Duke Energy has announced the selection of six properties in Florida for its 2025 Site Readiness Program. The initiative is designed to prepare business and industrial sites for economic development, aiming to attract companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.
Since launching in 2013, Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program has evaluated 60 sites across Florida. As a result, ten companies have chosen to develop on these prepared sites, leading to more than $493 million in new capital investment and the creation of 1,950 jobs in the state. One recent example is an Amazon facility developed in Highlands County that brought 60 new jobs and $25 million in investment to the local area.
The program works by partnering with consultants, designers, and engineers—including Zev Cohen & Associates, Kolb Design Group, Vision First Advisors, Strategic Development Group, and Site Selection Group—to analyze selected sites. These teams collaborate with various economic development organizations and local governments to increase awareness of industrial locations and enhance their 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), added: “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.”
For 2025, selected locations 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 provides electricity service across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida for about two million customers. Its parent company operates electric utilities serving millions across several states including North Carolina and South Carolina while investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources such as renewables.
Further information can be found at duke-energy.com or through the company’s social media channels.
