Duke Energy has announced the selection of six business and industrial sites in Florida for its 2025 Site Readiness Program. The initiative is designed to prepare these locations for potential economic development and attract investment from companies considering expansion or relocation.
Since its inception in 2013, Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program has evaluated 60 sites across Florida. As a result, ten companies have chosen program sites, bringing more than $493 million in new capital investment and creating 1,950 jobs statewide. One recent example cited by the company was the establishment of an Amazon facility in Highlands County, which led to the creation of 60 jobs and generated $25 million in local investment.
The program works by engaging consultants, designers, and engineers such as Zev Cohen & Associates, Kolb Design Group, Vision First Advisors, Strategic Development Group, and Site Selection Group. These partners collaborate with state and local economic development organizations to assess each site’s potential and recommend improvements that could make them more attractive to businesses.
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), commented: “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 cycle are located throughout central and northern Florida: Winnin LLLP Property (Seminole County), City of Perry Property (Taylor County), Sherrill Property (Levy County), Lake County Industrial Park (Lake County), Bar 7 Ranch (Osceola County), and Fort Meade Industrial Site (Polk County).
Duke Energy Florida operates as a subsidiary of Duke Energy. It supplies electricity to about two million customers within a service area covering roughly 13,000 square miles.
Duke Energy itself is among the largest energy holding companies in the United States with electric utilities serving over eight million customers across several states. The company continues efforts toward an energy transition that emphasizes grid upgrades as well as cleaner generation sources like renewables and energy storage.
Further details can be found on duke-energy.com or through its social media channels.
