OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) showcased its expertise and dedication to excellence at the 24th annual Florida Lineman Competition, held on Saturday, March 1, at the World Equestrian Center.

Hosted in partnership with the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), the event tested the skills, precision, and teamwork of line workers from across the state.

First Place – Apprentice Faulted Cable Swap: Kyle Kalbaugh
First Place – Apprentice Faulted Cable Swap: Kyle Kalbaugh. Courtesy: City of Ocala
Second Place – Overall Apprentice: Evan Vandeventer
Second Place – Overall Apprentice: Evan Vandeventer
Third Place – Mutual Aid Event: Regnaldo Butler
Third Place – Mutual Aid Event: Regnaldo Butler. Courtesy: City of Ocala
Fifth Place – Overall Apprentice: Josh Earhart
Fifth Place – Overall Apprentice: Josh Earhart. Courtesy: City of Ocala

The competition, a time-honored tradition since 2001, featured real-world utility challenges, including pole climbing, transformer repairs, hurt man rescue simulations, and mutual aid exercises. Demonstrating their commitment to safety, efficiency, and teamwork, OEU’s line workers earned multiple top honors at the awards banquet following the event.

OEU’s recognitions included:

  • First Place – Apprentice Faulted Cable Swap: Kyle Kalbaugh
  • Second Place – Overall Apprentice: Evan Vandeventer
  • Second Place – Apprentice Replace 2-35k Insulators on Fiberglass Arm: Evan Vandeventer
  • Second Place – Apprentice Pole Top Pin Insulator Change Out: Kyle Kalbaugh
  • Second Place – Apprentice Phase Change – Open Close 100 AMP Disconnect: Kyle Kalbaugh
  • Third Place – Mutual Aid Event: Regnaldo Butler
  • Third Place – Apprentice Faulted Cable Swap: Evan Vandeventer
  • Fifth Place – Overall Apprentice: Josh Earhart

With strong performances across multiple categories, OEU’s line workers demonstrated their dedication to mastering their craft while upholding the highest industry standards.

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This year’s competition highlighted the expertise and teamwork that keep Ocala’s electrical grid running efficiently, reinforcing OEU’s reputation as a leader in municipal utilities.

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