JUNO BEACH, Fla. -- Florida Power & Light Company has amended applications it filed in St. Lucie County to rezone properties proposed for wind turbine locations. The amended plans will remove four turbine sites previously under consideration at John Brooks and Frederick Douglass Parks and propose placing six wind turbines on property FPL currently owns at the St. Lucie nuclear power plant. The remaining three turbines are proposed for a parcel of undeveloped state-owned land adjoining the plant’s property to the north.  

"We support the desire of St. Lucie County to develop clean, renewable energy while also balancing the views of our customers and neighbors on land use,” said FPL Vice President Eric Silagy. “We believe that this proposal appropriately addresses the views of the community, county and state.”

In June, FPL and St. Lucie County announced plans to explore building a wind power project with up to nine turbines. The initial proposal located turbines on FPL, county and state properties. The revised proposal adds an additional wind turbine to FPL property.

The strongest winds in Florida are found on the coastline. FPL studies have focused on using these winds while minimizing the environmental impact to coastal areas and wetlands. Operating under favorable wind conditions, the wind turbines could generate up to 20.7 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. That would be enough to supply power to more than 3,000 homes.

"I'm committed to bringing renewable power to St. Lucie County,” said St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Craft. "I appreciate FPL listening and responding to the public to balance the need for alternative energy opportunities with our right to enjoy public spaces.”

 “I continue to believe that wind is a viable technology for St. Lucie County,” he added.  

Craft said a final decision is premature until the county completes an analysis of the pros and cons. “This is an important issue that requires thoughtful consideration if we are to become the greenest county in the state of Florida." 

FPL Group is the largest owner and operator of wind power projects in the United States.  It also owns and operates the largest solar facility in the world and has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for being the nation’s leader in conservation programs.

”We at FPL Group have been producing renewable energy for many years and are proud to be one of the cleanest generators of electricity in the United States,” said FPL President Armando Olivera.  “As the nation’s leader in clean, renewable power, we will continue to develop and promote technologies that will help us provide all Floridians with clean energy solutions,” he added.

Florida Power & Light Company is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL), nationally known as a high quality, efficient and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. With annual revenues of nearly $16 billion and a growing presence in 27 states, FPL Group is widely recognized as one of the country's premier power companies. Florida Power & Light Company serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, FPL Group's competitive energy subsidiary is the nation’s leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable sources such as solar and wind. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.FPL.com, www.FPLGroup.com and www.FPLEnergy.com.