Duke Energy Foundation Awards $77,500 to Florida Civic Projects

The funding supports a diverse array of community-focused programs intended to bridge the gap between historical education and civic participation. Among the recipients, the Dunedin History Museum received $20,000 for its "Freedom in Focus" exhibit and a traveling reenactment of the Declaration of Independence signing. In Central Florida, the Osceola Chamber Foundation utilized an $8,000 grant to host the National Civics Bee for middle school students, while the University of Central Florida Research Foundation secured $15,000 to produce educational media regarding Florida’s role in the nation’s founding.

Additional investments target heritage and veteran-focused outreach. The Florida Medal of Honor Memorial received $7,000 to renovate its greenspace, and the Duval Preservation Trust was awarded $2,500 to develop an exhibit on Seminole history in Floral City. Furthermore, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will use $5,000 to support a 5K race honoring victims of the September 11 attacks, and the Marion County Board of County Commissioners received $15,000 for local America250 celebratory events. These disbursements are part of a broader $1 million effort by the foundation across its six-state service area to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.