Tallahassee Lineworkers Sweep Florida Lineman Competition

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Lineworkers from the City of Tallahassee dominated the 25th Annual Florida Lineman Competition, held Saturday, March 15, 2026, in Tallahassee. The event, hosted by the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), brought together 156 electric lineworkers from 13 utilities across the state.

Competition Highlights Skill and Safety

The Florida Lineman Competition challenges participants in a variety of tasks essential to the profession, including replacing fuses and insulators, changing fiberglass guy links, relocating cross arms, transferring equipment between poles, and performing a simulated lineworker rescue. Competitors are judged on both speed and adherence to safety standards and proper work practices.

Journeyman and Apprentice Divisions

The competition features two categories: journeyman teams and apprentices. Journeyman teams consist of three lineworkers, with at least one member possessing five or more years of experience in the field. Apprentices compete individually as they continue their training.

Tallahassee Teams Claim Victory

The City of Tallahassee’s team of Lance Rivenbark, Jordan Reddick, and Jason Smith secured the 2026 Overall Journeyman Team Winners’ Cup. Dalton Gowdy, also representing the City of Tallahassee, won the Overall Apprentice Award.

FMEA Celebrates 25 Years

“This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Florida Lineman Competition and we were thrilled to bring together so many representatives from our public power communities to take part in this milestone event. Yesterday’s winners embodied the exceptional skill, precision and professionalism that define linework,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director.

Competition Details

• Total Lineworkers: 156
• Apprentices: 72
• Journeymen: 84 (competing on 26 teams)
• Judges: 58
• Participating Utilities: 13