www.floridaconstructionnews.com FALL 2020 Deborah Hampton is first female Director of Safety at Current Builders Also in this issue: B & I Contractors starts work on two significant projects Contractor loses FSU opportunities because of engagement party blackface incident -- but decision may be reversed Skanska wins $70.5 million Interstate interchange reconstruction contract
www.newyorkconstructionnews.com www.ncconstructionnews.com SUMMER 2018 FALL 2018, Volume 13 No.5 NEW TECHNOLOGIES: How will they redefine the architectural, engineering and construction community? HURRICANE FLORENCE At least 35 killed in devastating floods SPECIAL PROFILES TOP 10 NEW YORK CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LEADERS PAGE 7 DeMatteis Organization 100 th Anniversary Top 10 Concrete contractors PAGE 15 PAGE 18 PHOTO: © Can Stock Photo Discover more construction, more cities, more opportunites www.floridaconstructionnews.com www.ncconstructionnews.com www.chicagoconstructionnews.com www.newyorkconstructionreport.com www.newjerseyconstructionnews.com www.californiaconstructionnews.com www.indianaconstructionnews.com www.cadcr.com Florida Construction News combines a bi-monthly magazine with a weekly newsletter and a website (updated daily), delivering news, analysis and networking opportunities to Florida’s architecture, engineering and construction community. The magazine is distributed primarily online to 9,000 general contrac- tors, specialty contractors, developers, professional services and building owners throughout Florida. For more information on promoting your business to our audience and to request rates, see the advertising rates page on the Floridaconstructionnews.com website. You can also contact Chase at chase@floridaconstructionnews.com or phone him at 888-627-8717 ext 212. You can send editorial news releases and announcements to Mark Buckshon at buckshon@floridaconstructionnews.com. Florida Construction News is published by Construction News and Report Publishing Inc. 332 S Michigan Ave, Ste 1032 - C319, Chicago IL 60604-4434. Publisher: Interim editor: Production and design: Administration: Chase Mark Buckshon Raymond Leveille Katherine Jeffrey, Kathy Lepage Printed subscriptions You can request a printed single copy for $18.95 (postage included) or a four issue printed subscription for $60.00 at the floridaconstructionnews.com website. Alternatively, you can read the digital version free of charge online at Floridaconstructionnews.com. © Editor’s Viewpoint Copyright 2020 Construction News and Report Publishing Inc. 2 – FALL 2020 — Florida Construction News By Mark Buckshon Publisher, Florida Construction News Time to be thoughtful, cautious and courageous As I review this issue of Florida Construction News for publication, I’m struck by the variation be- tween the complex, challenging and controversial political, health and social environment and this issue’s stories. For example, Projects and Opportu- nities outlines some major new hotel construction projects – at a time when the overall hospitality in- dustry is reeling under the weight of COVID-19. These projects remind us that the construction in- dustry is a long-play and business cycle industry; yes, it has booms and busts – but the cycle of con- struction is measured in years rather than days and weeks. Opportunities caused by sudden events (such as hurricanes) can create massive business opportunities for designers and contractors long after the immediate crisis. Nevertheless, I think only a fool would be compla- cent as we enter the final part of the year with the impending contentious election and a probable COVID-19 second wave. We need to be thoughtful, cautious, and courageous in the months ahead as the industry builds the infrastructure for a healthy and prosperous future. I welcome your observations and news. Please feel free to send a note to me at buckshon@florida- constructionnnews.com. Here’s how to build your business in Florida’s architecture, engineering and construction community You can achieve measurable results, within days For more information, please visit the Your Business Promotion/Publicity page at Floridaconstructionnews.com, or email Chase: chase@floridaconstructionnews.com You can also call toll free at 888-627-8717 ext 212.
North Carolina construction worker awarded more than $1 million in damages after dispute about supervisor’s job site intoxication An appellate court has ruled that a North Carolina construction worker is entitled to more than $1 million in damages and attorney’s fees after he was fired for complaining about his supervisor’s intoxication at job sites. In Driskell v. Summit Contracting Group Inc., the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, af- firmed on Sept. 27 a jury’s ruling that the worker was re- taliated against for threatening to file a workers compensation claim after being punched by the supervi- sor and for complaining about the safety risk the super- visor’s intoxication presented, Business Insurance has reported. Justin Driskell worked as an assistant superintendent for Summit Contracting Group, headquartered in Jack- sonville. In June and July 2015, he noticed that his supervisor frequently drank alcohol at lunch and returned to work intoxicated, and on one occasion “drunkenly brandished a handgun at the job site” in violation of multiple work- place policies, the court filings say. Driskell said he re- ported the supervisor’s behavior several times to senior managers, contending that he presented a safety risk. The oral argument before the appellate court Driskell contacted Summit’s CEO Marc Padgett on July 16 that year and complained about his supervisor’s drinking on the job, according to the filings. Another senior employee was asked to investigate the com- plaint, but said he could not corroborate Driskell’s claims, court documents say. On July 20, Driskell and his supervisor argued over a safety issue outside a bar, and the supervisor punched Driskell in the face repeatedly when he’d turned to walk away. Driskell wrestled with the supervisor and put him in a headlock. Neither was seriously hurt but both sought medical treatment. Driskell was released back to work in three days; the supervisor required the use of a neck brace for two weeks, the court documents say. The supervisor told Driskell he was fired, though he was not formally terminated and realized that he had been let go when his workplace iPad and cell phone were deactivated. In January 2016, Driskell filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Labor alleging he was ter- minated for reporting safety issues and because Sum- mit believed he would file a workers compensation claim. A jury held that Summit fired Driskell in retaliation © CAN STOCK PHOTO / BUDABAR Florida Construction News staff writer and awarded him $65,000 in compensatory damages, $681,000 in punitive damages for wrongful discharge and $441,600 in attorney’s fees. Summit appealed, seeking a new trial and arguing that the jury’s award was not supported by the evi- dence. The appellate court affirmed the decision. Al- though Summit argued that internal complaints are not protected from retaliation, the court disagreed, saying that internal complaints of ongoing safety concerns can be protected when they lead to an investigation — which is what happened when the CEO directed an- other worker to investigate the supervisor’s drinking. Summit also argued that because Driskell never ex- plicitly “threatened” to file a workers comp claim nor filed one, that he could not claim he was retaliated against, but the appellate court found that the jury could find that the law prohibits an employer from firing someone in anticipation of a “good-faith filing of a work- ers’ compensation claim.” Finally, Summit argued that Driskell was fired be- cause of the legitimate reason of insubordination and fighting with his supervisors. The appellate court, how- ever, disagreed, noting that internal emails provided “ample evidence to support causation” of both of Driskell’s retaliation theories. The court also affirmed the jury’s award of damages and attorney’s fees, but one judge dissented on the award of punitive damages and attorney’s fees, Busi- ness Insurance reported. Florida Construction News — FALL 2020 – 3
Statewide Florida construction employment declines modestly in past year despite COVID-19 crisis Florida Construction News staff writer Despite the pain and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, espe- cially for the tourism and hospitality sectors, Florida’s construction em- ployment levels for the 12 months ending in August have not fared so badly. Data compiled from the US De- partment of Labor by the Associ- ated General Contractors of America (AGCA) indicates that statewide employment declined by only about one percent, or 2,900, and that several metropolitan areas experienced a net growth in con- struction jobs in the year. For example, the small market area of Panama City showed a 12 percent gain, causing it to rank as the sixth most healthy construction market in the nation, with a gain of 800 construction, mining and log- ging jobs to 7,700. (In smaller mar- kets, mining and logging are lumped in with construction in the overall totals.) Conversely, some markets such as Fort Lauderdale fared poorly — that market area experienced an 11 percent decline to 44,600 jobs, a loss of 5,400 jobs. Nationally, construction employ- ment decreased in 241, or 67 per- cent, out of 358 metro areas between August 2019 and last month, AGC reported on Oct. 1. As- sociation officials urged Congress to pass new coronavirus relief measures before leaving town. “Although residential construc- tion is picking up in many areas, public and nonresidential construc- tion are shrinking,” said Ken Simon- son, the association’s chief economist. “Project cancellations are spreading, and fewer new proj- ects are starting up. That combina- tion makes further employment declines inevitable unless the fed- eral government steps up support for infrastructure.” 4 – FALL 2020 — Florida Construction News Here is the data by metropolitan area listed by area, industry, employ- ment numbers for August 2019, numbers for Aug. 2020, the 12-month gain or loss, the percentage change and the area’s ranking nationally. Aug. 2019 Aug. 2020 GAIN/LOSS RANK Statewide Construction 569,100 566,200 -2,900 -1% Statewide Mining, Logging, and Construction 574,800 571,800 -3,000 -1% Cape Coral-Fort Myers Mining, Logging, and Construction 32,800 33,700 900 3% 43 Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin Mining, Logging, 6,900 7,000 100 1% 67 and Construction Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach Mining, Logging, 14,300 14,500 200 1% 67 and Construction Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield 50,000 44,600 -5,400 -11% 278 Beach Div.Construction Gainesville Mining, Logging, and Construction 6,100 6,300 200 3% 43 Jacksonville Construction 46,600 46,800 200 0% 85 Lakeland-Winter Haven Mining, Logging, and Construction 14,500 15,500 1,000 7% 18 Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall Div. Construction 53,900 54,600 700 1% 67 Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island Mining, Logging, 17,600 18,500 900 5% 27 and Construction North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton Mining, Logging, 26,400 26,200 -200 -1% 118 and Construction Ocala Mining, Logging, and Construction 8,600 9,200 600 7% 18 Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Construction 87,100 84,300 -2,800 -3% 147 Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville Mining, Logging, 15,600 16,600 1,000 6% 22 and Construction Panama City Mining, Logging, and Construction 6,900 7,700 800 12% 6 Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent Mining, Logging, 12,400 12,400 0 0% 89 and Construction Port St. Lucie Mining, Logging, and Construction 12,200 13,200 1,000 8% 14 Punta Gorda Mining, Logging, and Construction 4,300 4,300 0 0% 89 Sebastian-Vero Beach Mining, Logging, and Construction 4,500 4,400 -100 -2% 133 Tallahassee Mining, Logging, and Construction 9,100 9,400 300 3% 43 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Construction 81,100 82,500 1,400 2% 55 West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach 39,300 38,800 -500 -1% 118 Div. Construction
Mass. had the largest percentage decline (-38 percent, -2,200 jobs), followed by Johnstown, Pa. (-34 percent, -1,000 jobs). Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Ind. added the most construction jobs from August 2019 to August 2020 (4,800 jobs, 9 percent), fol- lowed by Baltimore-Columbia-Tow- son, Md. (4,300 jobs, 5 percent). Niles-Benton Harbor, Mich. had the highest percentage increase (16 percent, 400 jobs), followed by Fond du Lac, Wisc. (15 percent, 500 York City (-21,700 jobs, -13 percent). Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, jobs) and Walla Walla, Wash. (15 percent, 100 jobs). © CAN STOCK PHOTO / KADMY Simonson noted that construc- tion employment was stagnant in 29 metro areas and increased in only 88 areas (25 percent) over the past 12 months. Nineteen metros had all-time lows for August con- struction employment, while 33 areas had record highs for August, in data going back to 1990 for most areas. Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas lost the most construc- tion jobs over 12 months (-22,800 jobs, -10 percent), followed by New Association officials urged Con- gressional leaders to not leave town until after the election without pass- ing much-needed new coronavirus relief measures. In particular, the construction officials called on Con- gress to pass new liability protec- tions for firms that are taking steps to protect workers from the coron- avirus. They also urged Congres- sional leaders to boost investments in infrastructure and pass measures designed to preserve payrolls. “The coronavirus and efforts to mitigate its spread have left our economy deeply wounded, de- pressing demand for many types of commercial construction projects,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the asso- ciation’s chief executive officer. “Congress can end the downward economic slide and help create needed new construction jobs by passing measures to boost demand and protect honest employers.” View the metro employment 12- month data, rankings, top 10, and map. Delivering Successful Wayfinding and Master Sign Planning Services Stone: Boral Pro-Fit Ledgestone Winterhaven Paint Color 1 (White): SW7004 Snowbound Paint Color 2 (Gray): SW7064 Passive Paint Color 3 (Blue): SW6218 Tradewind Tenant NONA COVE Tenant Tenant Tenant Tenant Successful signage planning starts at the very beginning. Involve us early in your project to ensure design, materials, lighting, branding, coding and readability are maximized. 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PROJECT : 9301 PROJECT # NONA COVE AM: Designer: SITE ADDRESS: SH RM PM Date: Sheet Size - 11" X 17" - No. DATE REVISIONS SHEET : Approved DESCRIPTION LOT 3 & 5 Approved as noted Revise and resubmit 4-17-20 Approved: Date: LOT 1 SIGNAGE 18 SF MULTI FAMILY PROJECTING SIGN 6.5 CANOPY LETTERS 11.5 LOT 2 SIGNAGE (2:1) 298 SF GATEWAY MONUMENT 30 REMAINING BALANCE 268 LOT 3 SIGNAGE (2:1) 282 SF STORAGE BLADE 1 STORAGE BLADE 2 STORAGE WALL SIGN 30 30 50 OFFICE REMAINING BALANCE 10 162 49.5 SF 12’ high multi tenant sign LOT 4 SIGNAGE (2:1) 308 SF REMAINING BALANCE SOUTHEAST ELEVATION NORTHEAST ELEVATION NORTHWEST ELEVATION 308 LOT 5 SIGNAGE (2:1) 90 SF REMAINING BALANCE 90 McDONALD’S (2:1) 192 SF WALL SIGN WALL SIGN LOT 5 18 18 WALL SIGN WALL LOGO WALL LOGO WALL LOGO 18 8 8 8 MONUMENT TOTAL EXISTING REMAINING BALANCE 47.67 125.67 66.33 LOT 5 WAWA (2:1) 246 SF WAWA (1:1) 54 SF 8'-0" Tenant Tenant 10'-0" Tenant Tenant 12'-0" Tenant Tenant WALL SIGN WALL SIGN MONUMENT 63 41.63 53.64 MONUMENT TOTAL EXISTING REMAINING BALANCE 53.64 211.91 88.09 MONUMENT TOTAL EXISTING REMAINING BALANCE 36.6 138.6 137.4 SHOPPING CENTER (3) RETAIL MULTI-TENANT 2'-0" 7005 Stapoint Court Winter Park, Fl. 32792 P. 407.660.3174 F. 321.249.0259 www.stellarsignanddesign.com Florida State Certified Electrical Sign Contractor ES 12000915 150 MONUMENT SIGNS REMAINING BALANCE 148.5 1.5 TOTAL PERMITTED TOTAL PROPOSED TOTAL EXISTING 1914 SF 316.5 SF 476.18 SF REMAINING BALANCE TENANT MONUMENT SIGN PMS 3015C INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE 800-776-7064 | www.poblocki.com WATSON REALTY (2:1) 276 SF WALL SIGN 102 NONA COVE PMS 3015C 1121.32 CALCULATIONS These drawings and designs are the exclusive property of Stellar Sign and Design LLC. Use or duplication in any manner including but not limited to electronic transfer without express permission of Stellar Sign and Design LLC is prohibited. ©2017 Stellar Sign and Design LLC. PROJECT : NONA COVE SITE ADDRESS: SH RM KEY PLAN: NTS 9301 PROJECT # AM: Designer: PM Date: Sheet Size - 11" X 17" - 4-17-20 No. DATE REVISIONS Approved DESCRIPTION Approved as noted Revise and resubmit Approved: SHEET : LOT 5 Date: Florida Construction News — FALL 2020 – 5
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LEADER - SPECIAL REPORT Deborah Hampton is first female Director of Safety at Current Builders Robin MacLennan Florida Construction News staff writer Deborah Hampton joined Current Builders in November 2019 as the Risk and Safety Director, a newly ex- panded role, overseeing risk man- agement, occupational health, safety & environmental programs, and compliance. One of the firm’s highest-profile team members, Deborah is the first woman to hold this position in the firm’s 48-year history. “I am honored to nominate Debo- rah Hampton for this prestigious recognition. Thanks to her innova- tion and dedication, countless job sites have become a safer environ- ment for thousands of construction workers,” said Crystal Binford, the Business Development and Market- ing Director. Since joining Current Builders less than a year ago, Deborah has al- ready achieved exceptional contribu- tions including implementing: 6 – FALL 2020 — Florida Construction News • a return to work program and new occupational health clinic criteria to facilitate medical management (resulting in lower medical costs and improved medical care for workers). • the use of root cause analysis into investigations (resulting in in- creased awareness at the craft level of accidents and promoting the identification of better correc- tive measures). • various Competent Person train- ings for safety staff (resulting in the increase of greater occupa- tional health & safety proficiencies in the field). • an ergonomics program and mon- itoring for craft workers (focused on reducing back injuries). • safety incentive programs such as “Caught in the Act” and “I know my safety steps” (promoting a safety cultures via positive rein- forcement). She also participated in Safe + Sound promoting worker safety via “Why I work Safe” (promoting a safety culture), Construction Safety Week, and OSHA National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in con- struction as well as implementing a Behavior Based Safety program pro- moting a safety culture via what gets measured gets done.
“While mitigating risk in one of the most inherently dangerous in- dustries requires excellence in in- numerable proficiencies, Deborah combines this with a crucial power skill—compassion,” Binford said. “Whether she is implementing an ergonomics program for more sen- ior workers or offering positive re- inforcement of the safety culture for new workers, she is a constant and vigilant protective force at our firm.” Hampton joined Current Builders after 10 years of success at Odebrecht USA, a construction and engineering firm based in Coral Gables. During her decade as HSE offi- cer for U.S. operations, she says she was “committed to performing every task in the safest manner possible with minimal risk.” Her work emphasised controlling high- risk activities and striving to fully integrate health and safety into all aspects of operations through a process of continuous improve- ment. Her hard work and accomplish- ments has been recognized throughout her career, and her work has resulted in her employ- ers receiving numerous awards for safety excellence including multi- ple wins of ENR’s Best Safety Proj- ect, the Bronze Safety Award from the Royal Society for the Preven- tion of Accidents, AGC’s Construc- tion Safety Excellence Award and many others. “Deborah is an invaluable asset to Current Builders and has fos- tered a heightened sense of con- nection among our work force,” said Michael Taylor, President of Current Builders. “Through her programs and guidance, every team member has developed a deeper understanding of our dependence upon each other to create a safer environ- ment. Deborah’s contributions to our firm has created a ripple affect as each employee, subcontractor and laborer has benefitted from her expertise and understanding.” At Current Builders, safety is not a goal; it is the primary per- formance standard. We follow a top-down commitment to safe per- formance and unsurpassed quality. No job is so important that it can’t be performed safely. Under Deborah’s leadership, the safety program demands that every employee, subcontractor and field construction project “stand as an example of how to work expeditiously, without work- ing in harms way.” “Toward that end, we have de- veloped a comprehensive set of standards to ensure the safety of our workers and their environ- ment,” she said. Deborah has earned a reputa- tion in the industry as a proven in- novator and results-oriented professional and is enthusiastic about establishing the footprint for this enhanced new position at Cur- rent Builders. “This is an exciting opportunity,” Hampton said. “Current Builders is one of the most respected general contractors in the state, and I am looking forward to working with the firm to continue their excellent track record in this realm.” As Current Builders continues to expand in both the east coast and west coast Florida markets, the company searched for outstanding new members to facilitate long- term growth goals and Hampton’s superior skill set, tremendous lead- ership qualities and innate desire to mentor the next generation made her a obvious choice. “Deborah is an invaluable asset to Current Builders and has fos- tered a heightened sense of con- nection among our work force,” said Binford. “Through her pro- grams and guidance, every team member developed a deeper un- derstanding of our dependence upon each other to create a safer environment. Deborah’s contribu- tions to our firm has created a rip- ple affect as each employee, subcontractor and laborer has ben- efitted from her expertise and un- derstanding.” This is article is part of a continuing series recognizing Women in Construction who are Industry Leaders. For more details on nominations contact Chase@floridaconstructionnews.com Thank You Deborah Hampton, For Putting Our Team’s Safety Front And Center, 24/7 Congratulations On Your Highly Deserved Recognition By Florida Construction News... Keep Up The Good Work! CORPORATE OFFICE: 2251 Blount Road Pompano Beach, FL 33069 T (954) 977-4211 currentbuilders.com WEST COAST OFFICE: 5200 Paylor Lane Sarasota, FL 34240 T (813) 316-4611 Florida Construction News — FALL 2020 – 7
B & I NEWS: COVID-19 solutions – Contractor installs Bipolar Ionization units for businesses seeking to provide a safer and cleaner air environment to their customers Florida Construction News special feature The Broadway Palm Dinner The- atre management in Fort Myers re- cently reached out to B & I Contractors to recommend and in- stall filtration methods to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, in partic- ular, COVID-19. Bipolar Ionization units are in- stalled to safely clean the air by re- ducing the infectivity of common viruses. Testing has demonstrated that common pathogens such as COVID-19, Legionella, MRSA (Methi- cillin-resistant Staphylococcus au- reus) and E. Coli, and others, can be greatly reduced with the use of this technology. “Because of this addition to our air handlers, along with other in- creased health and safety meas- ures, we are able to reopen with the confidence that our venue will be as safe as possible for our customers, employees and cast members,” said Will Prather, owner and executive producer of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. The Bipolar Ionization filters provided for the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater were supplied by Commercial Air Management (CAM) and will be installed in the airstream of the air handling unit. Similarly, Marlene Downer, prop- erty manager of Beachway Profes- —————— Continued on page 9 PROUDLY CELEBRATING 60 YEARS Quality • Integrity • Teamwork • Safety Since 1960, B&I CONTRACTORS has been the industry leader you can trust for the installation and service of MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL and PLUMBING systems. B&I’s Team of Emploee-Owners continuously offers the best quality and value through progressive and innovative solutions combined with our state-of-the-art fabrication capabilities. Executive Leadership Team- From left to right: Brian Kelly, CFO; Gary Griffin, President; Jason Grabowski, Executive Vice President/COO; Mike Novo, Operations Manager; Jeff Zenoniani, Vice President Service. Featured Current Projects- Luminary Hotel, Fort Myers, FL; Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice Campus, Venice, FL; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Hollywood, FL. MECHANICAL | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | REFRIGERATION | SERVICE LEARN MORE: CALL 239-332-4646 or VISIT bandiflorida.com 8 – FALL 2020 — Florida Construction News
71-year-old construction company owner arrested for workers’ compensation fraud Ontario Construction News staff writer A construction company owner has been arrested for allegedly concealing payroll information to avoid paying more than $95,000 in workers’ compensation premiums. Everardo Borettini, 71, the owner of EFC Construc- tion Corporation, was arrested on Sept. 24, the state’s chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis said in a state- ment. Borettini entered a “not guilty” plea to charges workers’ compensation fraud, organized scheme to de- fraud, first-degree grand theft and organized scheme to defraud over $50,000.on Sept. 28. His attorney Andy Rier was quoted by the Miami Herald on Sept. 30 as saying: “I look forward to a quick and favorable resolu- tion for my client.” State corporation records indicate EFC Construction Corporation is an inactive business that has been ad- ministratively dissolved for failing to file an annual re- port since 2018. The state records indicate the business was incorporated in 2016. The business is registered to a residential building in Weston, a master- planned suburban community in Broward County. “Businesses having the appropriate coverage for their employees is extremely important and avoiding carrying adequate workers’ compensation insurance is a crime, placing injured workers at risk and ultimately inflating insurance rates for honest businesses,” Patro- nis said in a statement. “I appreciate the outstanding work of our dedicated insurance fraud detectives and urge anyone that suspects insurance fraud to report it to FraudFreeFlorida.com.” B & I news —————— from page 8 sional Center, contacted B & I to in- quire about HVAC UV light technol- ogy. However, once she learned about Bipolar Ionization, she deter- mined that it was the best and most cost-efficient solution she could offer her concerned tenants. “I wanted to let my tenants know that I am doing something for them and having ionizers throughout the building is a great idea,” Downer said. B & I will be installing 53 Ionizers to service the air handlers on the three floors of the Beachway Building. EFC Construction Corporation operated from an apartment in Weston in Broward County, according to Florida State corporation filings An investigation by the Bureau of Investigative and Forensic Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation Fraud discovered Borettini allegedly concealed payroll information to avoid paying higher workers’ compensa- tion premiums. The investigation revealed that EFC Construction Corporation allegedly conducted more than $1.5 million in payroll during the policy period but Borettini originally reported an annual estimated remu- neration of $68,648 in payroll on their workers’ com- pensation insurance policy, effectively avoiding more than $95,000 in workers’ compensation premiums. Everardo Borettini surrendered himself to CFO Pa- tronis’ fraud detectives on Sept. 24 and was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. Borettini faces charges of work- ers’ compensation premium fraud, grand theft and or- ganized scheme to defraud. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison. Individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. B&I Contractors announces 13 apprenticeship graduates B&I Contractors says it has an- nounced 13 apprenticeship gradu- ates with “great pleasure and excitement”. Jesse Foster, Bradley Kopale and Lucas McKee have graduated and re- ceived their HVAC-4 Certification; Romie Franklin and Isaac Washing- ton have graduated and received their Plumbing Certification (PL-4), Douglas Grossi has graduated and received his Electrical Certification (EL-4) from Tri-County Apprentice- ship Academy (TCAA) in Lee County. Jose Angel Lopez Del Toro and Gremir Mendez-Cardenas have grad- uated and received their Plumbing Certification (PL-4) from ABC Florida East Coast - American Builders and Contractors Institute in Broward County. Alan Ruiz has graduated and re- ceived his Plumbing Certification (PL- 4) from United Service Training Corporation - USTC East Coast (USTC) in Broward County. Elton Elliot; Osmay Tejada Sanchez and Ryan Varney have grad- uated and received their Sheet Metal Certification (SM-4) from ABC Florida North - American Builders and Con- tractors Institute representing Leon to Escambia Counties. Alejandro Hernandez has gradu- ated and received his Plumbing Cer- tification (PL-4) from Tampa Bay Tech Evening School part of the Hillsbor- ough County Public Schools. Florida Construction News — FALL 2020 – 9
PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Here are some recent projects and opportunities reported by Florida Construction News online and in our weekly eletter. You can subscribe to the free eletter through the link at www.floridaconstruction- news.com. Summit has built 36 charter schools in Florida, South Carolina and Michigan. the two-storey, 70,000 sq. ft. structure will be fol- lowed by a future development phase, including a 14,000 sq. ft. gymnasium. Work begins on $106 million Miami redevelopment Related Group and Miami-Dade County have broken ground on Three Round Towers B&C/Brisas del Este in the Allapattah neighbor- hood. The 383-unit project involves the rehabilitation of two existing towers and the creation of an adjacent new construction building, reports Multi- Housing News Online. The existing Three Round Towers development was built in 1970 on a roughly 7-acre site at 2920 NW 18th Ave. For the $106 million affordable housing redevelopment project, Miami-Dade County partnered with Related Urban Development Group, the affordable housing arm of de- veloper Related Group. Summit Construction to start work on $20 million North Naples charter school Construction will start soon on a new $20 million charter school in North Naples. Summit Construction Manage- ment Group will build the Naples Classical Academy (NCA) at 10270 Immokalee Rd., just east of Collier Boulevard in North Naples. The proj- ect is currently in the permitting stage, Naples Florida Weekly has reported. 10 – FALL 2020 — Florida Construction News The 17-acre property is the cur- rent location of Fogg’s Nursery, which is relocating. The site was se- lected for its proximity to the high- growth intersection of Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard, which includes Founders Square, a 55- acre mixed-use development that is currently under construction. “We’re thrilled to launch Naples Classical Academy in North Naples, an area that is experiencing strong residential and commercial growth,” said Erika Donalds, president and founder of The Optima Foundation, the nonprofit charter management organization that is helping estab- lish and manage NCA. “This new tu- ition-free public charter school’s location offers the opportunity for families in the surrounding areas to choose a high-quality classical edu- cation for their children.” FDOT buying land for $40 million I-95 exit at Oslo Road State officials are trying to ac- quire 122 acres of property for a new $40 million Interstate 95 exit at Oslo Rd., reports TCPalm. The Florida Department of Trans- portation wants to begin construc- tion in 2025 and has a budget of about $11.5 million to buy about 122 acres of right of way adjacent to I-95 for the project. The project includes building a new I-95 exit 5.5 miles north of the Indrio Rd. exit and 3.8 miles south of the I-95 exit south of State Rd. 60. Construction has been budgeted for the 2025-2026 budget year, and will take about three years. Planning underway on surfing complex and mixed-use project in Fort Pierce Developers are planning to build a multi-million surfing complex and a mixed-use development project in the city of Fort Pierce. Willow Lakes is a 200-acre com- munity development that will in- clude at least 800 residential homes, 600 hotel rooms, 400,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 125,000 sq. ft. of office space, reports Inman. The project is anticipated to cre- ate about 3,400 jobs during the con- struction phase. The first phase will feature the WaveGarden simulated surfing park, food and beverage fa- cilities, and possibly a 150-room hotel. Ash Grove to upgrade cement import terminal in Florida Cement supplier Ash Grove, a CRH company, (formerly Suwannee American Cement in Florida), says it is undertaking a major transforma- tion project at its Port Manatee deep water import terminal. The company says the project will im- prove Ash Grove’s capacity to im- port cement, cement slag and flyash to meet the existing and fu- ture needs of customers in the Florida and South Georgia markets. The upgrade project includes the addition of a high capacity FLS/Ko- vako ship unloader at the terminal,
PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES together with the upgrade of exist- ing material transfer and electrical systems, and the addition of self- loading capabilities. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2021, with the improved facility in full op- eration by the end of that year. “The infrastructure improve- ments and new technology will also increase efficiency and improve en- vironmental performance at the strategically located Port Manatee terminal, leveraging its existing silo capacity and complementing the capabilities of Ash Grove’s cement plants in Sumterville and Branford,” the statement says. “The underlying fundamentals in the Florida market are positive with good population and employment growth. The upgrade of the Port Manatee import terminal will ex- pand our capabilities and strengthen our ability to meet grow- ing demand in the region,” said Ash Grove regional president, Monica Manolas. CanAm Enterprises invests $50 million in Hialeah warehouse park CanAm Enterprises has invested in a Hialeah warehouse project. The EB-5 investment firm in- vested $50 million into the County- line Corporate Park project in August. The money will fund con- struction of 1.2 million sq. ft. of warehouse space, reports the Miami Herald. Flagler Global Logistics is devel- oping the 8.4 million-sq.-ft. indus- trial park running from Northwest 154th to 170th streets and North- west 97th to 107th avenues in Hialeah. CanAm is expected to invest an- other $125 million before the sum- mer 2021. prenticeship opportunities in con- struction and technologies in the Upper Keys. Ground broken for 167- room hotel near Tampa Daniel Corporation begins work on high-rise near Tampa Bay’s massive Water Street project Moss Construction says it has broken ground on J.W. Marriott Clearwater Beach, a 167-room beachfront hotel that will also fea- ture 31 residential units in Clearwa- ter. The 391,059-sq.-ft. building will have a pool, bar, spa, meeting rooms, ballrooms, fitness center, a beachfront restaurant and about 250 feet of private beach. Designed by Baker Barrios, the project is situated on Clearwater Beach at 691 S. Gulfview Blvd. The developer is Kiran Patel. A timeline for completion of the project was not disclosed. Construction begins on new college building in Upper Keys Construction is underway on a new building at the College of the Florida Keys in the Upper Keys. The new Category 5 facility build- ing will allow the college to expand programs in the Upper Keys that in- clude nursing, emergency medical technician, marine environmental technology and public safety, re- ports Keys Weekly. The building is expected to be completed in August 2021. With a grant from the state De- partment of Economic Opportunity, the college is also expanding ap- Birmingham, Alabama.-based Daniel Corporation has purchased land in Tampa Bay for a new resi- dential development near the city’s expansive Water Street project. The 324-unit rental high rise begin construction in the next few weeks, with work to be completed by the fall of 2022, the developer said in a news release reported by the Tampa Bay Times. The project’s site is land at the corner of E. Twiggs Street and Channelside. The project is separate from the Water Street project, a joint venture of Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and Microsoft founder Bill Gates, that is expected to be com- pleted in 2026 or 2027 and is the biggest real estate project in the city’s history, the newspaper re- ported. “With pedestrian access to some of Tampa’s most exciting new developments — including Water Street Tampa ... we are thrilled to have the opportunity to transform Tampa’s most desirable undevel- oped block,” the developer’s execu- tive vice-president Justin Weintraub said in a statement. Daniel spokeswoman Burgoyne McClendon told the newspaper that the company will name the project and launch a website with more in- formation in the next few months. Florida Construction News — FALL 2020 – 11
FLORIDA'S TOP 10 WOMEN OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LEADERS REPORT! Nominations are open for the Top 10 Women Construction Industry Leaders of Florida! Our next report can celebrate your nominee and the other Top 10 Women Constrution Industry Leaders of Florida! Articles will highlight the projects they worked on, the products they represent and the services their company provides. You can submit 4 nominations for clients, customers, industry partners or someone you work with. Our Top 10 List represents Owners, Executives, Managers and Front-Line staﬀ. We will publishing reports on diﬀerent sectors representing Contractors, Sub-trades, Suppliers, Service Professionals and Industry Leaders based on your nominees throughout the year. With a quarter page sponsorship, we will dedicate a full page to your nominee with editorial coverage that they can review before publication. The larger the sponsorship, the more room for interviews and photos. The Florida Construction News readers are developers, contractors, architects, government oﬃcials, sub trades and industry partners. Join almost 9,000 readers of our e-newsletter and magazine in across across the state along with 25,000 additional US readers across the country. For more details on editorial and advertising deadlines or questions about the report contact Chase Director of Marketing & Client Relations Florida Construction News chase@ﬂoridaconstructionnews.com 1-888-627-8717 Ext. 212 www.ﬂoridaconstructionnews.com Size 1/8 page 1/4 page 1/3 page 1/2 page Full page COLOUR 1/8 page 1/4 page 1/3 page 1/2 page Full page Price $385.00 $675.00 $995.00 $1,285.00 $2,000.00 + $100.00 + $150.00 + $225.00 + $275.00 + $475.00