FSA Members -

It is Fall once again in Florida. This year has presumably been a challenge for most of us with another hot summer and a year of temperatures well over 90°, with feels-like temperatures in the high 90's to low 100's. And it's not a dry heat. The rainfall front hasn't been much better with Tampa already about 10" over for just July levels.

But it's not all bad since we are all the "cup is half-full" kind of professionals. These conditions allow us to use our stormwater design skills to their fullest. Last year FSA provided tremendous learning and networking opportunities at the Fall, Winter, and Summer conferences. Topics ranged from traditional water quality studies to septic system contribution calculations, and rate study analysis and implementation. There was something for everyone, and every discipline, within the stormwater field.

This year stands to be even better. Those opportunities are one of the primary reasons FSA achieved its highest membership level with 327 member organizations (4,100 individuals). FSA continues its purpose to "enhance the effective management and operations of stormwater utilities" along with studying, researching, and conveying information regarding water quality, water quantity (flooding), and legislative issues and potential solutions.

We cannot rest on our laurels. We must remember that we are a group of highly trained and knowledgeable individuals. As such, we must continue to carry the message forward that proper policies, design criteria, and design and maintenance implementation are critical to improving the health of all Florida water bodies, and the environment as a whole.

As the returning Membership Chair, I want to ensure that you and your organizations' interests and concerns are represented. I also want to make sure that we reach as many stormwater professionals as possible and remind everyone that we're all on the Membership Committee. Please reach out to your colleagues and make sure they know about FSA and the tremendous work we are doing. Remind them of the depth of learning opportunities FSA provides, and not just at conferences. FSA has training throughout the entire state for every level of stormwater professional. This training starts with the line workers who spray herbicides to combat invasive plant species, to the civil engineers designing the next breakthrough in water quality improvements. This association is truly all-inclusive.

I look forward to seeing you in December at the Winter Conference in Tampa. See you soon.

Lisa Henry, City of Orlando
Membership Committee Chair