LAKE COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Lake County Board of County Commissioners is among several Florida organizations receiving grant funding from the Duke Energy Foundation to help communities prepare for hurricane season and improve disaster response efforts.
Duke Energy announced Tuesday, May 26, 2026, that the foundation is awarding a total of $130,000 to 10 organizations across Florida focused on storm preparedness, emergency response and community resiliency ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, which begins June 1.
Lake County’s Board of County Commissioners will receive a $5,000 grant as part of the initiative. Other recipients include the American Red Cross, Orange County Office of Emergency Management, Seminole County Board of County Commissioners and Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Duke Energy, the funding is intended to help equip first responders and community organizations with resources needed to prepare for emergencies and support recovery efforts after storms. The grant will support initiatives including emergency communication resources, resiliency programs for vulnerable residents and public safety training.
“Through this funding, we are equipping boots-on-the-ground first responders with the resources they need to help our communities act quickly when facing an emergency and recover as fast as possible when it’s over,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president.
Duke Energy officials said the company has awarded nearly $3.9 million in storm readiness and response funding to nonprofit partners across Florida since 2021.
The company also noted ongoing investments in grid hardening projects designed to reduce power outages and speed restoration following severe weather.