When Florida Needed Light, He Answered the Call: The Story of John “JJ” VanRiel at 90
Florida’s history is written not only in headlines and hurricanes, but in the quiet resilience of those who stepped forward when communities needed them most. John “JJ” VanRiel is one of those stories.
This November, the former Florida Power & Light (FPL) lineworker turned 90 years old, marking a milestone that reflects nearly a century of life—and more than four decades dedicated to keeping Florida connected.
VanRiel joined FPL in 1956 as a helper, long before modern technology transformed the electric industry. Back then, restoring power required physical endurance, instinct and trust among crew members. As an apprentice and later a lineworker, VanRiel traveled up and down Florida’s east coast, from South Florida to Cocoa, helping build and maintain critical infrastructure that supported growing communities.
Those early years shaped a generation of workers who saw electricity not as a convenience, but as a lifeline. Schools, hospitals, small businesses and families depended on it—especially during storms. VanRiel witnessed Florida endure countless weather events, but nothing compared to the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
“Everything was down,” he recalled. Neighborhoods were dark, roads were blocked, and families were displaced. For lineworkers like VanRiel, the task went beyond repairing lines—it was about restoring normalcy. Long hours in dangerous conditions became routine, fueled by camaraderie and a shared sense of duty.
That sense of brotherhood was the foundation of his 41-year career. VanRiel often speaks of the relationships formed in the field, bonds that extended beyond the job. His wife, Von, would jokingly remind him of the personal cost during hurricane season, a reflection of the sacrifices made by entire families behind the scenes.
When VanRiel retired in 1997 as a foreman, Florida was already changing. Yet even today, he follows the evolution of the electric grid with admiration, particularly the adoption of concrete poles and automated systems designed to improve reliability and resilience.
For his 90th birthday, history came full circle. An active FPL crew arrived with a bucket truck to celebrate him—bridging generations of lineworkers. As he compared today’s equipment to that of his era, VanRiel shared stories of simpler times, reminding the younger crew that progress is built on perseverance.
“To hear his memories was truly inspiring,” said Larry Gross, FPL Treasure Coast area manager. “He represents the foundation of the service we provide today.”
At 90, John “JJ” VanRiel’s legacy is deeply woven into Florida’s story—a reminder that community strength often shines brightest in the dark, carried forward by those who helped keep the lights on when it mattered most.
