Our amazing Publix truck drivers play a crucial role in delivering products safely and on schedule. Each year, they demonstrate their incredible skills and knowledge in truck driving competitions throughout various states, showcasing their dedication and passion for their work.

This year’s Florida Truck Driving Championships took place June 4 – 6 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Our 30 selected truck drivers from Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando and Sarasota distribution centers competed in different vehicle classes.

Brandon Tate won 1st place in the 5-axle class. Jay Ehret took 2nd place in the flatbed class. Lorenzo Ortiz secured 3rd place in the 3-axle class. Johnny Norgaisse won 3rd place in the straight truck class. Jonathan Cook secured 3rd place in the 5-axle class. William Borges scored the highest on the written test.

Congratulations to all of our drivers who competed in the 2026 Florida Truck Driving Championships:

Boynton Beach, Florida

• Juan Herrera — straight truck
• Patrick Miller — 5 axle
• Travon Shuler — flatbed

Deerfield Beach, Florida

• William Borges — 3 axle
• Michael Merry — 5 axle
• Jorge Paez — 4 axle
• Omar Ritchie — 4 axle
• Sekou Wilson — 5 axle

Jacksonville, Florida

• Jonathan Cook — 5 axle
• James Haynes — flatbed
• Johnny Norgaisse — straight truck
• Abiodu Smart — 5 axle
• Brandon Tate — 5 axle

Lakeland, Florida

• Clark Dowdy — sleeper berth
• Jay Ehret — flatbed
• David Harrison — 4 axle
• Kendall Jernigan — straight truck
• Lorenzo Ortiz — 3 axle
• Jose Rodriquez — 5 axle

Miami

• Tihon Hines— straight truck
• Anthony Moffett — sleeper berth
• Erick Tello — sleeper berth

Orlando, Florida

• Esmider Antoine — 3 axle
• Chedrick Jones — 4 axle
• Jack Sanders — 5 axle
• John Sanders — 3 axle
• John Velarde — 5 axle

Sarasota, Florida

• • Rifat Becirevic — 5 axle
  • Ryan Gonzalez — 4 axle
  • Tray Reaves — 4 axle

Winners by state

Read about the other associates who competed in

• Georgia and
• North Carolina.