Duke Energy has chosen six properties in Florida for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, an initiative designed to prepare business and industrial sites for economic development. The program aims to make these locations more attractive to companies looking to expand or relocate operations.
Since its launch in 2013, the Site Readiness Program has assessed 60 sites across the state. Ten companies have selected sites that went through the program, resulting in over $493 million in capital investment and 1,950 new jobs for Florida communities. One example is an Amazon facility developed in Highlands County, which brought 60 new jobs and $25 million of investment to the area.
The program involves consultants, designers, and engineers—including Zev Cohen & Associates, Kolb Design Group, Vision First Advisors, Strategic Development Group, and Site Selection Group—who work with state and local organizations to evaluate and enhance site 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 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 locations selected for 2025 are: 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 serves approximately two million customers across a service area covering 13,000 square miles. Its parent company Duke Energy operates electric utilities serving over eight million customers across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.
More details about Duke Energy can be found at duke-energy.com as well as on their social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
