Orlando suburb’s public power journey could serve as a roadmap for Clearwater

Winter Parks gamble on public power nearly 20 years ago is now inspiring a similar debate thats unfolding 100 miles away in Clearwater.

This week, Clearwater voted unanimously to take the first steps toward the possible creation of a public utility and takeover of Duke Energys local infrastructure. Some city leaders, like Councilmember Ryan Cotton, cited Winter Parks success as evidence a city-run utility can work.

"They faced the same doubts, the same risks, Cotton said. Today, they are enjoying stronger reliability, quicker restoration, and a system that reflects their community's values.

Winter Park, located just north of Orlando, made the transition in June 2005, years after residents complained of constant outages under the Florida Power Corporation. Randy Knight, who was the assis