-4994 Vicki Pontius, Trustee, District 8 Lake Josephine, 863-414-2917

The next monthly board meeting is at 9 a.m. Nov. 24 at Moore Haven headquarters. Any changes are posted in the lobby of both district offices.

EXECUTIVE STAFF Michael Roberge, Chief Executive Officer Renee Bass, Chief Administrative Officer Courtney Brown, Chief Personnel Officer Jennifer Koukos, Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Manning, Chief Financial Officer

N O V E M B E R 2026

In November, as we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving and enjoy family, food and football, we pause to give thanks for our many blessings and the freedom we enjoy together. It’s a time of reflection and gratitude.

As I write this article, I am thankful it appears we will be spared from Tropical Storm Isaias, which is likely to become a hurricane. The time from naming to forecast landfall is less than a week for this Mike Roberge storm, which is why we don’t wait to get our action plans ready. We have been planning for potential storms for months and would be prepared despite the short window this storm afforded affected areas. We are fortunate to have organizations, resources and technology that allow us to better predict storm tracks than in the past. That means we can focus our efforts on how we may be able to help fellow cooperatives that could be affected. I am grateful for the network of co-ops and partners we have across the state and country, which is always willing to lend a hand when disasters strike. It’s truly remarkable to be a part of a group that demonstrates such selflessness and concern for its communities. I am also grateful for the Glades Electric Charitable Trust Board of Directors. These co-op members volunteer their time to review grant applications for Operation Round Up funds, helping individuals in need and nonprofit organizations throughout our communities. Operation Round Up is funded by Glades Electric Co-op members who choose to round up their monthly bill to the nearest dollar. These small amounts are collected and distributed through the charitable trust to give a hand to neighbors in need. To join this program, call our office at 855-940-3810, sign up in the SmartHub app or check the box on the back of your bill payment stub. Your change makes a big difference for those in need. I am grateful, too, for all of our dedicated employees. They truly are Neighbors Working for Neighbors. In this issue, we recognize five employees who are celebrating at least 25 years of service. Check out our feature on Pages 4-5 to learn more about them. We are thankful for their decades of service to our members. Lastly, I am thankful for each of the co-op members whose homes, businesses and lives we are honored to power. We don’t take that responsibility lightly and are grateful for the opportunity to serve you. May you and your loved ones have a happy Thanksgiving, neighbors.