News Summary
Duke Energy Florida has announced $100,000 in grants to five nonprofit organizations aiding recovery from Hurricane Helene’s impact. Each organization, including First Contact and United Way Suncoast, will receive $20,000 to assist residents in the recovery process from the challenges of the recent hurricane season. This initiative highlights Duke Energy’s commitment to supporting local communities as they rebuild. State officials commend the collaboration between Duke Energy and local organizations to enhance recovery efforts in Pinellas County.
St. Petersburg — Duke Energy Florida has announced a total of $100,000 in grants to support local organizations in their efforts to aid recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This announcement was made on the one-year anniversary of the hurricane at Duke Energy Florida’s Distribution Control Center located in St. Petersburg.
The funding will assist five nonprofit organizations, each receiving $20,000, aimed at helping residents continue their recovery following the challenges posed by the 2024 hurricane season. The organizations that will benefit from these grants include First Contact, Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center, Dunedin Cares Food Pantry, Mt. Zion Human Services, and United Way Suncoast.
Melissa Seixas, state president of Duke Energy Florida, underscored the company’s commitment to the communities they serve, highlighting that their support extends beyond merely providing power. State Senator Darryl Rouson recognized the united efforts of local residents in the rebuilding process following Hurricane Helene, while State Representative Kim Berfield noted the significant role Duke Energy has played in recovery efforts in Pinellas County.
Micki Thompson, president and CEO of First Contact, expressed appreciation for the assistance that links families to essential resources. David E. Hale, executive director of the Mattie Williams Center, added that prior support from Duke Energy has enabled them to respond quickly to the effects of earlier storms. Jessica Muroff, the CEO of United Way Suncoast, indicated that the funds will bolster support for families and strengthen the capabilities of nonprofit partners to ensure resilience in the face of future challenges.
The announcement reflected ongoing cooperation between Duke Energy Florida and local officials and community leaders. Duke Energy Florida operates over a 13,000-square-mile service area and provides electricity to approximately 2 million customers in the region.
Pinellas County’s legislative delegation directly participated in the announcements, emphasizing the value and impact of Duke Energy’s focus on community development and support.
The $100,000 grant initiative marks a continued commitment from Duke Energy Florida to aid post-disaster recovery efforts, fostering a spirit of collaboration and resilience within the community. As the effects of Hurricane Helene are still felt one year later, the support from these grants aims to provide essential services and resources to those in need.
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Additional Resources
- Duke Energy Florida News Release
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Search: Duke Energy Florida
- Fox 13 News
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Recovery Efforts
- Florida Politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google News: Pinellas County Hurricane Recovery
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
