During the Brooksville City Council meeting on July 21, 2025, residents voiced concerns over rising utility bills and ongoing infrastructure issues, highlighting the challenges facing the community.

One resident expressed frustration over skyrocketing electricity costs, stating, "I can't afford $700 a month. I don't know anybody who can." This sentiment resonated with many in attendance, as the community grapples with increasing living expenses. The resident also shared a personal success story about getting the city to address a long-standing sidewalk issue after raising awareness on social media, demonstrating the power of community engagement.

In response to the concerns about utility costs, representatives from Duke Energy provided insights into the factors driving recent increases in electricity bills. They explained that costs associated with storm recovery are shared among all customers in Florida, regardless of where the storm hits. This means that the financial burden of hurricanes is distributed across the state, impacting residents even in areas that were not directly affected.

Duke Energy officials also noted that fluctuations in natural gas prices significantly influence electricity rates, as natural gas constitutes a substantial portion of the energy mix in Florida. They assured the council that efforts are underway to identify potential cost savings for the city, including a review of accounts that may be on incorrect billing rates.

The council members expressed appreciation for the information shared by Duke Energy and emphasized the importance of clear communication during emergencies, particularly during hurricane season. They requested direct contact information for Duke representatives to ensure swift coordination in the event of a natural disaster.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the discussions around utility costs and infrastructure maintenance are critical to the well-being of Brooksville residents. The council's commitment to addressing these issues reflects a broader goal of enhancing community resilience and ensuring that residents have access to essential services at manageable costs.