1 /5 devin ward: I tried to handle this situation privately, but I was unable to do so, which has led me to leave this review. On September 27th, I was working on a land survey near the church and needed to use a benchmark located on the property to complete my job. As a land surveyor, I am legally entitled to access benchmarks for surveying purposes under Florida law (Florida Statutes, Section 472.029), which grants licensed surveyors the right to enter private property to perform their duties.
While I was outside doing my job, a “revival” was taking place. I parked in my usual spot by the church, clearly marked in a large green shirt that says “Land Surveyor” on the back.
Upon exiting my vehicle, I noticed a worker in a vest staring at me in a way that made me uncomfortable. Despite this, I completed my work and asked when I could speak to the person in charge to address my experience. I was told they were on vacation, so I left. However, I returned shortly after to gather the names of those involved, to ensure I could speak accurately when addressing the issue later.
At that point, three individuals circled my vehicle and demanded a business card, escalating the situation unnecessarily and even threatening me with jail. In the process, I misplaced my data collector due to the stress of the situation. Despite being clearly identified as a land surveyor, I received no apology, only accusations. One individual went so far as to suggest that it was my fault there was crime in the area.
While one younger man in a vest was respectful, the overall behavior was unprofessional and hostile. There was no need for anyone to get close to my vehicle or to treat me in such a manner. I wasn’t doing anything wrong—I was simply doing my job.
This experience left a very negative impression, and I expect better from any organization, especially one that is supposed to be welcoming. The behavior exhibited by the staff or volunteers was unacceptable, and I hope this review prompts some reflection on how they interact with people in the future.
