In 2007, SEPCO partnered with a local contractor on a unique project: illuminating the charming gateway sign that welcomes visitors to Rio, FL, and signals their return to nearby Stuart, FL. The sign - a striking double-sided V-shaped structure - serves as a bold statement for both towns. To enhance its visibility and appeal, SEPCO designed a solar lighting solution that would be both functional and aesthetically seamless. The chosen setup features a pole-mounted solar power assembly discreetly placed behind the sign's V. To keep the look natural and uncluttered, the wiring was expertly routed through the surrounding flower beds, allowing the floodlights to remain hidden within the blooms. The result is an elegant, well-lit entrance that underscores the town's charm and commitment to energy-conscious choices.

 
Fast forward to 2025, and after nearly twenty years of reliable service, the original lighting system was ready for an upgrade to ensure continued performance well into the future. To meet the town's evolving needs, a local electrical contractor was called upon to modernize the lighting. The primary focus of this renovation was transitioning from compact fluorescent lamps to state-of-the-art LED fixtures. This upgrade brings with it many advantages: the new LED lights are significantly more energy efficient, reducing overall power consumption while simultaneously increasing brightness and consistency in illumination.

The transformation was made even smoother by the foresight and quality of the original installation. The existing pole and basic wiring infrastructure were still in excellent condition, allowing SEPCO to reuse the original setup without requiring any major structural changes. This not only minimized installation time and costs but also reduced disruption to the carefully maintained landscape features around the sign.

With the new LED fixtures in place, the gateway sign now enjoys a refreshed, vibrant lighting setup that both beautifies the entrance to Rio, FL and delivers tangible, long-term benefits. The upgraded system is expected to provide reliable, high-quality illumination for another twenty years, supporting the community's ongoing commitment to sustainability and smart investments in public spaces.

This project highlights the importance of choosing adaptable, future-proof solutions from the outset. By opting for a flexible solar power assembly in 2007, the town of Rio ensured that future upgrades - like this seamless transition to LEDs - could be completed with minimal hassle. SEPCO is proud to have played a part in both the original vision and its successful modernization, demonstrating how thoughtful design and new technology can work hand in hand to create beautiful, lasting results for communities.