With over 107 years of total combined service, the Whitwell family’s NextEra Energy roots run deep.

• Eddie Piltz – grandfather of the family – retired in 1985 with 38 years of service. He served as a Helper and Cable Splicer for the Fort Lauderdale Yard and Dispatcher for the Miami Central Distribution Trouble Office.
• Leslie Whitwell – mother of the family – retired in 2016 with 28 years of service. She served as Customer Service Rep for the West Palm Phone Room and A Clerk Steno at the St. Lucie Nuclear Plant, as well as Executive Admin. Asst. for the St. Lucie Plant.
• Doug Whitwell – Steven’s stepfather and Leslie’s husband – retired in 2019 with 32 years of service. He served in various roles in Training, Electrical Maintenance, Safety and Performance Improvement at the St. Lucie Plant. He was also an Emergency Planning Coordinator at Juno Beach.
• Steven Lawrence – Leslie and Doug’s son – has been employed with FPL since 2015. He started as an Apprentice Line Specialist at Witfield Yard and is currently a Line Specialist with Stuart Yard. Steven volunteers with the Southwest Port St. Lucie Little League and is a member of IBEW Local 627.

The Whitwell family has many fond memories of their time at NextEra Energy and FPL. Leslie recalls the family picnics she attended on Miami Beach where McGregor Smith – CEO at the time – would come and play his harmonica. She also enjoyed the children's Christmas parties at Dinner Key Auditorium.

“FPL was like family to us. This family atmosphere was also present at the St. Lucie Nuclear Plant where I spent 25+ years and Doug 30+ years,” Leslie said. “We made lifelong friends there, our kids have grown up together, we travel together and are now enjoying retired life together.”

In their free time, Leslie and Doug enjoy volunteering, traveling and spending time with their nine grandchildren. Leslie volunteers with the Children’s Ministry at Morningside Church, and they are still connected with many of their friends from the company.

We are grateful to all the members of our NextEra family. See the list below for other multi-generation families working at NextEra Energy.

Disclaimer: We may not have captured every name of child or parent. Please email retirees@nee.com if you would like to be included in the list of generational retirees noted below.