FPL Empowers 13 Nonprofits with $100K Boost

Florida Power & Light’s $100K in grants amplifies the impact of 13 nonprofits across Bay, Washington, Holmes and Gadsden counties  

Pensacola, Fla. — Consider the variety of needs in our community: food, clothing and care for those facing homelessness, STEM and mentoring programs to spark brighter lives for children and teens, beds for children who sleep on the floor, marine and wildlife conservation and education programs.   

These are among the many community needs FPL is honored to be able to support through $104,000 grants to 13 nonprofits in Bay, Washington, Holmes and Gadsden counties in Northwest Florida.  

NextEra Energy Foundation, a charitable arm of FPL’s parent company, awarded the grants to Northwest Florida nonprofits each quarter throughout 2023, with the last ones announced in December. The money will support their programs well into 2024. Foundation grants are focused on education, food insecurity, senior citizen support and child advocacy, as well as grants focused on environmental conservation and education to help protect our natural resources.  

Pat Johnson, Family Service Agency of Bay County staff member, prepares 40 to 60-plus food bags for the experiencing homeless each Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the year. The nonprofit has greater demand during the summer months. 

“At FPL, we are honored to support these remarkable nonprofits that lend a hand to lift up those in need,” said J.T. Young, FPL Northwest Florida VP and general manager. “Our commitment to playing an active role in our communities is unwavering as we support the invaluable missions of these important organizations. Together, we strive to strengthen and improve the quality of life and environment in our communities, making them even better places to live, work and raise a family.”  

With homelessness on the rise, FPL provided Family Service Agency of Bay County a grant for its Homeless Outreach Program, which provides a variety of services for the health and human needs of those who are homeless and families who face income and resource challenges. In 2024, the agency intends to serve over 8,000 individuals by assisting them with a means of shelter, food, employment and transportation.            

John Ackerman, retired University of Florida instructor and Bay Watch volunteer, teaches GIC students from Patronis Elementary School about aquatic species during a living shoreline restoration project. 

“We are thankful to receive the FPL foundation grant. These funds will help us provide much needed food to our homeless and help improve their lives overall. Providing food, transportation and support for other needs helps make it possible for those who are struggling to work toward becoming self-sufficient,” said Susan Bravo, executive director, Family Service Agency of Bay County Inc.  

FPL awarded St. Andrew Bay Watch a foundation grant for its Grasses in Classes program, which plants grasses to help erosion and pollution and plants seeds in the minds of students to foster the next generation of watershed stewards, Christina Cantrell, St. Andrew Bay Watch director pointed out.  

Karen Creighton, Family Service Agency of Bay County staff member, serves hot meals to the homeless in Panama City. Between 40 to 60-plus meals are served to those who face homelessness on the second and fourth Fridays of each month throughout the year, with the greatest demand in the summer

“Kids really want to help the environment; they want to be a part of something bigger than the classroom. This is why the program is so important, we are nurturing the next generation of watershed stewards through hands on outdoor educational opportunities,” Cantrell said. “While we have so many schools that want to participate in the program, it is our hardest program to find funding for, often leaving us to cancel programs and put schools on hold. That’s why community grants like the FPL foundation grant are so very important to us. It’s folks like the FPL team who help us make a difference.”  

Some of the organizations awarded grants across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties:   

Bay County  

• Arc of the Bay Adult Day Training — Culinary Institute scholarships  
• Family Service Agency Homeless Outreach Program  
• St. Andrews Christian Care Center Inc. — feeding and clothing program  
• Gulf World Marine Institute — sea turtle rehabilitation facility enhancements  
• St. Andrews Bay Watch — Grasses for Classes  
• Bay County Education Foundation — teacher grant  

Washington County  

• Washington County COA — home-delivered meals  
• Art of Manhood Youth Career and Academic Excellence Program  
• Florida Learns Foundation  

Holmes County  

• Holmes County Education Foundation — teacher grant  

Jackson County 

• Jackson County Education Foundation — teacher grant  

Gadsden County  

• St. Francis Wildlife Association — wildlife hospital support 

NWFL  

• Air & Water Management Coastal Plains chapter — scholarships to develop next generation of environmental professionals