Gulf Coast
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative
M AY 2014
COVER STORY:
Annual Meeting in Review
Three generations of Daniels share the experience of the 66th Annual Members’ Meeting. From left are Jody, John Franklin and Doyle. See more photos on page 28.
New Wewahitchka Book Coming Soon PAGE 7 Prepare for Hurricane Season PAGE 8 n
Gulf Coast
Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS-8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 2040 A St., Forest Grove, OR 97116—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Forest Grove, OR 97116 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116. HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116-0558; (503) 357-2105; email [email protected]. Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (US) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Extra copies: $2 each, pre-payment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services.
TOGETHER We can be safe. Linemen often work beside a busy roadway, and that makes a dangerous job more hazardous. When approaching a utility vehicle, move over if safe to do so, creating an empty lane buffer. When changing lanes isn’t possible, reduce your speed. Let’s work together to follow the law, pay attention, slow down, move over and stay safe. Together we power your life.
MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for Florida Currents, query first. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for writer’s guidelines. Address requests and queries to Ruralite Services. DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
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Inside
May 2014 Vol. 3, No. 7
Fishing for a Living 12
The life of a charter captain may look fun, but it is lots of work. Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Florida Gardener 18
Festival Roundup 22 Outdoor Pursuits 24 Parting Shot 30
Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32
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Gulf Coast
Notify County Agency of Any Special Needs
Emergency Management Agencies Serving GCEC’s Six-County Service Area
Bay County Phone: (850) 784-4000 Fax: (850) 784-4010
Calhoun County Phone: (850) 674-8075 Fax: (850) 674-4667
Gulf County Phone: (850) 229-9110 Fax: (850) 229-9115
Jackson County Phone: (850) 482-9678 Fax: (850) 482-9683
Walton County Phone: (850) 892-6162 Fax: (850) 951-2911
Washington County Phone: (850) 638-6203 Fax: (850) 638-6316
Registry is used for resource planning during emergencies According to Chapter 252.355 Florida Statutes, “In order to meet the special needs of persons who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical, mental or sensory disabilities, each local emergency management agency in the state shall maintain a registry of persons with special needs located within the jurisdiction of the local agency.” This registration helps the local emergency management agency identify those in need of assistance and to plan for resource allocation to meet those needs. This program gives persons with special needs the option of preauthorizing emergency response personnel to enter their homes during search-and-rescue operations, if necessary, to ensure their
safety and welfare following disasters. Because this registration must be updated annually, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is assisting local emergency management agencies by helping to get the word out about this program. If you or someone you know has a special condition affecting eyesight, hearing, speech, walking, breathing or an emotional condition and would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering, please contact your local emergency management agency. The level of care given in special-needs shelters goes above the basic first aid care available to shelters open to the general population. All information given will be kept strictly confidential.
Help Reduce Demand for Electricity
Office numbers: Southport—(850) 265-3631; (800) 568-3667 Wewahitchka—(850) 639-2216; (800) 333-9392 Panama City—(850) 481-1188 4
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H2O Plus, a program available to you from Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, has the potential to dramatically reduce the demand for electricity. We just need your participation. Using energy wisely has never been easier. A device is installed on your electric water heater that allows our power supplier to cycle your unit for short periods. By managing energy use when demand is high—when you and your neighbors are using the most electricity—our supplier can reduce demand when electricity is most expensive, delaying the need to build facilities to generate more power, alleviating or pushing those costs out to the future. An added benefit is reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, thereby helping the environment. You still will have enough hot water for showers and household chores. In fact, you shouldn’t even notice a difference in the amount of hot water available. For more information, please call GCEC Energy Services Representative Manuela Heyn. She will take down your information and, after ensuring the program is a good fit for your household, schedule an installer to visit your home and install the device at no cost to you. In fact, for your participation, we will make a one-time credit of $25 to your electric bill. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Co-op Contributes to Scholarship Funds
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Manager of Marketing and Communication Kristin Evans, center, presents a $500 check to Janet Kessler, left, and Beth Deluzain, right, of the Bay Education Foundation. The donation will be used to fund scholarships provided through the foundation.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently gave $2,500 to local scholarship funds. The cooperative contributed $500 to the African-American Collegiate Scholarship Fund, Bay Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children program and the Gulf County Scholarship Program. The cooperative also agreed to provide a $250 scholarship to a graduating senior from Altha Public School, Blountstown High School, Chipley High School and Vernon High School. “We are proud to assist local students with the expense of furthering their education,” said GCEC Manager of Marketing and Communication Kristin Evans. n
Tree Trimming Moves to Wewahitchka Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative has about 2,500 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a potentially dangerous situation. Vegetation must be cleared from power lines to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition. When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and GCEC to allow right-of-way maintenance. The agreement gives the co-op the legal right to remove from the right-of-way anything that could interfere with the GCEC’s ability to ensure safe, reliable electric service for all members. If the cooperative’s right-of-way clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with power lines would increase the number of outages experienced by members. GCEC tries to work with each landowner to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights of way. The co-op realizes most property owners regard trees as an asset. However, federal law requires GCEC to eliminate hazardous conditions. During May, GCEC will be clearing rights of way in the Wewahitchka area. The cooperative appreciates your patience and understanding as GCEC works to bring you quality, reliable service.
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Gulf Coast
New Wewahitchka Book Coming Soon Author Beverly Mount-Douds has started work on her fourth book and is seeking help from the residents of Gulf County. The Arcadia book is from the series of “Images of America” and will be called “Wewahitchka.” It will include the communities of Kinard, Wetappo Creek, Honeyville, Dalkeith, Overstreet and White City. Beverly meets with residents at the Wewahitchka Branch Library the first and third Monday of each month from 1 p.m. Central until closing. Residents are encouraged to bring their photos and stories. Beverly will conduct interviews and scan photos, immediately returning your photos unharmed. The daughter of Betty Jean (Pitts) Mount and the late J.W. Mount of Lynn Haven, Beverly was born and raised in Bay County. She is the granddaughter of the late Lee and Frances (Ayers) Pitts. A Port St. Joe resident, Beverly founded and is president of the Gulf County Genealogical Society. She is a member of the St. Joseph Historical Society and Friends of the Library Inc. In 2000, the Gulf County group was nominated by Jean Heathcock and received an achievement award from the Florida State Genealogical Society. Since 1990, Beverly has uncovered genealogical and historical information. She willingly shares her services and knowledge, and says her reward is helping others get excited about their family history and researching local history. In November 2004, Beverly received two awards and published her first book. She was honored by the Florida State Genealogical Society for more than five years of work assembling local legacies, earning her the Genealogical Outstanding Achievement Award. She was nominated by Deanna Ramsey. She also was awarded a Florida Pioneer Descendants Certificate for the Pitts families. She has proven her linage to Benjamin Pitts as a resident of
the Territory of Florida prior to statehood in 1845. Beverly’s first book, “Lighthouse Keepers,” is a historical account of three local lighthouses and generations of keepers on the Forgotten Coast of Florida. Her next two books, “Gulf County,” released in 2007, and “Apalachicola,” released in 2009, portray local history with photos of the past. The past few years, Beverly has worked with the Arrow program—a project funded in part by the Division of Historical Resources—on local walking, driving and virtual tours. Today, Beverly operates the Cape San Blas Lighthouse Gift Shop for the St. Joseph Historical Society and is fighting to save and move the lighthouse tower and buildings to Port St. Joe. She just finished writing the history of Mexico Beach for the Parker/Cathey families, due out later this year. For more information about Beverly’s latest project, call (850) 639-2419 or (850) 229-1094, or email csblighthouselady2008@ gmail.com. To learn more about the DHR projects, visit www.fnai. org/ARROW, www.tourgulfcounty. org and www.tourfranklincounty.org. M ay 2 0 1 4
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Gulf Coast
Prepare for Hurricane Season National Hurricane Preparedness Week for 2014 is Sunday, May 25, through Saturday, May 31 The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Preparing yourself can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. That is why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Hurricane Center in Miami have come together to provide valuable information for Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 25-31. Get a Plan Discuss the hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Storm surge—an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, above the predicted astronomical tides—is often the greatest threat to life and property. The problem is compounded when the surge coincides with normal high tide. Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered. At the beginning of hurricane season, check your disaster supply kit. Replace batteries and rotate nonperishable food. Plan for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Locate a safe room or the safest areas. Sometimes, the safest area may not be your home, but in your community. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. Designate an out-of-state friend as a single contact for all family members. Post emergency phone numbers. Teach your children how and when to call 911. Use a NOAA weather radio. During hurricane season, monitor the tropics by listening to weather reports. 8
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Hurricane Basics If a storm threatens, heed the advice of local authorities. Evacuate if ordered. Protect your property from high wind. Find out if your home meets current building code requirements. Structures built to meet or exceed high-wind provisions have a better chance of surviving. Install shutters or prepare ⅝-inch plywood panels. Reinforce garage doors. Ensure landscaping and trees do not become a wind hazard. As a hurricane approaches, secure lawn furniture and outside objects that could become projectiles. Listen carefully to media outlets for safety instructions. Go to your designated safe room— one with no windows or external doors— when directed to do so. Do not leave it until given the all clear, even if it appears the winds have calmed. There is little to no wind in the eye of a hurricane. If living in a home not built to withstand hurricane-force winds—such as a manufactured home—relocate to a safe place once an evacuation order is issued. After the Storm Your first concern is everyone’s safety. Beware of washed-out roads, contaminated buildings and water, broken glass, gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring and slippery floors. Inspect your home carefully before entering. Inform local authorities about health and safety issues. Be prepared for inland flooding. Learn your vulnerability by determining the elevation of your property. Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves on hand. Check with your local emergency management
agency to learn how to build proper protective measures around your home. Beware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off. Avoid driving into water of unknown depth. Restrict children from playing in flooded areas. Test drinking water for potability. Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with floodwaters. Wash canned goods that come in contact with floodwaters with soap and hot water. Stay away from downed power lines. When you begin clean-up work, make sure not to exhaust yourself. Drink water, take breaks and eat well. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and work gloves. Wash your hands with soap and clean water while working in debris. If you need help, check with organizations such as the Salvation Army or American Red Cross. Many victims of a disaster suffer from disaster-related stress. You may need to seek professional help.
Gulf Coast
Trading Post For Rent Four-bedroom, 1-bath, 1,800-sq.-ft. home in Scotts Ferry. Fully furnished. Rents weekly or monthly. (850) 265-0872 or (850) 674-6409. 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. Three-bedroom, 2½-bath 1,600-sq.-ft. home in Lynn Haven. Fireplace, two-car garage, inside laundry room, privacy-fenced backyard, trees. Interior recently painted. On low-traffic street in quiet neighborhood near shopping, churches and restaurants. $1,225 a month. (850) 271-0289.
For Sale Great pets. Miniature donkeys, Jacks and Jennys, all ages. Black, brown, gray, paints, $300 and up. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424. Two quarter horses and a pony. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957. AKC Golden Retriever puppies. Vet-checked, wormed and first shots with health certificate. (850) 639-3373 or (850) 381-7814. Handcrafted crocheted and plastic canvas items: hats, purses, afghans, baby items, checkbooks, wall hangings and more. Place your order. Bea, (850) 265-9357 or [email protected]. Cookie jars, some collectors. (850) 265-6376.
Singlewide mobile home on 1 acre at Willis Landing in Gulf County. Furnished; home and pump raised to avoid flooding. Minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. (850) 785-6398 or (850) 832-8215. 1-acre lakefront lot on largest lake in Leisure Lakes gated community. Pete, (850) 722-4886. One-bedroom, 1-bath singlewide mobile home, enclosed patio. $5,500 OBO. (407) 314-3626. Two bedroom, 1½-bath furnished home on 1-acre lot along Brothers River at the mouth of Howard Creek. Power and well. Built with flood in mind. $125,000, may finance. (850) 871-1528. 2000 Wind Zone 3 manufactured home. 2,160 sq. ft., five bedrooms, three full baths, completely remodeled, set up on a ½-acre corner lot. Price reduced to $59,900. Off Highway 22, 9 miles from Tyndall Parkway shopping. Connie, (850) 769-1096. One-bedroom furnished cottage on 1½ acres with 82.26 ft. on Burgess Creek. Metal roof, deep well, fence along highway, no high-water problems. Good hunting and fishing with access to the Chipola and Apalachicola rivers. Price reduced to $75,000 with possible financing. (850) 227-6905. 2010 singlewide Class III mobile home, 140’ waterfront (two lots) on Dead Lakes, Wewahitchka city limits. Two bedrooms, 1½ baths. Like new; energy efficient. Asking $69,500. (850) 639-5441. 1-acre lakefront lot in gated community with a beautiful view. $38,000. (850) 722-4490.
2¼-acre lot in Leisure Lakes gated community. Paved roads, swimming pool and pavilion. $10,000. (850) 373-6088. 1½-acre lakefront lot with 1,850-sq.-ft. mobile home. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, fireplace, front and back decks, outdoor shed, greenhouse. On Mirror Lake off CR 274. (850) 896-3188. 434 East Chipola Ave., Wewahitchka. About ½ acre. City water and sewage. Ready for home or mobile home. Close to city offices, schools, churches, library, state forest, parks and the Gulf of Mexico. $8,500. (850) 639-9788 or (334) 398-0411. ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220. One-bedroom, 1-bath mobile home. Enclosed patio. Downtown Wewahitchka next to public schools. $5,500. (407) 314-3626. ½-acre corner lot. Lake Grove Road, Wewahitchka, next to Gaskin Park Boat Landing. Great place to build a private getaway. $35,000. (850) 871-0175. Three-bedroom, 2-bath doublewide on wooded acre lot. Fireplace, screened deck, dock, carport with workshop/storage, RV hook-up. Leisure Lakes gated community. Access to pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic area. (850) 773-4305.
Miscellaneous Mowing, trimming, edging, blowing, flower beds, hedges, general clean up. Call Sowell Lawn Care for a free estimate, (850) 814-2753.
Cub Cadet LT1045 riding tractor, 20HP, 46” deck cutting width, 241.3 hours, Kohler Courage engine, transmission Hydro, recently serviced, new battery, $995. Hank, (850) 747-9451.
Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE.
New 8x10 storage building, $800. (850) 722-0417
Please circle the category that applies:
Ford Tractor 8NC. Needs work, but runs. Massey Ferguson 12 hay baler. Needs drive chain for outside fork. Asking $300 for baler. (850) 896-4251. Never used NordicTrack exercise machine. Paid $1,100. Will sell for $400. (850) 722-4490.
For Rent
For Sale
Real Estate
Free
Miscellaneous
Trade
Wanted
Items:
2007 Hurricane Fun Deck. 200HP Yamaha fourstroke motor, trailer, canvas top and all the seats. Great condition. Asking $17,000. (850) 658-4119. 4x8 utility trailer. Like new. $650. (850) 722-0417 Five-speed Kitchen Aid blender, $35; popcorn popper, $20; new Elvis Presley films on DVD, one CD and two special DVDs Graceland edition, $50; new Epson Picture Mate, $50. (850) 624-2525.
Name:
Portable HPU with tools for sale; drills, chain saws, pump, 4” breakers and other equipment. (850) 733-1978 or (850) 258-0408.
Address:
1970 Martin/Sigma guitar hard case with pickup and cutout, $700. (850) 896-3633.
City/State/Zip:
Real Estate Three-bedroom, 2-bath 1,600-sq.-ft. modular home on 1½ acres on the Chipola River in Wewahitchka. Two carports, three sheds, hot tub, 12x30 porch (20x20 enclosed), floating dock. Asking $145,000. Make offer. (850) 639-6737.
Phone: Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to [email protected].
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Gulf Coast
CEO’s Annual Meeting Message Presented at the 66th Annual Members’ Meeting, Saturday, April 5, 2014
CEO Michael White
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When Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative was formed in 1941, our biggest member concern was a lack of power. We have electricity now. In fact, members no longer think of it as a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our lives simply will not work without electricity. I am proud to know I am part of an organization that has met our members’ original needs and continues to look for value-added benefits each day. I would like to recap some of the accomplishments from the last year and the new value-added benefits we have introduced to the cooperative. We are committed to safety and, as of today, the men and women here at your cooperative have worked 516 straight days without a lost-time accident. Please join me in congratulating the employees today for a job well done. As the economy is still recovering, your cooperative remains financially sound. Once again, we witnessed a decline in energy sales from the previous year. Your board and management team have worked together to make sound business decisions to post strong margins for 2013. This is extremely important in keeping us in compliance with the financial requirements our lending institutions mandate. Our audit firm has completed our financial audit for the 2013 year, and the financial statements that were printed in the April Florida Currents magazine remain unchanged. In 2013, we continued our commitment of retiring capital credits. In fact, your board approved increasing the amount by 20 percent this past year. We retired a total of $300,000 back to our members. This is the fourth year into our utility privatization of electric and water service for Tyndall Air Force Base. It continues to be a successful venture that has assisted your cooperative in improving its bottom line. We have also installed an outage management system. This allows us to better direct employees as we restore your power. The system also looks for outages 24 hours a day and reports those to us immediately. This will continue assisting us in improving our efficiency and ultimately giving you better service. We also installed an interactive voice response system this past year. This system works seamlessly with the OMS to capture power outages, while offering members the ability to check balances and pay bills. The open usage program the cooperative has installed is allowing members to graphically evaluate
electric use on a specific day or timeframe as it relates to weather data to better understand their bill. The new Sandy Creek Substation has been completed and is offering a more reliable source of energy to our members in East Callaway Heights, Sandy Creek and the Allanton areas. Management and your board are continuing to work hard to drive costs down and keep your electric rates competitive. In fact, our average member uses around 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month. If you compare your March 2013 bill to last month’s bill for 1,000 kWh, you had a decrease of more than 6 percent, or $8.50 less today versus a year ago. Your cooperative has recommitted itself to reclaiming its right-of-ways. We appreciate everyone working with us. We are trying to eliminate unnecessary blinks and outages by trimming, and most of the time removing, trees that may be within 15 feet of each side of the line. We will be finishing up reclaiming our right-of-ways in Southport within the next couple months. Then, our crews will be heading to the Wewahitchka area. This is a big undertaking, and we appreciate your understanding and patience. This helps control costs, increase efficiency and reduce outages for all members. In upcoming months, we will be adding the option for members to have a prepaid metering service. We hope this gives the members another option of only loading and paying for what energy they use as they consume it. This is a popular convenience for rental units and those who are budget conscious. I appreciate each of you attending your annual meeting. The annual meeting is an integral part of our identity as a nonprofit. Cooperatives are different from any other electric utility. Here you have a voice because you are an owner. We are here to meet the needs of our members—PERIOD. That’s why you are here today. You know that as a member of GCEC you set our priorities and elect leaders from among your ranks to lead the co-op. I appreciate the opportunity to work for you. However, the true backbone of this cooperative is its employees. We have a great group of employees who are dedicated to this cooperative and you. We will continue to strive to deliver you the service you deserve and expect. As always, it is a pleasure to serve you. Thank you. n
Gulf Coast
Annual Meeting in Review The 65th Annual Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Member’s Meeting was April 5th. Here is a look at a few of the people who attended this year’s event.
Janie Forehand (left), and Linda Whitfield work the voting poles at the 66th Annual Members’ Meeting on April 5.
Danny Little and granddaughter Annabelle enjoy a bite to eat.
The Port St. Joe Naval ROTC presents the colors and leads the Pledge of Allegiance. 28
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Members enjoy the performance by The Gann Family.
From Left, Charles Nunery, Joe Horne, Ralph Newsome and Billy Joe Newsome catch up with each other during the annual meeting.
The youngest attendee was Julia Newsome, 7 months old.
Volunteers from the 2014 Youth Tour group man the drink tent during the annual meeting.
Winners of the grand prize $100 bill credits at the 2014 Annual Members’ Meeting.
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FL-154
Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392 9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 Phone: (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com
CEO/General Manager Michael E. White
Trustees President Kinneth Daniels Vice President Gary Cox Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Robert Byrd Doug Birmingham Jimmy Black Rupert Brown Waylon Graham Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November). The mission of GCEC is to continually evaluate and implement technologies and seek solutions that fulfill a diversified memberships’ changing expectations for cost-effective, dependable utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce. 32
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GCEC President’s Message
66th Annual Meeting Recap
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative hosted its Annual Members’ Meeting Saturday, April 5, at its headquarters in Wewahitchka. There were 489 members registered and 919 people in attendance. The Board of Trustees appreciates those who attended. It is important that you participate in your cooperative. As stated during the meeting, the financials reported in last month’s magazine remained unchanged from the auditor. GCEC showed that 2013 revenues reached $45 million, while total margins were $2.7 million. The cooperative’s assets now Kinneth Daniels total $149 million, with liabilities of $109 million and member equity of $37.5 million. Members were informed the cooperative will continue to evaluate the return of capital credits this year and, hopefully, will be able to increase the amount as GCEC has in previous years. In his report, CEO/General Manager Michael White said we had another decrease in total energy sales for 2013. However, members in March 2014 paid more than 6 percent less for 1,000 kilowatt-hours than in March 2013. This shows your Board of Trustees and the management staff is working hard to cut costs and stretch your energy dollars. We have introduced several new technologies to serve you better and more efficiently. These new technologies include the outage management system, integrated voice recognition system and open usage. These have a multitude of benefits for employees and members alike. We plan to continue this growth by adding prepaid metering this year for members who prefer to budget their monthly bills. Members who attended the 2014 annual meeting voted in a trustee election and on changes to the bylaws. District 2, Group 3 incumbent Eddie Jones ran against Gifford Wiley. The membership voted 308-131 to retain Jones as the trustee. All four bylaw amendments were approved. Amendment one asked members to approve changing the wording in the bylaws to more gender appropriate language by including the words “she and her.” It passed 352-56. Amendment two proposed adding “Walton” to Article IV, Trustees, Section 2. GCEC serves members in Walton County, and those members were not being represented by a trustee in the bylaws. It passed 331-69. Amendment three proposed adding “Howard Creek” to Article IV, Trustees, Section 2. With that addition, the area served by our trustee in District 2 is more distinguished. It passed 333-68. Amendment four proposed changing the last day to submit a petition to be on the board of trustees from 21 calendar days prior to the Annual Members’ Meeting to the last business day in February prior to the Annual Members’ Meeting. It passed 334-63. If you have not taken part in the meeting, I encourage you to do so. Each member has a voice in the operations of GCEC, and those voices need to be heard. For those who attended, I thank you for your participation and hope to see you next year. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc. will be closed Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day.
M AY 2014
COVER STORY:
Annual Meeting in Review
Three generations of Daniels share the experience of the 66th Annual Members’ Meeting. From left are Jody, John Franklin and Doyle. See more photos on page 28.
New Wewahitchka Book Coming Soon PAGE 7 Prepare for Hurricane Season PAGE 8 n
Gulf Coast
Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS-8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 2040 A St., Forest Grove, OR 97116—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Forest Grove, OR 97116 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116. HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116-0558; (503) 357-2105; email [email protected]. Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (US) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Extra copies: $2 each, pre-payment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services.
TOGETHER We can be safe. Linemen often work beside a busy roadway, and that makes a dangerous job more hazardous. When approaching a utility vehicle, move over if safe to do so, creating an empty lane buffer. When changing lanes isn’t possible, reduce your speed. Let’s work together to follow the law, pay attention, slow down, move over and stay safe. Together we power your life.
MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for Florida Currents, query first. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for writer’s guidelines. Address requests and queries to Ruralite Services. DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Contact Jessah Willis National Country Market 611 S. Congress Ave. Suite 504 Austin, TX 98704 (800) 626-1181 or (512) 441-5200 www.nationalcountrymarket.com PRINTED IN FLORIDA
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Inside
May 2014 Vol. 3, No. 7
Fishing for a Living 12
The life of a charter captain may look fun, but it is lots of work. Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Florida Gardener 18
Festival Roundup 22 Outdoor Pursuits 24 Parting Shot 30
Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32
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Gulf Coast
Notify County Agency of Any Special Needs
Emergency Management Agencies Serving GCEC’s Six-County Service Area
Bay County Phone: (850) 784-4000 Fax: (850) 784-4010
Calhoun County Phone: (850) 674-8075 Fax: (850) 674-4667
Gulf County Phone: (850) 229-9110 Fax: (850) 229-9115
Jackson County Phone: (850) 482-9678 Fax: (850) 482-9683
Walton County Phone: (850) 892-6162 Fax: (850) 951-2911
Washington County Phone: (850) 638-6203 Fax: (850) 638-6316
Registry is used for resource planning during emergencies According to Chapter 252.355 Florida Statutes, “In order to meet the special needs of persons who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical, mental or sensory disabilities, each local emergency management agency in the state shall maintain a registry of persons with special needs located within the jurisdiction of the local agency.” This registration helps the local emergency management agency identify those in need of assistance and to plan for resource allocation to meet those needs. This program gives persons with special needs the option of preauthorizing emergency response personnel to enter their homes during search-and-rescue operations, if necessary, to ensure their
safety and welfare following disasters. Because this registration must be updated annually, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is assisting local emergency management agencies by helping to get the word out about this program. If you or someone you know has a special condition affecting eyesight, hearing, speech, walking, breathing or an emotional condition and would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering, please contact your local emergency management agency. The level of care given in special-needs shelters goes above the basic first aid care available to shelters open to the general population. All information given will be kept strictly confidential.
Help Reduce Demand for Electricity
Office numbers: Southport—(850) 265-3631; (800) 568-3667 Wewahitchka—(850) 639-2216; (800) 333-9392 Panama City—(850) 481-1188 4
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H2O Plus, a program available to you from Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, has the potential to dramatically reduce the demand for electricity. We just need your participation. Using energy wisely has never been easier. A device is installed on your electric water heater that allows our power supplier to cycle your unit for short periods. By managing energy use when demand is high—when you and your neighbors are using the most electricity—our supplier can reduce demand when electricity is most expensive, delaying the need to build facilities to generate more power, alleviating or pushing those costs out to the future. An added benefit is reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, thereby helping the environment. You still will have enough hot water for showers and household chores. In fact, you shouldn’t even notice a difference in the amount of hot water available. For more information, please call GCEC Energy Services Representative Manuela Heyn. She will take down your information and, after ensuring the program is a good fit for your household, schedule an installer to visit your home and install the device at no cost to you. In fact, for your participation, we will make a one-time credit of $25 to your electric bill. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Co-op Contributes to Scholarship Funds
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Manager of Marketing and Communication Kristin Evans, center, presents a $500 check to Janet Kessler, left, and Beth Deluzain, right, of the Bay Education Foundation. The donation will be used to fund scholarships provided through the foundation.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently gave $2,500 to local scholarship funds. The cooperative contributed $500 to the African-American Collegiate Scholarship Fund, Bay Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children program and the Gulf County Scholarship Program. The cooperative also agreed to provide a $250 scholarship to a graduating senior from Altha Public School, Blountstown High School, Chipley High School and Vernon High School. “We are proud to assist local students with the expense of furthering their education,” said GCEC Manager of Marketing and Communication Kristin Evans. n
Tree Trimming Moves to Wewahitchka Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative has about 2,500 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a potentially dangerous situation. Vegetation must be cleared from power lines to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition. When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and GCEC to allow right-of-way maintenance. The agreement gives the co-op the legal right to remove from the right-of-way anything that could interfere with the GCEC’s ability to ensure safe, reliable electric service for all members. If the cooperative’s right-of-way clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with power lines would increase the number of outages experienced by members. GCEC tries to work with each landowner to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights of way. The co-op realizes most property owners regard trees as an asset. However, federal law requires GCEC to eliminate hazardous conditions. During May, GCEC will be clearing rights of way in the Wewahitchka area. The cooperative appreciates your patience and understanding as GCEC works to bring you quality, reliable service.
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Gulf Coast
New Wewahitchka Book Coming Soon Author Beverly Mount-Douds has started work on her fourth book and is seeking help from the residents of Gulf County. The Arcadia book is from the series of “Images of America” and will be called “Wewahitchka.” It will include the communities of Kinard, Wetappo Creek, Honeyville, Dalkeith, Overstreet and White City. Beverly meets with residents at the Wewahitchka Branch Library the first and third Monday of each month from 1 p.m. Central until closing. Residents are encouraged to bring their photos and stories. Beverly will conduct interviews and scan photos, immediately returning your photos unharmed. The daughter of Betty Jean (Pitts) Mount and the late J.W. Mount of Lynn Haven, Beverly was born and raised in Bay County. She is the granddaughter of the late Lee and Frances (Ayers) Pitts. A Port St. Joe resident, Beverly founded and is president of the Gulf County Genealogical Society. She is a member of the St. Joseph Historical Society and Friends of the Library Inc. In 2000, the Gulf County group was nominated by Jean Heathcock and received an achievement award from the Florida State Genealogical Society. Since 1990, Beverly has uncovered genealogical and historical information. She willingly shares her services and knowledge, and says her reward is helping others get excited about their family history and researching local history. In November 2004, Beverly received two awards and published her first book. She was honored by the Florida State Genealogical Society for more than five years of work assembling local legacies, earning her the Genealogical Outstanding Achievement Award. She was nominated by Deanna Ramsey. She also was awarded a Florida Pioneer Descendants Certificate for the Pitts families. She has proven her linage to Benjamin Pitts as a resident of
the Territory of Florida prior to statehood in 1845. Beverly’s first book, “Lighthouse Keepers,” is a historical account of three local lighthouses and generations of keepers on the Forgotten Coast of Florida. Her next two books, “Gulf County,” released in 2007, and “Apalachicola,” released in 2009, portray local history with photos of the past. The past few years, Beverly has worked with the Arrow program—a project funded in part by the Division of Historical Resources—on local walking, driving and virtual tours. Today, Beverly operates the Cape San Blas Lighthouse Gift Shop for the St. Joseph Historical Society and is fighting to save and move the lighthouse tower and buildings to Port St. Joe. She just finished writing the history of Mexico Beach for the Parker/Cathey families, due out later this year. For more information about Beverly’s latest project, call (850) 639-2419 or (850) 229-1094, or email csblighthouselady2008@ gmail.com. To learn more about the DHR projects, visit www.fnai. org/ARROW, www.tourgulfcounty. org and www.tourfranklincounty.org. M ay 2 0 1 4
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Gulf Coast
Prepare for Hurricane Season National Hurricane Preparedness Week for 2014 is Sunday, May 25, through Saturday, May 31 The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Preparing yourself can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. That is why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Hurricane Center in Miami have come together to provide valuable information for Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 25-31. Get a Plan Discuss the hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Storm surge—an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, above the predicted astronomical tides—is often the greatest threat to life and property. The problem is compounded when the surge coincides with normal high tide. Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered. At the beginning of hurricane season, check your disaster supply kit. Replace batteries and rotate nonperishable food. Plan for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Locate a safe room or the safest areas. Sometimes, the safest area may not be your home, but in your community. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. Designate an out-of-state friend as a single contact for all family members. Post emergency phone numbers. Teach your children how and when to call 911. Use a NOAA weather radio. During hurricane season, monitor the tropics by listening to weather reports. 8
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Hurricane Basics If a storm threatens, heed the advice of local authorities. Evacuate if ordered. Protect your property from high wind. Find out if your home meets current building code requirements. Structures built to meet or exceed high-wind provisions have a better chance of surviving. Install shutters or prepare ⅝-inch plywood panels. Reinforce garage doors. Ensure landscaping and trees do not become a wind hazard. As a hurricane approaches, secure lawn furniture and outside objects that could become projectiles. Listen carefully to media outlets for safety instructions. Go to your designated safe room— one with no windows or external doors— when directed to do so. Do not leave it until given the all clear, even if it appears the winds have calmed. There is little to no wind in the eye of a hurricane. If living in a home not built to withstand hurricane-force winds—such as a manufactured home—relocate to a safe place once an evacuation order is issued. After the Storm Your first concern is everyone’s safety. Beware of washed-out roads, contaminated buildings and water, broken glass, gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring and slippery floors. Inspect your home carefully before entering. Inform local authorities about health and safety issues. Be prepared for inland flooding. Learn your vulnerability by determining the elevation of your property. Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves on hand. Check with your local emergency management
agency to learn how to build proper protective measures around your home. Beware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off. Avoid driving into water of unknown depth. Restrict children from playing in flooded areas. Test drinking water for potability. Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with floodwaters. Wash canned goods that come in contact with floodwaters with soap and hot water. Stay away from downed power lines. When you begin clean-up work, make sure not to exhaust yourself. Drink water, take breaks and eat well. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and work gloves. Wash your hands with soap and clean water while working in debris. If you need help, check with organizations such as the Salvation Army or American Red Cross. Many victims of a disaster suffer from disaster-related stress. You may need to seek professional help.
Gulf Coast
Trading Post For Rent Four-bedroom, 1-bath, 1,800-sq.-ft. home in Scotts Ferry. Fully furnished. Rents weekly or monthly. (850) 265-0872 or (850) 674-6409. 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. Three-bedroom, 2½-bath 1,600-sq.-ft. home in Lynn Haven. Fireplace, two-car garage, inside laundry room, privacy-fenced backyard, trees. Interior recently painted. On low-traffic street in quiet neighborhood near shopping, churches and restaurants. $1,225 a month. (850) 271-0289.
For Sale Great pets. Miniature donkeys, Jacks and Jennys, all ages. Black, brown, gray, paints, $300 and up. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424. Two quarter horses and a pony. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957. AKC Golden Retriever puppies. Vet-checked, wormed and first shots with health certificate. (850) 639-3373 or (850) 381-7814. Handcrafted crocheted and plastic canvas items: hats, purses, afghans, baby items, checkbooks, wall hangings and more. Place your order. Bea, (850) 265-9357 or [email protected]. Cookie jars, some collectors. (850) 265-6376.
Singlewide mobile home on 1 acre at Willis Landing in Gulf County. Furnished; home and pump raised to avoid flooding. Minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. (850) 785-6398 or (850) 832-8215. 1-acre lakefront lot on largest lake in Leisure Lakes gated community. Pete, (850) 722-4886. One-bedroom, 1-bath singlewide mobile home, enclosed patio. $5,500 OBO. (407) 314-3626. Two bedroom, 1½-bath furnished home on 1-acre lot along Brothers River at the mouth of Howard Creek. Power and well. Built with flood in mind. $125,000, may finance. (850) 871-1528. 2000 Wind Zone 3 manufactured home. 2,160 sq. ft., five bedrooms, three full baths, completely remodeled, set up on a ½-acre corner lot. Price reduced to $59,900. Off Highway 22, 9 miles from Tyndall Parkway shopping. Connie, (850) 769-1096. One-bedroom furnished cottage on 1½ acres with 82.26 ft. on Burgess Creek. Metal roof, deep well, fence along highway, no high-water problems. Good hunting and fishing with access to the Chipola and Apalachicola rivers. Price reduced to $75,000 with possible financing. (850) 227-6905. 2010 singlewide Class III mobile home, 140’ waterfront (two lots) on Dead Lakes, Wewahitchka city limits. Two bedrooms, 1½ baths. Like new; energy efficient. Asking $69,500. (850) 639-5441. 1-acre lakefront lot in gated community with a beautiful view. $38,000. (850) 722-4490.
2¼-acre lot in Leisure Lakes gated community. Paved roads, swimming pool and pavilion. $10,000. (850) 373-6088. 1½-acre lakefront lot with 1,850-sq.-ft. mobile home. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, fireplace, front and back decks, outdoor shed, greenhouse. On Mirror Lake off CR 274. (850) 896-3188. 434 East Chipola Ave., Wewahitchka. About ½ acre. City water and sewage. Ready for home or mobile home. Close to city offices, schools, churches, library, state forest, parks and the Gulf of Mexico. $8,500. (850) 639-9788 or (334) 398-0411. ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220. One-bedroom, 1-bath mobile home. Enclosed patio. Downtown Wewahitchka next to public schools. $5,500. (407) 314-3626. ½-acre corner lot. Lake Grove Road, Wewahitchka, next to Gaskin Park Boat Landing. Great place to build a private getaway. $35,000. (850) 871-0175. Three-bedroom, 2-bath doublewide on wooded acre lot. Fireplace, screened deck, dock, carport with workshop/storage, RV hook-up. Leisure Lakes gated community. Access to pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic area. (850) 773-4305.
Miscellaneous Mowing, trimming, edging, blowing, flower beds, hedges, general clean up. Call Sowell Lawn Care for a free estimate, (850) 814-2753.
Cub Cadet LT1045 riding tractor, 20HP, 46” deck cutting width, 241.3 hours, Kohler Courage engine, transmission Hydro, recently serviced, new battery, $995. Hank, (850) 747-9451.
Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE.
New 8x10 storage building, $800. (850) 722-0417
Please circle the category that applies:
Ford Tractor 8NC. Needs work, but runs. Massey Ferguson 12 hay baler. Needs drive chain for outside fork. Asking $300 for baler. (850) 896-4251. Never used NordicTrack exercise machine. Paid $1,100. Will sell for $400. (850) 722-4490.
For Rent
For Sale
Real Estate
Free
Miscellaneous
Trade
Wanted
Items:
2007 Hurricane Fun Deck. 200HP Yamaha fourstroke motor, trailer, canvas top and all the seats. Great condition. Asking $17,000. (850) 658-4119. 4x8 utility trailer. Like new. $650. (850) 722-0417 Five-speed Kitchen Aid blender, $35; popcorn popper, $20; new Elvis Presley films on DVD, one CD and two special DVDs Graceland edition, $50; new Epson Picture Mate, $50. (850) 624-2525.
Name:
Portable HPU with tools for sale; drills, chain saws, pump, 4” breakers and other equipment. (850) 733-1978 or (850) 258-0408.
Address:
1970 Martin/Sigma guitar hard case with pickup and cutout, $700. (850) 896-3633.
City/State/Zip:
Real Estate Three-bedroom, 2-bath 1,600-sq.-ft. modular home on 1½ acres on the Chipola River in Wewahitchka. Two carports, three sheds, hot tub, 12x30 porch (20x20 enclosed), floating dock. Asking $145,000. Make offer. (850) 639-6737.
Phone: Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to [email protected].
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Gulf Coast
CEO’s Annual Meeting Message Presented at the 66th Annual Members’ Meeting, Saturday, April 5, 2014
CEO Michael White
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When Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative was formed in 1941, our biggest member concern was a lack of power. We have electricity now. In fact, members no longer think of it as a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our lives simply will not work without electricity. I am proud to know I am part of an organization that has met our members’ original needs and continues to look for value-added benefits each day. I would like to recap some of the accomplishments from the last year and the new value-added benefits we have introduced to the cooperative. We are committed to safety and, as of today, the men and women here at your cooperative have worked 516 straight days without a lost-time accident. Please join me in congratulating the employees today for a job well done. As the economy is still recovering, your cooperative remains financially sound. Once again, we witnessed a decline in energy sales from the previous year. Your board and management team have worked together to make sound business decisions to post strong margins for 2013. This is extremely important in keeping us in compliance with the financial requirements our lending institutions mandate. Our audit firm has completed our financial audit for the 2013 year, and the financial statements that were printed in the April Florida Currents magazine remain unchanged. In 2013, we continued our commitment of retiring capital credits. In fact, your board approved increasing the amount by 20 percent this past year. We retired a total of $300,000 back to our members. This is the fourth year into our utility privatization of electric and water service for Tyndall Air Force Base. It continues to be a successful venture that has assisted your cooperative in improving its bottom line. We have also installed an outage management system. This allows us to better direct employees as we restore your power. The system also looks for outages 24 hours a day and reports those to us immediately. This will continue assisting us in improving our efficiency and ultimately giving you better service. We also installed an interactive voice response system this past year. This system works seamlessly with the OMS to capture power outages, while offering members the ability to check balances and pay bills. The open usage program the cooperative has installed is allowing members to graphically evaluate
electric use on a specific day or timeframe as it relates to weather data to better understand their bill. The new Sandy Creek Substation has been completed and is offering a more reliable source of energy to our members in East Callaway Heights, Sandy Creek and the Allanton areas. Management and your board are continuing to work hard to drive costs down and keep your electric rates competitive. In fact, our average member uses around 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month. If you compare your March 2013 bill to last month’s bill for 1,000 kWh, you had a decrease of more than 6 percent, or $8.50 less today versus a year ago. Your cooperative has recommitted itself to reclaiming its right-of-ways. We appreciate everyone working with us. We are trying to eliminate unnecessary blinks and outages by trimming, and most of the time removing, trees that may be within 15 feet of each side of the line. We will be finishing up reclaiming our right-of-ways in Southport within the next couple months. Then, our crews will be heading to the Wewahitchka area. This is a big undertaking, and we appreciate your understanding and patience. This helps control costs, increase efficiency and reduce outages for all members. In upcoming months, we will be adding the option for members to have a prepaid metering service. We hope this gives the members another option of only loading and paying for what energy they use as they consume it. This is a popular convenience for rental units and those who are budget conscious. I appreciate each of you attending your annual meeting. The annual meeting is an integral part of our identity as a nonprofit. Cooperatives are different from any other electric utility. Here you have a voice because you are an owner. We are here to meet the needs of our members—PERIOD. That’s why you are here today. You know that as a member of GCEC you set our priorities and elect leaders from among your ranks to lead the co-op. I appreciate the opportunity to work for you. However, the true backbone of this cooperative is its employees. We have a great group of employees who are dedicated to this cooperative and you. We will continue to strive to deliver you the service you deserve and expect. As always, it is a pleasure to serve you. Thank you. n
Gulf Coast
Annual Meeting in Review The 65th Annual Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Member’s Meeting was April 5th. Here is a look at a few of the people who attended this year’s event.
Janie Forehand (left), and Linda Whitfield work the voting poles at the 66th Annual Members’ Meeting on April 5.
Danny Little and granddaughter Annabelle enjoy a bite to eat.
The Port St. Joe Naval ROTC presents the colors and leads the Pledge of Allegiance. 28
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Members enjoy the performance by The Gann Family.
From Left, Charles Nunery, Joe Horne, Ralph Newsome and Billy Joe Newsome catch up with each other during the annual meeting.
The youngest attendee was Julia Newsome, 7 months old.
Volunteers from the 2014 Youth Tour group man the drink tent during the annual meeting.
Winners of the grand prize $100 bill credits at the 2014 Annual Members’ Meeting.
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Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392 9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 Phone: (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com
CEO/General Manager Michael E. White
Trustees President Kinneth Daniels Vice President Gary Cox Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Robert Byrd Doug Birmingham Jimmy Black Rupert Brown Waylon Graham Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November). The mission of GCEC is to continually evaluate and implement technologies and seek solutions that fulfill a diversified memberships’ changing expectations for cost-effective, dependable utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce. 32
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GCEC President’s Message
66th Annual Meeting Recap
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative hosted its Annual Members’ Meeting Saturday, April 5, at its headquarters in Wewahitchka. There were 489 members registered and 919 people in attendance. The Board of Trustees appreciates those who attended. It is important that you participate in your cooperative. As stated during the meeting, the financials reported in last month’s magazine remained unchanged from the auditor. GCEC showed that 2013 revenues reached $45 million, while total margins were $2.7 million. The cooperative’s assets now Kinneth Daniels total $149 million, with liabilities of $109 million and member equity of $37.5 million. Members were informed the cooperative will continue to evaluate the return of capital credits this year and, hopefully, will be able to increase the amount as GCEC has in previous years. In his report, CEO/General Manager Michael White said we had another decrease in total energy sales for 2013. However, members in March 2014 paid more than 6 percent less for 1,000 kilowatt-hours than in March 2013. This shows your Board of Trustees and the management staff is working hard to cut costs and stretch your energy dollars. We have introduced several new technologies to serve you better and more efficiently. These new technologies include the outage management system, integrated voice recognition system and open usage. These have a multitude of benefits for employees and members alike. We plan to continue this growth by adding prepaid metering this year for members who prefer to budget their monthly bills. Members who attended the 2014 annual meeting voted in a trustee election and on changes to the bylaws. District 2, Group 3 incumbent Eddie Jones ran against Gifford Wiley. The membership voted 308-131 to retain Jones as the trustee. All four bylaw amendments were approved. Amendment one asked members to approve changing the wording in the bylaws to more gender appropriate language by including the words “she and her.” It passed 352-56. Amendment two proposed adding “Walton” to Article IV, Trustees, Section 2. GCEC serves members in Walton County, and those members were not being represented by a trustee in the bylaws. It passed 331-69. Amendment three proposed adding “Howard Creek” to Article IV, Trustees, Section 2. With that addition, the area served by our trustee in District 2 is more distinguished. It passed 333-68. Amendment four proposed changing the last day to submit a petition to be on the board of trustees from 21 calendar days prior to the Annual Members’ Meeting to the last business day in February prior to the Annual Members’ Meeting. It passed 334-63. If you have not taken part in the meeting, I encourage you to do so. Each member has a voice in the operations of GCEC, and those voices need to be heard. For those who attended, I thank you for your participation and hope to see you next year. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc. will be closed Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day.
