In August, more than 40 volunteers, employees, and environmental experts from Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric, CCA Florida, Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Land Management, and Pinellas County’s Environmental Management Division joined forces to plant nearly 700 red and black mangroves at two critical tidal-influenced locations.
“Teaming up with neighboring utilities, governmental leaders, and community organizations to prepare, protect, and power our communities is part of our longstanding commitment,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Through decades of storm response and service, we’ve learned that collaboration is key to solving our communities’ most pressing challenges. This project is no exception. We are grateful to Tampa Electric, CCA Florida, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and all our partners for their dedication to building safe, resilient, and thriving communities.”
The mangrove planting took place at two carefully selected locations: EG Simmons Regional Park and Keystone/Carlton Road in Northern Pinellas County. The sites were identified based on environmental need, tidal conditions, and input from local conservation experts.
“This project benefits our shorelines, strengthens partnerships, and underscores our shared commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Archie Collins, president and CEO of Tampa Electric. “We are proud to work alongside like-minded partners, such as Duke Energy Florida, to deliver this essential coastal resilience initiative.”
Mangroves are critical to the health of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. They help prevent erosion caused by storm surges, improve water quality by filtering excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, and sequester carbon dioxide through their soils and roots. Additionally, mangroves provide vital habitat and protection for diverse fish and wildlife species.
The mangroves planted for this project were grown and donated by CCA Florida and the Duke Energy Crystal River Mariculture Center, an industry-leading facility dedicated to environmental restoration and conservation. Originally established over 30 years ago to meet environmental compliance requirements for nearby power plant operations, the Mariculture Center has since evolved into one of Florida’s most impactful fish hatcheries and conservation partners.
When the power plants closed, Eric Latimer, manager of the Mariculture Center, saw an opportunity to keep the facility operational. By collaborating with nonprofits, universities, and state agencies such as CCA Florida, the center shifted its focus to addressing pressing conservation needs, including habitat restoration and replenishing fish populations affected by declining water quality, red tide, and hurricanes.
To date, the Duke Energy Crystal River Mariculture Center, in partnership with CCA Florida, has released nearly 5 million fish and crustaceans along Florida’s coastline. The center has also donated approximately $200,000 worth of submerged aquatic vegetation for habitat restoration in lakes, springs, and shorelines across the state.
This collaborative mangrove planting project is a testament to the power of partnerships in achieving environmental resilience and restoring Florida’s vital coastal ecosystems.