U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis spent a day in the field with Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative line crews, trading his Capitol Hill routine for a hard hat and a lesson in what it takes to keep the lights on for more than 281,000 members across five counties.
The cooperative’s “Lineman for a Day” experience put Bilirakis to work at WREC’s Speros Substation, under construction near the new Moffitt Cancer Center campus in Pasco County. Because the substation has not been energized, the site gave him a safe place to handle equipment and see how power moves from the system to homes and businesses.
“Congressman Bilirakis expressed a genuine interest in better understanding the work our employees perform every day and what it takes to become a lineman,” said David Lambert, WREC’s general manager. “His willingness to step into the field and experience these responsibilities firsthand demonstrates his commitment to the communities we serve and his support of the electric cooperative industry.”
Bilirakis worked alongside WREC personnel as they walked him through the training, safety protocols and technical skill the job demands, along with the daily realities of the work — including Florida weather, which delivered rain and lightning during his visit.
The day also opened up conversations about electric reliability, workforce development and the infrastructure needed to serve WREC’s five-county territory. Crews explained how projects such as the Speros Substation will support growth and meet rising demand across the region.
“We are grateful to Congressman Bilirakis for taking the time to learn more about our operations and the hardworking employees who make reliable electric service possible,” said John McCarty, WREC’s Bayonet Point district manager. “It was an incredible experience for everyone involved, and we were proud to share this unique opportunity with him.”
Employees signed a WREC hard hat and gave it to Bilirakis as a keepsake. He said he plans to display it in his Washington office as a reminder of the men and women who keep the lights on across west-central Florida.