ST. PETERSBURG, FL.- Progress Energy today announced donations totaling $600,000 toward several arts programs in Florida. "Progress Energy is committed to supporting arts organizations and programs that have positive cultural and economic impacts for communities across Florida," said Jeff Lyash, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida.

Progress Energy grants will support educational programs at the Museum of Fine Art and exhibits at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. The company also is supporting concerts for the Florida Orchestra and productions at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Progress Energy believes there's nothing more powerful than strong communities. Because our success is wholly intertwined with that of the cities, towns and people we serve, the company takes an active role in building and supporting communities -- identifying opportunities that will have a lasting impact and thoughtfully committing resources and time to them.

"Progress Energy's support of the arts helps improve the quality of life and economic vitality that is so important to attracting new business and making Florida one of the best places to live and work," Lyash said.

Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy, provides electricity and related services to more than 1.6 million customers in Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and serves a territory encompassing over 20,000 square miles including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding Orlando. Progress Energy is the 2006 recipient of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Award, the industry's highest honor, in recognition of its operational excellence. In 2005, the company also received the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Founder's Award for dedication, commitment and sustained improvement in customer service.