Florida Currents, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, June 2026

Florida Currents

TO WORKDay Take Your Child

Page 4

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

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June 2026 • Volume 15, No. 8 For additional content, search @FloridaCurrents on your favorite social media sites and floridacurrents.com.

During extreme hot or cold weather, your HVAC has the difficult task of running almost all the time to keep you comfortable.

Heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of your monthly electric bill. Raising your thermostat to 78 degrees in summer and lowering it to 65 degrees in winter can help your HVAC run less often and hold down costs.

Your wallet and your heating/cooling system will thank you.

Insulate, insulate, insulate. Use fans in rooms you’re occupying.

and shades.

Revolution

Sunshine State honors history of the nation’s 250th birthday Up Close, Page 10

The Tilly Project photographers offer comfort to grieving pet owners Spotlight, Page 12

TO WORKDay Take Your Child

Excitement filled the air as Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative welcomed employees’ children and grandchildren for Take Your Child to Work Day.

The day began with breakfast and a flag raising before children headed out for a full morning of demonstrations and hands-on activities. From bucket truck rides and mini-excavator rides to soft track rides and a bore rig demonstration, children had the chance to see—and experience—some of the equipment GCEC crews use every day.

They also learned important lessons about electrical safety through the live line trailer and watched a pole-top rescue demonstration, giving them a closer look at the skill, training and care required in their line of work.

For GCEC employees, the event was more than a fun day at work. It was a chance to show their families what they do each day to serve the community.

“We’re like a family here, and so we’re glad to extend that today,” says Kristin Douglas, GCEC vice president of marketing and communications. “It gives them an understanding of what their parent or grandparent comes to work and does every day and how important this is to our community.”

Children ranging in age from 4 weeks to 15 years visited different stations throughout the day, trying new skills and learning from GCEC employees. Local news stations WMBB and WJHG/WECP also stopped by to cover the event.

For Waylon Barfield, son of Safety and Training Director Cole Barfield, the bucket truck ride stood out most.

“You have fun with other kids, you meet new friends, and you do all the other things that you’ve never done before,” he said during the event. “This is awesome.”

After a busy morning, families enjoyed a pizza lunch, a visit from the ice cream truck and a photo booth to help capture the day.

With up to 50 children participating and plenty of smiles all around, GCEC officials hope Take Your Child to Work Day will become an annual tradition.

“You never know,” Douglas says. “We might have some future lineworkers here.” 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Eric Tyus shows Luke Hendrix, a fifth grader at Poplar Springs School, how to operate a mini-excavator. GCEC lineworkers raise a flag to kick off the day’s activities. Megan and Grant Hathaway are pictured with their daughter, Brynlee. Isaac Madrid prepares his son, Beckham, to be lifted in the air in a bucket truck. GCEC’s Marshall Kneiss and his son, Foster, wear safety vests and hard hats while watching a live line demonstration. GCEC’s Taylor Hammack talks about safely handling electricity. PHOTOS BY WES MORGAN

SAFETY

on the Road

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s live line safety trailer makes stops throughout the community, with recent demonstrations at Rock Solid Church’s Spring Fling, top; High Praise Panama City’s homeschooling group, bottom right; West Florida Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting, right; and Tyndall Air Force Base.

During the demonstrations, GCEC employees teach children, families and community members about electrical safety and the work lineworkers do each day. Attendees learn how hot sticks help lineworkers safely navigate energized equipment, see what can happen during an arc flash and practice how to jump away from a vehicle if a downed power line is nearby.

Employees also talk about staying away from power lines, pad-mounted transformers and other electrical equipment—and they give young attendees hard hats as a tangible, fun reminder to put safety first.

By Cheré Coen

This Fourth of July, the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which led to the American colonies breaking free of Great Britain and forming the United States of America.

When considering the American Revolution, many Americans focus on the 13 colonies that stretched from Georgia to New England and rarely consider the British colony in Florida. Although it’s true Florida residents didn’t rise up to join American rebels, the colony played a significant role in England’s relationship with the Americas.

One could blame it on the price of sugar.

A Rousing ‘No’

Revolution for his doctorate from the University of Florida. In his research, he discovered modern-day Southern states were significant to Great Britain, and it all revolved around sugar.

Roger Smith, a former sales and marketing executive, spent five years studying Florida’s role in the American

Florida’s Role in the

“Great Britain had 33 colonies in the Americas,” Roger says. “Sixteen were in sugar-producing Caribbean islands. This is where the money came from. It was the equivalent of crude oil today.”

Around the time of the American Revolution, the Caribbean was experiencing a five-year drought. Barbados, for example, had deforested 90% of the island, and the enslaved people working the sugarcane fields there suffered greatly.

“They were losing handfuls of people a day to starvation,” Roger says. “In one week alone, they lost 1,000 people in Jamaica.”

In 1763, Great Britain acquired Florida from the Spanish after the French and Indian War. Florida and neighboring Southern colonies helped the British

Sunshine State honors the nation’s 250th birthday by looking further back in history

States. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERÉ COEN St. Augustine’s González–Álvarez House, also known as The Oldest House, dates to 1723. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDASHISTORIC COAST.COM

Caribbean plantations during the drought, providing flax for clothing and food for enslaved people. It was essential for England’s King George III to pour regiments into the South to counteract uprisings.

“The South was extremely significant,” Roger says.

Roger acknowledges the public sentiment of West Florida, with its capital in Pensacola, and East Florida, with its capital at St. Augustine.

“We never rebelled,” he says. “It was a rousing ‘No.’ East Florida never lowered its British flag, never rebelled.”

British law demanded items produced in West Florida be sent to England and taxed before being shipped back to the Americas for sale. Pensacola residents found a way around this tax by sneaking shipments into New Orleans. They were making money and didn’t want to upset the apple cart, Roger says.

“We didn’t want anything to do with independence, and it all came down to money,” he says.

At the time of the American Revolution, West Florida stretched to the Louisiana colony, which was then under Spanish rule. Great Britain fortified these lands at Baton Rouge and on the north side of the Mississippi River. When Spanish Gov. Bernardo de Gálvez took over the Louisiana colony in 1777, he worried the English could take over New Orleans and the river at any time, thus conquering the colony. When Spain joined the rebelling Americans in 1779, Gálvez marched and conquered Baton Rouge, then Mobile, Alabama, in 1780 and Pensacola in 1781, just before the British surrender at Yorktown.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Roger authored several books on Florida’s role in the American Revolution, including “The 14th Colony,” a term he gives the early Florida colony. His goal is to help the average American learn about all aspects of the American Revolution and not just those of the 13 colonies along the Eastern Seaboard. He chalks up a lot of his passion to his wife, who hails from Boston.

“She couldn’t believe there was revolutionary history in this state, and kids in school don’t know anything about it,” he says. “My book, ‘The 14th Colony’, is in Florida middle schools. The information is just as deep as my dissertation, but I wrote it in a way that’s comfortable.”

How Florida Is Celebrating

If Florida was essential to Great Britain during the American Revolution and residents did not join American colonists in their efforts to declare independence, how is Florida celebrating America’s milestone birthday?

By looking back—way back.

European settlements in the Sunshine State predate Virginia’s failed Roanoke

Colony of 1585 and the founding of Jamestown in 1607, with the Spanish forming America’s first multiyear European settlement in 1559 at Pensacola and establishing the nation’s oldest continuously occupied city, St. Augustine, in 1565.

To remind travelers to Florida that American history didn’t begin in 1776, destination marketing organizations Visit Pensacola and Florida’s Historic Coast— St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches—offer “From the 1500s, With Love,” a collaborative storytelling initiative highlighting the nation’s earliest chapters in what is now Florida.

The tourism promotion campaign includes travel itineraries and road trip materials and emphasizes historic attractions connected to the areas’ Indigenous, Spanish, French, British, African and maritime histories. It also offers educational resources and features special programming tied to America’s 250th anniversary. 

Visit Florida’s Historic Coast 250 at  floridashistoriccoast.com/events/250 and Pensacola’s America 250 at visitpensacola.com/America250.

Treasured Memories Treasured Memories

The Tilly Project photographers offer comfort to grieving pet owners

By Ginger Meurer

In 2021, when a friend faced the impending death of a pet and asked where to find a nice urn, Lauren Kennedy offered her something different—an end-of-life photo session.

Lauren knows the pain of losing a pet. In 1988, she was heartbroken when her cat, Tilly, died. With her friend’s permission, Lauren shared the photos on social media, and the response was overwhelming. She couldn’t handle the hundreds of requests pouring in from pet owners seeking similar sessions, so she created a Facebook page to mobilize other photographers willing to help.

That was the start of The Tilly Project, which is now an international network of photographers determined to capture the love between pets and their owners before it’s too late.

Photographers apply to join the project, and those approved are listed in a database at thetillyproject.org, where pet parents can search for someone nearby. So far, Florida has 70 photographers in the database. Following are just a few:

Hillary Meyer, of Same Sky Photos, sameskyphotos.com, learned of The Tilly Project while scrolling social media. After a bit of research, she was happy to sign up.

“I actually do end-of-life pet sessions free of charge” Hillary says. “The reason I chose to do that is because I know how expensive it can be to have a sick pet or a dying pet and have to go through that process.”

Hillary tries to keep shooting locations within 30 minutes of her home in Riverview. Sessions are short and provide pet owners with about 20 pictures in a gallery. When a Tilly Project request comes in, Hillary acts fast to schedule a session before it’s too late.

“Normally, it’s really quick,” she says. “Some people call me the day of or a couple of days before.”

Keeping pets comfortable and at ease is Hillary’s goal. She rarely poses them or asks much of them. Typically, her focus is capturing pet parents snuggling and interacting with their pets.

“I don’t want to put any pressure on them,” she says. “This is already a process that is not comfortable for them, so I kind of just let them do their own thing. I follow them around and just snap pictures, and I edit what comes out.”

Hillary says part of why she sticks with the project is to give back to her community. But the biggest reason is she’s a pet lover. She has two dogs of her own. Growing up, she had two cats and a dog.

“I would have loved to have had pictures of my cats and dog,” Hillary says. “We have pictures, but they’re the family pictures when he’s up on the couch with us. But I think having nice pictures would have been nice to have.”

Shooting for The Tilly Project is sadder than Hillary’s usual work sharing the joy of graduation with high school seniors and capturing special moments with families.

“I’ll get in my car and start crying after I do one,” she says. “Just because it’s so heartbreaking. They’re family, and I’d hate to lose a member of my family.”

Hillary says The Tilly Project really helps people with the grieving process. She hopes a client reaches out later to share happier moments.

“I’d love it if one called to say, ‘Hey, I just got a new puppy, and I want some pictures of them,’” she says. “That would be fantastic. I would love it if that happened, but it has not yet.”

Erika Arango, who owns Light Sky Photography, lightskyphotography.com, typically works as a documentary-style wedding and family photographer but has served canine clients for years. The Fort Lauderdale photographer began photographing dogs at the animal shelter to encourage adoptions. When she heard about The Tilly Project, Erika knew this could be a new way to help.

“It was a good way to honor their pets and honor the pet owners,” she says. “A lot of people who have reached out to me, they really, really love their pets, and that was a way of me giving back.”

When Erika lost her 13-year-old Yorkie, Marley, it was sudden. She didn’t see it coming. And she wishes she had the chance to get photos with him.

“I just felt like I could help others deal with this grief. This is a good way,” she says.

Erika doesn’t charge Tilly Project customers.

“Sometimes people still want to give me money. But I just don’t feel comfortable asking,” she says.

One shoot that sticks out in her memory involved an older dog with cancer whose owner was stuck at work. The owner sent her brother with the dog, and Erika met them to get photos as soon as possible.

“Then as soon as she got home, the dog passed away,” Erika says. “And then she called me crying, thanking me for capturing photos of her Lab with butterflies flying around her. It was really hard for her because she couldn't be there. So, the fact I got these photos for her really meant the world for her.”

Erika tries to keep sessions short and sweet for everyone.

“A lot of people break down when they’re having those last moments with their pet,” she says.

Occasionally, being there for pet owners in that time of need results in long-term clients. Erika was asked to shoot the graduation of the daughter of a Tilly Project client and will likely shoot her upcoming wedding.

“I do develop relationships,” she says. “But I don’t expect them to become clients. Only about once in a blue moon does that happen.”

Angelica “Geli” Jaramillo of Geli Visions, gelivisions.wordpress.com/furever-sessions, focuses on gifting Furever Sessions to pet owners from Miami to Orlando. Geli is a big pet lover and frequently scrolls dog videos on TikTok. That’s where she discovered The Tilly Project.

“When I saw what Lauren did, her story was beautiful. I knew I needed to be a part of it,” Geli says, adding she wishes it had been around when she lost her cats.

“You take pictures of your pet, sure, but to have you together is just a whole different level,” she says. “When I was done with my first session, I took a couple of minutes back in the car, and I broke down. It was rewarding, but it also was ‘shoulda, coulda, woulda’ with my own pets. Everything blended up in one moment.”

Since then, she’s done more than 20 sessions.

“I’ve met some beautiful pets and owners, and you can just tell how much love is there. It’s just beautiful,” she says.

Geli doesn’t charge her Tilly Project clients either.

want to spend all you can just to keep them around a little bit longer. So, I try to make this part as easy as possible. A lot make donations or say, ‘I can’t leave without giving you something,’ but I’m not going in expecting that. Far from it. If they do it, I’m very grateful. But I’m not expecting it.”

“I just feel that if you’re reaching out to me, you already have enough stress in your life with either medical bills or worrying about your pets,” she says. “Paying should not be the thing you should be worried about to keep those memories. I know how hard it is toward the end when you’re caring for your baby. You

Marisa Lindgren reached out to Geli a couple of years ago to get photos of Jade, her “heart dog, soul dog.” Jade was Marisa’s constant companion, helping her through her divorce, losing her mom and moving to Florida. When Jade came down with a rare immune anemia, Marisa tried infusion treatments, but it wasn’t enough.

Marisa scheduled an at-home euthanasia for Jade though Lap of Love. “I was devastated,” she says. Shortly before that, she took a screenshot of one of Geli’s posts about The Tilly Project and filed it away.

“Then when Jade was crashing, we reached out to her and booked a session with her. I knew this was something I wanted. And the fact Geli was doing this out of the kindness of her heart, it really helped a lot,” Marisa says. “I was facing a lot of medical bills from Jade’s transfusions. And photography was an extra. Seeing someone do this for the community was so awesome. And the more I looked into The Tilly Project, I was just so impressed.”

Now Marisa refers everyone she can to Geli. “And I’m always talking up The Tilly Project,” she says. “It’s an amazing, amazing program.”

Ari Gamei was already drowning in vet bills, so she was grateful Geli took photos of Lilly, her pit bull-Lab mix, for free.

“She really was my soul dog. She was perfect for me. I’d never had any professional photos done of Lilly or with Lilly. And it was just lovely to have that. I have them all over my house now,” she says.

Once the photos were delivered, Ari posted them on social media. A friend’s dog was later diagnosed with lymphoma.

“I recommended she look at The Tilly Project, as well,” Ari says. “She lives in a different state, so I told her I don’t know who is available to you, but there’s somebody everywhere. I think it’s such a wonderful thing to have a coalition of photographers who provide those services so we can have those memories. It really is something that I cherish so much having those photos.”

Marie Schaller of Short Story Visuals, shortstoryvisuals.com, primarily focuses on landscape portraiture. She found The Tilly Project on a Pinterest search.

“That’s when I stumbled on this photographer who was part of The Tilly Project. And I immediately knew, oh, I’m doing this. I’m adding this to my repertoire. This is what I’m doing. This is so important,” she says.

“The first family that I did was just so incredibly grateful that they had these photos, and they could reflect on them once they had to put their pet down,” Marie says. “They were just so incredibly grateful, and every family that I’ve done has been. I’m so honored to give them that gift.”

Marie offers the service free of charge.

“The only thing I ask is, I have them agree to make some sort of donation to their favorite animal charity or rescue. I don’t care what it is—it could be $5 or a can of dog food,” she says.

One of Marie’s first clients was a big family living on a farm.

“The dog was actually the mother’s dog she had before she got married or had kids or anything,” Marie says. “And the family was just so incredibly caring and loving. They were just the kindest, nicest people, and I knew that it really meant something to them. The mother reached out to me afterward to thank me for the photos, and she said, ‘You know, you’ve inspired my 14-year-old

daughter to go volunteer at a goat retreat. You really inspired her to go out and do something for other animals that need help.’ That was cool and very inspiring for me.”

In October, Marie put much of her photo business and her day job in healthcare on hold to care for her fiance who had a spinal cord condition leading to paralysis. When she can’t do a Tilly Project session, she reaches out to the network of photographers to see who can.

“It’s such an important thing to offer for these pet parents,” she says. “I’ll want it done for all of my dogs when the time comes, as well. It’s just so important, and one of the benefits of having the page on Facebook and the Tilly group is that you can reach out to your peers and say, ‘Hey, is anybody available in this area? I can’t do it, can anyone else?’ It’s a great resource.” 

Straight off the Cob ELEVATE CORN

BEYOND BUTTER AND

SALT

Mexican Street Corn

4 ears of corn, husked

4 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream

½ teaspoon salt

4 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled

1 teaspoon chili powder, divided 1 lime

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Heat grill to medium-high. Grill corn, turning every 2 to 3 minutes until lightly charred all over.

Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, salt and ½ teaspoon chili powder in a small bowl. Brush each ear generously with the sauce. Sprinkle with cotija cheese, remaining chili powder and cilantro. Squeeze lime over the top. Serve immediately.

Sweet Corn Skillet Cornbread

Unsalted butter

1½ cups buttermilk

2 large eggs

¼ cup vegetable oil

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1½ cups cornmeal

1 cup sugar

Heat oven to 350 F.

1½ tablespoons baking powder

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1½ cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen

Honey, optional

Grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with butter.

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and vegetable oil. Add flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix just until combined, then stir in the corn kernels.

Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cornbread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve topped with honey, if desired.

Mango Corn Salsa

2 ears corn

1 large ripe mango, diced

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

½ red bell pepper, diced

¼ red onion, finely diced

3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

2 limes, juiced

1 teaspoon salt

Grill ears of corn until kernels have some color. Cut off kernels, and let cool.

Combine corn kernels, mango, jalapeno, red bell pepper, red onion and cilantro. Add lime juice and salt. Toss well. Let sit for at least 15 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips, in tacos or over grilled fish or chicken.

Summer Corn and Tomato Salad

4 ears corn, kernels cut off

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 English cucumber, diced

½ red onion, finely diced

Fresh basil, torn

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add corn kernels. Cook dry, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Let cool.

Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add cooled corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and basil to the bowl. Toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Crispy Corn Fritters

3 ears corn, kernels cut off

2 large eggs

2 ounces all-purpose flour

2 ounces Parmesan, grated

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

Sour cream, for serving

Hot sauce, for serving Lime, for serving

In a large bowl, combine corn, eggs, flour, Parmesan, green onions, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Stir until a thick batter forms.

Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the pan, flattening slightly. Cook in batches, being sure not to crowd the pan.

Cook fritters for about 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with sour cream, hot sauce or a squeeze of lime.

Fresh Sweet Corn Chowder

6 ears corn

3 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 medium potatoes, diced

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon paprika

1 cup heavy cream

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 green onions, sliced

Cut kernels off ears of corn. Run the back of a knife down the cobs to extract milky liquid. Reserve kernels and liquid. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Saute onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, and cook 1 more minute.

Add potatoes, broth, salt and paprika. Bring to boil. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes.

Add corn kernels and their liquid. Stir in heavy cream, and simmer 5 more minutes. For a creamier texture, blend 2 cups of soup, and stir back in.

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with bacon and green onions.

Looking Beyond

Story and photo by Dave LaBelle

‘I

Wedding bells are ringing, and June is a popular months for couples to tie the knot

For many photographers—professional and amateur—weddings are a time they are called to make those pictures that forever preserve a couple’s special day.

I’ve photographed many weddings, perhaps too many, in my lifetime. While I have captured some beautiful moments, I have never considered myself a wedding photographer.

When I do get talked into photographing one of these sacred happenings, I agree only if I can make candid pictures and leave group photos and traditional pictures to the wedding photographer. I do what I do, they do what they do and I am careful not to interfere.

When my wife and I photographed weddings together we sometimes alternated duties. One would capture the action while the other did the portraits, like having a play-by-play announcer and a color commentator. At my best, I am the color commentator. I watch for subtle, yet

Do’

storytelling moments most don’t see or look for—usually before or after the vows.

Photographing weddings is not unlike covering sporting or political events.

It’s important, if not critical, to know the lay of the land. When possible, attend any rehearsals to scout the best angles to capture the most important (or storytelling) pictures. Often the best pictures from any event happen beforehand, when people are relaxed.

Watch for emotions after the actual event, after the nervousness and stresses of planning are over. As I often remind my students, “BAD is good!” BAD is an acronym for before, after and during an event.

Also, it’s important—if a wedding photographer has been hired—not to overshoot or get in their way. Talk to them first and assure them you’re not there to compete but augment. And finally, don’t miss the kiss. You can miss everything else, but if the couple is counting on you to capture the moment their lips meet, and you miss that photo, it will be hard to live with the disappointment. n

Watching through a small door window, I noticed Lindsey Sabrizio performing double duty—busily ironing her daughter’s wedding dress while watching one of her seven children. Though lacking in technical quality, this real, spontaneous moment captures an important part of the wedding most never see.

Internationally renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. He has shared photo tips and life perspectives with readers since 2009. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

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Grassy Bass

Probing the thickest salads for lunkers

Thick vegetation typically creates dominant cover in most lakes and rivers in the Sunshine State. To catch Florida lunkers, anglers must learn how to fish the weeds.

A thick weed patch provides everything a bass needs, including food, cover and oxygen. Big bass often seek weeds to escape temperature extremes or hunt for food. Largemouth bass use their green-and-black camouflage to blend in with weeds so they can ambush prey.

Few lures can sputter over the tops of matted grass better than a buzz frog. Rigged with a hook inserted into the soft-plastic body, a frog moves over vegetation like a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Bass commonly explode through the cover to attack a frog, engulfing grass and all.

“My favorite way to work a frog is weightless and just reel it back across the surface,” says Shaw Grigsby, a professional angler from Gainesville. “Even on a steady retrieve, I twitch it a bit just to give it a little different sound.”

Some frogs float, and others sink. With their kicking legs, frogs resemble natural prey. Work a floating frog with a steady retrieve or the pop-and-stop method. Jerk the rod to make a commotion on the surface. Then, let the bait rest for a few moments.

Work sinking frogs the same way. When one hits a pocket, let the bait sink a few feet before resuming the retrieve. Often, bass engulf a frog as it sinks.

Buzzing frogs create considerable surface commotion, but sometimes bass want more subtle baits. Try a weightless soft-plastic lizard or similar creature bait. Rig it with the hook inserted into the plastic. Move the bait in short spurts, flicking it from grass clump

to grass clump. At pockets of open water, let the bait sink 1 to 2 feet before resuming the retrieve.

“In thick, matted grass, nothing works better than a weightless soft-plastic jerkbait,” says Terry Segraves, a professional bass angler from Kissimmee. “I work it over the grass tops just like a topwater bait. It’s unbelievable some of the explosions we see. Bass just come after them right up through the grass.”

Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits also entice bass in thick vegetation. Buzzbaits climb to the surface and sputter over grass tops. Long, slender, willow-leaf spinnerbait blades cut through grass better than other blade types, but even these cannot plow through the thickest mats. Run them parallel to grassy edges or through broken patches.

If bass hunker down in the thickest cover, flip jigs tipped with plastic trailers into tiny pockets next to grass clumps. In the densest canopies, punch through the roof with a heavy jig. Throw it up in the air so it impacts like a meteor smashing through the surface. That sudden invasion of its lair frequently provokes vicious reaction strikes, almost as if the bass attack in self-defense.

Thick grass can intimidate many people, but anglers who can fish grass effectively often find some of the best opportunities for catching trophy bass in Florida waters. 

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.

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

June 2

250 Years of Freedom: Moments that Shaped America

This exhibition traces the nation’s history from early Native American life— before European contact—through the Revolutionary War, Civil War and modern era. A free reception is open to the public from 5-7:30 p.m. in the Switzer Gallery.

bit.ly/4uvmfzF; 850-484-1462

KEY LARGO

June 4-6

Coralpalooza

PENSACOLA

June 5, 12, 19 and 26

West Garden Artisan Market

This hands-on World Oceans Day celebration includes three days of reef restoration where leisure travelers join half-day, two-tank trips and fourhour boat outings to outplant corals, monitor reefs and enjoy evening socials. This event is family friendly for those 12 years and older. Boats fill fast, so join the first alert list. coralrestoration.org/coralpalooza; 305-453-7030

Potters, print and jewelry-makers, glassworkers, artists, bakers and many other artisans are part of Pensacola’s newest indoor market happening every Friday from 1-6 p.m. Come by to donate to a local nonprofit, pick up lunch at the food truck and take advantage of an ever-shifting collection of beautiful, handmade art for sale.

ub-pensacola.com; 850-285-0251

PANAMA CITY

June 6

NWFL Pride Fest

WEWAHITCHKA

June 13

Taunton Family Festival

The 14th annual Family Fun Day is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes a junior volleyball tournament, an Amazing Race challenge, food, live music and lots of free activities for children. There will be swimming in Lake Mary and a new slide.

tauntonhome.net; 850-639-5031

Back for another year of family fun, this year’s event starts at 3 p.m. and includes vendors, animal adoptions, local entertainment and musical acts in historic downtown. Whether you come for the music, the community, the shopping, the dancing or the pure Pride spirit, this festival is for you. gulfcoastlgbtqcenter.org; 850-684-8988

AVON PARK

June 6, 13, 20 and 27

Farmers Market

Discover the charm of small-town Florida from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the historic Jacaranda Hotel in the heart of downtown. Explore a market filled with local farmers, artisans, and food vendors offering fresh Florida produce, handmade goods and delicious bites. With live music and a relaxed community atmosphere, it’s an easy and enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning—rain or shine. facebook.com/farmersmarketavonpark; 863-235-1414

ISLAMORADA

June 7

REEF Fishin Out of Water 5K

This virtual 5K is a global, community-driven event that brings ocean lovers together to support marine conservation—no matter where they are. Participants can run, walk, bike, swim or paddle their way through a 5K (3.1 miles), completing the distance in one day or over the course of the week. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the event encourages friends, families, co-workers and local groups to get active while making a meaningful impact for the ocean. Proceeds from the event support REEF’s Oceans for All Fund, which helps expand access to ocean exploration, education and conservation programs for underserved communities. Participants also receive race swag and can form teams to share their experience and build community along the way. Held in conjunction with World Oceans Day, this event is more than a race—it’s a collective effort to protect and celebrate our blue planet. reef.org/5k; 305-852-0030

KEY WEST

June 8-21

Summer Solstice Celebration

Join this vibrant, nightly festival at Mallory Square as we reach the longest day of the year. Enjoy live performances, artisan demonstrations and interactive experiences at 7 p.m. each evening. bit.ly/4ndFg7c; 305-296-1552

PENSACOLA

June 12-13

Sports Cards and Collectibles Show

Bring the whole family and browse iconic sports cards and collectibles from vendors across the Gulf Coast. From professionally graded investment sports cards and Pokémon cards to vintage and newly released packs, there is something for every budget. If you’ve been looking for that special baseball card, comic book, action figure, video game, Beanie Baby or toy that “mom threw out,” there is a good chance you may find it here. Admission is $2 and grants you a choice of one item from the gift table. facebook.com/iconiccards; 850-686-2690

PENSACOLA

June 19

Journey to Juneteenth

Gallery Night Pensacola’s June theme is Journey to Juneteenth. The event brings the streets of downtown Pensacola to life with more than 70 art vendors showcasing their work. Stroll through a vibrant, open-air market filled with local artists, live performances and creative experiences, all celebrating Pensacola’s thriving arts scene. gallerynightpensacola.org

ONA

June 11

UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center

This event aims to excite students about agriculture and science, reveal opportunities in those fields, and foster a love of learning that promotes agriculture and good stewardship for generations. Students 8 years and older are welcome to attend with their parent, guardian or youth leader. Attendees who visit all the learning expo booths and complete all the field day classes receive a Beef Quality Assurance certificate. This year’s classes are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include New World Screwworm, From Pasture to Plate: Understanding Beef Cuts and Meat Basics, Smart Technologies for Ranch Water, Basics of Beef Cattle Female Reproduction, and Tracking Animals with Telemetry. Registration is $25 and open through June 9 or until the event is sold out. forms.gle/bZ8cGKyjJY5oqETw9

MARATHON

June 24

Dolphin Sunset Celebration

This after-hours experience starts at 6:45 p.m. at Dolphin Research Center. The sunset program offers an opportunity to connect with marine life in a relaxed setting. Guests can take part in a dolphin interaction, engage in conversations with the center’s expert team and enjoy a celebratory toast as the sun sets over the ocean. Blending hands-on moments, education and a coastal atmosphere, this experience provides a memorable way to learn about and appreciate dolphins and their care. dolphins.org/experiences; 305-289-1121

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.

Growing Wellness

Explore medicinal plants for the Central Florida landscape

Central Florida’s ample sunlight and moderate rainfall create optimal conditions for cultivating a diverse array of herbs celebrated for their medicinal qualities. Gardeners and herbal enthusiasts in the region can establish vibrant medicinal gardens that not only showcase the aesthetic beauty of these plants but also serve as reservoirs of natural remedies.

Whether incorporated into backyard gardens or larger community spaces, the cultivation of medicinal plants in Central Florida fosters a connection between residents and the rich herbal traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Let’s delve into the rich tapestry of medicinal flora appropriate for growing in Central Florida.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is a versatile and resilient herb with a long history of medicinal use. Its feathery leaves and clusters of tiny, delicate flowers make it a charming addition to any garden.

Yarrow is prized for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to staunch bleeding, making it a valuable herb for treating wounds, bruises and skin irritations. This hardy perennial thrives in a variety of conditions—including poor soil and full sun—making it an easyto-grow herb for gardens in Florida and beyond.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis): Despite its sweet-sounding name, marshmallow is not just a confectionary delight but also a medicinal marvel. Native to Europe and naturalized in Central Florida, this herb’s roots contain mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and soothes the digestive tract.

Central Floridians have embraced marshmallow as a remedy for various digestive issues, finding relief from indigestion and gastritis. Cultivated worldwide for its medicinal properties, marshmallow is easy to grow in moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): Central Florida’s herbal arsenal includes astragalus or Huang Qi, a plant known for its immune-boosting properties. With its roots deeply embedded in traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is valued for promoting overall vitality and resilience.

Astragalus root contains compounds believed to support overall health and vitality, aiding in the body’s ability to cope with stress and illness. Easy to grow in well-drained soil and full sun, astragalus offers a natural way to support wellness and resilience.

Sweet basil (Ociumum basilicum): Sweet basil is cherished for its culinary delights and esteemed for its medicinal properties.

Rich in antioxidants and essential oils, sweet basil possesses antiinflammatory and antimicrobial qualities, making it a valuable herb for combating infections and supporting overall immune health. Its aromatic leaves contain compounds such as eugenol, which has been studied for its potential to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, making sweet basil a versatile herb with a long history of therapeutic use in traditional medicine systems around the world.

Porterweed (Stachytarphetajamaicensis): A native Florida plant, porterweed offers notable medicinal benefits that have been recognized in traditional herbal medicine. Its leaves contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it valuable for treating skin conditions such as wounds, insect bites and rashes. Additionally, porterweed has been used to alleviate fevers and digestive issues.

Porterweed is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it a low-maintenance addition to your Florida garden. 

Heather Kalaman serves as the Florida-friendly landscaping horticulture agent for UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. She is a graduate of the UF Doctor of Plant Medicine Program and has a master’s degree in environmental horticulture, where her research focused on pollinator-plant interactions. Her passions and programming focus on sustainable landscaping practices.

Trading Post

For Rent

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

2 acres of land in Wewahitchka. Beekeepers welcome. Quiet, rural area for producing Tupelo and wildflower honey. Room for 100 hives. Irina, 240-848-8682.

For Sale

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.

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

Book available through Amazon by local author. “With All My Heart” features 80 remarkable stories of miracles and visions experienced by the author.

2012 Toyota Tacoma. Access Cab PreRunner. 98,000 miles. Good condition. $10K. 850-900-717

Four cemetery lots in Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Panama City. 850-832-0117.

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.

One or two burial plots in Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Hwy. 231, Panama City. 850-814-7155.

Miscellaneous

BCS Maintenance. Local handyman service can drywall, paint, pressure wash, etc. 850-624-9659

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Custom fences built on your property. Call David for your free estimate. 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.

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

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

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

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.

Real Estate

Lot C-24 on Stewart Lake Road in Chipley. Half-acre. $13K. 850-348-5750.

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.

Florida cooperative leaders gathered at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers, including Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, to advocate for policies that help keep the lights on for 42 million Americans.

2026 Legislative Conference

In April, more than 1,500 electric cooperative leaders gathered at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and agency officials and advocate for policies that help keep the lights on for 42 million Americans.

Among them were Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative CEO/General Manager John Bartley and Trustees Dwight

Van Lierop and Pat Pitts. They joined fellow co-op representatives from across Florida and met with elected officials, including U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is proud to be a voice for the communities we serve and members who depend on us every day. n

ENERGY-EFFICIENCY

TIP OF THE MONTH

During these warm summer months, a smart thermostat can help keep your home comfortable while reducing cooling costs.

Smart thermostats adapt to your routine and automatically raise the temperature when you’re away and cool things down before you return, avoiding unnecessary energy use.

You can also adjust settings remotely from your phone, so you’re never cooling an empty house. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher while you’re away or asleep can lead to signi cant savings.

Many smart thermostats provide reports and tips, helping you netune your energy use and stay cool while keeping your electric bill in check.

MEET GULF COAST ELECTRIC’S NEWESTApprentices

at Tyndall Air Force Base

Training Course Energizes Efficiency Measures for Members

PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s wholesale power supplier, hosted a Residential Energy Auditing Training Course in April for distribution member employees who assist members with residential energy use.

The three-day class, instructed by Harley Ryan of Sustainable Energy Containment, provided “practical, hands-on instructions to attendees to help them effectively evaluate a home’s energy usage and to communicate energy-efficiency recommendations to the end-use members,” says Mike Majors, member services coordinator.

Training topics included energy basics, energy math and conversions, how to interpret electric bills, heat transfer, energy conservation measures and performance of energy audits. Majors says attendees were also taught how to

calculate the cost of operating household appliances like HVAC systems and water systems. The class was interactive, with attendees role-playing scenarios and dealing with questions that could arise during the course of a standard energy audit inside an end-use member’s home. Attendees received class materials at the conclusion of training.

Mike says the class is aimed at all levels of employees—from those new in the electric industry to more seasoned employees looking to advance their skills.

GCEC Energy Advisor Shannon Hill attended the course and says she was grateful for the opportunity to sharpen her skills. The training offered practical tools she can use when helping members better understand their energy use and identify ways to improve efficiency at home. 

ABOVE: Course instructor Harley Ryan talks to members about HVAC systems and heating and cooling efficiency. TOP: PowerSouth’s three-day energy audit training course equips member systems with practical tools and job knowledge related to residential energy efficiency. Front row, from left, are Rhonda Byrd-Lee, of West Florida Electric Cooperative; Shameka Maddox, of Dixie Electric Cooperative; Nicole Sankey, of South Alabama Electric Cooperative; Anna Worley, of Covington Electric Cooperative; Kadra Jordan, of SAEC; Katie Silva, of CEC; and Callie Roley, of Baldwin EMC. Back rows, from left, are Chad Wilkerson, of CEC; Jeffrey Odom, of CEC; Shannon Hill, of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; Harley Ryan, course instructor; Leslie Jackson, of Southern Pine Electric Cooperative; George Patterson, of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative; Kali Cooper, of PowerSouth; Jeff Kirkland, of Southern Pine; Michael Murphy, of Pea River Electric Cooperative; Anna Stephens, of Pioneer Electric Cooperative; Mike Majors, of PowerSouth; Sawyer McCullough, of Baldwin EMC; Trey Davis, of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative; and Jessie Ingram, of WEC. PHOTOS COURTESY OF POWERSOUTH ENERGY COOPERATIVE

OFFICES

637 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.

GCEC President’s Message

Why Vegetation Management Matters

There’s something timeless about trees. They ground us. They remind us of where we’ve been, and they stretch toward what’s ahead. Here in our community, we take pride in the natural beauty that surrounds us—shade on a summer afternoon, colors that mark the seasons, the strength of something that grows slowly but endures.

At the same time, we share another responsibility, one just as essential—keeping the lights on, powering our homes and businesses, and making sure the energy you depend on is there when you need it.

That’s why Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative works every day to balance preserving the beauty we cherish and delivering the reliable electricity you expect. One of the most important ways we do that is tree trimming.

Keeping lines clear of overgrown vegetation plays a major role in preventing outages. We’ve all seen what can happen when severe weather rolls in—strong winds or sudden storms can bring down branches and, with them, power lines and poles. Nearly half of outages are traced back to trees and vegetation coming in contact with electrical infrastructure.

That’s why you may see GCEC crews or our trusted contractors working yearround. Crews are highly trained and certified. Their work may seem routine, but it’s a proactive step to prevent problems before they start.

efficiently, reducing costs while improving accuracy. These small but powerful tools help us identify risks early and respond quickly.

Beyond reliability and efficiency, this work is about safety. Electricity is powerful, and trees growing too close to lines can become dangerous. Branches that touch lines can carry electrical current. Children climbing trees in their own yards may not realize the risk. During storms, fallen trees can create hazardous conditions not only for families but also for lineworkers restoring service.

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.

It’s also required. Electric utilities must manage vegetation near power lines. Scheduled trimming removes dead or weakened limbs and keeps fast-growing trees from becoming hazards, especially as severe weather becomes more frequent.

We’re also using new tools to do this work smarter. Drone inspections, for example, monitor lines and vegetation

There’s also a financial reality. Preventative maintenance is far more costeffective than repairing widespread damage after outages. A thoughtful, strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for members.

You can help, too. When planting trees, consider their mature height and distance from power lines. Trees up to 40 feet tall should be planted at least 25 feet away. Larger trees should be planted at least 50 feet away. Keep shrubs clear of transformers, maintain at least 10 feet of clearance in front and 4 feet on the sides to allow safe access. Always call 811 before digging near underground lines.

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing—a community that’s safe, resilient and beautiful. At Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, we’re proud to be part of that effort. Our roots run deep, just like the trees we care for.