Duke Energy Florida Awards $100,000 in Community Recovery Grants to Pinellas County Organizations One Year After Hurricane Helene
As Pinellas County marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the scars of the storm and the challenges of rebuilding still linger across the region. In recognition of both the progress made and the ongoing needs of residents, Duke Energy Florida has stepped forward with a significant show of support. The company, joined by members of the Pinellas County legislative delegation, announced $100,000 in grants dedicated to local organizations working directly with families and individuals still coping with the impacts of the 2024 hurricane season.
The grants, which come as part of Duke Energy Florida’s broader commitment to community resilience and disaster recovery, are aimed at sustaining vital services for those most affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The funding underscores the company’s belief that recovery is not only about repairing infrastructure but also about strengthening communities from the inside out.
A Commitment Beyond Power
Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, emphasized that the company’s responsibility extends far beyond its traditional role as an energy provider.
“Our commitment to our customers goes well beyond keeping the lights on,” Seixas said. “With these grants, we want to ensure all who were impacted by Helene, as well as Milton, have the resources and support they need to continue on the long road to recovery. I’m extremely grateful for our ongoing collaboration with elected officials and community leaders who share in this mission.”
Seixas’ remarks highlight Duke Energy’s longstanding philosophy of corporate citizenship. The company has consistently positioned itself as a partner in recovery, focusing not just on restoring power lines after storms but also on supporting the networks of nonprofits, food pantries, and community service organizations that help residents get back on their feet.
Local Leaders Welcome Support
Pinellas County legislators joined the announcement, acknowledging both the ongoing hardships faced by residents and the importance of partnerships in speeding up recovery.
“Hurricane Helene touched every family in Pinellas County in some way, and I have seen firsthand the strength and determination of our community as we rebuild,” said Florida State Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg). “These grants from Duke Energy will help our neighbors take another step forward. I’m grateful for this partnership and for the local organizations who show up every day to help families recover and thrive.”
Florida State Representative Kim Berfield (R-Clearwater) echoed those sentiments, stressing the resilience of the county and the role of nonprofit organizations in the recovery journey.
“Duke Energy has been an integral part of Pinellas County’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following the 2024 hurricane season,” Berfield said. “Our community is resilient, and I look forward to seeing how these grants – and the local organizations working tirelessly to administer them – will help residents get back on their feet and come out stronger than ever before. Pinellas strong.”
Five Local Organizations Awarded Grants
The $100,000 in funding was divided equally among five organizations, each receiving $20,000 to bolster their services. The recipients reflect a wide range of support systems that address food security, housing, family services, and community resilience:
- Dunedin Cares Food Pantry – supporting families facing food insecurity made worse by storm-related economic disruptions.
- First Contact – connecting residents with essential recovery resources and social services.
- Mt. Zion Human Services – serving vulnerable populations with programs focused on education, stability, and community health.
- Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center – providing direct support to children and families displaced or destabilized by the hurricanes.
- United Way Suncoast – coordinating assistance across multiple nonprofit partners to ensure resources reach those most in need.
Nonprofits Share Their Perspective
Leaders of the recipient organizations expressed gratitude for the grants, emphasizing that the support allows them to meet pressing community needs while planning for long-term resilience.
“We are deeply grateful to Duke Energy for this generous support as our community continues to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” said Micki Thompson, president and CEO of First Contact. “These funds will allow First Contact to connect more families with the critical resources and services they need to continue rebuilding their lives. Together, we are helping our neighbors move forward with hope and resilience.”
For the Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center, the grants represent both immediate relief and an investment in future readiness.
“Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center thanks Duke Energy for its leading support and ongoing commitment to the children and families we serve in North Pinellas County,” said Executive Director David E. Hale. “Thanks to Duke, we were able to rapidly respond to unprecedented impacts upon our most at-risk neighbors in the last storm season. With hundreds of families still displaced, Duke’s continued support for the Mattie Williams Center allows us to rehome and stabilize families now, while also preparing them for future challenges.”
United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff noted that the grant will have a ripple effect across the county.
“We are deeply grateful for this generous gift, which will help us continue supporting families and communities still recovering from last fall’s hurricanes,” Muroff said. “These funds will be used to provide direct assistance, strengthen our nonprofit partners on the frontlines, and ensure that our region is better prepared and more resilient when future storms arise.”
A Year of Reflection and Renewal
The one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene serves as both a reminder of the devastation caused and a testament to the resilience of the Pinellas County community. Thousands of residents were displaced, businesses faced major setbacks, and local infrastructure endured significant damage. Recovery has been steady but difficult, requiring coordinated efforts from government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and residents themselves.
By providing these grants, Duke Energy Florida signals not only its recognition of the challenges that remain but also its long-term commitment to being part of the solution. The company’s action underscores the importance of collaboration across public and private sectors in disaster recovery and community rebuilding.
