Jamaican Florida Power & Light Lineworker Inspires Youth Back Home
POMPANO – Born in Montego Bay, Lance Gibbs came to the U.S. in 1987 and after many retail jobs he decided he needed a change and joined Florida Power & Light (FPL) to be a meter reader, after some time he made the switch to lineworker, seeking to help his community.
Today, while everyone is tucked inside their house during a stormy night, Lance is performing his duty, out in the field, climbing poles to restore our power. It is an unpredictable job under challenging conditions that requires long hours and weekends, a sacrifice many lineworkers make to keep customer lights on.
When Lance isn’t in the FPL bucket truck, he is working with the Alumni Association for his high school in Montego Bay, Cornwall College.
Lance travels back home often and has worked closely with the students from his high school to inspire them to explore careers in energy, engineering and even linework.
In addition, he has lead fundraising of more than $215,000 from different local activities. In addition, the organization raised $50,000 to put solar panels on the administrative building; annually they provide scholarships for 10 students at $1,000 dollar each and have donated over 200 computers over 6 years.
August 26 is “Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day” and FPL is highlighting the important work its skilled group of men and women do every day to help keep the lights on for customers.