October 28, 2021, marks the 80th anniversary of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative (GCEC). We hope readers enjoy learning more about GCEC.
In January 1983, Commander Real Estate requested a line be built to serve the Cedar Woods subdivision. An easement gave the co-op rights to serve.
In January 1983, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative began the accreditation process for the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association program strives to promote the highest safety standards among electric cooperatives. Cooperative leaders accept responsibility for a culture that ultimately drives safety performance. GCEC completed the accreditation process in August 1983.
In June 1983, Bill Tiller resigned his position as secretary of the board of trustees. The board unanimously elected Coy Brahier to fill his position.
In February 1984, the board authorized Manager Hubbard Norris to sign a contract to install a drive-thru window at the Wewahitchka office location. In March 1984, the board accepted the bid from Vick Griffin Construction Co. to construct the project.
In June 1984, Tiller presented his resignation to the board. He explained he would be unable to continue serving due to selling his home and relocating to an area not on GCEC lines. The board accepted his resignation. President B.A. Pridgeon presented Tiller with a six-year service plaque thanking him for his years of dedicated service.
In July 1984, the nominating committee presented names of candidates to interview for the vacancy on the board. In August 1984, interviews were held to fill the unexpired term. After interviews, the board voted to appoint Larry Vintson as the new board member from District III, Group 1.
In October 1984, GCEC executed a quitclaim deed to the state of Florida, giving the state claim to easements the co-op had at the time. In turn, the state gave GCEC a new location for lines and paid for them to be relocated. These steps were taken so the high-rise bridge could be built over the intercoastal canal at Overstreet.