Duke Energy has chosen six properties in Florida for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, a project aimed at preparing business and industrial sites to attract economic development. The program evaluates potential locations and markets them nationwide to companies interested in expanding or relocating.
Since the Site Readiness Program began in 2013, Duke Energy has assessed 60 sites across Florida. Ten companies have established operations on these evaluated sites, resulting in over $493 million in capital investment and the creation of 1,950 new jobs throughout the state. A notable example is an Amazon facility developed in Highlands County that brought 60 jobs and $25 million to the area.
The program involves consultants, designers, and engineers such as Zev Cohen & Associates, Kolb Design Group, Vision First Advisors, Strategic Development Group, and Site Selection Group. These experts work with local governments and economic organizations to improve site competitiveness.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida, said: “The Site Readiness program is one example of the proactive economic development initiatives that Duke Energy pursues to help spark investment in the communities we serve. Through this program, we’re able to connect high-potential sites with companies that infuse capital and jobs into local communities for years to come.”
Destin Wells, senior vice president of economic development at Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), stated: “Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program plays a critical role in strengthening the Orlando region’s ability to attract and compete for transformative business investments. By identifying and preparing high-potential sites, the program accelerates development timelines and brings greater visibility to our region’s industrial assets. Through the leadership of our economic development team, led by Senior Director Tracy Garcia, our collaboration with Duke Energy also enhances OEP’s site readiness program, D.I.R.T. (Development Initiative for Regional Transformation), combining local insight with infrastructure expertise to drive quality job creation and sustainable growth across Central Florida.”
The six properties selected for the 2025 initiative are located in Seminole County (Winnin LLLP Property), Taylor County (City of Perry Property), Levy County (Sherrill Property), Lake County (Lake County Industrial Park), Osceola County (Bar 7 Ranch), and Polk County (Fort Meade Industrial Site).
Duke Energy Florida provides electricity to two million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area within Florida through its network of power plants totaling 12,500 megawatts of capacity.
Duke Energy Corporation operates electric utilities serving millions of customers across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky as well as Florida. The company continues investing in upgrades to its grid infrastructure while transitioning toward cleaner energy sources such as renewables.
More information about Duke Energy can be found on their official website at https://www.duke-energy.com/ or through their news center at https://news.duke-energy.com/.
