Update: Tallahassee Hosts 20th Annual Florida Lineman Competition
Electric Utility Crews Compete on Saturday, March 14
March 12, 2020
Update: March 12 at 5:00pm
As a precaution for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Tallahassee and the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) have announced that the 20th annual Lineman Competition will not be open to the public.
Original Release - March 3
When the rain falls, winds blow and the lights go out, electric utility crews get to work. Often dealing with treacherous weather conditions, linemen shoulder the storm to ensure power is reliably and safely delivered to electric utility customers.
Next week, electric utility crews from across Florida and south Georgia will showcase some of their weather-hardened skills as they compete in the 20th annual Florida Lineman Competition. Hosted by the City of Tallahassee, along with the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), this free, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, March 14, showcasing the special skills, safety techniques and superior efficiency required to be an electric lineworker. Some of the challenging obstacles linemen will face during the competition include handling downed wires, changing out electrical transformers and rescuing an injured coworker. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, 6800 Mahan Drive.
"2020 marks the third time the City of Tallahassee has hosted the Florida Lineman Competition, and we are pleased to once again host this annual event that highlights the unique and professional skillset required of electric linemen," City Manager Reese Goad said. "Our City of Tallahassee lineworkers, and those from our sister utilities, often work in dangerous situations, including inclement weather, performing the very same activities they will be judged on at the competition. Win or lose, we are proud of the work they do every day to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity to customers."
During the annual competition, electric utility crews develop teamwork strategies, share valuable knowledge and build strong relationships that may come in handy during disasters whereupon mutual aid is relied on.
"Electric utility crews are continually working to refine their skills," Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of FMEA, said. "The Florida Lineman Competition offers a friendly and constructive place where lineworkers can hone their craft, helping them to work quicker, better, and most importantly, safer for all of Florida's electric utility customers."
Following the opening ceremony at 8 a.m., event attendees can peruse the grounds to watch individual competitions, visit informational booths and enjoy the children's area, complete with bounce houses, food trucks and more.
As the fourth largest municipal electric utility in Florida, the City serves approximately 123,000 electric customers. Its Electric Transmission and Distribution Division has approximately 125 employees, half of whom are lineworkers.
FMEA represents municipal electric utility organizations from across the state. It supports these public power companies through government relations, education and training and mutual aid assistance.
For more information about the City's Electric Utility, visit Talgov.com or call 850-891-4968.
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