Florida Public Power Utilities Take Top Honors at National Lineworkers Rodeo

The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) today recognized the exemplary performance of Florida public power utilities and their lineworkers at the American Public Power Association’s 2025 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo, which was held in California this past weekend. Competitors from Florida public power utilities took home more than half of the top awards, including the first, second, third and fifth place overall for apprentices and second place overall journeyman team.

Sixty-one journeyman teams and 115 apprentices from 52 public power utilities from across the nation competed in the event. The “rodeo” is a series of competitive events demonstrating lineworker skills and safe work practices. Lineworkers are judged based on safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handling, and timely event completion.

“Florida was well represented in the winner’s circle at our national rodeo this year and it is a testament to our public power lineworkers’ commitment to safety and excellence in their craft,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “A hearty congratulations to all the winners.”

There are two levels of competition within the rodeo – journeyman and apprentice. The journeyman teams consist of three members – two climbers and a ground person – and can include an optional alternate. Journeymen have years of experience within the electric utility trade, while an apprentice lineworker is newer to the craft.

Winners from five Florida public power utilities included:

Apprentice - Overall

First Place: Ryan Kornegay, JEA

Second Place: Robert Rivera, Kissimmee Utility Authority

Third Place: Garrett Accomando, Orlando Utilities Commission

Fifth Place: Dustin Zorn, Lakeland Electric

Apprentice – Sidewalk Guy Installation

First Place: Ryan Kornegay, JEA

Second Place: Noah Sapp, JEA

Third Place: Dustin Zorn, Lakeland Electric

Apprentice – Obstacle Course

First Place: Dustin Zorn, Lakeland Electric

Second Place: Noah Sapp, JEA

Third Place: Robert Rivera, Kissimmee Utility Authority

Apprentice – Hurtman Rescue

Second Place: Robert Rivera, Kissimmee Utility Authority

Third Place: Hunter Thomas, JEA

Apprentice – Lightning Arrester Jumper Replacement

First Place: Noah Sapp, JEA

Second Place: Ryan Kornegay, JEA

Third Place: James Hutchison, Beaches Energy Services

Apprentice - Written Test

Third Place: Robert Rivera, Kissimmee Utility Authority

Journeyman - Overall

Second Place: Cody Stokes, Caleb Macabitas and David Hicken, JEA

Journeyman – 4kV Crossarm Change Out

Second Place: Austin Franey, Cory Breen, Daniel Kelly and Kevon McKinsey (Alternate), Kissimmee Utility Authority

Journeyman – 12kV Riser Pole Arrester Replacement

Third Place: Austin Franey, Cory Breen, Daniel Kelly and Kevon McKinsey (Alternate), Kissimmee Utility Authority

Journeyman – Hurtman Rescue

Third Place: Cody Stokes, Caleb Macabitas and David Hicken, JEA

Journeyman – 4kV Double Dead-End Bell Change Out

Third Place: Cody Stokes, Caleb Macabitas and David Hicken, JEA

Florida’s public power utilities are locally owned, locally controlled and locally operated, enabling them to quickly respond to the needs of their communities. They are also among some of the most reliable power providers in the state. For more information on FMEA and Florida’s public power communities, please visit www.flpublicpower.com.