Several utility workers from Marion County shined in competition this weekend, earning the honor of representing the state at the International Lineman’s Rodeo later this year.
Corey Sill of Ocala earned first place in the Apprentice Overall category at the annual Duke Energy Lineman’s Rodeo, which was held over the weekend in Winter Garden.
Sill’s victory ensures he will represent the region at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas, later this fall. There, he will compete against top-tier lineworkers from across the globe.
Joining Sill on the road to the international competition is a powerhouse journeyman team from Dunnellon. Charles McNulty and Noah Scarpetta, both based in Dunnellon, secured first place in the Journeyman Overall category alongside teammate Jonathan Radomski of Inverness.
The rodeo serves as a training ground where workers practice complex repairs and restoration tasks in a controlled, de-energized environment. These events allow lineworkers to reinforce the strict safety standards and technical precision required to work quickly during real-world outages and emergency service restorations.
According to Duke Energy, these competitions are vital for maintaining a resilient electric grid.
Marc Arnold, Duke Energy Florida senior vice president of power grid operations, noted that the expertise demonstrated at the rodeo is what customers depend on year-round to deliver dependable service.
The 2026 Duke Energy Florida Lineman’s Rodeo was supported by a massive local effort, including 45 Duke Energy volunteers and 75 students and staff from five Florida community colleges.
The event also utilized 70 judges and 15 bucket truck operators to manage the various technical challenges.
Sill, McNulty, and Scarpetta will spend the coming months preparing for the international stage in Kansas, where they will showcase the elite craftsmanship and reliability of Marion County’s utility professionals.
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