TAMPA, Fla. – DRMP earned multiple project awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida Chapter, West Coast Branch, recognizing the firm’s impact on infrastructure in the Tampa region.
The awards were presented on March 20 at the West Coast Branch’s Annual Luncheon.
42nd Avenue North Roadway and Sidewalk Improvements Project
Among the honors, DRMP was named Consultant of the Year in the Roads and Highways category for its work on the 42nd Avenue North Roadway and Sidewalk Improvements project in Pinellas County, which also won Project of the Year in the Transportation category.
As the prime consultant for Pinellas County, DRMP transformed the corridor into an urban roadway with safe, ADA-compliant sidewalks connecting to nearby schools. The project converted a two-lane rural road into a two-lane urban curb-and-gutter roadway with pavement reconstruction, added a closed drainage system, and eliminated deep roadside ditches along a 1-mile stretch between 46th Street North and 35th Street North.
The team successfully overcame multiple challenges, including meeting the Florida Department of Transportation’s Local Agency Program (LAP) schedule requirements, managing underground utilities, working around a shallow water table, addressing floodplain impacts, and maintaining traffic flow during construction.
“This project was about improving safety and connectivity for the community,” said Pavan Paiavula, PE, project manager. “We’re proud to have delivered a solution that enhances mobility while overcoming significant engineering challenges.”
Hillsborough County Critical Culvert Inspection Project
DRMP also received Project of the Year in the Disaster Emergency Construction/Repair category for its work on the Hillsborough County Critical Culvert Inspection project.
Serving as the prime consultant, DRMP visually inspected more than 860 “critical” pipes – larger, aging culverts that posed a higher risk to infrastructure and public safety. The firm’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team played a key role in streamlining the field inspection process. By developing a digital field collection form using ESRI Field Maps, the team enabled inspectors to document pipe conditions with photos and notes in real time. This data fed directly into automated reports, consolidating field observations with County records into a single, comprehensive document.
“The integration of GIS significantly improved efficiency and accuracy and allowed Hillsborough County to make data-driven decisions about future repairs," said Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP ND, project manager. “The one-page feature reports, though not originally in the scope, became a valuable tool for the County, especially in preparing for future flooding events.”
Safford Avenue Pickleball Courts and Parks Improvements Project
DRMP also received Project of the Year in the Structures category for the Safford Avenue Pickleball Courts and Parks Improvements project in Tarpon Springs.
As the prime consultant for the City of Tarpon Springs, DRMP designed and oversaw the construction of new pickleball courts, complete with lighting and enhanced park features, such as improved pedestrian access and sidewalk connectivity. The project was driven by strong community support for this popular sport.
One of the biggest challenges was fitting four courts into the park’s limited space while maintaining proper grading, drainage, and accessibility. The team successfully navigated geometric constraints posed by existing sidewalks, trees, and a nearby fitness area. Other challenges included grading and drainage for the four courts while avoiding impacts to utilities and nearby wetlands.
“We worked closely with the City to ensure the design met both functional and aesthetic goals,” said Bruno Arriola, PE, ENV SP, project manager. “The courts have quickly become a favorite spot for residents, and we’re thrilled to have been part of delivering this community asset.”
DRMP is honored to be recognized for these projects and remains committed to delivering innovative, community-focused infrastructure solutions.
About DRMP
DRMP is a multi-discipline firm serving clients in the public, private and industrial sectors in the development of infrastructure and has been in business since 1977. DRMP currently employs 700 professionals in 24 office locations spread strategically across our service area. Today, DRMP is ranked among Engineering News-Record’s “Top 500 Design Firms” in the United States. For more information, please visit www.drmp.com.
