October 2026 News & Updates

This month's edition is full of treats and no tricks! Register for our Excavation Safety Seminar, discover seven ways to build a stronger safe digging culture, put your creativity to work with our Halloween Pumpkin Challenge and get ready to recognize the people making a difference in damage prevention. Read on, sign up and have some fun. Happy fall and thank you for all you do to dig safely! ­ Join Us in Winter Park: Excavation Safety Seminar | October 29 Join excavators, locators, utility operators, and project owners from Central Florida for a day dedicated to what truly matters: ensuring everyone gets home safely. This FREE seminar covers safe digging practices, private utility locates, and features a panel discussion with industry experts. You'll gain practical tools to apply to your next project. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today! Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Winter Park Events Center, Winter Park, FL Cost: FREE Lunch included REGISTER HERE Carve Out Some Fun: The Safe Digging Pumpkin Challenge is Back! Don't let buried utilities become this Halloween's biggest scare! The Safe Digging Pumpkin Challenge is back, and it's your chance to create a pumpkin that's both frightfully fun and focused on damage prevention. Grab your coworkers, crews, friends or family members and carve up or decorate a pumpkin that reminds everyone to dig safely. From creepy communication lines to utility-themed jack-o'-lanterns, let your imagination run wild. Let's raise some Halloween spirit while keeping safe digging top of mind! Deadline: October 23. Winner announced on Friday, October 30 with some spooktacular prizes delivered right to you. ENTER THE CHALLENGE ­ 7 Ways to Build a Stronger Safe Digging Culture Safe digging doesn't start when the shovel hits the ground. It starts with the habits, expectations and conversations that shape how your team works every day. Organizations with the strongest safety records share a common thread: damage prevention is part of who they are, not just a box they check. Read on for seven ways to strengthen a safe digging culture with your crews, your office and your partners. READ MORE Coming Soon! 2026 Damage Prevention Ambassador Award Every day, people across Florida go above and beyond to protect underground infrastructure, their crews and their communities. Soon, you'll have the chance to recognize them. Nominations for the 2026 Damage Prevention Ambassador Award open next month. Whether it's an excavator who never skips a step, a locator who goes the extra mile, a utility partner who champions communication or a leader who makes safety part of the culture, start thinking about who deserves the spotlight. Stay tuned for details on how to submit your nomination. LEARN MORE ­ No Tricks, Just Safe Digging Sunshine 811 offers free job site signs, window clings and cooling towels to keep the safe digging message front and center on job sites, in offices and around your community. No tricks, just free treats. Request yours today! REQUEST FREE MATERIALS ­ ­ Don't be a ghost! We need your presence at upcoming Damage Prevention Council meetings throughout the state. Visit our calendar for these listings and more upcoming events and learning opportunities across Florida. We look forward to seeing you soon! VIEW CALENDAR ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ Sunshine 811 | 11 Plantation Road | DeBary, FL 32713 (386) 575-2000 | sunshine811.com