It was no secret to any of the 90+ players who attended, that heavy rains were in the Orlando forecast for the day. However, that didn't stop the dozens of enthusiastic and energetic golfers to promptly depart for their assigned starting holes after the 12:30 PM shotgun start. It should be noted that the golf course director had indicated that severe thunderstorms would likely begin during the afternoon hours, and in the case of lightning sightings, golfers would be required to immediately return to the clubhouse shelter. In this author/participant's case, we played through 8 holes before racing back to find shelter.

Once all golf teams safely returned to the Shingle Creek Golf Course shelter area, the energy and enthusiasm among the players that was evident at the time they teed-off was still strong, and most of them remained gathered under shelter to drip dry together for the next 90 minutes. Even the driver of the golf course refreshment cart was required to shelter from lightning, and the rain-soaked golfers happily shifted their carts around to make space for her to join the impromptu gathering under cover. And the play stoppage did not appear to hamper her business.

On Thursday, July 24th, PDCA-branded events took place in opposite corners of the continental United States. Folks in the Pacific Northwest attended The Seattle Social.

That same evening (a couple hours earlier when you consider the time zone difference), the PDCA Florida Chapter hosted the second in its series of Networking Nights. This event  was in Orlando and it attracted regional contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and engineers who gathered at The Porch to connect with like-minded professionals.

The newest PDCA Chapter formally incorporated in January 2025. Since that time, it has been aggressively growing its membership. One growth initiative has been hosting Networking Nights in Florida population centers. These are free receptions available to people in the driven pile industry. Attendees are able to learn more about PDCA while they enjoy industry networking and refreshments.

The Florida Chapter leadership consisting of Pres. Lina Martin, VP Dean Cacio, Treas. John Hayes and Sec. Samantha See has coordinated the Networking Nights initiative, though Pres. Martin credits another key individual: "I'm so proud of the team we've brought together. Everyone stepped up to make this event a success. I also want to give special thanks to Garret [Hogancamp] for his volunteer time and help in setting up the Orlando Networking Night."

The PDCA Florida Chapter Orlando Networking Night was made possible through the generosity of the following sponsors:

• American Equipment & Fabricating Corp.
• Bateman, Gordon & Sands, Inc.
• Blue Iron Foundations & Shoring, LLC
• Giken America

Pres. Garcia-Martin said that a big takeaway from the Orlando event and the preceding Tampa reception is that the organization is "stronger together" and produces an "unmatched energy" when members get involved. Said Martin: "These events encourage meaningful connections and result in a lasting impact. The relationships built during these events go far beyond the moment. They help move our industry forward and create real connections across our community."

Thank you to all sponsors and attendees who supported the PDCA Florida Chapter Networking Night - Orlando, through your donation and/or attendance. The next event for the Chapter is its Inaugural Golf Tournament coming back to Orlando at the Rosen Shingle Golf Course on Sept. 9th. The golf outing is held in conjunction with the annual PDCA technical conference, commonly known as DICEP. Registration for both golf and DICEP, is now open.

See who was SPOTTED at the PDCA Florida Chapter Networking Night - Orlando: