Regional winners advance to the International Lineman’s Rodeo this fall, reinforcing the skills customers rely on for safe, reliable power
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – This weekend, Duke Energy lineworkers from across Florida advanced from the regional lineman’s rodeo to represent the company at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas, this fall, where they will compete against some of the best lineworkers in the world.
Why it matters: For customers, reliability starts with highly trained lineworkers. These competitions sharpen the skills lineworkers use every day – skills that allow them to work quickly, precisely and safely to keep power flowing for customers and restore service when outages occur.
By practicing complex repairs and restoration work in a controlled, de-energized environment, lineworkers reinforce strict safety standards and best practices that carry directly into the field.
The result is a stronger, more resilient electric grid and faster outage restoration – improving reliability for customers.
What they’re saying:
Marc Arnold, Duke Energy Florida senior vice president of power grid operations:
“What our lineworkers demonstrate at this rodeo is what customers depend on year-round –strong safety practices, advanced training and a relentless focus on reliability. These events reinforce the expertise that helps restore power faster, strengthen the grid and deliver dependable service when it matters most. We’re proud to recognize the dedication behind that work.”
Tanner O’Shea, Southeast Orlando-based Duke Energy Florida lineworker and 10-year rodeo competitor:
“Win or lose, it’s an honor to compete in the rodeo year after year. As linemen, we know we have to be quick, yet thorough, and stay focused on safety above all else in order to keep the lights on for our customers. This event encourages us to hone those skills and continue developing in our chosen craft while also bringing us closer together as a team. It’s a tradition we all love and take very seriously.”
The results:
Apprentice Overall Awards
First place – Corey Sill (Ocala)
Second place – Tyler Bohlen (Seven Springs)
Third place – Jeremy Neumann (Apopka)
Journeyman Overall Awards
First place – Charles McNulty (Dunnellon), Jonathan Radomski (Inverness), Noah Scarpetta (Dunnellon)
Second place – Eric Polous (Odena), Justin Mathes (Carrabelle), Timothy West (Odena)
Third place – Alex Guillen (St. Petersburg), Matthew Richardson (St. Petersburg), Adam Sass (St. Petersburg)
Overall Best Senior Team – Chet Braden (St. Petersburg), Ed Filor (Inverness), Henry Shupe (Seven Springs)
The 2026 Florida Lineman’s Rodeo was supported by company and community volunteers, including approximately 45 Duke Energy volunteers, 75 volunteer students and staff from five community colleges, 70 judges and 15 bucket truck operators.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
Contact: Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid