CHAPTER NEWS - MAY 2026
Tampa Bay Chapter
Congratulations to Michael Derewenko who accepted the position of Tampa Bay Chapter President. The Chapter held another very successful annual golf tournament. It was sold out at 124 players and all sponsorship opportunities taken. Title Sponsor was Georgia Star, Lunch and Breakfast Sponsors were Ewing, Westlake Pipe & Fittings and Sunrise Irrigation. Other sponsors contributing to the fun were Heritage Landscape Supply Group sponsoring the drink and golf carts, along with 15 other hole and contest sponsors including a marshmallow drive and Beat-the Pro (female). Two $1000 special raffles were offered this year: A stay at any of West Lake Resorts and a special Chef’s table meal for 8 at the Rocca Italian Restaurant. 60th FIS Anniversary T-shirts were given to all golfers who were encouraged to wear them during this year’s Water Summit. Meetings are being held monthly with varied technical topics of interest.
Southwest Florida Chapter
The Chapter elected new leadership for the 2026-2027 term of office.
- President - Mike St. Pierre
- Vice-President - Giovanni Ortiz
- Secretary Treasurer - Chad Legan
- Board Members Bob Stephenson, Steve Hall and Paul Bode
The Board and members have set goals for the coming year to visit local jurisdictions to discuss water restrictions, irrigation ordinances, permitting, and licensing.
On the fun side a fall golf tournament is in the works. Meetings are being held on a monthly basis the second Tuesday of the month except for July.
Recent program meetings included a presentation by Steven Mock with Brown & Brown Insurance on Heat Exhaustion - Keep Your Employees Alive; Tom DiCavalcanti, with Husqvarna on Don’t be Intimidated by Smart Controllers; and by Bob Diersing with Hunter Industries on Wireless Valves for Difficult Projects.
NEW PRODUCTS
Toro’s new District Sales Manager Marshall Caudill has notified FIS of the launch of Toro’s newest controller the RXC+Oasis. To see the new product line click here Home - RXC Plus Oasis. Marshall will be speaking at the June 10 FIS Tampa Bay Chapter to introduce the new line to attendees.