CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF DEDICATION: HONORING THE CAREER OF ANDY TILTON, PE

After four decades of unwavering dedication and countless contributions to our company, we bid farewell to Andy Tilton, PE, as he embarks on a well-deserved journey into retirement. With gratitude and heartfelt appreciation, we reflect on Andy’s career and the profound impact he has had on our organization.

Andy’s journey with Johnson Engineering actually began more than a half-century ago, when he was a young boy working with his father, Walter, who provided carpentry and masonry work for our company founder, Carl E. Johnson. Walter built drafting tables and even developed customized tapered concrete property corner survey markers for the company in the early 1960s. This work fostered a relationship that led to Walter addressing uneven floor settling issues at Carl’s home. As a young boy, Andy recalls crawling under the jacked-up home, measuring, and shimming to restore the floor to a level condition.

Andy is one of only a handful of Johnson Engineering employees who had the pleasure of knowing Carl. Prior to his passing, Carl sold the company to Archie Grant in the late 1960s.

Andy went on to attend the University of Florida to pursue his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in the late 1970s. During his school breaks and summer vacations, Andy worked at Johnson Engineering where he fondly recalls conducting water level recordings along Trout Creek on Babcock Ranch, where ironically, he would eventually become the District Engineer for the Telegraph Cypress Water Management District in the 1980s. That marked the beginning of decades of Andy’s instrumental contributions to the water management and hydrology at Babcock Ranch.

When Andy graduated from UF, he had many offers from other engineering firms, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity when then-Johnson Engineering President Archie Grant offered him a full-time job. Before diving into the professional realm, Andy negotiated an extended start date to embark on a road trip adventure across the United States. His adventure took five weeks, covered 6,000 miles, and only cost him $400.

The year was 1978 and the beginning of Andy’s 45-year tenure at Johnson Engineering. On Andy’s first day, Forrest Banks tasked him with hand-coloring elevation contours on a blueprint for what is now McGregor Woods Subdivision. With no specific instructions, Andy began coloring with a red marker for the most prominent elevation. When Forrest returned hours later, to his dismay, he discovered Andy was actually colorblind. This was his first task at overcoming obstacles. Forrest built him a legend and asked him to start again, which he successfully did.

His job responsibilities had him dabbling in everything from survey curves and tangents calculations to designing residential and commercial developments throughout Lee County. Andy developed an interest in sizing pipes and stormwater routing work. Recognizing Andy’s passion for this area, Archie offered him the opportunity to work under him, focusing primarily on stormwater-related projects. This marked the beginning of Andy’s career path and the formation of the company’s Water Resources group.

In the early 80s Andy would spend hours hand calculating backwater profile calculations, which are the foundational piece of each water management system. Today, these calculations are produced in seconds thanks to modern computer software. As technology evolved, so did Andy’s methodologies, which allowed us to tackle complex projects with greater precision and efficiency.

Throughout his career Andy was thoroughly dedicated to the hydrology of Southwest Florida recording rain events, tracking inches of rainfall, and crawling through storm drains to observe and record water flow patterns, which gave our company immeasurable amounts of data that no one else had. Andy was instrumental in pioneering the company’s water management database system which contains more than a half century of water resources data.

During his role as Director of the Water Resources market group, Andy has been at the forefront of providing efficient solutions to some of the region’s most pressing water-related challenges. He has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at managing water resources, mitigating flooding risks, and safeguarding the environment for future generations. His expertise in hydrologic modeling, watershed analysis, and stormwater management has played a pivotal role in the development of comprehensive master plans for numerous cities and counties in the area. During his tenure, he embraced emerging technologies, pioneering computer modeling techniques that helped Johnson Engineering remain at the forefront of innovation in the water resource field.

Andy’s impact on Johnson Engineering’s growth and success is undeniable. From his pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence into new territories like LaBelle and Clewiston to his leadership in major projects such as Babcock Ranch and the Midfield Expansion at Southwest Florida International Airport, Andy’s legacy is integral to our decades of success.

Known for his strong faith, Andy Tilton is also a man of integrity, unwavering commitment, and unparalleled work ethic. He is an incredible mentor for the next generation of engineers who have had the privilege of working alongside him. As we honor Andy’s career and bid him farewell, we extend our sincerest wishes for a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures. Andy’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL UNDERGOES A MUCH-NEEDED RENOVATION

Johnson Engineering is proud to be the civil engineer collaborating closely with GHC Architects DBA BSSW Architects for the much-needed renovation of Riverdale High School in Lee County. Established in 1972, the school is currently undergoing vital renovations to enhance overall campus infrastructure, accommodate the growing student population, and facilitate extracurricular activities.

The renovation plans include the construction of a new science building, a new sports complex gymnasium spanning approximately 40,400 square feet, as well as new sports fields, sand volleyball courts, and additional student parking.

This extensive project involves numerous components and requires close collaboration with various companies. Adding to the complexity, renovations are occurring during school hours, with 2,000 students present. Throughout the project, our foremost priority is ensuring student safety while minimizing disruptions to the school’s daily operations. This includes the critical task of renovating the sanitary sewer, fire, and potable water systems without interruption of service.

One of the most significant enhancements is the redesigned front access, aimed at optimizing parent pick-up and drop-off procedures. By consolidating the school access points from three to one, the new design prioritizes safety and security while improving traffic flow during peak hours.

We recognize the pivotal role that educational institutions play in shaping the future, and we take great pride in contributing our expertise to projects that enhance learning environments for students in our community.

For more information contact Dana Hume at [email protected].

NAVIGATING THE TURBULENT WATERS: IMPLICATIONS & STRATEGIES FOLLOWING THE FLORIDA STATE 404 PROGRAM UPDATES

In December 2020, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) “assumed” the Section 404 federal wetland permitting program from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for certain non-tidally influenced projects in Florida. However, on February 15, 2024, the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. issued a decision to vacate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “approval of Florida’s assumption application,” effectively ending the Florida State 404 program. The Court stated that the EPA and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) “committed a serious error” by allowing the state program to utilize Section 7 (of the Endangered Species Act) Incidental Take protection, which is limited to federal agencies and actions and provides legal protection for certain “incidental” or minor impacts to endangered species.

The Court decision indicated that State 404 permits issued to date remain valid. Florida’s state wetlands regulations and permitting authority (called Environmental Resource Permits [ERP]) and USACE 404 wetland permit applications for projects in retained waters remain unaffected. However, projects awaiting FDEP’s State 404 permit review are now in limbo, as the FDEP cannot act on pending State 404 applications and is not currently providing compliance oversight of existing State 404 permits.

Recognizing the ever-changing nature of environmental permitting, our team is proactively assisting our clients affected by this development. Our ecologists are diligently preparing and submitting new 404 applications to USACE to mitigate project delays. While the duration of court proceedings remains uncertain, we’re committed to closely monitoring the situation and offering guidance as it unfolds.

For further information, please contact Laura Brady Herrero at [email protected].

CHARTING THE COURSE: RSW MASTER PLAN UPDATE TAKES FLIGHT

Johnson Engineering’s planning team is celebrating acceptance by the FAA of the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Master Plan Update.

Our firm has supported RSW’s development since its inception in 1983. RSW is a gateway to Southwest Florida and has welcomed more than 10 million passengers in 2023 and ranks among the top 50 airports in the United States for passenger traffic.

Airport master planning is important to ensure the timing and scope of needed improvements are planned, permitted, and funded to align with aviation industry trends and our region’s growing needs. Over a two-year long planning process, our planning team managed an extensive team of specialists to assess all aspects of airside, landside, terminal, and non-aviation future development opportunities and constraints. We evaluated the facility needs generated by anticipated growth in demand and determined the timing and strategy for implementing improvements. From rental car facility upgrades slated for 2028, to a future parallel runway anticipated in the 2040s, the plan defines “right-sized” improvements for the next 20 years.

Public engagement was facilitated via an online portal and public meetings, and engagement opportunities were posted in the newspaper and on social media.

Lee County now has a Master Plan Update prioritizing safety, efficiency, and resilience so that RSW is positioned for 20 more years of continued success. For more information contact Laura DeJohn, AICP at [email protected].

THE CITY OF CLEWISTON C-21 BRIDGE OPENS

Creating a means for recreational access, boaters’ access, and continuing waterside improvements brought about the inception of the C-21 Bridge project.

This bridge project idea was conceived more than 10 years ago when South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) determined that the gated culvert structure, known as S-169, was failing due to material deterioration. While the City of Clewiston wanted continued access to the recreational area north of the canal, they also wanted to have boat access to the west. After a series of discussions, SFWMD agreed to construct a replacement structure about a mile and a half to the west. This opened the possibility of boat access, but also led to needing a bridge at this location. Johnson Engineering was brought into the project in April of 2019.

Some options for construction were considered. Once permitting started, it was realized that a clear span over the canal decreased environmental concerns and would make future boat traffic safer. The longer span increased the cost of the structure, but made it come to a reality with long-term benefits. There were options to fill for the approaches. It was finally decided to minimize space used by confining the fill inside mechanically stabilized earth (MSE), so that the least amount of parking would be consumed by the approach road.

The use of a bridge had two primary objectives. The first was to cross the canal for access to the recreational area and providing an adequate crossing for maintenance by SFWMD and the United States Army Corps of Engineers with heavy equipment needed to maintain the dike and structures. The second was to provide clearance above the water elevation for boat passage. The bridge structure with MSE walls was designed by another consultant, WGI, using standard FDOT girders with a poured-in-place deck.

The City realized that financial assistance would be needed for such a project. They worked with the local State legislative delegation and were provided with funds adequate to design, permit, construct, and have construction observations completed.

Construction began in September 2022, just before Hurricane Ian plowed across the State. No damage was done, and construction resumed within a week. Work was required on both sides of the canal and SFWMD restricted use of the existing culverted structure. The contractor, Zep Construction, met that challenge by using their crane to lift and swing over the canal dirt, MSE panels, concrete, and other items too heavy to move in a pickup truck. This continued until the bridge deck was in place along with sufficient progress made with soil and MSE walls to drive across the partially completed facility.

The City decided to enhance the look of the MSE walls in two ways. The first was to have a bass image cast in the concrete for some of the panels. The panels with the bass image were spaced across the walls. No bass panels were used near the canal. This was purposeful to provide a place for medallions on each side of the opening. The medallions will match those on the City’s entry signs along US 27.

Lighting of the road, sidewalk, and buffered-bike lanes was desired. The City Commission reviewed available poles and luminaires. The style chosen will be used to illuminate the improvements under design for Ventura Avenue from Deane Duff Avenue to W. C. Owen Avenue. The luminaires have LEDs for illumination. The poles and luminaires are powder coated for long life. They are also capable of receiving attachments for banners if desired in the future.

This facility is a signature project for the City and will be the start of other improvements envisioned for this area in a recent planning study conducted through the Regional Planning Council. Manager Randy Martin said “it will anchor the waterside improvements on both sides of the Herbert Hoover Dike that the City has under consideration.”

For more information contact Andy Tilton, PE, at [email protected].

THE LEE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT BREAKS GROUND

Johnson Engineering attended the groundbreaking ceremony in November for the Lee County Emergency Operations Center Expansion project, along with the rest of the design team, construction team, Lee County leadership, and Southwest Florida emergency response teams.

This project is an expansion to one of our community’s most essential facilities when responding to disasters. It will house first-responder agencies, emergency relief organizations, and other essential agencies required to help the County recover from disasters.

Slated to open in 2025, the facility will add 38,000 square feet to the current space, including two additional floors, training facilities, sleeping areas, restrooms, showers, as well as new state of the art technology.

Johnson Engineering is very proud to be part of this project, which will contribute to the readiness and efficiency of recovery response efforts in our growing Southwest Florida community.

For more information contact Tyler Sharpe, PE, at [email protected].

19TH ANNUAL CLEAN UP AT LOVERS KEY STATE PARK CONTINUES TO HONOR OUR COMPANY’S ROOTS

On Saturday, October 21, more than 60 Johnson Engineering employees, family, and friends, volunteered for the company’s 19th year cleaning and fixing up of Lovers Key/Carl E. Johnson State Park, the park which bears our founder’s name.

Lovers Key/Carl E. Johnson State Park bears the name of our company founder, Carl E. Johnson, due to his efforts in the 1960s surveying the area and helping convince the landowners to not develop, but preserve this natural gem, eventually establishing this popular 1100-acre State Park.

All our volunteer efforts help keep the park looking its best for the visitors it attracts worldwide. This year volunteers gathered at the Lovers Key Welcome & Discovery Center and then divided into eight groups to tackle various projects throughout this popular park such as painting, rebuilding ramps, shelves, fences, and stairs that Hurricane Ian destroyed.

Things looked different this year after the park and area are still recovering from Ian, but our team was able to complete all eight projects the park needed us for this year. In one morning, our team knocked out projects that typically would have taken the park staff months to complete.

This annual event’s volunteer efforts were previously recognized by The Friends of Florida State Parks with the Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year Award for exceptional service and support.

For more information contact Juli Kern at [email protected].

JOHNSON ENGINEERING SUPPORTS OUR MOTHER’S HOME

Johnson Engineering’s annual Give Back initiative grew out of our belief that our company has an ongoing responsibility to contribute to help positively shape our local community and those who will be the future of our communities. Our search for an organization that matched our belief led us to Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida.

This organization provides young mothers, ages 11-21, in foster care and human trafficking systems, a safe, nurturing, and supporting environment to stay with their babies, learn life skills, and finish their education. Their mission is to empower them to break the generational cycle for themselves and their children.

This Christmas, Johnson Engineering employees donated hundreds of new toys, personal care items, clothing, and household items to the home. At the delivery, we also brought a special reindeer, Guinness the miniature horse. Guinness is specially trained as a therapy horse. He and his Johnson Engineering team met up with Santa and enjoyed a festive gathering with the staff, mothers, and children at Our Mother’s Home.

Community support is such an important resource for supporting Our Mother’s Home. Improving their resources will help them to empower these young women with knowledge and create a future filled with hope and possibilities.

We are honored to support such an important and impactful cause. For more information about Our Mother’s Home visit their website at https://www.ourmothershome.org, or contact Juli Kern at [email protected].