FNGLA members and staff pose with speaker Pete Hegseth of Fox and Friends at the FNLGA-PAC Dinner. | FNGLA Photo
President's Letter: FNGLA-PAC Dinner and a busy Hurricane Season
October 4, 2024
As I began this letter, we were keeping an eye on Hurricane Kirk and Tropical Storm Leslie, which were brewing in the Atlantic. We hold our breath for a few more weeks to get through this time of year – Atlantic Hurricane Season. I’m thankful for the legwork and leadership of those who served before. Through their foresight, important hurricane preparedness documents for our industry and the FNGLA Foundation were implemented. If you are not aware of either, please visit the FNGLA website for more information.
We have since gone through another hurricane - the historically destructive Hurricane Milton. My heart goes out to those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton in our great state and beyond. Speaking with friends in our coastal communities: I learn the storms destroyed what I like to think of as old Florida. I’ve been told places like Cedar Key, Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach will never be the same after this storm. Twenty-foot storm surge was reported in areas after Helene, and Milton only exacerbated the massive destruction. Our area nurseries near Ocala were impacted with reports of greenhouses being blown down, potting sheds being pealed open like cans, and plants in fields laid down by the thousands. We also had reports of fellow FNGLA members in the Tampa area being impacted by flooding, destroying everything. But again, and time and time again, the association and surrounding FNGLA Chapters stand proud to support members. Clean-up efforts are underway. FNGLA’s Executive Officers are here to help. If there is anything we can do, please reach out.
On October 2, I was honored to attend FNGLA’s Political Action Committee (FNGLA-PAC) dinner in St. Augustine. Wow! That’s all I can say about our association and weight we carry in Tallahassee. Pete Hegseth with Fox News, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, and Senator Jay Collins joined us for the event and delivered great news on the mission they serve and the state of play in Tallahassee and in D.C. Attending this event was one of my most memorable experiences as your FNGLA President thus far. If you missed out on this event, stay tuned for more events in the future and join in the mission of the FNGLA-PAC to make a difference.
Lastly, on October 26, fellow member and good friend Steve Hall from Stahlman England Irrigation out of Naples is calling out to all anglers for support for an annual fundraising event Emma’s Hope, a faith-based non-profit focused on special needs children. The event will be staged at Mullock Creek in Ft. Myers and for a cost for $75 per person your entry fee is covered, lunch and tournament shirt is provided. For more information on Emma’s Hope please visit www.emmashopenp.com.
Your 2024 – 25 FNGLA President,
Phillip Hisey
