​The Masonry Association of Florida BLOCK-toberfest event was on Friday, October 26, 2018 at the Maschmeyer Concrete Company of Florida Debary block plant with Block Strong as a sponsor. Troy Maschmeyer, Steve Bishop, Donna Hinson and Matt Sitter are pictured alongside legislators Rene Plasencia and Stockton Reeves.

For Engineers, Contractors, Building Officials & masonry Industry professionals...

​Whether designing, building, testing or inspecting, when you’re working with masonry, understanding all of the codes and specifications governing the various masonry components (block, brick, grout, mortar and steel) is essential.

Course includes TMS 402/602 Codes book and printed mark-up excerpts of ASTM materials. All other course materials distributed via USB flash drive.   Classroom training requires participants to bring a laptop computer with USB flash capabilities.

Classroom Training: $399
MAF & BOAF Members: $349
Next class: November 9-10, 2018 in Orlando.
More info: www.masonryworkshop.com

​Lintel bearing for veneer is covered in TMS 402 Chapter 12. Specifically 12.2.2.3.2 states "not less than 4 inches". Your architect/engineer should size it for you. Keep in mind that if it is anchored to the backup you must install and expansion joint at one end minimum. If the opening is very wide you may need an exp jt at both ends. I hope this helps. If not, call me.  Thanks for allowing your MAF/MCAA to help.
Jerry Painter, FASTM
352-494-8955

September 8, 2018 - Orlando, FL
The Masonry Association of Florida (MAF) held its annual Masonry Apprentice competition and Fastest Trowel on the Block competition on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Florida’s Best Block plant in Orlando, Florida.
The following apprentices were found to be the best in the state:
1st Year Apprentice Winners:
·        3rd Place - Dominic Lindsey – MCAF - K & D Construction
·        2nd Place - Tyler Austin - Central FL - Trinity Contractors, Inc.
·        1st Place - Ruddy Alvarez - Central FL - Trinity Contractors, Inc.
2nd Year Apprentice Winners:
·        3rd Place - Wildy Lozandier - SE Chapter - Coastal Masonry
·        2nd Place - Ruben Ramirez - SWFL MAF - Westcoast Structural
·        1st Place - Randall Pepevnik - MCAF - Pardue Masonry
3rd Place Apprentice Winners:
·        3rd Place - Jabari Francis - SE Chapter -Coastal Masonry
·        2nd Place - Jake Franklin - MCAF - E.L. Shearer C & M
·        1st Place - Kenny Tilghman - MCAF - Billy G & L Masonry
In addition to bragging rights, the winners were awarded cash prizes and our generous sponsors donated tool bags full of masonry tools to the winners.  

The MAF's Fastest Trowel on the Block, with six Florida teams competing, was also held on Saturday, September 8 at Florida's Best Block in Orlando.  

The team from Pascal Robertson Masonry, Inc.,  Irvin Willoughby (Mason) and Lawrence Singleton (Tender) took home the grand prize and the opportunity to represent Florida at the MCAA's Fastest Trowel on the Block national competition held in Las Vegas in early 2019.

The other winning teams were:

• 2nd Place - Chris Carlton (Mason) and Germaine Velasquez (Tender) - Capital Concrete & Masonry Solutions, Inc. 
• 3rd Place - Victor Leal (Mason) and Jonathon Smith (Tender) - Victory Masonry, Inc.

All of the winners were honored at the Saturday night MAF Masonry Excellence Banquet.  Congratulations to all who participated and thank you to all of our very generous sponsors!

We will be meeting at Galuppi’s located at 1103 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062.
Please RSVP to doris@coastalmasonry.com​ if you will be attending.
Thank you!
Kind Regards,
Doris Portes
Coastal Masonry, Inc.
​Office 954-984-0600 Ext.205
1909 NW 16th Street
Pompano Beach FL 33069