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Month: August 2021

SECO Energy Back-To-School Program Funds $3,000 for Marion County Education Foundation

August 19, 2021 – SECO Energy’s back-to-school program allocated Marion County Public Schools with $3,000 for the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. The funds will support teacher requests for support of STEM-related projects in the classroom. As a not-for-profit local electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting the communities it serves.

 

The Public Education Foundation of Marion County’s mission is to financially and materially support Marion County Public Schools, its students and teachers. Meghan Magamoll, Executive Director stated, “We are grateful for SECO Energy’s commitment to supporting educational STEM projects in Marion County.  Through the Public Education Foundation’s Grants for Great Ideas program, SECO Energy’s generous donation will be matched dollar for dollar to double the impact in our schools.”

 

SECO Energy Sr. Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Relations Kathy Judkins states, “SECO is proud to partner with local school districts to fund projects related to STEM.  We know our future workforce may likely be among Marion County students, and we want to ensure they know that SECO is community focused and that potential employment opportunities await them after high school, technical school or college.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its efforts to support education and local communities at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Community. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECO Energy Back-To-School Program Funds $1,000 for Citrus County Education Foundation

SECO Energy’s back-to-school program allocated Citrus County public schools with $1,000 for the county’s Education Foundation to support the Supplies 4 Success teacher store. As a not-for-profit local electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting the communities it serves.

 

The mission of the Citrus County Education Foundation is to provide resources to support the Citrus County School District to enhance the quality of education for present and future generations. The Foundation encourages business and community involvement, promotes creative and innovative educational programs and recognizes outstanding achievements of students and staff. Over 16,000 or 93 percent of Citrus County K-12 students benefit from the Foundation’s efforts.

 

The Education Foundation’s Executive Director Shaunda Burdette is thankful for SECO Energy’s community involvement. Burdette stated, “It is because of the generosity and support of incredible partners such as SECO Energy that we are able to impact more than 16,000 students and more than 2,000 teachers and staff each year. Your support is changing the lives of students in Citrus County. Thank you for being a CHAMPION for our children!’”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy is honored to support Citrus County students through its back-to-school program’s contribution to the Citrus County Education Foundation. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes an investment in education is a benefit to all our members. In Citrus County, we serve over 15,000 homes and businesses. Teachers are an invaluable community asset, they enrich our communities by educating our future leaders and as a benefit to SECO, possibly our future employees.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its efforts to support education and local communities at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Community. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

 

SECO Energy Back-To-School Program Funds $3,500 for Lake County Education Foundation

August 17, 2021 – SECO Energy’s back-to-school program allocated Lake County public schools with $3,500 for the county’s Education Foundation to support the Lake County Schools robotics program. As a not-for-profit local electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting the communities it serves.

 

Established in 1987, the Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and designated direct support organization for Lake County Schools. The Foundation’s mission is to serve as the connection between the community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education. The Education Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefit of students and teachers in Lake County Public Schools.

 

SECO Energy provided $3,500 in funding to be used toward the Lake County Schools Robotics Scrimmage, scheduled for Saturday, October 2, at Tavares Middle School. “The Lake County Schools robotics program engages students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and problem solvers,” said Carman Cullen-Batt, Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Lake County. “Thanks to SECO Energy’s generosity, the robotics students will learn in-demand knowledge and skills that they can use in high school and the rest of their life.”

 

SECO Energy Sr. Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Relations Kathy Judkins states, “SECO is proud to partner with local school districts to fund projects related to STEM. We know our future workforce may likely be among the robotics program students, and we want to ensure they know that SECO is community focused and that potential employment opportunities await them after high school, technical school or college.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its efforts to support education and local communities at SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>Community. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

 

 

SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Depression Fred

SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Depression Fred as it moves closer to the Florida Peninsula. Currently a tropical depression, forecasters predict that Fred will pick up speed and intensity to become a tropical storm before making landfall.

 

Tropical Depression Fred is moving west-northwest at 10 mph with sustained winds of 35 mph. The National Hurricane Center warns Floridians along the west coast to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding beginning on Sunday. Current models show a possible landfall in Big Bend area in the Panhandle early Monday morning as a tropical storm.

 

SECO members will feel the effects from Tropical Storm Fred on Sunday. Fred’s outer rainbands will affect SECO’s service area for over 24 hours from early Sunday morning through Monday morning. Wind gusts off Florida’s west coast could be as high as 50 mph. The western portion of SECO’s service area especially Citrus County will feel the worst impact with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. Expect severe weather and possible tornadoes. SECO’s service territory has experienced above-average rainfall the last two months which means more rain could bring trees crashing down and create extended power outages.

 

CEO Jim Duncan encourages members to monitor Tropical Depression Fred stating, “Tropical Depression Fred has the potential to bring heavy rain and winds to our area. Fred will most likely develop into a tropical storm. SECO Energy is prepared for Tropical Depression Fred and the weather effects this system will bring into our area. Now is the time to prepare your home and families and gather your emergency supplies. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.”

 

Duncan also reminded members that SECO Energy’s StormCenter outage reporting and communications platform offers outage alerts. “StormCenter is available for members to report outages using their smartphones or tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members should also enroll in outage notifications and alerts via email, text, voice message, or all three. An alert is sent when the system recognizes that your service has been interrupted. The alert will include crew status and an estimated restoration time. You’ll also receive a notification when the service is restored that includes the cause of the outage if it is known at that time.”

 

Members should visit StormCenter and bookmark the site on their smartphones or tablets. At StormCenter, members can view the outage map, manage notifications, check the status of an existing outage, report an area light outage and more.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

SECO Energy’s Pennies Program Donates $12,305 to Local Animal Shelters – Marion County

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program has donated $12,305 to local animal shelters and rescues. In February, the not-for-profit electric cooperative announced that for every new Surge MitiGator meter-based surge protection lease enrollment or purchase, members could choose a shelter or rescue to receive a $5 donation on their behalf.
 

Between February 1 to June 15, 2,461 members enrolled in SECO’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product that resulted in a total donation of $12,305 in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. The total allocated in Marion County is $4,100 donated to the shelters listed below:

 

Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary – $200
Forest Animal Rescue – $200
Front Range Equine Rescue – $200
Fur Kids Pet Rescue Inc. – $200
Humane Society of Marion County – $1,000
Kindred Spirits Sanctuary – $200
Marion County Animal Services – $500
Ocala Wildlife Sanctuary Inc. (Owls Ocala Inc.) – $200
Pets in Distress Inc. – $200
Quality of Life Rehab and Foster – $200
Sheltering Hands – $200
SPCA of Marion County – $200
SPCA of Ocala – $200
Vocal (Voices of Change Animal League) – $200
Forest Animal Rescue – $200
Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue Inc. (Levy County) – $200

 

Eddie Leedy, the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Marion County stated, “The Humane Society of Marion County values and cherishes our donors and business partners. Their support allows us to help thousands of animals each year. SECO Energy’s generous donation is so appreciated in these difficult times for non-profits.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan is pleased to help local shelters and rescues. Duncan stated, “Thank you, members, for making our Surgeo Loves Pets charitable initiative a success. I am grateful for members who recognize a need in their community and respond generously. Though the vast majority of Pennies funding is allocated for bill payment assistance and educational initiatives for our members, the animals in our local communities need assistance as well, and SECO is happy that the Pennies from Heaven donations will be put to good use.”

 

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator product helps to reduce damaging surges and voltage spikes at the meter. Visit our Surge MitiGator page to learn more about the product, to read its beastly 15-year warranty and to complete the web form to enroll.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy’s Pennies Program Donates $12,305 to Local Animal Shelters – Sumter County

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program has donated $12,305 to local animal shelters and rescues. In February, the not-for-profit electric cooperative announced that for every new Surge MitiGator meter-based surge protection lease enrollment or purchase, members could choose a shelter or rescue to receive a $5 donation on their behalf.

 

Between February 1 to June 15, 2,461 members enrolled in SECO’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product that resulted in a total donation of $12,305 in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. The total allocated in Sumter County is $3,000 donated to the shelters listed below:

 

Sumter County Animal Control – $1,000
YOUR Humane Society SPCA of Sumter County, Inc. – $2,000

 

Assistant County Administrator Stephen Kennedy is grateful for SECO Energy’s generosity. Mr. Kennedy stated, “Sumter County is thrilled to receive SECO’s donation to our Animal Services program. Sumter County is an open admission no-kill shelter that receives nearly 2,000 domestic animals annually. Those animals include owner surrender animals, strays, injured animals and animal cruelty investigations. Through solid partnerships with animal rescues, local adoptions, and our stakeholders’ commitment to animal welfare, we are proud to share that we achieved a 92.48% live release rate from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Our volunteers work hard to engage the animals, and your donation will help support our shelter’s focus to enrich the animals’ experience during their stay.”

 

Kennedy added, “All animals are free to adopt from Sumter County Animal Services. They also come fully vaccinated and can be found on petfinder.com.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan is pleased to help local shelters and rescues. Duncan stated, “Thank you, members, for making our Surgeo Loves Pets charitable initiative a success. I am grateful for members who recognize a need in their community and respond generously. Though the vast majority of Pennies funding is allocated for bill payment assistance and educational initiatives for our members, the animals in our local communities need assistance as well, and SECO is happy that the Pennies from Heaven donations will be put to good use.”

 

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator product helps to reduce damaging surges and voltage spikes at the meter. Visit our Surge MitiGator page to learn more about the product, to read its beastly 15-year warranty and to complete the web form to enroll.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy’s Pennies Program Donates $12,305 to Local Animal Shelters – Lake County

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program has donated $12,305 to local animal shelters and rescues. In February, the not-for-profit electric cooperative announced that for every new Surge MitiGator meter-based surge protection lease enrollment or purchase, members could choose a shelter or rescue to receive a $5 donation on their behalf.
Between February 1 to June 15, 2,461 members enrolled in SECO’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product that resulted in a total donation of $12,305 in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. The total allocated in Lake County is $3,405 donated to the shelters listed below:

 

AFHAR-A Forever Home Animal Rescue, Inc. – $200
Florida Boxer Rescue – $200
From Trails To Happy Tails – $200
Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue – $200
Howey Horse Haven Rescue – $200
Humane Society of Lake County – $1,000
Lake County Animal Shelter – $605
Leesburg Humane Society – $200
Sugarloaf Mountain Ranch, Inc. – $200
The Animal League – $200
The Cat Protection Society – $200

 

The Executive Director of the Humane Society of Lake County, Inc. Angie Klein is thankful for the donations. Ms. Klein stated, “The Humane Society of Lake County, Inc. has worked hard to become a valuable resource to our community. This includes providing pet food to families in need, pursuing small grants for funding of spay and neuter certificate giveaways, hosting veterinary shot clinics and educating residents on healthy pet ownership. We have recently engaged with two Florida correction facilities to provide dogs from inmate/canine training programs and are excited to watch this program grow. All of this is made possible by donations from our community partners like SECO Energy.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan is pleased to help local shelters and rescues. Duncan stated, “Thank you, members, for making our Surgeo Loves Pets charitable initiative a success. I am grateful for members who recognize a need in their community and respond generously. Though the vast majority of Pennies funding is allocated for bill payment assistance and educational initiatives for our members, the animals in our local communities need assistance as well, and SECO is happy that the Pennies from Heaven donations will be put to good use.”

 

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator product helps to reduce damaging surges and voltage spikes at the meter. Visit our Surge MitiGator page to learn more about the product, to read its beastly 15-year warranty and to complete the web form to enroll.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy’s Pennies Program Donates $12,305 to Local Animal Shelters

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program has donated $12,305 to local animal shelters and rescues. In February, the not-for-profit electric cooperative announced that for every new Surge MitiGator meter-based surge protection lease enrollment or purchase, members could choose a shelter or rescue to receive a $5 donation on their behalf.

 

Between February 1 to June 15, 2,461 members enrolled in SECO’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product that resulted in a total donation of $12,305 in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. The total allocated in Citrus County is $1,800 donated to the shelters listed below:

 

Critterville, Inc. – $200
Citrus County Animal Services – $500
Humane Society of Citrus County – $500
Precious Paws Rescue, Inc. – $200
St. Francis’s Sunny Side Up Farm Animal Rescue – $200
Ziggy’s Haven Parrot Sanctuary – $200

 

Humane Society of Citrus County Vice President Karron Curtis is very thankful for the donation. Curtis stated, “We are very honored and extremely appreciative to SECO Energy and its members for this donation. The Humane Society of Citrus County has been serving the citizens and the animals of Citrus County since 1978. We are a non-profit organization and would not be able to exist without the support of the wonderful businesses and citizens of this community.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan is pleased to help local shelters and rescues. Duncan stated, “Thank you, members, for making our Surgeo Loves Pets charitable initiative a success. I am grateful for members who recognize a need in their community and respond generously. Though the vast majority of Pennies funding is allocated for bill payment assistance and educational initiatives, the animals in our local communities need our assistance as well, and SECO is happy that our donations will be put to good use.”

 

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator product helps to reduce damaging surges and voltage spikes at the meter. Visit our Surge MitiGator page to learn more about the product, its beastly 15-year warranty and the web form to enroll.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

July 2021 Sunshine State Stats

Mother Nature increased both the daily temperatures and precipitation in July 2021. The highest daily temperature measured in at 98 degrees, and the lowest temperature came in at 72 degrees. Tropical Storm Elsa brought heavy rain, winds, tornado warnings and watches to our area on July 6th and 7th for our first test of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.

 

July 2021 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

July was seasonably hot with afternoon thunderstorms occurring almost daily. During July’s 31 days, 24 of those reached a high temp of over 90 degrees. Because of the increased temperatures, members will likely notice an increase in their July electric usage.

 

For July 2021 the average temperature was 83 degrees, which was the same as the average temperature in July 2020. The average high temperature in July 2021 was 91 degrees, and the average low temperature was 75. Total precipitation this month measured 8.4 inches compared to 4.6 inches in July last year.

 

Both the average monthly temperature and average low and high temperatures have increased from June 2021. Again, members will likely see an increase in their energy usage for July 2021. Hotter temperatures and increased humidity mean HVACs will run for longer periods of time and more frequently to keep the temperatures cool inside. Daily temperature fluctuations also increase HVAC usage.

 

August forecast:

 

The threat of tropical storms and hurricanes increases as we enter August, and the threat peaks in September. Expect rain – our rainy season continues through September with daily thunderstorms that bring rain, lightning and wind. Daily highs will reach 90 degrees and above with lows in the 70s.

 

Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection. Our meter-based surge arrester protects large appliances by reducing surges BEFORE they enter the meter. Learn more about the Surge MitiGator. In August and September, members enrolled in surge protection are entered in a drawing to win a portable generator each month. Enroll today for the chance to win!

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Resurrection Fern

 

Florida Fauna & Flora – Resurrection Fern

 

Resurrection ferns are found from Florida to New York and west into Texas. It is an epiphytic fern that grows on the surface of another plant or structure. This fern is an air plant; it does not steal nutrients or water from its host plant. It reproduces by spores that are housed in structures called sori located on the underside of its green fronds. In Florida, resurrection ferns often prefer to grow on oak trees.

 

Why the name resurrection fern? It may lose up to 75% of its water content during dry periods and shrivel into a grayish-brown clump of leaves. When exposed to water again, the fern regains its healthy green fronds and comes back to life as though it was never dead. It’s estimated that during times of extreme drought, some resurrection ferns may survive losing 97% of their water content. Most other plants can only survive losing 10% of their water content.

 

Fun Flora Fact: The resurrection fern is a space traveler. In 1997, it was taken into space on the Space Shuttle Discovery to study its resurrection in zero gravity.

 

Source: The National Wildlife Federation

 

Read the full August 2021 SECO News online.