We’re Moving…Temporarily!

Starting Monday, September 15, 2025, our Wewahitchka office will be located in a temporary location (637 Highway 22) while our new headquarters office is constructed. We look forward to continuing to serve you during this transition. Thank you for your patience and support as we build a new, improved space...
Read More
637 Highway 22 Wewahitchka, FL 32465

Powering More Than Electricity

Gulf Coast Electric is committed to community

Taylor Hammack helps student
Taylor Hammack helps a Waller Elementary School
student try on a lineworker safety glove during
career day.

At Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, powering homes and businesses is only part of what we do. As a cooperative, our mission goes beyond delivering reliable electricity—it includes a deep and ongoing commitment to the communities we serve. Lately, that commitment has been on full display through a variety of outreach efforts, educational events and community partnerships across our service area.

One of the highlights of this spring was our participation in the Tyndall Air Force Base Eggstravaganza. As a sponsor of the event, GCEC was proud to support a day filled with family fun and community connection. Our team hosted a booth that allowed us to engage with attendees and connect with military families. Events like these allow us to build relationships and show appreciation for those who serve our country.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative sponsors
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative sponsors and attends the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. Clockwise, from left, are Pat Pitts, GCEC District I, Group 3 trustee; Monica Pitts; Sheree Van Lierop; Dwight Van Lierop, GCEC District I, Group 2 trustee and board president; Francis Hinson, GCEC chief operating officer; Kristin Douglas, GCEC vice president of marketing and communications; Jimmy Black, GCEC District III, Group 2 trustee and board secretary/treasurer; and Lorie Black.

Education and safety remain at the forefront of our community outreach efforts. Our team recently brought the live line safety demonstration trailer to Parker Elementary and Southport Elementary schools, providing students and faculty with an interactive and memorable learning experience. These demonstrations are designed to teach the importance of electrical safety in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. By showing real-life scenarios and the potential dangers associated with electricity, we help equip young students with knowledge that can protect them and their families.

In addition to safety education, we are committed to inspiring the next generation through career awareness and exploration. GCEC participated in Waller Elementary School’s Bright Futures Career Day as well as Deane Bozeman School’s career fair. During these events, our team members spoke with students about the wide range of careers available within the electric industry. From engineering and linework to member services and technology, we highlighted many paths that contribute to keeping the lights on. These conversations not only spark curiosity but also help students envision future opportunities within their communities.

Our commitment to community also extends to supporting local organizations and economic development initiatives. GCEC was proud to sponsor the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, where we hosted a table and joined fellow community leaders, business owners and residents in celebrating the achievements and growth of the region. Partnerships with organizations like the Chamber are vital to fostering a strong local economy and ensuring continued progress for the communities we serve.

Brennis Smith, Levi Smith and Grant Hathaway speak with students at Deane Bozeman School’s career fair.

GCEC lineworkers demonstrate electrical safety to students at Southport Elementary School.

Austin Green uses a hot stick to show Parker Elementary School students how lineworkers handle high-voltage electricity with the proper tools.

Heather Hamrick, left, and Tina Polk join the Easter Bunny during the Tyndall Air Force Base Eggstravaganza.

Each of these events reflects a different aspect of our cooperative’s mission but share a common purpose: putting people first. Whether we are educating students about electrical safety, engaging with families at community events, encouraging career exploration or supporting local business initiatives, our focus is making a positive and lasting impact.

As a member-owned cooperative, our success is directly tied to the well-being of our communities. That is why we continue to invest our time, resources and energy into initiatives that uplift, educate and connect the people we serve.

At Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, commitment to community is not just a value—it is a promise we are proud to keep every day.