Countdown to midterms motivates Manatee County voters

Elections are almost over, but the work is just beginning. Right away, we have to hold our newly elected officials accountable and ensure they’re working for the Floridians that elected them into office. With costs rising across the board and Floridians paying some of the highest electricity bills in the country, affordable energy should be a priority on every elected official’s platform.

Food & Water Watch analysis found that between December 2020 and January 2026, residential bills for Florida Power & Light (FPL) customers increased 45% — about $511 more annually. This includes the rate increase from FPL’s $7 billion rate hike in 2025 that funneled more money to FPL’s profits and shareholders, while small businesses were hit the hardest with their rates going up more than any other customer class.

Nationally, 80% of small business owners say energy costs significantly impact their business. These are the same businesses that are the backbone of our communities, creating jobs and keeping our economy moving. It’s outrageous that greedy corporations get huge handouts while small local businesses struggle to keep the lights on and doors open.

Manatee County’s own Senator Jim Boyd has expressed support for creating guardrails on utility regulators to protect Florida families. Earlier this week, 30 small businesses in Manatee County sent a letter to Senator Boyd urging him to prioritize energy affordability. As our next Senate President, we need him to put his support into action and rein in Florida’s utility regulators from prioritizing the interests of big corporations and leaving small family businesses footing the bill.

Isabella Moeller
Largo