When the Clearwater City Council voted on Sept. 29 to move forward with an appraisal of Duke Energy Florida’s assets , members assured residents that the city was “committing to nothing more than a feasibility study.”

They said it was about getting information — not launching a government takeover.

But less than two weeks later, the Council is considering an expanded contract for its consultant, NewGen Strategies , whose proposal makes the city’s intentions look anything but neutral.

In its Oct. 2 submission, NewGen repeatedly describes “supporting the acquisition of Duke Energy Florida’s electric distribution system,” preparing “direct testimony… in a litigated venue,” and anticipating “lengthy interactions… during the lead-up to a trial.”

That language suggests Clearwater app

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