Duke Energy has announced the selection of six Florida properties for its 2025 Site Readiness Program. The initiative is designed to prepare business and industrial sites for economic development, aiming to attract companies seeking expansion or relocation opportunities.
Since the program’s inception in 2013, Duke Energy reports that it has evaluated 60 sites across Florida. According to the company, 10 businesses have chosen locations that went through the program, resulting in over $493 million in new capital investment and the creation of 1,950 jobs statewide.
A recent example cited by Duke Energy is an Amazon facility developed in Highlands County. This project led to 60 new jobs and brought $25 million in capital investment to the area.
The Site Readiness 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 groups collaborate with local governments and economic development organizations to assess and enhance site competitiveness.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida, stated: “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), said: “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 selected sites for 2025 include 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 provides electricity to two million customers across a service area covering 13,000 square miles in Florida.
Duke Energy is among America’s largest energy holding companies. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, it serves electric customers across six states and owns significant energy capacity nationwide. The company continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources as part of its ongoing energy transition efforts.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com and through its various social media channels.
