Event Brief
Clearwater council advances 30-year Duke Energy deal
Filed: Jul 17, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET
Summary: Clearwater City Council voted 5-0 to move forward on a 30-year Duke Energy franchise contract.
WHO: Clearwater City Council; Mayor Bruce Rector; Councilmember David Allbritton; Duke Energy
WHAT: Unanimous first vote to advance a 30-year franchise contract with Duke Energy instead of creating a public power utility.
WHEN: Jul 16, 2026 at 11:23 PM ET
WHERE: Clearwater, Florida
WHY: City leaders approved the first step of the 30-year franchise after a feasibility study found a city-owned utility would cost hundreds of millions to buy existing infrastructure.
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