CHAPTER NEWS - FEBRUARY 2026

Florida Irrigation Society Chapter News

Tampa Bay Chapter

Planning for the Annual Golf Tournament on April 25 at Heritage Isles is well on its way. Player registration is getting close to being sold out and only a few major sponsorships are still available. Hole in one, Putting Contest and Luncheon sponsorships are still available. Major sponsors this year are the following: Tournament Sponsor - Georgia Star Landscaping Company; Heritage Landscape Supply; Hunter Industries; FX Luminaire; Westgate Resorts; Westlake Pipe. And, returning this year is the Beat the Female Pro contest and a new challenge for the longest marshmallow drive!!  Email fistampabay@gmail.com if interested in playing or sponsoring.

Gail Huff has chaired the Tampa Chapter for the last several years. Election for a new President is in the works. Watch for the results in the next E-News. And, a huge thank you to Gail for her dedication and work in guiding the chapter along with her duties as State President. 

Chapter Representatives to the State Board are Gail Huff and Joe Swett.

Southwest Chapter 

The chapter is holding its first elections for officers and board in March since the restart of the chapter two years ago. A Steering Committee has guided the chapter during the restart consisting of members Jeff Bender. Chad Legan, Bob Stephenson, Steve Hall, Scott King, Tommy Hugo, Giovanni Ortiz.

The Chapter’s February meeting featured Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka and was held in new member Bob Buccieri’s Pump & Irrigation Supply training room. Mulicka was invited to discuss local water issues and irrigation opportunities that come with population growth in Southwest Florida. He has committed to working with the chapter to resolve members’ main concerns regarding water supply and restrictions. 

Chapter Representative to the State Board is Scott King.

Northeast Chapter 

The Chapter is holding regular bi-monthly meetings and in November organized an irrigation install for the POW MIA Charity in the Jacksonville area.  Kirk Wurster has agreed to continue his role as President of the Chapter for 2026.

Chapter Representative to the State Board is Robert Sanford.

Dade/Broward Chapter

The Chapter selected its leadership at their November meeting that are committed to revitalizing the chapter in 2026. Bobby Hartwell will serve as President and John Cross as Vice President. On the top of their agenda is working with Miami/Dade County to curb unlicensed activity. Part of that agenda is educating the CAMs on licensing requirements by presenting a CEU at one or more of the area CAM meetings.

Chapter Representative to the State Board is Toby Lawrence.