News

DRMP’s Design Wins APWA Florida Award for Hillsborough County’s Temple Park Flooding Relief Project

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. – DRMP’s Chinaberry Drive at Baywood Drive Drainage Improvement Project design received the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida Project of the Year Award in the Environment Category. The project was formally recognized during the APWA Florida Public Works Expo on April 8.

This marks the project’s second APWA honor. Last month, it received the APWA West Coast Branch Award in the Environment Category. The latest recognition represents a statewide achievement.

“The APWA Florida state awards are highly competitive each year, and we are extremely proud that our project stood out among so many exceptional entries,” said DRMP Vice President Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP, ND, who served as the project manager. “This award reflects the expertise of the entire DRMP project team and the difference our work makes for the residents who have endured flooding in this area for decades.”

For more than 60 years, residents of Temple Park in Temple Terrace, Fla., have endured chronic flooding caused by inadequate drainage. Since the neighborhood was first built in the 1960s, rainstorms frequently transformed streets into ponds. Chinaberry Drive would routinely flood, making access to homes difficult and creating stagnant water that led to mosquito breeding. Additionally, the intersection of Temple Park Drive and Baywood Drive would often flood, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.

That changed with the Chinaberry Drive at Baywood Drive Drainage Improvements project, completed in December 2025. Hillsborough County tasked DRMP with solving the decades-old drainage issues through engineering analysis, modern stormwater management techniques, and infrastructure upgrades. The system was designed to meet appropriate service-level criteria and ensure reliable performance during extreme rainfall.

The project included designing and installing enhanced storm drains, regrading roadways, and upgrading underground infrastructure, including replacing aging asbestos concrete water mains with durable PVC. These improvements reduced flooding, improved access for residents and emergency services, and provided a resilient, environmentally responsible solution for the neighborhood. By incorporating erosion controls and attention to water quality, the project also minimized standing water and supported the surrounding watershed.

Through smart planning, phased construction, and clear communication with residents, DRMP maintained access to homes throughout the project and delivered a long-term solution that addresses decades of flooding while prioritizing safety, environmental protection, and community well-being.

About DRMP
Since 1977, DRMP has earned a reputation as a trusted multidiscipline engineering firm that approaches challenges differently. What began as a small Florida-based firm has grown into a Southeastern powerhouse with over 700 employees across 23 offices. We partner with clients to deliver smart, sustainable infrastructure that helps communities thrive.

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

We value connection, creativity, and a welcoming, engaging culture that empowers employees to grow their careers. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us from the start.

DRMP Named a 2026 USA Today Top Workplace, Marking Back-to-Back Wins

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

ORLANDO, Fla. – DRMP has earned a 2026 USA Today Top Workplaces award, marking its second consecutive year receiving the recognition.

The award is based entirely on employee feedback and recognizes organizations with 150 or more employees that demonstrate an exceptional, people-centered culture. USA Today showcased the winners online as well as at USA Today’s National Awards Summit in Las Vegas, Nev.

Employee input was gathered through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the Human Resources research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. Responses measure Workplace Experience Themes, which are closely tied to engagement and organizational performance.

"This recognition means a lot because it comes down to our people,” DRMP President and CEO Glenn Lusink, PSM, said. “Their ideas and collaboration help define the people-first culture we’ve built."

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

DRMP Expert to Help Agencies Navigate FEMA Disaster Recovery Changes at APWA Florida Expo

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. – As the landscape of disaster recovery in the United States shifts, public works agencies confront increasing responsibilities in post-disaster response and recovery. Recent legislation and administrative initiatives signal major changes to FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, creating new opportunities and challenges for local governments.

DRMP supports clients in preparing for extreme weather events and recovering from their impacts. The firm’s disaster resiliency services include resilient design, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) substantial damage surveys, post-disaster damage assessment, grant management and administration, recovery management, and hazard mitigation solutions.

Josh Norman, DRMP’s disaster resilience and sustainability practice leader, will present “The Changing World of FEMA and Disaster Recovery” at the APWA 2026 Florida Public Works Expo on April 8 at 9 a.m., at the Hilton Tampa Downtown and Tampa Convention Center. Public works professionals, city and county staff, and local government leaders will learn actionable strategies to organize resources, train teams, and execute disaster recovery tasks under emerging FEMA guidance.

The session will review key provisions of the FEMA Act, which has 32 bipartisan co-sponsors, passed out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is anticipated for a House vote. The session will highlight adjustments public works departments can implement now to prepare for a larger role in future disaster response.

“FEMA is entering a period of significant transformation,” Norman said. “Our goal is to help agencies understand these changes, streamline processes, and equip their teams to act efficiently when disasters strike so federal funding can flow swiftly when it’s needed.”

Attendees will learn how to better organize staff and resources to perform required funding-related tasks within mandated timelines, train their teams on new FEMA requirements and post-disaster procedures, and execute streamlined disaster recovery programs that align with updated FEMA processes. Norman will share examples of how agencies can proactively prepare for future disasters, reduce response time, improve resource allocation, and enhance community resilience.

“By understanding the changes ahead, public works teams can move from reactive response to proactive and compliant recovery,” Norman said. “This session will empower professionals to lead their departments through evolving FEMA programs with confidence.”

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

DRMP Experts to Share Innovative GIS-Based Stormwater Solutions at APWA Florida Expo 2026

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. – When hurricane and tropical storm season arrives in Florida, there is always the fear that heavy rains could flood homes, make streets impassable, and disrupt daily routines. Knowing the condition of stormwater infrastructure allows municipalities to minimize flooding, protect property, and respond quickly when severe weather hits.

DRMP Vice President Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP, ND, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Group Leader Mark Brown, GISP, will present “Enhancing Stormwater System Assessments with GIS Integration” at the APWA 2026 Florida Public Works Expo on April 7 at 2:30 p.m., at the Hilton Tampa Downtown and Tampa Convention Center.

Public works professionals, engineers, city staff, and local government leaders will learn actionable approaches to enhance stormwater inspections, improve decision-making, and protect communities from Florida’s frequent storms. The session will also cover practical strategies for scaling GIS-driven stormwater programs, including data visualization, risk scoring, and collaborative workflows. Attendees will gain insight into improving communication between engineering, operations, and maintenance teams while supporting long-term asset management.

“Our GIS team is always innovating to make stormwater inspections more efficient,” Brown said. “By streamlining complex data, we help agencies save time, reduce costs, and make proactive decisions that improve system performance and community resilience.”

Stormwater Culvert

The presentation will also highlight how combining field inspections with GIS technology transforms stormwater management, enabling municipalities to prioritize repairs, extend the life of critical infrastructure, and strengthen community resilience.

Garth and Brown will showcase lessons from DRMP’s partnership with Hillsborough County Public Works on a project where the firm inspected more than 800 critical stormwater pipes, many over 30 years old. To manage this large-scale project efficiently, DRMP developed a GIS-based workflow using ESRI Field Maps. Field crews used tablets and smartphones to inspect each pipe, record condition data, and attach geotagged photos, while office staff monitored results and tracked progress in real time. This system created a transparent, collaborative approach to managing stormwater infrastructure and informed strategic planning for maintenance and repairs.

Stormwater Culvert

Stormwater infrastructure must be routinely evaluated for obstructions, structural deficiencies, safety issues, and signs of illicit discharges that can impair system performance. Regular evaluations of pump stations and culverts – including pumps, valves, electrical systems, and structural components – help ensure these assets remain reliable, especially during high-intensity rainfall events. Proactive inspections and maintenance reduce emergency repair costs, extend service life, and support regulatory compliance and resiliency goals.

Drawing on his experience inspecting hundreds of culverts, Garth knows the value of integrating GIS into field assessments.

“After decades of manually collecting data on these systems, I know how time-consuming and critical this work can be,” Garth said. “Integrating GIS into our inspections makes the process far more efficient while still helping communities prevent small issues from becoming major problems.”

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration. We value connection, creativity, and a welcoming, engaging culture that empowers employees to grow their careers. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us from the start.

DRMP to Highlight Regional Collaboration Behind New Escambia-Santa Rosa Traffic Management Center

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. – Imagine a crash avoided before it happens or emergency responders dispatched before a 911 call is made. That’s the goal behind the new Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) being constructed to serve Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The RTMC will use real-time data and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and optimize how traffic is monitored and managed in the region.

How this vision became a reality – and the collaboration behind it – will be the focus of an upcoming presentation by DRMP Senior Vice President Ben Faust, PE, and DRMP Traffic Engineer Deston Taylor, PE, PTOE. They will present “Escambia-Santa Rosa Regional Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS)” at the APWA 2026 Florida Public Works Expo at 9:45 a.m., April 7, at the Hilton Tampa Downtown and Tampa Convention Center. Public works professionals, transportation planners, engineers, and local government leaders will gain insight into how a regional, collaborative approach can improve traffic signal operations and system performance. They will also highlight the evolution of the Escambia-Santa Rosa ATMS, a program DRMP has supported shortly after its conception.

Preliminary 90 percent drawings of the new Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC)

The session will explore how the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (FL-AL TPO) served as an “umbrella” agency to coordinate traffic signal operations across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida’s Panhandle. The effort established a unified regional program in collaboration with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 3, the FL-AL TPO, and local agencies. Faust’s and Taylor’s insights will demonstrate how collaboration, long-term planning, and strategic investment can strengthen traffic operations and support more efficient transportation networks.

“What makes this program successful is the collaboration behind it,” Faust said. “By bringing multiple agencies together under a unified approach, we’ve created a system that operates more efficiently and delivers better results for the public. This model shows how regional partnerships and smart technology investments can improve traffic operations.”

The Road to the RTMC

In 2019, FDOT District 3 Traffic Operations tasked the FL-AL TPO to act as an “umbrella” agency to bring five local agencies’ traffic signal operations programs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties together to create a cohesive, regional ATMS.

Today, more than 380 traffic signals in the two-county region are communicating with a central system with full program buy-in from all five local agencies and FDOT, leading to ATMS buildout projects being added into the Five-Year Work Program.

Attendees will also learn how this model can be applied to other traffic operations programs and gain insight into the tools and strategies that support a modern ATMS.

Preliminary 90 percent drawings of the new Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC)

For the past several years, DRMP has been managing the operations of the more than 380 traffic signals throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties using central management software, live camera feeds, and a regional Traffic Signal Operations Center (TSOC) located in the Escambia County Public Works building. From this existing setup, staff monitor conditions, identify issues remotely, adjust signal timing, and coordinate with maintenance teams to address field issues and keep traffic moving efficiently.

“For years, DRMP has managed traffic signals in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties from a small operations setup,” Taylor said. “With the new RTMC, we’ll have a fully staffed state-of-the-art facility with expanded coordination and more visibility, allowing us to coordinate responses with more advanced tools and data to help reduce fatalities.”

The session will also examine the development of the new RTMC, which will serve as the central hub for ATMS operations in the region. Currently under construction, the facility will expand operational capabilities with dedicated staff and enhanced monitoring tools to support more advanced traffic management and coordination. Once operational, it will improve coordination with law enforcement and emergency services, faster incident response, and more effective management of traffic conditions throughout the system. Construction of the new RTMC is expected to be complete in late 2027 or early 2028.

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

DRMP Recognized as a Tampa Bay Times Top Workplaces 2026 Firm

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. – DRMP has been named a Top Workplaces 2026 company in the (Large category) by the Tampa Bay Times, marking the firm’s first appearance on this list. This recognition is based solely on employee feedback collected through a confidential survey conducted by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC.

The survey measures the employee experience across key themes, including feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute. Employees provide insights on workplace culture, work-life balance, and professional growth opportunities.

“Being recognized by our employees in this way shows the culture we’re building is one where people feel valued, supported, and able to grow,” DRMP President and CEO Glenn Lusink, PSM, said. “Their feedback motivates us to continue improving and supporting our employees.”

With more than 700 professionals across 23 offices, including a strong presence with 75 employees in the firm’s Tampa office, DRMP’s inclusion on the Top Workplaces list underscores the company’s commitment to fostering an engaging, supportive workplace.

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

New SS4A Funding Announced as Program Nears Final Rounds, DRMP Assists Communities

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

ORLANDO, Fla. – With the U.S. Department of Transportation announcing March 27 nearly $1 billion for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, DRMP is encouraging municipalities, counties, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and Tribal governments to pursue federal funding to advance roadway safety initiatives as the program approaches its final funding cycles.

“With the SS4A program sunsetting soon, it is opportune to submit for a Safety Action Plan to establish a blueprint of prioritized safety improvements,” DRMP Planning Group Leader Alia Awwad, PE, said. “It is also a great opportunity to secure funding for design and construction, at a time when construction costs are rising, but the traffic safety issue remains to be a national issue that must be addressed with urgency.”

Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the SS4A program supports safety projects that reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries. The funding can be used for safety action plans as well as the implementation of infrastructure, technology, and programmatic solutions designed to improve safety outcomes for all users. Applications are due May 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. eastern time and must be submitted through the Valid Eval portal.

DRMP brings decades of experience in transportation safety and has helped clients secure millions of dollars in federal funding for safety-focused projects. The firm’s team includes certified Road Safety Professionals (RSPs), planners, and engineers who provide support throughout the grant process – from early planning and strategy to application development and project delivery.

Awwad and her team have spearheaded many SS4A-eligible Safety Action Plans across the country and have helped communities secure millions of dollars in safety and infrastructure funding.

“With this new round of funding, communities have an opportunity to turn safety goals into actionable, funded projects,” Awwad said. “We work closely with our clients to develop competitive applications and identify solutions that align with federal priorities while addressing local safety challenges. Our goal is to help agencies not only secure funding, but also successfully implement projects.

The SS4A program offers two types of grants:

Planning and Demonstration Grants, which support the development, completion, or enhancement of an Action Plan and include demonstration activities that inform that plan.
Implementation Grants, which fund projects and strategies aligned with an existing Action Plan and may also include supplemental planning and demonstration activities.

For more information or assistance with SS4A grant applications, contact DRMP here.

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

Executive Brief: Celebrating 250 Years of Surveying and Investing in Its Future

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

As we come off National Surveyors Week and celebrate 250 years of surveying and mapping in the United States, it is a moment to reflect on one of the most essential professions in our industry. Surveying is where every project begins, grounded in accurate, reliable data that sets direction and builds trust in everything that follows.

It is also a time to recognize the strength of DRMP’s surveying and mapping/geospatial teams across the Southeast. Their depth of experience and their ability to keep evolving is a big part of what sets us apart. From traditional field practices to advanced geospatial technologies, they continue to deliver with precision, safety, and efficiency while expanding what we can do for our clients.

I think back to my early years as a rodman at DRMP in the 1980s, working my way up through the field. A lot of that time was spent in the swampy waters of Central Florida, running lines, setting points, and learning what it takes to get it right. I still keep a set of old survey equipment in my office as a reminder of those good old days. It was demanding work, but also some of the most exciting days of my career. While the tools have changed, the fundamentals have not. Surveying is still about precision, judgment, and establishing truth in the field.

Today, the profession is facing a real challenge. There are nearly 60,000 surveyors in the United States, with about 3,900 openings each year, many driven by retirements rather than growth. The average licensed surveyor is nearing retirement age, and in many cases, more professionals are leaving the field than entering it.

That is why our role matters. We are investing in the future by engaging students early through teach-ins, supporting Construction Career Days, and helping the next generation see the opportunity in this profession. We are also continuing to invest in our people through training, certifications, and advancements in Mobile LiDAR and geospatial technology so we can continue to lead in both expertise and delivery.

Surveying may start the work, but its impact carries through every phase that follows. It is up to us, and others across the industry, to support it, invest in it, and ensure it continues to grow. That is how we meet the needs of a changing industry and build the next generation of professionals who will carry this work forward.

DRMP’s Design Wins APWA Florida WCB Award for Chinaberry Drive Flood Improvements in Temple Terrace

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. – DRMP’s Chinaberry Drive at Baywood Drive Drainage Improvement project design received the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida, West Coast Branch Project of the Year Award in the Environmental category.

The project was officially celebrated at the annual APWA West Coast Branch - Annual Meeting, Awards & Scholarship Luncheon on March 19.

For more than 60 years, residents of Temple Park in Temple Terrace, Fla., have endured chronic flooding caused by inadequate drainage. Since the neighborhood was built in the 1960s, rainstorms frequently transformed streets into ponds. Chinaberry Drive would routinely flood, making access to homes difficult and creating stagnant water that led to mosquito breeding. Additionally, the intersection of Temple Park Drive and Baywood Drive would often flood, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.

DRMP Vice President Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP, ND, who served as the project manager, said the recognition is a testament to the team behind the project.

“We’re honored this project was recognized by APWA Florida, West Coast Branch,” Garth said. “More importantly, it’s rewarding to see a neighborhood finally protected from flooding after decades of challenges. This award reflects the team collaboration and care that went into making that possible.”

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

Kat Regnier Joins DRMP as South Florida Transportation Planner

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

BOCA RATON, Fla.. – DRMP has hired Kat Regnier as a transportation planner in its Boca Raton office, further expanding the firm’s capacity to deliver innovative transportation solutions in the South Florida region.

Regnier brings a multidisciplinary background in transportation planning, public health, and community development, and has experience supporting local, regional, state, and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations.

In this role, Regnier will support multimodal planning and transportation projects that expand safe, accessible, and efficient mobility options throughout South Florida. She will advance data-driven insights and tools to help clients make informed decisions for context-sensitive transportation planning and emerging mobility solutions. Regnier also will strengthen stakeholder relationships by facilitating engagement with public agencies and the community, while integrating resilience and sustainability considerations into project development and recommendations.

“South Florida is one of the most dynamic, fast-growing, and diverse regions in the country, making it an exciting environment for transportation planning,” Regnier said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work on projects that directly affect people’s quality of life and advance innovative mobility solutions.”

Her work has spanned transportation policy, program implementation, strategic planning, decarbonization, mobility innovation, and grant program management. Regnier’s expertise includes leading research, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, technical writing, and evaluation. She also will focus on enhancing project delivery and coordination through a structured yet innovative approach to research, documentation, and project management.

Regnier said she was drawn to DRMP because of the firm’s reputation for delivering high-quality, context-sensitive solutions and its commitment to future-oriented transportation systems in Florida.

“Joining DRMP gives me the opportunity to leverage my strategic thinking, technical expertise, and community-focused, forward-thinking planning gained through diverse, nationwide project experiences,” she said. “DRMP’s strong reputation across the state and its commitment to advancing resilient transportation systems align closely with my passion for creating practical, comprehensive, and sustainable mobility outcomes.”

Regnier said she is particularly interested in the opportunities emerging in South Florida’s rapidly growing transportation landscape, including expanding multimodal connectivity through transportation demand management, bus rapid transit, bike and pedestrian networks, and first- and last-mile mobility. She also pointed to growing momentum around Vision Zero safety initiatives, climate resilience and carbon reduction, and the integration of emerging technology such as automated vehicles and mobility-as-a-service platforms. Regional collaboration among metropolitan planning organizations, municipalities, and community partners, along with strategic public-private partnerships, will remain essential in advancing transportation solutions that support mobility and economic development in the region.

Regnier’s relationship-building, research expertise, and planning experience will make an immediate impact on the firm’s South Florida projects.

“Kat’s background in research and community engagement enhances our ability to help clients address transportation challenges,” DRMP Senior Planner and Project Manager Stephanie Garcia said. “Her ability to translate data and policy into practical planning strategies for effective project implementation will be a valuable asset to our growing South Florida practice.”

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.