As tropical activity picks up this summer, Duke Energy is intensifying efforts to help Florida customers and communities prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies.
The Duke Energy Foundation, funded by Duke Energy shareholders, has awarded $180,000 in emergency preparedness and resiliency grants to 13 organizations and agencies in Florida. These grants will support various initiatives such as storm kits for seniors, community education, outreach materials, and special equipment for first responders.
“Community resilience and preparedness is a year-round effort,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration and commitment of our first responders, emergency management officials, and community agencies to prepare, plan, and engage our communities. We have been through enough storms to know that being prepared is our best defense.”
Grants were awarded to the following organizations:
- Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas – $25,000
- Florida Housing Coalition – $25,000
- Florida Professional Firefighters Association – $25,000
- Hernando County Board of County Commissioners – $12,500
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners – $15,000
- Inglis/Yankeetown Fire Rescue – $2,500
- Lake County Board of County Commissioners – $5,000
- Madison County Board of County Commissioners – $5,000
- Orange County Emergency Management – $30,500
- Orlando Regional Realtor Foundation – $9,500
- Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Community Foundation – $15,000
- Taylor Senior Citizens Center – $5,000
- Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County – $5,000
Community resilience and preparedness have been long-standing priorities of the Duke Energy Foundation, which has awarded over $1.7 million to support Florida’s disaster preparedness since 2019.
Duke Energy reminds customers that personal preparedness is key to a resilient home or business. For more tips on preparing for storm season, visit duke-energy.com/StormTips and download the Red Cross Emergency app. The Duke Energy Foundation will donate $1 to the Red Cross for every app download through June 30, up to $20,000.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.
Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
