President's Message

Members,

First off, I want to thank Joy Hazell, State Specialized Agent in Conflict Management Director, Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute, School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences (FFGS), and Jon Dain, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Science for moderating this past Strategic Planning session. Our meeting was held March 31st - April 1st at the Drury Inn & Suites in Gainesville. Under their guidance, I believe the Strategic Planning Committee came away with some great discussion with amazing planning ideas worked through. The draft plan is currently being formalized for introduction at our next board meeting. With the ideas touched upon, I feel like we have a great path moving forward.

Upon completion of the Strategic Plan meeting, the Board shifted to our quarterly general session Board Meeting.

I would like to thank David Daniel, Jack Breed and the rest of the Legislative Team for a job well done. The Florida Legislative regular session ended with no action taken on either of the initiatives of concern, Survey or Licensing or Deregulation of Professions. In talking with Jack after our meeting and learning of the extra effort this group sometimes has to expend, I know we have the best Legislative assistance available. Which leads me to the FSMPAC. The Florida Surveying and Mapping Political Action Committee fund is utilized to maintain dialogue with elected officials, explaining the importance of our profession to Florida’s growth, and is central to warding off these legislative attacks that we appear to keep encountering. I’d like to encourage you to please donate.

Another great highlight from our meeting that I would like to mention, is the creation of a new practice session “Women Surveyors of Florida.” The goal of this forum is to support professional development, mentorship, and retention of women surveyors. I would like to recognize Angela Bailey for suggesting this and bringing this group into existence. I believe this to be a powerful addition to the society.

Conference

As most of you know, the 2026 conference has been set and will be hosted at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa from July 29th - August 1st, 2026. Registration is now open. The education list is finalized, and I for one am looking forward to several of the listed classes. I can tell you now, room reservations will go fast, so I encourage you to book early.

Seminars at Sea

FSMS has put together another Seminars at Sea package that departs October 3rd aboard Princess Cruise Line - Majestic Princess, from New York Harbor and proceeds to the following destinations: Newport, Rhode Island , Boston, Massachusetts, Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Canada, Halifax (Nova Scotia), Canada, and returning to New York Harbor October 10th. There will be two live morning seminars while onboard from 7 am to Noon, and 12 hours of CE credit will be provided by your choice of correspondence courses.

Scouting Merit Badge

On Saturday May 2nd, The University of Florida School of Forest , Fisheries & Geomatics Sciences, will be hosting a Fishing, Forestry and Surveying Merit Badge. The event is for Scouts ages 13 and up. This is a great program to introduce kids to surveying, and I plan on attending. If you know of a youngster that may want to learn a little more about surveying, this would be a great event for them. For more information follow the link pr ovided above or e-mail Katie Britt, Assistant Director for Geomatics Extension.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert N. Johnson, PSM, CFM

 Previous 2026 Messages
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026