Florida Currents, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, February 2026

Florida Currents

Why have a stairlift when you can

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ECONOMICAL & FLEXIBLE

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A Stiltz Homelift plugs into a standard home electrical outlet, using less power than a coffee maker.

YOUR FOREVER HOME

Avoid the expense and distress of relocating, or the disruption of adapting

your home for downstairs living. A Stiltz Homelift helps you live safely and independently in the home you love.

IT’S NEVER TOO SOON

Some Stiltz customers need a Homelift immediately. But others want to “future-proof” their homes for when the stairs become a challenge.

HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS

Stiltz is a world leading Homelift manufacturer, so you’ll be in good hands. Your elevator will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals who truly care about your freedom.

Falls are the leading cause of hospitalization for older adults in the US. More than a quarter of Americans age 65+ fall each year. The average hospital cost for a fall injury is $35,000. Did you know?

“I can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”

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• Affordable

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• Full Warranty

Florida Currents

CEO Michael Shepard

VICE PRESIDENT 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

Valeri Saldanha Rosa; Sable Riley, CCC

ASSISTANT EDITORS David Herder, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION

SENIOR MANAGER

Elizabeth Beatty

SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Alyssa McDougle

Members acknowledge that $4.89 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, Suite 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, Suite 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.

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.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

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© 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 www.pioneer.coop.

February 2026 • Volume 15, No. 4 For additional content, search @FloridaCurrents on your favorite social media sites and floridacurrents.com.

Stacking energy impacts the electric grid—and your energy cost.

When you run everything at the same time (like your washer, dryer, oven and air conditioning), demand for electricity spikes. The grid has to work harder, and that increases energy costs. Spreading your electric load throughout the day not only lowers your cost, it also helps ensure the grid can meet demand. Let’s use energy wisely, and we’ll all reap the benefits. After all, we’re all on the grid together.

www.gcec.com

Artists at Work

feeds passion for art while supporting fellow artists

Spreading Holiday Cheer

Wewahitchka Christmas Parade

GCEC employees decorated a bucket truck with lights for the 2025 Wewahitchka Christmas Parade.

Toy Drive to Benefit Children’s Home Society

For many years, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees and trustees have incorporated a drive to benefit the Children’s Home Society into their annual Christmas party. This year was no exception. Toys were collected to help children in our community.

Presenting the donations on behalf of GCEC are Cole Barfield, left, Kristin Douglas with daughter Courtney, and Brennis Smith. Accepting on behalf of the Children’s Home Society are Ashleigh Grooms, kneeling in front; Arleen Chilton, right; and Juli Melara, standing in front.

Tree-Lighting Ceremony

At Tyndall Air Force Base, GCEC sponsored the annual tree-lighting ceremony. Pictured at the event, from left, are Lt. Col. Dominique A. Zhong, Lindsay Peak and her daughter, Brystol; and Tina Polk.

Several employees and trustees are recognized during a Dec. 17 gathering. Front row, from left, are Kristy Pitts, Heather Hamrick, Chad Brackin, J.P. Syfrett, Linda Bennett, Robert Chapman, Madison Churchwell and Hunter Jenks. Middle row, from left, are Terreaunce Brown, Misty Waddleton, Wes Morgan, Sunny, Wesley Newsome, Lonnie Perry, Justin Suber, Kam, Justin Barnes and Tiffany Gainer. Back row, from left, are Ben McDonald, Shyron Green, Chris, Brandon Price, Weston Swindle, Jay Shiver, Issac Madrid, Jacob O’Bryan and Tocarra Robinson. Not pictured: Eddie Jones, Gary Whitfield, Robert Byrd, Jason Curry, Matthew Fleming, Grant Hathaway, Shane Kriser, Kristen Rich, Dylan Williams, Jeremy Leno, Michael Sewell and Levi Smith.

GCEC Pr ents

SERVICE AWARDS

Sunny Brown, Kam Cavanaugh and Chris Flowers earn special employee recognitions

Three Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees received special awards named in memory and honor of former employees. Additionally, several employees and trustees were recgonized for milestone service anniversaries at a Dec. 17 gathering.

Alfredia Owens Member Service Award

Sunny Brown received the Alfredia Owens Member Service Award. Management selected Sunny for her commitment to highquality member service, strong relationships with fellow employees, empathy and compassion, honesty and integrity, and for prioritizing the safety of members, the public and co-workers. She also serves as a positive role model to others.

Tony ‘T-Bone’ Turner Hustle Award

Tomica Lowery Memorial Award

Kam Cavanaugh earned the Tomica Lowery Memorial Award. Kam was selected for appreciating and supporting the fundamental human needs of co-workers, communicating clearly and fostering greater organizational commitment. These qualities were demonstrated by employee satisfaction, which led to less stress and absenteeism.

Service Awards

Chris Flowers was honored with the Tony “T-Bone” Turner Hustle Award.

He was recognized for his sustained record of productivity, exceptional efficiency and dedication, and a keen focus on safety for members, the public and employees. Chris’s work ethic and positive interactions set a strong example for others.

Service pins were awarded to: Eddie Jones, 30 years; Chad Brackin, J.P. Syfrett and Gary Whitfield, 25 years; Robert Byrd and Lonnie Perry, 20 years; Justin Barnes, 15 years; Jason Curry, Matthew Fleming, Issac Madrid, Jacob O’Bryan and Jay Shiver, 10 years; Linda Bennett, Sunny Brown, Terreaunce Brown, Grant Hathaway, Hunter Jenks, Shane Kriser, Wesley Newsome, Brandon Price, Kristen Rich, Tocarra Robinson, Justin Suber, Weston Swindle and Dylan Williams, five years; Robert Chapman, Madison Churchwell, Chris Flowers, Tiffany Gainer, Shyron Green, Heather Hamrick, Jeremy Leno, Ben McDonald, Wes Morgan, Kristy Pitts, Michael Sewell, Levi Smith and Misty

Don’t Miss the Annual Members’ Meeting

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 2, and plan to attend Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s 78th Annual Members’ Meeting. Due to construction of the new headquarters, this year’s meeting is held at the Honeyville Community Center at 240 Honeyville Park Drive in Wewahitchka.

In addition to electing directors and hearing reports about your cooperative, watch informational presentations—such as the co-op’s safety trailer—and have a

chance to win prizes, all while enjoying good food and entertainment.

The meeting agenda reflects what keeps your electric cooperative in business serving the community. Your vote, voice and participation all go into making your cooperative a unique entity. The cooperative way of doing business is truly democracy in action.

Bring the family, meet and greet your neighbors and friends, and make your

Meet Your Trustee

Carl Goodson is the District II, Group 1 trustee for Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. He represents members in the White City area, the portion of Gulf County south of the dividing line between Township 6 South and Township 7 South.

Carl is a graduate of Port St. Joe High School and has lived in White City for most of his life. He has two children, David Goodson, of Wewahitchka, and Jennifer Mauldin, of Winchester, Virginia. He also has seven grandchildren.

Carl worked for the state road department for one year, Arizona Chemical for 36 years, the Gulf Correctional Institution in Wewahitchka for a year and retired from the Gulf County Detention Facility, where he worked for 10 years.

In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his

annual meeting a memorable moment. We look forward to seeing you there. 

2

children and grandchildren.

Carl began serving on the GCEC Board of Trustees in January 2019. While serving on the board, he earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certification and Board Leadership Certification. He obtained is Director Gold Credential in 2022 and maintains that certification today. He previously served as vice president of the GCEC board and serves on the PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Board of Trustees.

District II Trustees Up for Election

As Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative celebrates its 78th Annual Members’ Meeting on Saturday, May 2, it also is time to elect your representatives. According to the co-op’s bylaws, the board must name the Nominating Committee at least 90 days before the meeting.

The Nominating Committee must meet and nominate candidates for open trustee positions at least 60 days before the annual meeting.

Those not selected by the Nominating Committee—but who are interested in serving—have until Feb. 27 to present a nomination by petition to have their names on the ballot. A petition needs the signatures of at least 25 cooperative members.

District II trustees are up for election this year. The incumbents are Carl Goodson, Pat Patterson and Eddie Jones.

Copies of the bylaws and the nominating procedures are available in GCEC’s main office in Wewahitchka and district offices in Panama City and Southport.

You also may view the cooperative’s bylaws at www.gcec.com.

Work at

Martin County Open Studio and Gallery Tour

By Colette Boehm

The Martin County Open Studio and Gallery Tour adds a twist to the typical art show. During the annual two-day event, artists invite patrons into their studios for one-on-one interaction and a glimpse behind the scenes.

Sponsored by Martin Artisans Guild, organizers believe the tour offers a more intimate, interactive experience than

How one painter feeds a passion for art while supporting fellow artists

traditional art shows or galleries.

“One of the greatest missions and accomplishments of the Martin Artisans Guild is to help artists grow in their profession while sharing art with the community,” guild President Michaelann Bellerjeau says.

The guild aims to create a supportive community where artists can exchange ideas and grow.

The group is also dedicated to providing

opportunities for artists to exhibit original work and to growing Martin County as an arts community. The tour is an opportunity for artists to expand their reach and for patrons to learn more about artists and their processes.

Welcoming the Community In

“Having a studio practice can be lonely,” Michaelann says. “It’s great to get to share. The tour has grown in popularity over

the years from being a community event to a widely attended South Florida event with over 350 attendees last year. Many anticipate the weekend, from art lovers to the curious and many young art students.”

Michaelann has been a member of the guild for more than four years and has served on its board of directors for three. This year, she stepped in as its president. She is an artist who paints marine environments en plein air and in the studio, focusing on Florida’s wildlife and habitats.

“I’ve had the pleasure of being in the tour for three years,” she says. “2026 is my fourth. Each one is more and more fun, as I meet and share my art with such a wide array of art lovers from the community.”

For the 2026 tour, Feb. 21-22, approximately 30 painters, potters, jewelers, sculptors and more open their studios to visitors. A preview event on Feb. 6 at the Elliott Museum features samples of participating artists’ work.

“Each year of our free tour is different, with a variety of studios to explore and some gallery spaces,” Michaelann says.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Visitors are invited into working artists’ studios during the annual Martin County Open Studio and Gallery Tour. The Palm Room Art Gallery & Artisans Boutique features the work of guild members across a variety of media. Michaelann, a self-described conservation artist, features South Florida’s birds and waterways in her work. The guild holds an opening reception prior to the annual tour and hosts six member exhibits throughout the year at its gallery.

“Visitors choose their route and go. There are so many types of art represented: fabric, ceramic, jewelry, painting, sculpting, glass. Visitors experience some of the processes of the work and the stories behind the inspiration. Of course, they also have many opportunities to purchase art directly from the artist in the studio. Collectors, appreciators, artists and artist wannabes enjoy it, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive each year.

“Personally, I’ve enjoyed sharing my passion for the restoration of South Florida waters and wildlife through my artwork,” she adds. “It gives me a chance to advocate, educate and inspire involvement while also exposing art lovers to my cause.”

Finding Direction

That cause is one Michaelann discovered after she and her husband moved to Martin County in 2020, when they sold their home in Atlanta.

“The cultural arts here are so rich,” she says. “It’s just culturally a rich place, not just with the visual arts, but with performing arts and music. I couldn’t find my voice. I didn’t really have any kind of passion behind it, driving it.”

After moving to the area and learning of the environmental issues threatening its waterways, river grasses and estuaries, Michaelann found her purpose.

“I was like, ‘I need to be bringing

awareness to what could be lost,’” she says. “I’m like, ‘How can we possibly lose this?’ It totally invigorated everything.

“I found out that there were some of the biggest restoration projects in history going on in South Florida, more than any other place in the world. So, they are doing something about it. But is it too late? We still need to have awareness for that. That’s how I got interested in that and directed my art in a completely different direction. I’m a conservation artist now.”

Art Matters

In addition to the annual tour, the guild operates The Palm Room Art Gallery & Artisans Boutique, which Michaelann notes has a bit of something for everyone. The gallery produces six exhibits of members’ work each year. In addition, a juried exhibit in June and July is open to nonmembers, offering artists from all over Florida the opportunity to join the Martin County show.

“We’re really thrilled to be able to keep helping artists with their professionality and also pushing the arts in our area to make awareness for the arts,” Michaelann says. “Because, if the arts go away, it’s the same thing as having the river grass go away. You’re going to have just a desert. And people have to have art in their lives. Otherwise, their little spirits will die.” 

The Palm Room Art Gallery & Artisans Boutique is at 3746 SE Ocean Blvd., Sewall’s Point. It is open Tuesday through Saturday. Visit martinartisansguild.org for more information about events.

A Bridge Between Hearts and Habitat s

Lou Barreda’s family ranch transforms elephant encounters into a powerful conservation movement

By Pam Windsor

Lou Barreda has been around elephants his entire life. His love for the gentle giants shines through when he talks with guests at his family’s Myakka Elephant Ranch about 35 miles from Sarasota.

His family’s passion for working with animals stretches over three generations.

“My grandfather started out with all types of animals in Peru in South America, and was able to come to the United States while working with them,” Lou says. “So, my dad was kind of born into it. The elephants started when my parents brought the first three over from Kruger National Park in South Africa in 1985.”

At the time, his parents lived in Oklahoma. The first year proved to be too cold for the animals, so they relocated to Florida. By the time Lou was born, elephants were already a part of the family’s everyday life.

“I grew up around elephants, and they became part of my family,” he says with a smile. “I’ve always really enjoyed being around them.”

As an adult, Lou attended International Elephant Foundation symposiums in South Africa and Thailand, where he learned more about the animals in their natural habitats. When he learned about the plight of Asian and African elephant populations due to poaching, a lack of land to roam, access to water and other threats to their existence, he wanted to take action.

Lou, now a member of the International Elephant Foundation Board of Directors, decided to turn Myakka into a nonprofit conservation center. This allowed people to see elephants up close and learn how to help protect them in their natural habitats.

Meeting the Giants

Visitors get to meet Baba, Susie and Patty, hear about the differences between Asian and African elephants, walk up and touch them, and even feed them breakfast or help give them their daily baths.

“Allowing guests to see them up close and help with their care gives them an understanding of some of the challenges elephants face around the world,” Lou says. “Once they learn more about them, they become interested in what they can do to help.”

Lou and his father, George, share interesting facts, such as how elephants eat 300 pounds of food a day, can hear for miles, are known for their incredible memories and more.

“People are fascinated by elephants, and many have figurines around their house, but they don’t know much about them,” Lou says. “For example, every day we hear people say, ‘We didn’t know they have hair.’ You have to get very close to see their hair.”

In one session, George discussed the elephant’s keen sense of smell.

“It’s three or four times greater than a hound dog,” he says. “Elephants can actually smell water miles away. They dig into the ground, find water, dig it out with their tusks, drink and then bathe themselves.”

He touches on the history of each elephant, explaining how all were involved in the entertainment business in some way. Patty appeared in movies, commercials and circuses. Susie did a variety of Hollywoodrelated things, and Baba was once owned by Michael Jackson and spent time at the singer’s Neverland Ranch.

All three are now retired and live on the 30-acre Myakka property with large, weather-protected stalls, room to roam and a massive watering hole.

Just like people, individual elephants have their own likes and dislikes.

“Baba has to touch everything and can’t stand still,” George says. “Susie is calm, very sure of herself, loves interacting and loves to be touched, and Patty couldn’t care less. They all have their own personalities.”

Part of the funds collected from admission fees cover the elephants’ care. While Baba, Susie and Patty are the three currently interacting with guests, Myakka recently welcomed three more elephants. The annual cost of care per elephant averages $60,000.

Fighting for Elephants Worldwide

Myakka donates $50,000 a year to the International Elephant Fund. Based in Texas, the IEF was founded in 1998 by Michael Fouraker, who was the Fort Worth

Zoo’s executive director at the time.

Frustrated by the lack of funding for elephant conservation and research, Michael created the organization to support long-term elephant preservation. The IEF funds 23 projects in 15 countries, and Sarah Conley, IEF director of conservation, says Lou’s work in Florida goes a long way toward supporting those efforts.

“Lou’s been on our board for a number of years, and in my personal opinion, does something incredibly invaluable in inspiring people to care about elephants,” she says.

“Not everyone can afford to go on an African safari or visit Asia and see elephants in their natural habitat. But by going to Myakka—or a zoo, or preserve or some sort of park—you can interact with, or see, and learn about an endangered species.”

Those experiences encourage people to make different choices.

“Let’s say you meet an elephant at Myakka, now you might not buy ivory— made with an elephant’s tusk,” Sarah says. “When you make charitable donations, you might consider supporting an elephant nonprofit. You might choose not to buy products made from palm oil and instead buy products made with sustainable palm oil only, because you know that’s going to protect the elephants’ habitat.”

While the elephant population was once in the millions, today there are fewer than 500,000 African elephants. When it comes to Asian elephants, the number is much smaller—somewhere around 50,000.

Sarah says the IEF’s many projects are aimed at protecting elephants and supporting the people living in communities alongside them. In some areas, rapid development has made it more difficult for elephants to find wide-open spaces to roam, so they often clash with family farmers.

In Africa, one way the IEF has found success in protecting local crops from elephants seeking food is by installing beehive fencing. Elephants tend to avoid bees, and the beehives keep elephants from ravaging crops. In the past, when elephants damaged a family farmer’s source of food, the farmer often wanted to retaliate by killing the elephants.

“Beehive fences are a really cool thing when done correctly,” Sarah says. “You have to have the right species of bees, there has to be water nearby so the bees can drink, and different things. We have a project in Tanzania that operates one of the longest beehive fences in the world, and it protects something like 20,000 individuals.”

Another project helps protect elephants from poachers who target the animals for their ivory tusks.

“It’s the Big Tusker project,” Sarah says. “African elephants, both males and females, get these big ivory tusks, some weighing an estimated 100 pounds per side. They’re basically just incisor teeth, but they’re

stunningly beautiful. Most of the Big Tusker population lives in this area of Kenya called the Tsavo National Park. For the past 15 years or so, our partners have monitored these Big Tuskers with aerial surveillance and ground follow-up. It’s basically a security system for these big elephants.”

These are just two of the many efforts underway to protect elephants around the globe. The work is important because it protects the entire ecosystem.

“It’s what you learned in the third grade,” Sarah says. “The entire ecosystem is connected. When you protect elephants,

you’re protecting all the other species that live in their habitat. So, therefore, you’re protecting probably millions of other species, both plants and animals.”

A Rare Connection

Back at Myakka, Lou is determined to do his part. In recent years, due to public pressure over the treatment and welfare of elephants in circuses and some zoos, the ability to see those animals up close is less common than it used to be.

There are about 350 elephants in the United States, and there are strict regulations on importing any more.

Allowing people to interact with live elephants offers a rare and special opportunity.

“Just to give others the kind of experience I’ve been able to have is such a special thing,” Lou says. “We have people getting emotional every day, talking about how getting to touch an elephant has always been on their bucket list. We also have a lot of people who come back because they want to see the elephants again and build a connection. I feel that connection is what will help with conservation efforts in the future. I think it’s really important to keep it going.” 

To learn more about Myakka, visit myakkaelephantranch.org.

To find out more about the work of the International Elephant Foundation, visit elephantconservation.org.

COLD-CURING SOUPS Feel Better With

Italian Penicillin Soup

1 onion

2 carrots

2 celery sticks

4 garlic cloves

6 cups chicken stock

1 Parmesan rind

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup acini de pepe pasta

Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, drizzle of olive oil, fresh-ground black pepper, fresh-grated Parmesan, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ¼-inch minced ginger, tempered egg and/or a squeeze of lemon

Roughly chop the onion, carrots, celery and garlic cloves.

Pour the stock into a large pot. Add the chopped vegetables and Parmesan rind. Season well with salt and black pepper. Cover. Simmer for about 20 minutes over medium-high heat.

Using a fork, check if the vegetables are cooked. They should be soft and tender. Remove the rind, then strain out the vegetables using a slotted spoon.

Add the cooked vegetables to a blender with ½ cup of water. Blend until smooth. Pour the blended vegetables back into the pot with the vegetable broth. Stir, then taste for seasoning.

Bring soup back to a boil. Add pasta. Stir every minute or so to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and add to soup bowl with broth when ready to eat. Top with garnishes of choice before serving.

Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

8 ounces rice noodles

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 zucchini, diced

1 onion, chopped

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

15-ounce can light coconut milk

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons red curry paste

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves

Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Set aside.

In a stockpot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and onion. Cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.

Add chicken broth, coconut milk, fish sauce and curry paste. Simmer until zucchini is soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add chicken, lime juice and cooked rice noodles. Simmer until heated through.

Garnish with basil and cilantro before serving.

Avgolemono

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup finely chopped carrots

1 cup finely chopped celery

1 cup finely chopped green onions

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

8 cups chicken stock

2 bay leaves

1 cup rice

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cooked boneless chicken breast pieces, shredded

½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 large eggs

Fresh parsley, for garnish

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery and green onions. Toss together to saute briefly, then stir in the garlic.

Add the chicken stock and bay leaves. Raise the heat to high. Once the liquid has come to a rolling boil, add the rice, salt and pepper. Turn the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Stir in the cooked chicken.

Whisk together the lemon juice and eggs in a medium bowl. While whisking, add 2 ladles full of stock from the cooking pot to help temper the eggs. Once fully combined, add the sauce to the chicken soup. Stir. Remove pot from the heat immediately.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Ginger and Turmeric Carrot Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped fennel

1 leek, cleaned and sliced

3 cups chopped carrots

1 cup chopped butternut squash

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 tablespoon turmeric powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cups vegetable broth

14.5-ounce can light coconut milk

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or saucepan. Add the fennel, leek, carrots and squash. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt and pepper. Saute for a few more minutes.

Add the broth and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Once the soup is cooked, add it to a blender, and blend until creamy. Alternatively, use an immersion blender.

Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

6-ounce package long grain and wild rice blend, quick-cooking version with seasoning packet

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ cup all-purpose flour

6 cups chicken broth

2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed

¾ cup butter

1 cup diced carrot

1 cup diced celery

1 cup diced onion

3 cups half-and-half

Open rice. Remove seasoning packet, and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside.

In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth and chicken. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover, and remove from heat.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. 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 to 4 minutes.

Whisk in half-and-half, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, about 15 to 20 minutes.

THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT

About Light, Shape and Shadow

Above all, photography is about light and shadow—literally and metaphorically.

God provides the light, man adds the content.

The way we see and use light changes the way we feel and see the world.

One of the things I like best about winter is the clear, crisp sky that creates sharp shadows, contrasting landscapes and eyecatching silhouettes. Then there are the breathtaking sunset silhouettes, captured as an orange ball melts into a glimmering ocean.

Too many gray, sunless days wear on me emotionally. And while these shadowless, overcast days are wonderful for portrait photography, I need to see the sun, especially in winter. Because of this recognition, I have chosen not to settle in the Pacific Northwest, a part of the world I truly love.

I waited at least an hour for something or somebody to pass through this road along the seawall in historic Maysville, Kentucky, one of the underground railroad locations. Shadowy shapes of historic riverfront hotels and buildings from the Civil War era are cast on the seawall built to keep the Ohio River from flooding the town. For me, this is not just a silhouette of a man walking. It’s someone walking through history, through a community where brave people risked their lives to help other humans struggle to get to freedom.

PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE

Reader Challenge

See if you can make a photograph that captures the extremes of light and dark. Remember to make your exposure for the highlights not the medium tones, which allows the shadows to stay as dark, rich tones. A dark foreground against a light backdrop can create depth, scale and even mystery.

Email your best image—just one—with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.

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 writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

I realize photographing someone in silhouette, especially from a distance, does impersonalize or objectify them. They become a graphic element, a softer shape against a sharper backdrop.

While I am a believer in talking with subjects, often after I photograph them, there are times I don’t feel like talking to anybody. Instead, I appreciate nameless forms becoming part of the compositional furniture, adding scale, contrast and life to a lifeless scene.

Often, it’s that anonymous figure that’s needed to compliment or complete a photograph.

While the art of photography is about using and recording highlights, medium tones and shadows, sometimes it’s fun to purposely expose for the highlight areas and allow the shadows to stay dark, rich tones.

FINE TIME FOR SWINE

Not native to North America, pigs first came to Florida with early Spanish explorers. Hernando de Soto landed in present day Tampa Bay in 1539. He brought with him about 200 domestic pigs to feed his troops on his expedition, probably the first hogs to set hoof in what became the United States. As Hernando and his men wandered around the future Southeastern United States, many of his hogs escaped and turned wild.

Hogs are very adaptive animals and can live anywhere. Few large predators want to tangle with a big tusked boar. The feral swine flourished in the wilderness of North America and reproduced prolifically.

Pigs breed all year long. A sow can begin breeding when she reaches 6 months old and gives birth annually to two litters of four to 12 piglets. By the time she drops her second litter, her daughters from the first litter begin giving birth. Feral hogs can live about six years.

Now, millions of descendants from Hernando’s pigs spread across the South and occupy all 67 Florida counties. In the Sunshine State, feral hogs thrive in oakcabbage palm hammocks, marshes, swamps, forests, agricultural areas, and even urban or suburban woodlots.

Many hunters enjoy hunting wild hogs. The period between the end of deer season and the beginning of turkey season is one of the best times to bag a wild hog and put fresh pork in the freezer. After deer season ends, few hunters enter the forests.

In addition, natural foods become difficult to find in late winter, so hogs spend more time roaming around looking for something to eat. Pigs devour practically anything they can find or catch. They can cause tremendous damage to crops and wildlife habitat by rooting for food. Therefore, in late winter, hunters would

more likely see typically nocturnal wild pigs wandering during daylight hours searching for morsels.

If you find the food, you find the swine. After deer season ends, food plots meant for whitetails make great spots to look for wild pigs. Just like for deer, stands overlooking food plots provide places to bag hogs. Also look for any natural foods, such as emerging plants, berries and anything else edible. Since wild pigs devastate crops, destroy gardens, ravage fruit and nut orchards, destroy wildlife habitat, displace native animals and breed prolifically, many landowners encourage hunters to shoot all the hogs they can on their properties. Many landowners lease their properties to deer hunters. After deer season ends, those landowners might welcome hunters to kill

hogs on their tracts.

In Florida, people can hunt feral hogs all year on private lands without limit. Making acquaintances with a few landowners could open access to thousands of acres of good hunting properties.

Some state wildlife management areas offer seasons for hogs in the spring and summer. Regulations vary for different areas, so check before hunting. Successful hunters can put meat in their freezers and enjoy great times while doing it. 

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.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

TIP OF THE MONTH

If you have a home office, look for opportunities to save energy in your workspace. Use Energy Star-rated equipment, which consumes up to 50% less energy than standard models.

Set printers, scanners and similar equipment to automatically switch to sleep or energy-saver mode when not in use. In addition to saving energy, the equipment will stay cooler, helping extend its life.

Another way to save energy in your home office is to use efficient lamps for task lighting. Replace any older bulbs with energy-saving LEDs.

Source: energy.gov

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.

PENSACOLA

Feb. 1

Paw-di Gras

Recently crowned Best Pet Event in InWeekly’s Best of the Coast, this award-winning block paw-ty transforms downtown Pensacola into a tailwagging Mardi Gras wonderland for two- and four-legged festivalgoers. The fifth annual event is WolfGang Pensacola’s signature philanthropy event benefiting the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare. The festival includes a paw-rade, costume contests, vendors, games and a rainbow bridge memorial. wolfgangparkandbrews.com/pawdigras-registration; 318-264-5705

KEY LARGO

Feb. 1

Chamber of Commerce Exhibit

The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts this exhibit showcasing pieces from fine art members from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, MM 106. The works of art depict the Keys and are for sale. xagpi.us.com; 305-451-1414

BIG PINE KEY

Feb. 14

10th Annual Run With Deer 5K

Help the Florida Keys Wildlife Society protect the habitat and wildlife of the Florida Keys during this year’s run/walk. The event begins at 8 a.m. at Big Pine Community Park. Preregister at www.southernmostrunners.com or in person at Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center. Packet pickup for those who preregister is 5-7 p.m. Feb. 13. For those registering the day of the event, packet pickup is 7-7:45 a.m. The first 200 registrants receive complimentary T-shirts. Proceeds benefit the Florida Keys Wildlife Society. www.floridakeyswildlifesociety.org; 305-872-0774

MARATHON AND TAVERNIER

Feb. 2-23, Feb. 3-24

Florida Keys Concert Association 2026 Concert Series

Musicians perform classical concerts 7:30-10 p.m. Mondays at the Marathon High School Performing Arts Center. Wigmore Hall and Bordeaux International Chamber Music Competition prize winner Terra String Quartet performs Feb. 2 in Marathon and Feb. 3 in Tavernier. The following Friday in Marathon, Stella Chen and Gilles Vonsattel take to the stage, with a performance the next night in Tavernier. The 2014 BBC Young Musician of the Year, Martin James Bartlett, performs Feb. 16 in Marathon and Feb. 17 in Tavernier. To finish out February’s lineup, Hermitage Trio take the stage as one of the world’s leading piano trios. The trio performs Feb. 23 in Marathon and Feb. 24 in Tavernier.

floridakeysconcerts.com; 800-324-6982

ISLAMORADA

Feb. 4-25

Photography Exhibit

Original works of fine art photography and digital art are on display starting at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday at the Monroe County Public Library, MM 81.8. A public reception is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 6. agpi.us; 305-664-4645

SEBRING

Feb. 14

39th Annual CCC Festival

Celebrate nature and the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Highlands Hammock State Park. Highlights include golden era jazz, folk music, blacksmithing, pony rides, antique cars and Clyde Butcher! Located at 5931 Hammock Road in Sebring. www.floridastateparks.org; 850-245-2157

ISLAMORADA

Feb. 18-March 30

60th Members’ Judged Art Show

Art Guild of the Purple Isles members’ pieces are on display at Dolphin Life Hospital, MM 82.7. Mediums include watercolor, oil, acrylic, photography, digital art, pastel/drawing, mixed media/experimental, sculpture and plein air. A reception is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 for artists and the public. agpi.us; 305-453-4321

PENSACOLA

Feb. 20

Pensacon

This premier pop culture convention celebrates the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, comic books, cosplay, animation, video games, books and more. The three-day event draws tens of thousands and takes place across multiple venues. Attendees can meet celebrities, authors and artists; attend panels and workshops; enjoy live music, cultural performances and film screenings; shop with vendors; participate in cosplay, including a costume contest; and enjoy after-hours events at multiple venues. pensacon.com; 850-454-8741

PENSACOLA

Feb. 22

Chocolate and Cheese Fest

Food trucks and vendors sell chocolate- and cheese-themed items, as well as other vendor and menu items, at Community Maritime Park. Admission for adults is $5, and children 12 and younger enter for free. Activities include contests, chocolate and cheese sampling, live music and a bounce house. The chocolate pie eating contest is at 2 p.m. The first to eat the pie wins a trophy and $100 in gift certificates to local restaurants. 850-295-0737

TAVERNIER

Feb. 28

Botanical Art Show

Fine art pieces showcase the beauty of the gardens in various mediums. The show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Garden Walk event in conjunction with the Garden Club of the Upper Keys at Francis Tracy Garden Center, MM 94. agpi.us; 786-752-6562

PENSACOLA

Feb. 28

13th Annual I Pink I Can Run

Join the Krewe du YaYas for this 4-mile run/walk for breast cancer at The Flora-Bama. Participate in person or virtually in your own neighborhood, at a park or on a treadmill. For those who choose the virtual option, sign up now, gather friends, decide on a route and plan how you’ll celebrate after you rock your 4 miles. Virtual participants must complete their event between Feb. 21-28. Virtual Race participants are not eligible for prizes. runsignup.com/race/fl/pensacola/ipinkicanrun; 850-516-9154

ISLAMORADA

Feb. 1

AGPI Member Art Exhibit

This year-round exhibit is for the enjoyment of the public and hosted by the Art Guild of the Purple Isles. The exhibit is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tassell Medical Arts Building, Mariners Hospital, MM 91.5.

agpi.us/shows-exhibits/tassell-building-exhibit

TAVERNIER

Feb. 28

Garden Walk 2026

The Garden Club of the Upper Keys invites you to stroll through spectacular private gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Francis Tracy Garden Center. Tour tickets are $32 in advance on the club website and $35 day of the event. Besides the Garden Walk, the center is hosting food trucks, vendors, artisans and plant sales.

gardenclubupperkeys.org; 786-752-6562

HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS

Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Head online and enter the 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 print-quality photo promoting your event, include it with photo credit information.

Sensory Garden Delights

Surrounded by vibrant colors, interesting textures and calming scents, sensory gardens engage all five senses.

In the past, sensory gardens were primarily thought of as a horticulture therapy tool. Adults with dementia might have a memory triggered by a scent or the taste of a fresh herb. Children with autism spectrum disorder could engage their senses in a garden that wouldn’t overwhelm. However, we are now learning that sensory gardens have measurable benefits for everyone.

A study was conducted at a university in New Zealand with 164 faculty members and students. Some were assigned to visit a sensory garden for 30 minutes a week for four weeks, and others were assigned to visit an architectural urban plaza for the same amount of time. Study results show significant effects on salivary cortisol levels, perceived well-being and perceived productivity in the group that visited the garden. These results were published in 2021 in Landscape and Urban Planning.

Sensory gardens offer an immersive experience that grounds you and allows you to feel connected to nature. However, you don’t need to redo your garden to reap some of these benefits. You can incorporate elements you might find in a sensory garden into your backyard.

If possible, create a room in your garden using plant materials as walls and the sky as a ceiling. This area can be your sanctuary for stress relief and immersion in nature. You can then add plants and features that speak to your sense of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.

For sight, incorporate plants with interesting shapes, textures or colors. Plants such as red hot poker, rattlesnake master, variegated tractor seat plant and weeping yaupon provide visual interest.

Another option is to plant a color wheel bed using swaths of flowers that bloom in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Install a garden art piece that brings you joy.

Plants and garden accoutrements that provide sound can be soothing. Clumping bamboo can create a garden wall, as well as provide sound as the stalks bump into each other and the leaves rustle together in the wind.

Bambusa textilis, Kanapaha, is a clumper that’s winter hardy in Florida. Avoid bamboo varieties that run and be certain you know which bamboo you have before you plant it.

Afraid of bamboo? Hang a windchime. A water fountain, even a tabletop one, is a great idea for your garden because it can attract birds. Then you will have the sound of trickling water, as well as birdsong. Add a garden path made of gravel or shell to hear the crunch underfoot.

To awaken the nose, plant jasmine, gardenia, tea olive, banana shrub, magnolia, lavender or citrus. Plumeria is a wonderful container plant for scent if you are OK with moving it indoors for the winter.

Many herbs can do double duty in a sensory garden. The leaves of rosemary, thyme, mint, and oregano can be crushed in your fingers for the smell or popped into your mouth to taste. Easyto-maintain fruits like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and loquat round out our list for tasting.

Plants with soft, fuzzy leaves are a tactile delight. Sage, lamb’s ear and dusty miller fit the bill, as well as one of my favorite native plants, necklace pod.

The delicate texture of fern fronds is pleasant to run through your fingers as you walk along. Consider using sunshine mimosa as a groundcover, as the pink fuzzball flowers are interesting to look at and touch. If you bend down and run your hand over the leaves, they will fold up, giving it the alternate common name, sensitive plant. Be sure to get the native Mimosa strigillosa and not the invasive Mimosa pudica, which also has prickles.

You don’t need a large area to turn your backyard into a sensory garden. Just try incorporating one or two elements from each category to heighten your senses and lower your stress and anxiety. 

Tonya Ashworth is an environmental horticulture agentand master gardner 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 holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from Mississippi State University.

Trading Post

For Rent

Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. 740-334-0341.

12 acres coastal Bermuda pasture. Irrigation available. 850-814-7015 or 850-814-6078.

For Sale

1975 Massey Ferguson 8100 diesel front loader tractor, runs. $5.5K OBO. Brenda, 850-624-8174. Leave message.

Miniature donkeys. Jacks and jennies; black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up. Make great pets. Also, standard donkeys. Betty, 850-899-7424.

Where imagination becomes reality. Woodworking, candles and collector wands. alivans.com

Book available through Amazon by local author: “A Guide Through the Ages of Childhood” by Audrey S. Brigman. Full of ideas for baby items needed, birthday gifts, senior year, etc.

Miscellaneous

Kapua Kleans for your final interior cleanup, deep clean, residences, condos, rental properties. Steph, 850-704-2412.

WJ Land Management. Florida licensed and insured. Forestry mulching, land clearing, culverts, fencing. Fast, free and reliable estimates. William, 850-628-4714; Tabatha, 850-628-4713.

The 850 Stump Grinder LLC. Free estimates, multistump discount, residential and commercial. Veteran-owned and -operated. 850-814-0720.

Koastal Home Repair LLC. Fencing, decks, painting, light tractor work, repair work and maintenance. Insured. 850-227-5509.

Carter’s Land Clearing and Mulching LLC. 850-527-4715.

Handyman services. Painting, flooring, building repair, odds and ends. Free estimates and fully insured. TJ, 207-612-8255 or 207-578-1830.

Tree Be Gone. For all your tree needs, from trimming to complete removal. 850-819-9987.

Hamco Business Solutions is conveniently located in downtown Panama City with its warehouse in Lynn Haven. Hundreds of products at discounted prices, including receipt paper, ink cartridges, deli paper, kitchen paper and copy paper. Free, same-day delivery on most products. Shop local and save. Call for free quote, 850-942-5600.

Robert Smith Painting. Interior and exterior, sheetrock repairs, pressure washing. Free estimates. 850-227-4973.

Merchant Management Group is a local payments technology company based in Panama City, working with quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants and retail shops and specializing in the latest point-of-sale systems, including Tabit, OrderCounter and Clover. Have worked with hundreds of Gulf Coast businesses since 2004 and have an A+ rating with BBB. Schedule your demo, 850-747-0664.

Custom fences built on your property. Call David for your free estimate. 850-819-9987.

Eco-X LLC. Guided kayak/ paddleboard ecotours on clear freshwater springs. Hike Florida trail segment #36. Private, primitive camping. Paddle, hike, camp. Your local guide to adventure. 850-326-9116.

SLR Farm & Landscaping. Lawn care, grass cutting, bush hogging, backhoe work. 706-575-4570 or 850-703-5321.

C&2 Electrical Services LLC. Residential and commercial electrician services. 850-899-8218 or 850-899-8217.

Rachel’s Facials, Lashes and Brows now offers permanent makeup. Other services include ombre and powder brows, classic and foxy eyeliner, and aquarelle lip blushing. Discounts for military, law enforcement, educators and medical professionals. 2518C Highway 77, Lynn Haven. Rachelsflb.com or call 850-896-4855.

Real Estate

FSBO: Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Border the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build. Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Underground utilities, deep well, many fruit trees. $69,900. 850-648-4214.

Three-bedroom, two-bath home on 1-acre lot on the Choctawhatchee River at Cedar Log Boat Ramp, 80 Old Creek Road, Ponce de Leon, FL 32455. Wayne, 850-373-7944; Jason, 850-258-1085.

2.5 acres lakefront on Deerpoint Lake, 30 to 45 minutes from Panama City. Paved road, electricity, septic, close to schools, quiet and peaceful. Can be divided. 850-265-5554.

Half-acre corner lot. 850-639-2220.

Trading Post is a FREE service to Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative members. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE.

Please circle the category that applies: For Rent For Sale Real Estate Free Miscellaneous Trade Wanted:

Items:

Name: Phone:

Address:

Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; 9434 Highway 77; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com.

** Due to press deadlines, please expect up to 60 days from submission for your advertisement to appear.

Caring for Community

GCEC hosts successful blood drive

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s heart beats for its community, evidenced by its recent blood drive with OneBlood. Held at GCEC’s Southport office, the event brought in 18 units of blood. According to OneBlood, each donation can potentially save up to three lives. The drive’s success highlights GCEC’s ongoing mission of neighbors helping neighbors.

Blood donations are vital year-round, but they take on added significance during the holiday season when donation levels sometimes drop.

By partnering with OneBlood, GCEC provides an easy way for community members to give back and help those in need. GCEC expresses its sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make this blood drive a lifesaving success. n

GCEC Sponsors St. Jude Radiothon

Kristin Douglas, of GCEC, second from right, and Tyler Wood, of Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, right, present an on-air donation in December during the 2025 92.5 WPAP Country Cares St. Jude Kids Radiothon. Dr. Shane Collins, left, and Tess Connell, of 92.5 WPAP, accept the donation. GCEC, Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative and West Florida Electric Cooperative served as the online donation center sponsors.

Dear Student:

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is proud to offer an exciting opportunity for high school seniors in its service area: the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship!

High school seniors graduating at the end of the 2025-2026 school year—including homeschooled students—whose parent(s) or guardian(s) are members of GCEC and who are attending a college, university or technical school for the fall 2026 semester are eligible to apply.

All eligible applications are numbered. We use a random number generator to select 20 scholarship winners. Winners are notified no later than Friday, April 3, 2026.

To receive a scholarship, you must agree to attend GCEC’s 78th Annual Members’ Meeting on Saturday, May 2, 2026, which, due to construction at our headquarters office in Wewahitchka, will be held at the Honeyville Community Center at 240 Honeyville Park Drive. The winners are recognized during the program.

Upon proof of enrollment in a college, university or technical school, scholarship checks are made payable to the college, university or technical school for firstsemester expenses.

To enter, eligible students must complete the GCEC 2026 scholarship application and submit it to the co-op by Friday, March 27, 2026.

If you or your parent/guardian have any questions, call 850-913-3731 or email kdouglas@gcec.com.

Sincerely,

Kristin Douglas Vice President of Marketing and Communications

2026 Scholarship Application

Please read letter on opposite page for qualifications/terms before applying.

Contact Information

Student Name:

Parent/Guardian: GCEC Account Number:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Telephone No.: Email Address:

Education Information

High School: GPA:

College/Technical School (attending fall 2026):

Community Service Activity List

Major (if known):

List all unpaid volunteer community service activities in which you have been involved that have improved your community and/or made a difference in the lives of others. Include all service activities you have participated in to help your school, friends, church and community. Use additional sheets of paper, if necessary. Include your name at the top of each additional page.

Student Signature:

Parent/Guardian Signature:

By you and your parent/guardian signing this application, you are certifying that the information you have provided is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. In addition, you are authorizing GCEC to release your name, photo and educational information if you are selected as a winner.

Applications are due no later than Friday, March 27, 2026, to:

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, Attention: Kristin Douglas, 9434 Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32409

For more information, email kdouglas@gcec.com or call 850-913-3731 (fax 850-265-3634). Name of Service Activity/ Your Role Name of Service Organization

Sea of Serenity

From the setting of the sun to the creatures that make their homes in your backyard, beautiful moments make up Florida’s scenery. The shots you capture have a chance to brighten someone’s day.

During a flat, calm day on the water just off of Marathon, Brenda Altmeier caught a serene moment as the sky reflected in the stillness of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

From time to time, we share some readers’ photos in this space. Submit 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. 

Hold 104 Years of American History

Struck in 1921, each coin is one hundred and four years old. Could Charles Lindbergh have carried your coin in his pocket during his flight across the Atlantic? Or maybe your great-grandfather carried a Morgan Silver Dollar while storming the beaches of Normandy during World War II before ending up in a small coin shop in Tuscaloosa, Oklahoma. Each coin has its own unique history and you can hold 104 years of American history when you buy yours today!

A Miracle of Survival

Coin experts estimate that only 15%-20% of Morgans are still surviving today due to multiple mass-meltings over the years. The Pittman Act of 1918 melted over 270,000,000 coins, that’s almost 50% of all coins produced at the time.

Sold Nationally for as much as $141

This same 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar sells elsewhere for as much as $141. But thanks to Rarcoa’s buying power and numismatic expertise, you can own one for as little as $89, in quantity while supplies last. That’s a difference of up to $52!

Sold Nationally for as much as $141

Because the precious metals market is always active and dynamic, prices may adjust to reflect the latest market opportunities.

Act now and you can SAVE BIG when you buy more! But don’t wait, our inventory won’t last long.

1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Brilliant Uncirculated

1-4 coins - $99 each

5-9 coins - $94 each, Save up to $25 + FREE SHIPPING 10+ coins - $89 each, Save $100 or more + FREE SHIPPING

Rare Blade Discovered Has the Collector’s World Spinning

Here at Stauer, we pride ourselves on literally going to the ends of the Earth to nd the rare, the exciting and the exceptional. It’s because of our endless searching that we can present to you our 10-inch Damascus Spiral Knife is extraordinary piece of cutlery stars a 5-inch-long blade of Damascus steel that’s been shaped by our artisans into the shape of a cyclone. What is Damascus steel? Forged into swords and knives more than a thousand years ago by Middle Eastern craftsmen, Damascus steel was valued for its ability to maintain a keen edge while remaining hard and exible.

Easily identi ed by its wavy pattern, Damascus steel is very beautiful, very sharp and incredibly tough. While the original technique of making Damascus steel has been lost to time, experimental archaeologists and metal smiths have endeavored to reverse engineer this legendary material.

Our spiraling, twisted Damascus blade is paired with a bu alo horn handle and tooled decorations from our greatest metal smiths. Alluring, distinctive and unique, the Damascus Spiral Knife is the perfect gift for the avid cutlery collector looking to spruce up their collection. is is a knife that no one else has in their collections, so, if you love the rare, the fascinating, the one of a kind, you have found it.

Knife Speci cations:

Damascus

OFFICES

722 W. Highway 22

P.O. Box 220

Wewahitchka, FL 32465

850-639-2216 or 800-333-9392

9434 Highway 77

Southport, FL 32409

850-265-3631

Outages: 800-568-3667

6243 E. Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404

850-481-1188

www.gcec.com

CEO/GENERAL MANAGER

John Bartley

TRUSTEES

President Dwight Van Lierop

Vice President Betty Moore

Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Black

Rupert Brown

Robert Byrd

Carl Goodson

Eddie Jones

Pat Patterson

Patrick Pitts

Trustees normally meet at 12:30 p.m. CDT the third Tuesday of each month.

The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing costeffective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce.

FL-154

GCEC President’s Message

Reliability Requires Investment

As your local power provider, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s mission has always been simple: keep the lights on and support the communities we serve. But behind every switch, every warm home and every business that opens its doors is a complex system that requires constant care. Reliable electricity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires ongoing investment in our local grid—through system repairs, maintenance, upgrades and integration of new technologies that help us operate smarter and more efficiently.

Much of the energy system we rely on today was built decades ago. While it continues to serve us well, age alone means components must be repaired or replaced to maintain performance and safety. From poles and wires to transformers and substations, every part of the grid has a lifespan. Routine maintenance helps extend that lifespan, but eventually equipment must be updated to meet modern standards. Being proactive reduces the likelihood of outages, shortens restoration times when disruptions do occur and creates a stronger backbone for our growing community.

Access your account and report power outages 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by using our app, logging on to gcec.com or calling any of our offices at the numbers listed above.

Demands on the electric grid are also evolving. Homes and businesses today use more electricity than ever, and that trend will only continue. Electric vehicles, advanced HVAC systems, smart appliances and new commercial facilities add load to the local distribution system. As these technologies take hold, the grid must support increased demand while maintaining the reliability members expect. Strategic upgrades such as grid hardening, primary voltage conversions and conductor replacements for increased capacity are essential to ensure we can meet these needs today and in the decades ahead.

At the same time, new technologies are reshaping how we operate. Tools such as automated switching devices, smart meters, drones and advanced monitoring systems allow us to detect problems faster and respond more effectively. These technologies can isolate problems, reroute power to minimize outages and provide real-time data that helps us plan and maintain equipment more efficiently.

Implementing innovative technologies into the grid is not just a convenience—it is a necessity for ensuring reliability in an increasingly complex energy landscape.

While these improvements require thoughtful planning and financial investment, the return is significant. A stronger grid supports economic growth, improves service and enhances safety for our crews and community. Most importantly, it ensures the essential power you rely on is available when you need it.

Our commitment to reliability runs deeper than infrastructure. It reflects our responsibility to the people and communities we serve. Every upgrade, every repair and every technology we deploy is an investment in your daily life— from the comfort of your home to the success of local businesses and schools.

We know powering our communities means preparing for the future, not just maintaining the present. By investing in our local grid today, we are building the foundation for a brighter, more resilient tomorrow.