Engineering Florida Winter 2025

Projects & People of the Year SANIBEL CAUSEWAY’S AWARD-WINNING MAKEOVER

Joshua Revord:

FLORIDA ENGINEER OF DISTINCTION INDUSTRY AWARDS RECAP WINTER 2025

Amplifying the Importance of Florida’s Ports Our Engineer of Distinction, Joshua Revord, is now helping guide Florida’s 16 deepwater ports, including his home port in Fort Pierce.

A Letter from the Editor

The 378 km-long Brightline's high speed rail will connect Miami and Orlando Credit: Brightline

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ur winter issue celebrates the projects and people who raised the bar for Florida’s engineering community over the past year.

The work featured in these pages reflects technical excellence and the dedication, collaboration and innovation that define our profession.

This edition highlights an exceptional group of awardwinning projects. Projects like the Brightline East-West Connector and Wekiva Parkway Section 8 have been recognized with national awards for their scale and impact. Likewise, the Hurricane Ian Sanibel Access Project earned top honors from ENR and DBIA and remains one of the most remarkable emergency response efforts in recent memory.

The Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute earned DBIA National recognition for its forward-looking design that places patient care at the center. For a very different but equally complex challenge, we feature the award-winning new dormitories at Tyndall Air Force Base.

A significant feature of this issue is our Engineer of Distinction, Joshua Revord, PE. A native of St. Lucie County, Revord leads the county’s Department of Port, Inlet and Beaches, where he supports the Board of County Commissioners on port development and coastal management. He’s also been elected chair of the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council.

Our Legislative Update provides a preview of the upcoming session. Several themes are already taking shape. Budgetary pressure is rising as state revenues soften, signaling tighter scrutiny of new spending and fewer opportunities for major infrastructure investments that fall outside leadership priorities. But infrastructure modernization is gaining momentum with an emphasis on regulatory streamlining, efficiency, and evolving technologies, so engineers should expect bills on these issues.

You will also find roundups from our partner associations, outlining their own award winners and achievements from the past year. Florida’s engineering community is producing extraordinary work, and these spotlights make that clear.

Finally, be sure to watch for an upcoming update to Engineering Florida in 2026. We are moving toward a digital-first approach that will allow us to share stories more quickly and in ways that better match how our readers engage with information today.

Thank you for your continued support of Engineering Florida. I hope you enjoy this issue and the remarkable accomplishments it highlights.

Stacey Butler Director of Marketing & Communications

FES | ACEC Florida 04 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

Contents Table of

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Cover Story:

SANIBEL CAUSEWAY'S AWARD-WINNING MAKEOVER

LAW & ETHICS:

THE FLORIDA ENGINEER OF RECORD IN 2025

12

BRIGHTLINE FLORIDA

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

FINISHING ORLANDO’S BELTWAY

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30 36 42

U N D E R TH E SA M E R OO F:

ORLANDO HEALTH NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE

N E W STA N DA R D FO R M I L I TA RY H O U S I N G :

TYNDALL AFB DORMS

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JOSHUA REVORD F LO R I DA E N G I N E E R O F DI STI N C TI O N

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 05

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Stacey Butler Managing Editor Joe VanHoose Creative Direction Hannah Groseclose Contributors Thomas Ehlers Lindsey Ranayhossaini Johnathan McGinty Lauren Heighton

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION Title of Publication: Engineering Florida Publication No: 277-720 Date of Filing: 2025 Frequency of Issue: Quarterly No. of Issues Published Annually: 4 Publisher: Florida Engineering Society Editor: Stacey Butler Owner: Florida Engineering Society Engineering Florida, ISSN 0015-4032, is published quarterly as the official publication of the Florida Engineering Society. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. FES members receive Engineering Florida as part of their membership benefits.

Editorial matter, change of address, and correspondence regarding advertising should be mailed to: FES, P.O. Box 750, Tallahassee, FL 32302 or email fes@fleng.org.

Mailing Address of Office of Publication, General Business Office, Publisher: Florida Engineering Society, P.O. Box 750, Tallahassee, FL 32302-0750 The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during preceding 12 months.

06 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

Jason Alphonso, PE, PMP Director and Regional Chair, ASHRAE Region XII Rick V. Baldocchi, PE AVCON | ACEC Florida Katie Batill-Bigler, CPSM Patel, Greene & Associates | SMPS Stacey Butler, Director of Marketing & Communications FES | ACEC Florida David Cowan, Jr, PE, ENV SP Baxter & Woodman, Inc. | FES Charles W. Davis, Jr, Ph.D. Associate Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | FES Charmaine Emanuels Chen Moore & Associates | FES David Fusco, PE, FRSE, LEED AP Thornton Tomasetti | FSEA Sunserea Gates, PE VHB | ASHE Lorelei Lamarre, Communications Coordinator FES | ACEC Florida Jeff Littlejohn, PE Adams & Reese | ACEC Florida Scott Martin, PE, LEED AP, DBIA Walter P. Moore | ACEC Florida Jennifer Nix McGerald, CPSM RS&H | ACEC Florida Edie Ousley, President Yellow Finch Strategies Cherie Pinsky, Chief Operating Officer FES | ACEC Florida Jignesh Vyas, PE Ardurra | ASCE Tim Wineberg, PE Michael Baker International | FES

WINTER 2025 - 2026

Calendar of Events DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

16

09 -10

11

16 17

ACEC FLORIDA & FES

Unique Solution to Stormwater Challenges WEBINAR STARTS AT 2 P.M. ASHRAE FLORIDA WEST COAST

Chapter Holiday Party and Toy Drive TAMPA SMPS

North Florida Winter Holiday Social JACKSONVILLE BEACH

20 20 -21 23 23 30

ASCE

2026 ASCE Regions 1, 2, 4 & 5 MultiRegion Leadership Conference (MRLC) JACKSONVILLE ACEC FLORIDA & FES

Board of Directors Meeting TALLAHASSEE ACEC FLORIDA & FES

2026 Professional Engineers Legislative Days TALLAHASSEE FES & ASHE

2026 FES Tampa Chapter & ASHE Tampa Bay Golf Tournament DADE CITY FES

Palm Beach & Treasure Coast Chapters | Sporting Clay Shoot Tournament INDIANTOWN

13 20 21 27

ASHRAE

Jacksonville February Luncheon JACKSONVILLE ACEC FLORIDA

2026 Engineering Excellence Banquet ORLANDO FES

Treasure Coast Chapter MATHCOUNTS FORT PIERCE FES

Northwest Florida Chapter MATHCOUNTS PENSACOLA ASHRAE

Central Florida Chapter Golf Tournament ORLANDO

ASHRAE

Jacksonville Clay Shoot JACKSONVILLE

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 07

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Preparing for the 2026 Florida Legislative Session:

What Engineers Should Watch Jeff Littlejohn, P.E. L EG I SL AT I V E CON SU LTA N T, A DA M S A N D R EESE, L L P

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s the 2026 legislative session looms, engineers across Florida are wise to get ahead of the curve.

The regular session begins on Jan. 13, following a series of six scheduled committee weeks this fall. Already, key policy areas are emerging—not just in headline matters like taxes and insurance, but in subjects that engineers working in water resources, transportation and other infrastructure should track closely.

KEY THEMES TAKING SHAPE While many bills have yet to be filed or published, a handful of topics are gaining traction among professional associations, agency staff and legislators.

Some of the recurring themes include:

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Budgetary pressure: With state revenues projected to soften, lawmakers are under pressure to trim spending or find new efficiency gains. That means less room for new large-scale infrastructure funding, especially outside of leadership priorities.

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Water and environmental issues: Conservation, storm resilience and water quality continue to be front of mind.

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Infrastructure modernization: Engineers should expect bills not just about funding, but about regulatory streamlining, efficiency and evolving technologies for water and transportation sectors.

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ACEC Florida or FES policy committees (e.g. Water Resources, Transportation, Land Development, Energy) or our legislative committee (CLGR).

SPOTLIGHT ON REP. BILL CONERLY, P.E. One figure to watch is Representative Bill Conerly, PE, a practicing engineer-turned-legislator who has spent significant time this summer and fall engaging with the engineering community through conferences, committee meetings and webinars.

Conerly recently spent an hour on a webinar with the ACEC Florida Water Resources Committee and the FES Environmental Committee where he shared several policy areas he is exploring—some of which may become formal bills in 2026.

Some of his focus areas include:

• •

Reform of the state’s water management district project oversight (a continuation of last session’s HB 1169 by Rep. Conerly).

Updating storm-design criteria to reflect the latest data on storm intensity and rainfall — a key issue for stormwater, drainage and flood-protection engineers.

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Addressing emerging contaminants such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and expediting the transition from firefighting foams containing PFAS.

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Improving biosolids management and septic system performance.

Because Conerly is both an engineer and legislator, the ideas he raises should be taken as credible signals of where engineering-centered policy may land this session.

WHAT ENGINEERS SHOULD BE DOING NOW Given the early movement and upcoming policymaking calendar, here are a few actions that make sense:

•

•

Monitor committee meetings this fall: ACEC Florida and FES are already hosting Committee Week calls and legislative-update briefings each Friday of a committee week. The link to the calls can be found on the advocacy page of the ACEC Florida and FES websites.

Monitor bills: Once bills have been filed and published, especially in the topics that affect your clients or practice areas, engineers should assess how technical criteria, standards or reporting requirements may change. If you have ideas to improve a provision in a bill, send that to one of the

•

Address client expectations about appropriations: With budget constraints looming, engineers need to help their clients articulate strong business cases for investments, showing how new criteria, infrastructure upgrades or resilience work provide quantifiable value. Most grant programs and project appropriations bills will be reduced compared to the last several years.

You and your clients should plan for that reality.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR ENGINEERING FIRMS Engineering firms in Florida will not merely be observing policy changes — they will be implementing them. Changes in storm design standards can affect drainage system sizing and project risk.

PFAS or biosolids legislation may require new treatment technology or operations changes. Reforms to land use regulations or water management districts may affect how large infrastructure projects are approved, funded or governed.

Early visibility into these changes means firms can plan staffing, equipment, training and proposal strategies accordingly.

LOOKING AHEAD As 2026 approaches, the window for policy formation is closing quickly. Engineers who engage now—through their professional societies, with one of our policy committees, or directly with policymakers like Rep. Conerly—stand to have more influence and keep ahead of changes.

The upcoming legislative session promises to be dynamic: tighter budgets, tax policy, and the everpresent potential for bills that affect infrastructure projects in new ways.

For engineers accustomed to thinking in terms of design criteria and constructability, the legislative process can seem distant. But each statute ultimately shapes the specifications, permits and systems we build. The 2026 session will test that connection once again — so stay informed, stay involved and be ready to adapt.

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 09

A S SO C I AT I O N S P OT L I G H T

ACEC

Florida

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES of Florida

Top Engineering and Innovation Projects Garner Florida’s Leading Engineering Awards Florida’s growing population requires innovative transportation infrastructure that safely and efficiently connects its residents. The business of engineering is delivering through design-build projects that enhance the lives of Floridians.

One of Florida’s leading engineering awards, the Engineering Excellence Awards, was awarded to nine of Florida’s top infrastructure projects by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC Florida).

The ACEC Florida Engineering Excellence Awards program is designed to recognize outstanding contributions to the consulting engineering profession through a comprehensive evaluation of projects by a distinguished panel of experts in related fields. The top winners at the state level proceeded to the national competition administered by the American Council of Engineering Companies.

In the national competition, the Brightline East-West Connector earned a Grand Award.

Five Florida engineering firms garnered statewide Grand Awards, while four were named Honor Winners.

GRA N D W I N NERS INCLUDE:

Gannett Fleming, Inc. Henry E. Kinney Tunnel Rehabilitation & Pedestrian Plaza Client: Florida Department of Transportation The project is a cornerstone of innovation, safety and community in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

One of two publicly operated tunnels in Florida, this landmark underwent comprehensive rehabilitation to meet modern safety and performance standards.

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HNTB Corporation Brightline East-West Connector Client: Brightline Florida HNTB partnered with Brightline Florida to deliver final design, program management and construction oversight for the East-West Connector, which completes the passenger rail link between Miami and Orlando.

(Editor’s Note: See our full write-up on this project on page 16.)

HDR Corporation I-75 at Colonial Boulevard Design Build Client: Florida Department of Transportation, District 1 This design-build project constructed an innovative combination of I-75 widening, a diverging diamond interchange, a continuous flow intersection and a restricted crossing U-turn.

Wade Trim Harbour Island Force Main Replacement Client: City of Tampa The progressive design-build team installed 2.3 miles of pipeline over a 7-year, 3-phase project, navigating the constraints of a busy downtown area. The $83 million project included coordination with 20 stakeholders and 6 parallel projects, including North America’s longest continuous, subaqueous microtunnel at a 78-inch size.

WGI, Inc. SR 821 Widening from SR 836 to NW 106th Street Client: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise WGI’s design expanded the turnpike mainline from six to 10 lanes with managed through lanes from the Dolphin Expressway/S.R. 836 to Northwest 106th Street.

The team’s phased traffic control plan ensured safe widening over 6 miles while maintaining traffic flow.

H ON O R W I N N ERS INCLUDE:

CDM Smith Inc. Hart Bridge Expressway Client: City of Jacksonville The project involved demolishing a section of the elevated on-ramps of the Hart Bridge Expressway and replacing them with groundlevel approaches to facilitate development in the nearby sports complex area, requiring remediation of contaminated soils encountered during construction.

ACEC Florida Grand Conceptor - HNTB

CHA Consulting, Inc. SWRF Influent Pump Station (IPS) Expansion and Upgrade Client: Orange County Utilities CHA designed a state-of-the-art IPS capable of handling Phase V peak flows of 200 MGD with six 31-MGD pumps and room for future expansion.

DRMP, Inc. I-4 at SR 557 Interchange Design-Build Client: Florida Department of Transportation, District 1 This $70.5 million design-build project realigns nearly two miles of Interstate 4 to the outside to accommodate the future typical section and high-speed rail.

Hanson Professional Services, Inc. SR 5A (King Street) Drainage Outfall Client: Florida Department of Transportation, District 2 In anticipation of the reconstruction of King and Cathedral streets, along with the planned reconstruction of the intersection at the base of the Bridge of Lions, Hanson developed an outfall into the Matanzas River that was adequate to accept the future upgraded stormwater collection systems.

ACEC Florida presented the Grand and Honor Awards during a banquet on Feb. 7 in Orlando.

AWA R D -W I N N I N G EXPERTISE For more than 85 years, Walter P Moore has engineered structures and infrastructure for communities worldwide.

Infrastructure Structures Diagnostics Technology walterpmoore.com

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 11

L AW & ETHI C S

The Florida Engineer of Record in 2025:

Clarity, Accountability, and the Evolving Practice Landscape Veronica Bayó Clifford, Esq. O F COU N SEL F OR G R OSSM A N , F U R LOW & B AYÓ, L LC I N TA L L A HASSEE

Florida’s engineering community closes the year with another slate of bridges, coastal structures, large mixed-use developments and infrastructure projects that reshape the state. Behind each of these efforts is a central figure whose work often receives little attention outside the profession, yet whose influence is unmistakable: the Engineer of Record.

If this issue highlights exceptional projects and practitioners, the Engineer of Record (EOR) belongs in that conversation.

Over the past several years, Florida has not seen a sweeping rewrite of the responsibility rules. What has occurred instead is a series of targeted rule edits and enforcement trends that clarify expectations already present in Chapters 61G15-30 through 61G15-36.

obligations remain fundamentally unchanged.

A RES PON SIBILIT Y STRU C T U R E T HAT IS MORE D E FIN E D The responsibility rule chapters continue to form the backbone of engineering practice in Florida. Their application, however, has become more structured over time.

Recent updates reinforce principles that were already part of the law but now appear with sharper emphasis.

This is especially apparent in delegated engineering, minimum documentation standards and crossdiscipline coordination.

The 2024 amendment to Rule 61G15-30.006, which reaffirmed the delegated engineer’s obligation to contact the EOR when specialty work conflicts with written criteria, is one example. Recent refinements to the fire protection and electrical responsibility rules are another.

Rule 61G15-30.005 requires written engineering requirements when delegating specialty work and requires the EOR to review the specialty engineer’s documents for compliance with those requirements.

None of this is new, but the 2024 clarification to Rule 61G15-30.006 reaffirmed that inconsistencies must be resolved through direct communication with the EOR, not through assumptions or uncoordinated corrections.

Taken together, these developments have made the framework for responsible practice more explicit even though the underlying

Several recent disciplinary matters involved truss, mechanical or structural designs that were accepted without verifying that the specialty

12 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

documents matched the written criteria or supported the overall design intent. These outcomes reinforce a consistent message.

Delegation does not transfer responsibility. The EOR remains accountable for ensuring that delegated components conform to the established criteria, applicable codes and the integrity of the full project.

Recent edits in the fire protection and electrical responsibility chapters follow the same theme. The Board clarified minimum documentation requirements and underscored the importance of identifying design criteria with precision. These changes reduce ambiguity and promote consistency across disciplines in a way that aligns with the Board’s longstanding intent.

R E SPON SIBLE C H AR G E IN TODAY ’S PR OJ E CT E N V IR ON M E N T The guiding principle remains the statutory and rule requirement that the EOR maintain responsible charge through substantial involvement in engineering decisions. Florida’s definition requires enough knowledge and oversight to answer detailed project-specific questions about the engineering

work performed, whether performed personally or under direct supervision.

Large and complex projects continue to test this requirement.

Multidisciplinary work regularly involves structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, civil and specialty systems prepared by multiple professionals. Recent Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE) disciplinary cases show that coordination gaps, such as mismatches between electrical load calculations and architectural layouts or mechanical systems that do not reflect the design criteria, remain a source of avoidable issues.

The Board expects the EOR to identify and resolve these conflicts before permitting. This expectation is grounded in long-standing rules and reinforced through consistent enforcement.

LE SS O N S EMERGING FRO M REC EN T CASES

These cases do not reflect new duties.

They reflect renewed attention to long-established expectations.

ETH ICS AS A PR AC T IC A L PART OF T HE E OR R OLE While the Board does not discipline engineers for violating professional society codes, many ethical principles overlap with enforceable legal standards. Truthfulness in public statements, practicing within one’s area of competence, proper attribution of work, avoiding deceptive acts and correcting errors all appear in both ethics codes and Florida’s misconduct provisions.

For the EOR, these principles are not theoretical. Each signed and sealed document represents independent engineering judgment supported by adequate involvement and knowledge. On projects recognized for their technical excellence or public importance, this ethical core is inseparable from responsible practice.

CON C LU SION Florida’s built environment continues to expand in size, complexity and visibility. The EOR remains the professional who synthesizes multiple disciplines, oversees engineering decision making and affirms that the work is grounded in sound engineering judgment.

Although the responsibility rules have not changed in sweeping ways, their application has become clearer through targeted amendments and consistent enforcement. For the engineers guiding Florida’s most significant work, the EOR role continues to anchor project accountability, public trust and professional excellence.

The themes present in recent cases are not the product of new standards.

They show how the responsibility rules operate in real practice.

Several patterns recur:

•

•

•

Cross-discipline inconsistencies continue to arise when the EOR relies too heavily on the presence of a specialty seal without a meaningful review of the engineering content.

Plan stamping remains a serious concern when an engineer signs and seals documents without sufficient involvement or without competence in the specific discipline.

The successor engineer rule continues to cause misunderstanding. Even if an engineer participated early in a project, adoption of prior work must follow the rule requirements.

Professional courtesy cannot replace rule compliance.

TRANSPORTATION

WATER RESOURCES

WATER

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

WASTEWATER

SPATIAL TECHNOLOGY

PERSONAL SERVICE. QUALITY ENGINEERING. baxterwoodman.com ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 13

PROJECT OF THE YEAR:

Brightline Florida’s East-West Connector

BY L I N DSEY RANAYH OSSAINI, STA FF W R IT E R

The Roaming Railfan / Courtesy of Brightline 14 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

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PRO

C T A WA

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ACEC Florida Engineering Excellence Grand Conceptor Award Winner

HNTB’s design for the East-West Connector included 32 new bridges, grading, drainage, communications, signal layout and utility relocation.

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 15

Brightline’s vision for a connected Florida has transformed the state. We are incredibly proud to have helped bring this project to life.

— GEOR GE GILH OOLEY Senior Vice President & East Florida Office Leader, HNTB

Building the track from Cocoa to Orlando presented numerous engineering challenges such as incorporating wildlife crossings, the complex infrastructure of the Orlando International Airport and a unique solution for the crossing at the Interstate 95 Interchange at State Road 528.

W

ith a thriving tourism industry and a population that has exponentially grown since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida’s transportation infrastructure has experienced unprecedented levels of congestion in recent years.

Brightline, a provider of modern, inner-city rail solutions, has sought to ease some of the burden on Florida’s roadways with its East-West Connector. The East-West Connector completes Brightline’s 235 miles of railway from Orlando to Miami, linking Cocoa to Orlando with the final 38 miles of track.

The complete route partially runs on existing Florida East Coast Railway tracks and was finished in 2023 under 16 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

budget. Among its many awards and accolades, the East-West Connector, constructed in partnership with HNTB, earned the 2025 ACEC Florida Grand Conceptor Award. The award is presented to the year’s most outstanding engineering achievement in Florida.

“We are honored to have partnered with Brightline Florida on the East-West Connector project,” said George Gilhooley, HNTB’s East Florida office leader and senior vice president. “Brightline’s vision for a connected Florida has transformed the state. We are incredibly proud to have helped bring this project to life.”

HNTB’s design for the East-West Connector included 32 new bridges, grading, drainage, communications, signal layout and utility relocation. Building the track from

AWARDS •

William W. Hay Award for Excellence by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA)

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Highly Commended Project of the Year award through the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Awards

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American Council of Engineering Companies National Grand Award

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Grand Conceptor Award by ACEC Florida

large concrete boxes to be precast outside the roadway, and those boxes were ultimately pushed under S.R. 528 using hydraulic jacks. This solution reduced five separate bridges to a single 574-foot-long bridge over the south side of I-95 and saved Brightline $25 million and six months of construction time.

With the railway’s passage through environmentally sensitive land, the wildlife crossings that were included in the project catered to a diverse wildlife population from bears to deer. Engineers designed a shelving system under the rail bridge with elevations at the proper height above the waterline for species to cross.

Existing track from the Florida East Coast Railway was incorporated in the project, requiring engineers to develop solutions for upgrading the track to meet the demands of highspeed rail.

“There was a lot of work,” Gilhooley said. “We double tracked or triple tracked a lot of it out there to have the capacity to run passenger rail in addition to the freight rail that was on (the line) already, but it was also upgrading the tracks to a higher speed.”

Finally, HNTB engineers not only had to navigate the track through the Orlando International Airport’s complex infrastructure, but they also managed multiple relocations of fiber optic lines and other utilities during the construction process.

Cocoa to Orlando presented numerous engineering challenges such as incorporating wildlife crossings, the complex infrastructure of the Orlando International Airport and a unique solution for the crossing at the Interstate 95 Interchange at State Road 528.

“We had to cross the highway, but a rail bridge is about twice the cost of a highway bridge,” Gilhooley said. “We temporarily moved 528 and put in a tunnel so that the train stayed at grade. Then we just reconstructed 528 over that tunnel and were able to essentially keep the train running at a much higher speed.”

The crossing at S.R. 528 represented the first use of the box-jacking method in North America under a highway system with live traffic. The method required

The resulting rail system linking Miami and Orlando operates 32 trains per day with 16 daily departures from Miami and Orlando. It has removed an estimated 3 million cars from Florida’s roadways annually, equating to 72 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

Trains operate at speeds of 125 mph, with the potential to run at 150 mph as technology advances, and the full trip from Miami to Orlando takes approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

“The East-West Connector is an essential transportation link, providing sustainable, efficient travel from Miami to Orlando,” said John Hornbeck, HNTB’s project director for the East-West Connector. “We are thrilled to have a positive impact on the communities where we work and live.”

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 17

A S SO C I AT I O N S P OT L I G H T

ASCE

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS FLORIDA SEC TION

And the ASCE Award Goes to…

Heath Jenkins, PE, M.ASCE

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Florida Section proudly acknowledges its members and their contributions to the field of civil engineering.

vehicles, prompting the need for a comprehensive grade separation to eliminate conflicts and enhance public safety.

Each year, the ASCE Florida Section seeks nominations for awards through its local branches. These nominations are then reviewed and selected by the Award Committee, which includes recent past presidents.

Notably, some award winners have also received recognition within Region 5 of ASCE covering Florida, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia.

One of the first projects advanced through FDOT’s expedited project delivery program, the project implemented innovative technologies such as micropile foundations and a Vibro Replacement Stone Column system.

2025 Sustainable Project of the Year:

Caloosahatchee River Estuary Storage & Treatment

Here is a look at this year’s Florida winners:

2025 Project of the Year:

NE 203rd Avenue Intersection Improvement Project The work we do every day is often unseen by the public. The lives that improve with every completed project know that they enjoy all modern comforts but seldom think about how this all happens. We recognize outstanding civil engineering achievements in a Branch’s area for the Project of the Year to highlight this work and give proper recognition to the project team.

The Project of the Year is the NE 203rd Avenue Intersection Improvement Project, nominated by the Miami-Dade Branch. The project addresses a critical safety issue at one of the region’s most hazardous atgrade rail crossings. Since Brightline rail service began in 2017, the rail line has experienced over 100 fatalities— making it the deadliest passenger rail corridor per mile in the U.S. The intersection at NE 203rd Street and the FECR posed significant risks to both pedestrians and

18 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

As with the Project of the Year award, the Section felt that recognition of work with sustainable and resilient objectives was just as important. We launched the award of Sustainable Project of the Year to recognize outstanding civil engineering achievements in a Branch’s area for a project with these goals: 1.

The extent to which innovative design or construction methods improve economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

2.

The promise shown by innovation to extend future developments in sustainability, which may be evidenced in part by Envision rating and/or Institute, Section or Branch awards

3.

The degree to which the project involves the public at the planning, design, construction and operations stages in the development of the project.

4.

The degree to which collaboration was an important aspect of the project as demonstrated by significant participation by other disciplines on the team.

The Sustainable Project of the Year Award is the Caloosahatchee River Estuary Storage & Treatment submitted by the Southwest Florida Branch. This facility is owned by the Leigh Acres Municipal Improvement District.

This 105-acre stormwater storage reservoir reduces the peak intensity and duration of downstream flooding impacts. Together with other flood risk mitigation projects, structure flooding is largely mitigated, and road flooding duration is reduced from 3 weeks to a few days.

The multi-phased project spans over seven years and its primary benefits include Stormwater quality improvement, Ecosystem restoration, Species habitat creation, stormwater storage and flood mitigation, and recreational amenities.

2025 Young Engineer of the Year:

Alexis Baugh Recognizing the professionals in our civil engineering community is a way to acknowledge the hard work being done. Each year we recognize a member who is 35 years old or younger with the Young Engineer of the Year Award for their contribution to our society and profession.

over 25 years and has served in various positions as an active member of the Environmental & Water Resources Committee.

2025 Engineer of the Year:

Steve Sommerfeldt The award for Engineer of the Year recognizes an individual who has personal character, integrity and public image above reproach, an established reputation for service to ASCE and the engineering profession, and for civic, community and public activities.

This year’s engineer is not only an expert in his field, his technical expertise in stormwater management and civil infrastructure has made a significant impact throughout Florida. With 23 years of experience and over 400 stormwater and civil infrastructure projects managed, he has become a leader in municipal water resources engineering.

His service to ASCE spans over two decades. He has been a committed member of the ASCE Florida Section East Central Branch since 2001 and has held numerous leadership roles including Branch President and District 3 Vice President of the Florida Section.

Alexis Baugh has shown exemplary service and unwavering commitment to both ASCE and her community. By supporting current and future engineers, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the engineering profession through strategic, longterm objectives. Furthermore, she has become a source of inspiration for her peers, motivating them to excel and contribute their utmost to the engineering community.

2025 Government Engineer of the Year:

Paul Yeargain Private industry relies on government contracts for a large percentage of its engineering work. Within governmental agencies are the engineers who drive our infrastructure projects forward.

This year’s winner is Paul Yeargain from the East Central Branch (ECB), who serves as the Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI) Seminar Chair while also working as the City of Oviedo Assistant City Engineer/Engineering Manager.

Yeargain has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Florida for over 20 years for the Civil Engineering Department. He has consistently taught the Water Resources Design Course, which contributes to young engineers and their engineering profession. Yeargain has been active in ASCE for

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 19

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DBIA and ASCE Florida Section Project of the Year

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sanibel Causeway

BY LINDSEY RANAYHOSSAINI, STAFF WRITER

20 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

AWARDS •

ASCE Florida Section Project of the Year

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DBIA Award of Excellence & Merit Award in Transportation, 2025 Chairs Award

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DBIA Florida Region Best Overall Design-Build Project of the Year and Project of the Year in Transportation

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ENR Southeast Best Project in Highway/Bridge Category and Southeast Project of the Year Finalist

Sanibel Causeway May 2025 Photos courtesy of Superior Construction

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 21

Sanibel Causeway October 2022

W

hen Category Four Hurricane Ian barreled through Florida’s Gulf Coast in September 2022, the Sanibel Causeway suffered catastrophic damage. The storm, which took more than 150 lives and caused $112 billion in damage, washed away portions of the Causeway and rendered it unusable.

Sanibel Causeway October 2022

Without access to the Sanibel Causeway, a threemile-long stretch of islands and bridges that serves as a critical link between Sanibel and Captiva Islands and mainland Florida, many island residents were left stranded in the storm’s wake.

RA P I D RESP O NSE TO LONG-T ERM S O LU TI O N S The Causeway’s destruction not only created a harrowing situation for residents, but it also presented monumental logistical challenges for the Joint Venture team of Superior Construction and The de Moya Group.

Selected by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for its first phased design-build contract that included both emergency repairs and permanent reconstruction, the Joint Venture team arrived in Sanibel within just 24 hours of Ian’s landfall.

“It was a disaster zone, to say the least,” said Toby Mazzoni, area manager for Superior Construction.

“When you show up, or you think of going to a construction project, all the things that you have available to you to build a job [were] no longer available.”

Workers were housed in mobile trailers at the local airport and all meals were grilled on-site. The crew relied 22 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

on boat transportation to travel to and from the island and linked to first responder networks to communicate.

More than 100 crews worked around the clock and completed the necessary emergency repairs to restore utility vehicle access in seven days and resident access to the Causeway in just 15 days. In total, the crew finished 36,000 workforce hours within this timeframe.

“Things that typically aren’t a challenge on a job were some of our biggest obstacles,” said Superior Construction Central Florida Division Manager Ryan Hamrick, who led the Sanibel emergency repairs joint-venture team. “Accessing the site, securing crew housing, providing meals, delivering equipment and fuel to the job site, sourcing electricity — all of it required time and careful coordination. But our teams were ultimately successful because every single

Every single person on the job site was laserfocused on helping the community reestablish connection to the mainland.

— RYAN HAMRICK Superior Construction Central Florida Division Manager person on the job site was laser-focused on helping the community reestablish connection to the mainland.”

The emergency repairs required 70 pieces of heavy equipment, four barges, five boats, two dredges and seven cranes. Materials included 8,200 loads of fill dirt, 2,400 loads of rocks and 4,000 tons of asphalt.

An additional challenge for the team during this phase of the project was to ensure that they could incorporate as many of the emergency repairs into the final design as possible, Mazzoni said.

R E SILIE N CY U P TO T HE T E ST After the emergency repairs, the Joint Venture team worked to design and build resilient causeway islands, roadway and bridge approaches to withstand future storms. The causeway, completed in May 2025, was tested in 2024 when Hurricanes Milton, Debby and Helene hit Florida during the construction process.

In order to protect the completed sections of the Causeway as these hurricanes passed through, the Joint Venture team built five seawalls and strategically placed 127,996 tons of high-quality armor stone materials from Alabama and Georgia quarries to improve resilience. While unfinished sections of the Causeway were damaged during the storms, completed sections remained intact.

“When the water came up, it went over all the walls, and then when the water went back, we had little to no damage in the areas that were complete,” Mazzoni said.

“So there was some pretty good validation as to whether the engineering is going to work or not work.”

Engineers relied on steel sheet pile wall systems and 19,750 total linear feet of concrete caps for the Causeway’s final design. Because much of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian was scour-related, the team drove the walls deep enough below ground to prevent this occurrence in the future.

Sanibel Causeway May 2025

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Designers elevated the roadway by two feet on the island portions of the Causeway for protection from both scour and storm surges.

“So, if you get that water surge again, the idea is that the scour will never happen to cause the walls to fail,” Mazzoni said.

Designers also elevated the roadway by two feet on the island portions of the Causeway for protection from both scour and storm surges. The concrete seawall caps were also raised from an elevation of five feet to eight feet, and additional scour protection was provided through a 24 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

marine mattress of basketball- and softball-sized stones beneath the sand.

The seawalls were upgraded with more resilient concrete and fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement to withstand the saltwater environment. The drainage system was updated to hold increased water capacity and allow water to escape quickly.

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Ian’s arrival set a new design standard for engineers creating structures to withstand 100- and 200-year storms, Mazzoni said, as the storm data for Ian exceeded prior calculations.

The Sanibel Causeway is now positioned to survive similar storms in the future.

For more information please contact:

Ashley Wieben, CLCS

Vice President 954.560.8556 Ashley.Wieben@MarshMMA.com MarshMMA.com

A S SO C I AT I O N S P OT L I G H T

ASHRAE

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING ENGINEERS

S P O N S O R E D BY:

2024 – 2025 ASHRAE REGION XII HONORS AND AWARDS RECIPIENTS IN FLORIDA:

Inspiring the Next Generation EMP OW ERI N G OUR WORKFORCE: B UI LDI N G A SUSTAINABLE FUT UR E

and technicians, we believe introducing students to engineering concepts at a young age is vital.

Throughout the last two years, the President’s theme for the ASHRAE Society year was focused on attracting and developing the next generation of HVAC(R) professionals. “We all want to be involved in a career that we can be passionate about and where we can find meaning and purpose.” said ASHRAE’s Immediate Past President, M. Dennis Knight, PE.

Throughout 2024-2025, our ASHRAE Chapters in Florida provided hands-on activities, classroom visits, technical tours and mentorship from practicing engineers to provide students with a tangible connection between theory and application in the built environment. These engagements not only illuminated the relevance of STEM education but also demonstrated the social and environmental impacts of engineering.

ASHRAE Region XII has taken on that focus as well.

Region XII Director and Regional Chair (DRC) Jason Alphonso, PE, PMP said, “The sustainability of our very profession will depend on our ability to build and develop our workforce.”

The ASHRAE Region XII Strategic Plan 2025-28 centers around three main items: (1) Building our Roots, being (2) Rooted in Excellence, and finally (3) Developing Roots of the Future.

“Empowering our workforce includes attracting, retaining and developing our people,” Alphonso added.

EA R LY EN G AGEMENT: NURT URING T H E SEEDS O F ENGINEERING I NT E REST Throughout the year, our ASHRAE Florida Chapters, Sections and Student Branches targeted their activities to achieve the Society’s goal to strengthen and expand the HVAC(R) workforce throughout the Sunshine State. By supporting strong education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to develop a pipeline of engineers, scientists 26 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

The sustainability of our very profession will depend on our ability to build and develop our workforce... Empowering our workforce includes attracting, retaining and developing our people.”

— JAS O N ALP H O NS O, P.E ., P M P Region XII Director and Regional Chair (DRC)

ASHRAE’s student outreach initiatives, including K-12 STEM programs and university chapter activities, have proven effective in bridging this awareness gap between the classroom and careers. When students see firsthand how mechanical engineers enhance building performance, protect indoor air quality and support sustainability, they begin to envision themselves as part of the solution.

ST U DEN T C HAPTERS: TH E LINK B E T W EEN ASHRAE AND FLORIDA’S F U T U RE EN G I NEERING LEADERS Operating in a diverse and growing state, ASHRAE’s Florida Chapters accomplished goals by appointing Student Activities Chairs who nurture our existing ASHRAE Student Branches that connect students with professionals, companies and technical resources.

Activities include networking, professional development, competitions, scholarship opportunities and career building by introductions to potential employers.

Amer Khalil Florida West Coast Chapter, YEA Inspirational Leader Award This award is for a Young Engineer in ASHRAE (YEA) who has gone above and beyond to make considerable contributions to the industry and their Chapter.

I encourage other employers to not only motivate their young engineers to get involved, but to truly support them in every way possible. A huge thank you to ONICON for not only encouraging me to grow as an engineer, role model, and person, but also for enabling that growth by sponsoring many of my ASHRAE events and providing me with the full support I’ve needed along the way.

The Florida Chapters have focused on expanding the HVAC(R) workforce pipeline to include diverse and underserved communities that broaden the population from which engineers, scientists and technicians enter our Florida workforce.

R E CO G N I Z I N G S UCCESS TH ROUGH AS H R A E REG I ON XII H ONORS & AWARDS Our Region XII 2024-2025 Honors & Awards (H&A) recipients from Florida have exemplified our goals of workforce development using ASHRAE’s extensive educational offerings such as ASHRAE certification programs that ensure professionals have the skills and knowledge to improve building performance.

F OUR ( 4) UN D ER FORT Y: 2024 – 2025 R E GI O N XI I FLORIDA H ONOREES :

Victoria Garcia-Massimo Miami Chapter, John F. James International Award This award recognizes an ASHRAE member in Region XII who has done the most to enhance ASHRAE's international presence or posture.

My time with ASHRAE Region XII and the ASHRAE Miami Chapter was an unforgettable and defining chapter in my career. From starting out as a young graduate to growing into the professional I am today; this journey has been shaped by the incredible mentors who guided me and the many friends I made along the way.

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Alejandro Reyes Central Florida Chapter, YEA Award of Individual Excellence This award is for the best Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) Chair in Region XII. To me, one of the most important parts of ASHRAE is the involvement of young engineers. We, in Central Florida, are blessed with a huge pool of young engineers who are interested and dedicated to making our ASHRAE chapter a successful, welcoming, and fun place to be. This award is for them; it’s a reflection of their efforts and willingness to participate. Being this year's YEA Chair was rewarding, and I owe a huge thank you to ASHRAE and to my employers at VCS Orlando and Envelop Group for giving me the time, space and encouragement. It’s been a privilege serving, and I can't wait for the years and memories to come!

Camen A. Andrews Southwest Florida Chapter, Youth Outreach Award This award recognizes the best STEM K-12 Chair in Region XII or the best ASHRAE Member in Region XII who actively engages primary and secondary students in STEM. I was honored to receive the Regional Youth Outreach Award. Both I and my company, B&I Contractors, strongly believe in the importance of engaging students and sparking their interest in STEM. ASHRAE provides an incredible platform for young people to experience these opportunities.

As the ASHRAE Southwest Florida Student Activities Chair for the Southwest Florida ASHRAE Chapter, we were able to host multiple events throughout the year, when we inspired students to pursue careers in STEM— especially within the HVAC industry.

We organized fabrication shop tours, where students could see firsthand the processes and people essential to building the schools, hospitals, and other local projects. This award 28 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

underscores the commitment, not only of ASHRAE, but also of local businesses like B & I Contractors that invest in and support the development of youth in our community.

A SHA R E D COM M IT M E N T TO T H E FU T U R E Florida’s engineers play a crucial role in the sustainability of our workforce and our environment. By mentoring emerging engineers, offering guidance on licensure, and providing internships, Florida businesses ensure that technical knowledge is matched with professional integrity. Engaging with students and emerging professionals not only reinvigorates our own practices, but it strengthens the future of the profession.

By inspiring and nurturing the next generation of engineers, we secure not only the future of our profession but also the comfort, safety and sustainability of the built environment for generations to come.

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 29

FINISHING ORLANDO’S BELTWAY:

Wekiva Parkway Section 8 Completes Missing Link

BY JOE VANHOOSE, MANAGING EDITOR

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Section 8 includes 20 new bridges and a pair of bridge widenings, using both concrete Florida-I Beams (FIBs) and steel plate girders across single and multi-span structures.

Photo courtesy of DRMP

T

he long-anticipated beltway around Orlando finally has its missing link, and the completed project has a growing list of awards.

Wekiva Parkway Section 8 is the final segment of the 25mile limited access toll facility for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) that ultimately connects Interstate 4, S.R. 417, and S.R. 429 with a new system-tosystem interchange.

The 2.63-mile limited access toll road from Orange Boulevard to east of Rinehart Road and new system-tosystem interchange improves traffic flow throughout Central Florida. The interchange design enhances safety and operations for the traveling public and reduces longterm maintenance costs.

Section 8 includes 20 new bridges and a pair of bridge widenings, using both concrete Florida-I Beams (FIBs) and steel plate girders across single and multi-span structures. The project also includes 25 stormwater management facilities, all-electronic tolling, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), lighting, signage, pavement markings, signals, and complex traffic control plans.

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Innovative design and construction methods produced $75 million in cost savings, improved safety and traffic operations, reduced bridge deck area by 200,000 square feet, preserved four existing bridges, and minimized long-term maintenance needs and environmental impacts.

DRMP served as the lead designer for this project, partnering with The Lane Construction Corporation as prime contractor and subconsultants Ardaman & Associates, Inc., Ardurra Group, Inc., BCC Engineering, Inc., Bentley Group, Inc., Brindley Pieters & Associates, Inc. (BPA), EPG Engineering, Inc., Florida Bridge & Transportation (FBT), Murray Design Group, Inc. , Osiris 9 Consultant, LLC, and Terracon Consultants, Inc. The project team has been recognized with awards by the Design-Build Institute of America, American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC Florida), Florida Transportation Builders Association (FTBA) and more.

“The Wekiva Parkway Section 8 interchange project reflects the strength of our design-build partnerships and our team's commitment to delivering complex

transportation solutions efficiently,” said DRMP Senior Vice President of Alternative Delivery TJ Lallathin, PE, DBIA. “These awards are a testament to the collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence that went into every phase of these projects.”

When the design team first started looking at the layout, they quickly realized that more space was needed to make the project work as FDOT envisioned, Lallathin said. That realization led to the idea of shifting I-4 to the west to create a bit more space.

“Once we verified that concept, it solved a lot of problems at once,” Lallathin said. “It gave us the space to build a majority of the project offline, which kept traffic moving, and it also let us avoid relocating a major Duke Energy transmission line that would have taken years to move.”

From there, the design team reshaped the ramps so that the movements were smoother and more direct. DRMP eliminated the tight curves and merge points that had caused issues in the past and replaced them with a cleaner, more intuitive system.

FDOT was heavily involved the whole time, and together the project team kept things moving fast.

“We even wrapped up the Interchange Modification Report (IMR) in about 11 months, which is almost unheard of for something that complicated,” Lallathin said. “FDOT was a true partner and helped us work through it quickly with FHWA. They even allowed us to begin some work early, which kept the overall schedule from slipping.”

The fast-tracked IMR was one of the bigger challenges on the project. The Duke Energy transmission line was another big issue, as it sat right where the planned interchange was slated to be. While relocating it would have taken years, shifting I-4 solved the problem and saved millions in relocation costs, Lallathin said.

“Honestly, the way we worked through everything was pretty simple,” he added. “Constant communication, a strong design-build partnership, and a team that was willing to pivot whenever something unexpected came up.”

The team was also tasked with narrowing the ramp footprint of S.R. 429 and moving it away from a nearby neighborhood. With the homes near Wilson Road close to the original footprint, the design team spent a lot of time adjusting the ramp geometry to tighten things up.

Several small changes in the curves and elevations added up to pushing the ramps about 100 feet farther away from the neighborhood. DRMP also used mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls to make everything fit in a narrow corridor.

“These walls gave us the flexibility to stay compact without creating the long-term maintenance concerns you get with perched walls,” Lallathin said. “By tightening everything up, we reduced the length of bridges and pulled the whole footprint away from the homes, which was a win for both the project and the community.”

The final section of Wekiva Parkway opened in January 2024, completing Central Florida’s beltway and giving area motorists a route all around the city that had been years in the making.

“The biggest thing we hear is how nice it is to finally have the entire beltway connected – this was the last piece, so now trips around Central Florida are a lot quicker and more direct,” Lallathin said. “Drivers can move between I-4, S.R. 417, and S.R. 429 without the detours and backups they were used to.”

AWARDS The Wekiva Parkway Section 8 Interchange project has won several awards, including: •

National Award of Merit from the DesignBuild Institute of America (DBIA) in the Transportation (Other than Aviation) category

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Project of the Year from the DBIA Florida Region in the Transportation - Structures Category

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Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) Highway/Bridge Award of Merit in 2025 Regional Best Projects Competition

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Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) Best in Construction Award for Design-Build 2025

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2025 Outstanding Design-Build or Construction Manager at Risk Project Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC-FL) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

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A S SO C I AT I O N S P OT L I G H T

FES

FLORIDA ENGINEERING SOCIETY

FES Celebrates 2025 Award Winners Each year, the Florida Engineering Society recognizes engineers across the state who are making an impact in our profession. Selections are made by the FES Awards Committee, and recipients are recognized at the Annual Conference each summer.

T H E 2 02 5 AWARD WINNERS INCLU D E :

Engineer of the Year Award Mandee E. Brandt, PE With 25 years of transportation industry experience, Brandt specializes in roadway and drainage design. She has delivered projects for a wide range of clients, including the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), South Carolina Department of Transportation, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, and multiple county governments across Florida. She is a 2002 graduate from the University of Central Florida with a degree in environmental engineering.

Young Engineer of the Year Vincent Locigno, PE Locigno is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in civil engineering. He is a project manager at Chen Moore and Associates specializing in the design, permitting and construction engineering inspection of large-scale utility infrastructure projects, including water, wastewater and stormwater drainage systems.

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Outstanding Service to the Engineering Profession The Outstanding Service to the Engineering Profession Awards are given each year to individuals who have, by virtue of his/her service, had a significant positive impact on the engineering profession. This year, FES recognizes two winners:

Wendy Conforme, PE Conforme is the CEO of the Port Miami Tunnel and the first woman to lead a North American asset for Meridiam Infrastructure.

She is a highly experienced professional in transportation infrastructure, including designing, building and managing major tunnel, bridge and highway projects, and specializing in alternative delivery contracting methods.

Lisa K. Spainhour, Ph.D., PE Spainhour is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. With more than 30 years of teaching, Spainhour has served as the principal investigator on over $20 million in federal- and state-funded research projects.

She is a founding member and director of the FAMU-FSU Center for Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Response.

Outstanding Technical Achievement Awards The Outstanding Technical Achievement Award is awarded to project engineers or project managers who have achieved particular distinction in their own technical field and mode of practice. This year’s winners are:

Ana Carolina Coelho Maran, Ph.D., PE As the South Florida Water Management District’s Director of Flood Control and Water Supply Planning and the Chief of District Resiliency, Maran has been leading one of the nation’s most robust resilience efforts and advancing the implementation of the District’s critical flood infrastructure projects, which are essential to South Florida’s economy, environment and quality of life.

Anand “Sunny” Narayanan, Ph.D.

Charles W. Davis, Jr., Ph.D., CSSGB Davis is an Associate Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, teaching various courses to first- and secondyear aerospace/mechanical engineering students. He has also taught various courses in engineering at Valencia College since 2003. Additionally, Davis is recognized by FES as the Faculty Member of the Year, and was President of FES from 2024-2025.

Matthew McLeer, PE

Narayanan is a Research Faculty at Florida State University who continues to support NASA’s space program, leading and supporting multiple biomedical studies that investigate the physiological effects of deep space radiation, Lunar, and Martian gravity, all relevant to our human space exploration program.

A Senior Subject Matter Expert at The Haskell Company, McLeer has provided geotechnical oversight on a wide range of projects across the country and internationally. He has been an active FES member for 20 years, including serving as Past President and State Director of the Daytona Beach Chapter.

Florida Professional Engineers in Industry (FPEI) Engineer of the Year Award

Congratulations to all of our award winners!

Javier Manso Manso has served as the engineer of record or roadway lead for several major South Florida projects. A major technical achievement in his career is being part of the I-395 Signature Bridge project as the Roadway Task Lead and EOR. He’s a Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI) Class of 2021 graduate, is involved with the ASCE MiamiDade Branch Bridge Competition for middle- and highschool students, participates in the Florida International University (FIU) Career Fairs, and is heavily involved with the FES Miami Chapter MATHCOUNTS® competition.

2025 Fellows Kevin Crump, PE, LEED AP Crump has been practicing civil engineering for 25 years, and serves as the Chief Civil Engineer at Haskell Architects & Engineers, P.A. He has been a member of the Florida Engineering Society for 19 years and holds numerous registrations across the U.S. ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 35

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2025 DBIA National Award of Merit

Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute Combines 7 Specialties Under 1 Roof

BY THOMAS EHLERS, STAFF WRITER

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ne Central Florida project is consolidating care in a single building in hopes that the approach will improve the lives of its patients and work of its physicians.

The Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute earned a Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) National Award of Merit in 2025, one year after its official opening. The Haskell Company served as the engineer of record for the project, which brings seven neuroscience specialties into one space to improve clinical workflows and increase staff time with patients, who are able to visit one convenient location instead of multiple buildings.

Project stakeholders, designers, engineers and the construction team collaborated to create an integrated, communication-driven environment that ensured the three story, 45,000-square-foot building stayed on budget at $26.4 million and on schedule, finishing in just over 13 months.

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This project was Orlando Health’s first major healthcare project delivered via design-build, and the approach proved to be very successful.

— AR NULF O CASTI LLO Senior Director, Design & Asset Strategy, Orlando Health

“This project was Orlando Health’s first major healthcare project delivered via design-build, and the approach proved to be very successful,” said Arnulfo Castillo, senior director of design and asset strategy at Orlando Health.

“The recognition from the DBIA underscores the value of collaboration and innovation on a project of this scale and complexity.”

Challenge rating systems into the project. The design team tabbed Orlando Health’s Energy and Sustainability Task Force to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent.

S USTA I N A BI L ITY AND COMMUNIC AT ION AT THE C EN TE R

Additionally, the Neuroscience Institute has a northoriented, main entry curtain glass wall that allows natural daylight while reducing heat gain, as well as a system that integrates with the building’s interior lighting to dim lights at times of higher natural light to reduce electric costs. The Neuroscience Institute’s interior flooring and materials were made with post-consumer recycled content, and all interior paint contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The project team had to navigate a tight urban footprint, active medical campus logistics and supply chain constraints to complete it. Coordination between Orlando Health and Haskell was imperative to complete the demolition and material delivery, both of which required precise sequencing and staging. In addition, the project team secured early procurement of long-lead items, such as the center’s prefabricated exterior wall system, to keep the project moving forward.

In the feasibility and early programming phases of the project, the project team held robust stakeholder engagement opportunities. Physicians and operational leaders participated in visioning sessions to develop project goals and brainstorm design drivers. Evident in the building and its design, core elements reflect the neurological system and the activity between synapses.

Sustainability was incorporated into a point system that consolidated LEED 4.0, LEED for Healthcare, the WELL Building Standard, Green Globes, and the Living Building

Photos courtesy of OHNI

The project included the integration of high performance building insulation in walls and roof systems and high performance glazing.

SHA R IN G A R OOF Today, the Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute sits among Orlando Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute, Digestive Health Institute, Orthopedic Institute and Cancer Institute, which complete “Institute Row” on West Underwood Street.

The space itself includes 19 neurology exam rooms, a treatment room for procedures and a consultation room for the memory disorder clinic, along with an Electroencephalography (EEG) reading room, 5 neurodiagnostic rooms and a lecture hall. It also serves as a primary location for the new Orlando Health Spine Center.

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 37

Photos courtesy of OHNI

The new facility effectively streamlines neurological care by bringing neurosurgery, neurology, interventional spine and pain, neurodiagnostics and outpatient rehabilitation to the same building.

“Patients receiving care at our institute experience highly specialized care through our multidisciplinary approach to care and access to cutting-edge treatments,” said Christopher Thibault, assistant vice president of the Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute.

“The Institute’s collaborative spaces and 38 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

multidisciplinary clinics allow our providers to navigate our patients through their care from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.”

More than 50 physicians and 50 advanced care providers call the Neuroscience Institute home, while they perform more than 2,000 surgeries and multiple clinical trials each year. With many connected and overlapping specialties – from neurosurgery and neurology to neurodiagnostics and interventional spine and pain management – patients can receive integrated care for ailments across the spectrum.

While the building has received recognition for its sustainability features and consolidatory functions, Orlando Health leaders hope the Neuroscience Institute’s impact supersedes that of its engineering feats.

“For the community, the institute is a beacon of Orlando Health’s commitment to raising the level of care that neuroscience patients receive in Florida,” said Thibault. “For our providers, it is a catalyst for inspiration and advancement, and for our patients, it inspires hope.”

Institute physicians complete minimally invasive and complex spine, endovascular procedures and other surgeries while treating a diverse range of disorders. Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and brain and spinal tumors can all be treated in the facility.

Patients receiving care at our institute experience highly specialized care through our multidisciplinary approach to care and access to cutting-edge treatments.

— CH R I STO P H E R TH I B AU LT Assistant Vice President, Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute

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A S SO C I AT I O N S P OT L I G H T

SMPS

SOCIETY FOR MARKETING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FLORIDA CHAPTERS

EX PA N DI N G TH E IMPACT:

The Essential Role of Marketing Professionals in Florida’s Engineering Industry Katie Batill-Bigler MARK ET I N G D I R EC TOR AT PAT EL , G R E E N E & ASS O C I ATE S , L LC ( P G A ) PAST P R ESI D EN T OF SM P S TA M PA B AY

This issue is dedicated to the noteworthy people and projects moving engineering forward throughout Florida.

While engineers are at the heart of innovation, it’s well understood that successful project delivery requires the involvement of many stakeholders.

From identifying a problem and evaluating solutions to designing and building the ultimate answer, the process is collaborative. Among these contributors, marketing and business development (BD) professionals play a vital role in the engineering community.

CO N N EC TI N G CAPABLE T EAMS TO C L I EN TS A N D COMMUNITIES Marketing and BD professionals are the bridge between technical teams and the clients they serve. Their expertise in storytelling, branding and communication brings complex engineering concepts to life, making them accessible and compelling for both public and private clients.

In today’s competitive marketplace, clients are more informed than ever, often researching firms online before making contact. A strong marketing strategy ensures that an engineering firm’s capabilities, values and vision are clearly communicated, helping clients make informed decisions and select the best team for their project.

Beyond visibility, marketers help shape a firm’s identity and reputation. They craft narratives that connect technical expertise to real-world needs—whether it’s building safer infrastructure, advancing sustainability, or solving unique challenges.

By highlighting success stories, case studies and innovative solutions, marketing professionals position their firms as industry leaders and trusted partners.

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This not only attracts new clients but also fosters longterm relationships that benefit communities across Florida.

C E LE BR AT IN G T HE VA LU E OF M A R K E T IN G A N D BD PR OFE SS I O NAL S Despite their critical contributions, marketing and BD professionals often work behind the scenes.

It’s vital that industry leaders recognize the impact these individuals have on pursuit successes and the integrity of procurement processes. Recognition isn’t just about appreciation—it’s a strategic imperative, especially as the demand for engineering services grows statewide.

That’s why industry leaders must elevate the visibility of these roles. As demand for engineering services continues to rise across Florida, firms that recognize and retain experienced marketing professionals will be better positioned to win work, maintain continuity and sustain long-term client trust.

Women make up the majority of marketing professionals in the engineering industry, yet they face unique challenges in career progression and retention. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Society of Women Engineers shows that women represent only about 16% of engineers and architects, but their presence is much higher in marketing and BD roles within AEC firms.

Turnover rates in the AEC industry remain elevated, with larger firms reporting increased turnover in 2023 compared to previous years. As the volume of available projects in Florida continues to rise, retaining skilled marketing staff—especially women—should be a top priority for firm leadership.

High turnover is costly, both financially and culturally.

The Work Institute’s 2023 Retention Report estimates that each resignation costs about 33% of the outgoing employee’s base salary. Moreover, frequent departures can strain teams, reduce morale, and disrupt client relationships.

Membership in SMPS is more than a professional credential—it is a pathway to career growth, industry recognition, and lasting community impact. As Florida’s engineering industry continues to evolve, empowering marketers through education and professional development will be essential to sustaining success.

For women in marketing, retention is closely tied to recognition, career advancement and quality of life.

By acknowledging their contributions and investing in their growth, firms can foster loyalty and build stronger, more resilient teams.

BU ILD IN G A ST R ON GE R FU T U R E TOGE T HE R

E M P OW ERI NG PROFESSIONAL D E VELO P MENT T HROUGH S MPS The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) is a cornerstone for the professional development of marketing and BD staff in the AEC industry.

SMPS membership offers access to top-quality education, critical business resources, and a vibrant network of peers and industry leaders. Through workshops, conferences, and certification programs, members gain the skills and insights needed to drive growth and innovation within their firms.

As we celebrate the people and projects shaping Florida’s engineering landscape, let’s also recognize the indispensable role of marketing and BD professionals. Their work connects technical teams to clients, drives project success, and enriches our communities.

By valuing their contributions and investing in their development—especially through organizations like SMPS—we can build a more inclusive, innovative and resilient industry for the future.

SMPS also provides invaluable networking opportunities, connecting marketers with clients, partners, and mentors at local, regional and national levels.

The organization’s commitment to mentorship, leadership development and advocacy helps elevate the role of marketing professionals and integrates their expertise into strategic decision-making.

By supporting SMPS membership for marketing staff, firms demonstrate commitment to employee development, helping in both recruitment and retention.

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 41

Tyndall AFB Dormitories Project Sets New Standard for Military Housing

BY THOMAS EHLERS, STAFF WRITER

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number of Florida’s military facilities are nestled around the Panhandle, and among them is Tyndall Air Force Base, an installation which now boasts some of the nation’s newest and award-winning dormitories.

2025 BE ST PR OJE C TS LIST

Hensel Phelps was awarded a $136 million contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to complete the Tyndall Air Force Base Dormitories Complex project.

In a first for the USACE Southeast Region, the project team utilized a design-build method, which has moved the needle towards more of these bids in the future.

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PAGE – now Stantec – served as the architect of the project, which was completed in April 2025 and earned an Award of Merit from the Engineering News-Record.

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The new Tyndall Air Force Base dorms project is the first designbuild project for the USACE Southeast Region.

Photos courtesy of Hensel Phelps

“It was a newer approach down here, because they're accustomed to the regular design-bid-build projects,” said Chad Neukirch, project manager of Tyndall AFB Zone 1 F-35 Flightline Facilities at Hensel Phelps. “After the experience that the Corps of Engineers had with us at the Tyndall Dormitories and our teams, they now agree 100% that they want to try to do as many designbuild delivery methods as possible going forward.”

They want to try to do as many design-build delivery methods as possible going forward.

— CHAD NEUKIRCH

Project Manager at Hensel Phelps

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 43

A N E W METHOD The need for new dormitories stemmed from Category 5 Hurricane Michael, an unusually strong storm that brought 160 mph winds to the Panhandle and made a direct hit on the base in October 2018. Most of the buildings and structures on base received damage or were destroyed, leading to a $5 billion rebuilding effort of more than 40 specific projects that represented the largest military construction contract in U.S. Air Force history.

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The project team worked with trade partners to break the design into two phases in order to optimize efficiency in respect to scheduling. The first design package focused on the early stages of the project, including foundations, while the second phase was centered on the core, shell and interior of each dormitory. The split allowed the construction team to begin clearing and grubbing for sitework while more refined details were finalized for the core, shell and interior.

During the design phase, the project team held meetings on Bluebeam Studio, a collaborative, cloudbased platform for architecture, engineering and

Every project has its own opportunities... and it's how the team responds to these opportunities that really shows the true partnership of the team.

— CHAD NEUKIRCH

Project Manager at Hensel Phelps

The project team had to work to build relationships from the ground up, as USACE engineers from across the country and world worked with Hensel Phelps employees for the first time. It had to incorporate design review comments from 30 reviewers and subject matter experts and track them to closure.

On the ground, the project team had to deal with the logistics of other general contractors on different zones as dozens of other projects were being completed.

The team also had to overcome a telecommunications infrastructure contract that was supposed to be signed at the beginning of the process but ended up being one of the latest, leading to Hensel Phelps pulling temporary fiber and other solutions to keep the project on track.

“Every project has its own opportunities – people call them problems, we call them opportunities – and it's how the team responds to these opportunities that really shows the true partnership of the team,” said Neukirch.

“The Dorms project team was probably one of the best teams I've been involved with on a design-build project where people were newly exposed to the design-build process, but because of how we conducted business and design, there was a high level of trust which led to a high level of functionality.”

T HE BASE OF T HE FU T U R E The design-build project consisted of the construction of two five-story buildings, both of which contain 240 rooms. The buildings feature a number of shared amenity spaces, including community lounges, a rooftop patio and a dedicated theater-meeting room.

In all, 480 first-term airmen will occupy the dormitories themselves, and these modern spaces will serve as the first homes for many of the airmen receiving their first duty station.

Additional features included community lounges, private offices for building management and a striking threestory atrium at each dormitory’s main entrance. Across the street from one another, each dormitory’s location is close in proximity to the chapel, post office, bowling alley and other important buildings on base, some of which are still under construction.

construction (AEC) firms. It also held design charrettes for integral factors including structural steel and precast erection as well as skin charrettes for smaller details like metal, wall panels, windows and caulking.

“We made sure that what was in the final set of documents, it was constructible, but also in a designbuild scenario that the trade partners were bought in,” Neukirch said. “We bought a scope and that's the scope they helped design in detail, so that facilitated a lot of participation from the trade partners and getting their feedback for what worked best for them.”

Energy efficiency and the use of recycled materials were guiding principles of the project, as the client wanted high returns on a life cycle cost analysis. Design elements also favored higher structural integrity and precast concrete in order to increase longevity and storm resistance, and the project meets both Miami-Dade County building codes and Department of Defense AntiTerrorism Force Protection (ATFP) standards.

The project team implemented Facilities Related Control Systems (FRCS) in the dormitories, which better utilize building automation systems including power ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 45

consumption monitoring, water consumption monitoring, leak detection, humidity detection and person counting to ensure units are operating efficiently. The FRCS also notifies maintenance personnel of potential issues earlier, ensuring repairs can be made at optimal times.

Additionally, the project team hosted monthly walks of the facility with fire marshalls and members of the maintenance team during the construction to detect possible issues and build familiarity with the systems and building when it was handed over to the client.

As airmen utilize the now-open spaces, Neukirch spoke to the spirit of collaboration that helped rebuild part of the military installation and ended with industry recognition.

“It reflects the valuable contributions of all the project stakeholders who actively participated throughout the design and construction phases,” said Neukirch. “For us, the Award of Merit serves as a distinguished acknowledgement of the successful handover of the Tyndall Dorms to the Air Force, and it also sets a benchmark for all the future projects on the base to reach toward, with respect to quality, budget and schedule.”

For us, the Award of Merit serves as a distinguished acknowledgement of the successful handover ... and it also sets a benchmark for all the future projects on the base to reach toward, with respect to quality, budget and schedule.

— CHAD NEUKIRCH

Project Manager at Hensel Phelps

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Design features include community lounges, private offices for building management and a striking three-story atrium at each dormitory’s main entrance.

Photo courtesy of Hensel Phelps ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 47

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2025 Florida Engineer of Distinction

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Joshua Revord St. Lucie County Native Now Helping Ports Across State

BY JOE VANHOOSE, MANAGING EDITOR

It’s a dream job... because I get to be integrated with everything – I get to play with the bugs and bunnies, and I also get to do the hard stuff with the engineering, and then I also get to advocate for these things at the state or federal level.

— JOSHUA REVORD Director of PIB for St. Lucie County and FSTED chair

Joshua Revord is living the dream.

Revord grew up fishing and diving in St. Lucie County, spending days around Fort Pierce Inlet and St. Lucie Inlet – the two best inlets in the State of Florida, he says, renowned for their proximity to the continental shelf.

Florida’s waters became part of Revord’s blood and fueled a passion that has helped guide his education and career.

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 49

Photo courtesy of St. Lucie County.

At 39, Revord and his family call St. Lucie County home.

As the director of Port, Inlet & Beaches (PIB) for St. Lucie County and the newly-elected chair of the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Council, Revord has his dream job.

“It’s a dream job from my perspective because I get to be integrated with everything – I get to play with the bugs and bunnies, and I also get to do the hard stuff with the engineering, and then I also get to advocate for these things at the state or federal level,” Revord said.

“Think of a Swiss Army knife and then doing everything you love to do, and that’s kind of how my world is.”

As Director of PIB, Revord helps to identify and initiate coastal initiatives and port development strategies for St. Lucie County. He is tasked with building relationships with stakeholders, regulatory authorities and local, state and federal policy makers. Revord also assists with the County’s relationship with Derecktor Shipyards – one of Port Fort Pierce’s biggest tenants servicing mega yachts – and oversees various aspects of the long-term management of the Fort Pierce Inlet.

degree in coastal and oceanographic engineering from the University of Florida.

Out of school, he took a job with a small engineering firm and ultimately opened a satellite office in his hometown. The firm specialized in residential dredging and small dredging projects, as well as marine structures. He gained firsthand experience as a project manager and had to learn his industry fast. Revord then spent a couple of years in Boca Raton with Coastal Planning and Engineering, where his education in coastal engineering really took off.

But the pull back to St. Lucie County was strong – he joined the county as its stormwater engineer in 2016.

The timing was perfect, as he got to learn skills from the retiring coastal engineer that ultimately expanded his career.

T H E PATH TO PASSION

“It was perfect because I got my education, I just got done in a job where I've learned all these things needed to actually be a coastal engineer, and I had just got my PE license,” he said. “We were just about to execute a new federal shore protection project and had to go through a very long and laborious, perpetual easement effort with a community and condominiums.

After graduating from Port St. Lucie High School, Revord enrolled at the Florida Institute of Technology to study ocean engineering – “It sounded like, ‘Wow, I could do something that requires me to be by the water,’” he said.

“We ended up getting that all resolved, and then immediately after that took place, I made my proposition (to St. Lucie County) and said, ‘Look, I am already doing all this coastal stuff.’”

He earned his bachelor’s degree at Florida Tech and continued his studies in Gainesville, earning a master’s

Revord took on his current position as PIB director three years ago, effectively starting a new department for the

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county. At that time, he and his admin staff were the entire department.

Now, the department has a four-person staff with eyes on more expansion. Revord and his team work and interface with consultants on a regular basis for all of the projects that they're currently undertaking. The work spans efforts to address coastal erosion, maintaining the inlets and working out a plan to responsibly develop Port Fort Pierce.

“And it's just a super fun job because I get to be involved with every aspect of the development from concept to completion,” Revord said. “It's pretty much the engineer's dream when it comes to our waters and the interface between upland and waterside development.”

ST REN GTHEN ING FLORIDA’ S PORTS The FSTED Council is responsible for implementing Florida’s seaport capital improvement projects at the local level, while its members consist of experienced port directors and representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation and FloridaCommerce.

At the state level, project review is accomplished by state agency partners who are full voting members of the FSTED Council. FSTED approves projects and provides that program funds will be used to fund them on a 5050 matching basis with any of the public ports that are governed by a public body.

Revord’s election to Chair of the FSTED Council through 2027 makes him the point person for bringing leaders from Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports, but he already has familiarity with the Council and its members through his role at the Port of Fort Pierce.

"I believe that I'm qualified to do it, and I believe that it'll help elevate the stature of St. Lucie County even further.”

While the Port of Fort Pierce may be one of the smaller seaports in the state, the FSTED Council brings the ports together as one entity. Looking at the ports as a whole, Revord sees that each brings something unique to Florida’s ecosystem.

“If you go to Port Canaveral, you're going to see a lot of cruise operations – they really cater to visitors and bringing people to Florida,” Revord explained. “You look at Port Everglades, they're dealing with fuel, and they're dealing with produce commodities coming from South America.

“Here at the Port of Fort Pierce, we are just now starting to get our wings, but we want to focus on the mega yacht industry. Our community says, ‘Hey, we really want to focus on high-skill and high-paying jobs to keep the mega yacht industry in Florida.’"

Revord wants to showcase the diversity of Florida’s ports and bring awareness to the massive impact they have on the state – currently, Florida seaports contribute $117.6 billion in economic value to the state through cargo and cruise activities.

“What we want to do is show how we provide those critical commodities and things that people take for granted and really to just bring awareness so that we can not only elevate the ports to the legislature, but also showcase how we make Floridians and our visitors' life better,” Revord said. “At the end of the day, we want to ensure that these ports are running as optimally as possible.”

“I was graciously allowed to move up the ladder into this position,” he said. “It's going to be a great learning experience for me.

The Port of Fort Pierce has become a hotbed of activity for Florida’s mega yacht industry.

Photo courtesy of St. Lucie County.

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 51

ED UC AT I O N UP DAT E :

Top of the Class

FES Announces 2025 Student Awards

BY THOMAS EHLERS, STAFF WRITER

T

he State of Florida possesses some of the nation’s leading colleges and university engineering programs that are preparing the next wave of professionals for our industry. Each year, the Florida Engineering Society (FES) celebrates the bright minds and hard work of the students, professors and student organizations across the state.

FES crowned four Student Chapter Award Recipients this year. The winners are:

Student Service Award B RI A NNA M AH ON University of Miami A rising senior, Mahon’s busy academic calendar is rivaled by her robust body of volunteer work. Mahon studies civil engineering at the University of Miami, and she is a member of the College of Engineering’s 5-year Bachelor's & Master's in Science Program.

Outside of FES, Mahon is involved with a number of organizations, including the NAACP, Engineering Student Ambassadors, Habitat for Humanity, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She has held executive board positions for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), including treasurer, president and, most recently, public relations chair.

Mahon is a clear leader who promotes an engineer’s image through her professionalism and ethics, best exemplified in her work with technical societies, campus activities, engineering college projects and community service.

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Outstanding Service to a Student Chapter Award YAS M I N E A L M O G H R A BI Florida International University A Ph.D. candidate in transportation engineering at Florida International University (FIU), Al Moghrabi is completing her terminal degree while expanding opportunities for fellow students.

Committed to instilling the ideals of professional engineering to tomorrow’s practitioners, Al Moghrabi serves on the executive board of FIU’s student chapters of FES, ITE-A Community of Transportation Professionals and WTS International.

She strives to make a meaningful and lasting impact by advancing safer, more equitable, and more sustainable transport systems through research, advocacy, and social media, supporting students who are matriculating in their respective programs.

Al Moghrabi has collected her fair share of accolades, earning distinctions as the 2023 ASCE Florida Section Graduate Student of the Year and 2023 ASCE Miami Dade Branch Graduate Student of the Year. In addition, Al Moghrabi earned the 2024 ASCE Outstanding Young Member in Community Activities Award 2024, and she won the Global Road Safety Film Festival’s SDG 5 category in 2025.

Engineering Faculty Member of the Year CHARLES W. DAVIS JR., PHD, CSSGB Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University An Associate Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Davis teaches various courses to first- and secondyear aerospace and mechanical engineering students.

Davis boasts more than 27 years of work experience in public and private sectors, and he’s taught courses from pre-engineering and mathematics to test methods, engineering management, and probability and statistics at Valencia College since 2003.

Most Active Student Chapter Award FAMU-FSU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (ALPHA/BETA) AND VALENCIA COLLEGE (DELTA) Evidenced by its crowded event calendar, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering earned the Most Active Student Chapter Award in the Alpha/Beta division, and the Valencia College earned the award in the Delta division.

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering FES chapter chronicles its Timber-Strong Design-Build, Steel Bridge, ASCE Concrete Canoe and ASCE Sustainable Solutions Competition pages on its website, and it has hosted a number of guest speakers, chapter study-socials and a student success conference for its general body this semester.

Davis’ work experience includes stints in project management, leadership and quality assurance, and his professional experience helps him communicate the fundamentals of engineering to students on a consistent basis.

Established in 2012, the Valencia College FES chapter has completed more than 20 events and welcomed more than 500 student members since its inception, winning eight Most Active Student Chapter Awards in the process.

The Triple Knight holds a bachelor’s degree in design engineering as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in industrial engineering – all from the University of Central Florida. A former FES president, Davis encourages participation in student organizations and guides students through their educational careers.

Florida International University earned an honorable mention in the Alpha/Beta division, while Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus earned an honorable mention in the Delta division.

KCA is a leading full-service multidisciplinary transportation engineering firm dedicated to serving clients across the Carolinas, Florida, and Texas.

Our staff combine extensive experience and innovative designs to provide high-quality, low-cost solutions for our clients’ infrastructure challenges.

www.kisingercampo.com

Proud Recipient of the

2025 Outstanding Major Project Award for the

FDOT District 1 US 27 (SR 25) at SR 60 Interchange

Out & About FLORIDA ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (FELI) CLASS OF 2026 IN TAMPA

The first of six sessions held in key cities throughout Florida

CUBAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS IN MIAMI

Carlos Penin, PE and Florida Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, at Carlos’ installation as President of the Cuban American Association of Civil Engineers

ACEC FL REGION 3 & FDOT DISTRICT 5 “EVENING WITH THE INDUSTRY” IN ORLANDO

FES FLORIDA ENGINEERS IN CONSTRUCTION (FECON) PRACTICE SECTION BOAT TOUR OF PORT TAMPA BAY

ACEC FL REGIONS 4 & 6 “AN EVENING WITH FDOT DISTRICT 1 LEADERSHIP” IN MULBERRY

ACEC FL REGION 4 “NETWORKING WITH THE BOARD” IN TAMPA

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 55

OUTSTANDING DESIGN-BUILD

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OUTSTANDING BRIDGE PROJECT

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