​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

Thanks to a recent vote in the Ohio House, apprenticeship recruiting in Ohio’s public high schools may become easier for unions affiliated with the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades.
House Bill 98, the Ohio High School Career Opportunity Act, which gives equal opportunity for representatives from colleges and universities, the armed forces, skilled trades, businesses and charitable organizations to present information on future career and post-graduate opportunities to high school students, was passed by a members in a unanimous vote.

TAMPA BAY  MASONRY APPRENTICESHIP COMPETITION
WHEN: SATURDAY JUNE 2, 2018
TIME: 8:30 AM -12:00 PM
WHERE: CEMEX YARD, 9117 Florida Mining Blvd, Tampa, FL
CONTACT:  RSVP  239 201-6089 
​
AWARDS CEREMONY & LUNCH BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AFTER COMPETITION

Saturday, May 19, 2018
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Orlando Technical College
​Mid Florida Campus
​Directions
​
​Come out to show your support as the MAF Central Chapter Apprentices compete for a space at the MAF State Apprentice Competition! Hamburgers, Hot dogs & Cold Drinks after the competition!

​Click on the flyer at right for more information or contact:
Sheila Parsons - Program Coordinator
​407-251-6050 mafapprentice@gmail.com