​Navigating the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, APG showed resilience and dedication in keeping both our employees and projects safe through back-to-back storms. Our primary focus was always the safety and well-being of our team members and their families, with offices and job sites closed ahead of each storm and timely updates provided through email and other channels to keep everyone informed on developments.

Hurricane Helene delivered powerful winds, heavy rains, and significant storm surge, leading to widespread power outages and infrastructure challenges across Tampa Bay. Side-swiping the region as a Category 4, Helene left behind substantial damage. The Alanik Hotel, in particular, sustained several feet of flooding from the storm surge. As soon as the island became accessible, our team acted quickly to ensure building power was safe to energize once utility power was restored. Additionally, they tackled the unexpected challenge of unloading a 40-foot storage container that had floated down the street.

Just as we began recovery efforts, Hurricane Milton followed closely behind, hitting the area almost directly as a Category 3 storm and creating another wave of severe weather. Our Service and Life Safety teams remained prepared, ensuring that critical equipment and safety systems were ready for reactivation as soon as possible. Our Project Management teams worked closely with partners and clients to assess and address impacts on job sites and to adjust timelines with safety as the top priority. Our adaptability and emergency management experience were essential as we moved from one recovery effort to the next.

Throughout the challenges brought by both hurricanes, APG team members banded together to support one another and their communities. Many employees offered help with clearing debris, putting back fences, and checking in on each other’s homes to ensure everyone was safe and secure. This collective effort showcased the family spirit of APG, reinforcing the company’s core values of mutual support and resilience.

Despite these challenges, APG stayed focused on supporting our employees and minimizing work disruptions. We offered PTO for lost time, welcomed team members without power into the office to charge devices, enjoy air conditioning, and take a hot shower, and provided temporary power solutions where needed. In addition to the Alanik Hotel, our teams quickly returned to multiple job sites to conduct cleanup and restoration work, ensuring that project timelines remained on track despite the storms’ effects.

​With both storms now behind us, APG remains committed to supporting Tampa Bay’s recovery and reaffirming our dedication to safety and service under any conditions.

On Saturday, June 8th, APG family members and trusted partners gathered to celebrate the 2023 safety year and recognize the outstanding achievements of our apprentices and team members. The event was held at the beautiful and spacious Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, marking a special occasion as we also celebrated 40 years of excellence.

The evening began with guests exploring our history exhibit, featuring APG artifacts from our early years. This nostalgic journey allowed everyone to appreciate our company's rich history. Attendees enjoyed a variety of food, drinks, and craft beers while perusing the exhibit. A highlight of the area was the Anniversary Signature Board, where employees had the opportunity to sign their way into APG history.

The special anniversary program included a dedicated film about the company's leadership and a live interview with our founders, providing insight into our company’s journey and growth over the past four decades. This segment was a heartfelt tribute to the hard work and dedication that have propelled APG to its current success.

To conclude the program, we held a Safety Drawing with an array of prizes and cash awards. This drawing was a fun and rewarding way to celebrate our team's dedication to maintaining a safe and productive work environment throughout the year. Following the program, a group photo of all employees was taken in the auditorium—a significant moment as it was the first company photo in 15 years.

APG would like to acknowledge the hard work of those who put this event together: Bonnie Gerhart, who coordinated all of this with the help of Rachel Kotsch, Corrie Fernandez, Averi Samuels, Jenna Durst, Patty Mellon, Charmin Henley, Erick Shepard, Trina Rodriguez, Kevin Gerhart, and our DJ, Zak Davis. Special thanks also go to Megan Gurba, the Director of Catering & Sales at Ruth Eckerd Hall, for their invaluable support in acquiring the facility, setup, catering, and much more.

The celebration was not just a recognition of our past achievements but also a moment to look forward to a bright future, built on the same values of excellence, teamwork, and safety that have guided us for the past 40 years. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable success. We look forward to many more years of shared success!