Duke Energy has selected six properties in Florida for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, an initiative aimed at preparing business and industrial sites for economic development. The program works to make these locations more attractive to companies seeking expansion or relocation opportunities.
Since the Site Readiness Program began in 2013, Duke Energy has evaluated 60 sites across Florida. According to the company, 10 businesses have chosen sites that participated in the program, resulting in $493 million in capital investment and creating 1,950 new jobs statewide. One recent example is an Amazon facility developed in Highlands County, which brought 60 jobs and $25 million of investment to the area.
The Site Readiness Program involves consultants, designers, and engineers—including Zev Cohen & Associates, Kolb Design Group, Vision First Advisors, Strategic Development Group, and Site Selection Group—who assess site competitiveness. These groups collaborate with state and local economic development organizations as well as other utilities to raise awareness about available industrial properties.
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), 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.”
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 supplies electricity to two million customers over a service area covering 13,000 square miles. Its parent company serves electric customers across six states and operates a total energy capacity of 55,100 megawatts nationwide.
More information can be found on duke-energy.com or through their social media channels such as X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
