During the Spanish Influenza of 1918, the Tampa Gas Company, now Peoples Gas, supported Floridians with energy, safety and gratitude.
At Peoples Gas, our company values and mission have remained consistent for more than 125 years, withstanding the test of time and turbulence. The safe, reliable, affordable delivery of natural gas has been, and always will be, our promise to the customers and communities we serve.
During the Spanish Influenza, the deadly global pandemic that began in mid-1918 and continued through the spring of 1919, the Tampa Gas Company, the predecessor of Peoples Gas, delivered essential energy services and community support in Tampa amid the pandemic and World War I.
In Tampa, the Spanish Influenza peaked on October 21, 1918, with 1,022 new cases and 22 deaths on that one day, according to research provided by Gary Mormino, Ph.D., University of South Florida, Professor Emeritus and award-winning author and historian. To combat the pandemic and help keep the community safe, Tampa businesses, charitable organizations, and residents joined together to provide money, medical services, and supplies. Peoples Gas’ current affiliate, Tampa Electric Company, opened an emergency hospital in the car barns located on its premises to care for employees.
In a November 1, 1918 edition of the Tampa Morning Tribune, the Tampa Gas Company published a statement of gratitude to its customers for their consideration and cooperation as the company continued to be “on the job” giving customers “the best attention possible under the circumstances.”
Supporting Volunteerism—Past and Present
According to an October 1918 Tampa Morning Tribune article, the Tampa Gas Company also contributed 1,000 gallons of light oil for disinfecting city streets. The news story states, “Roscoe Nettles, manager of the Tampa Gas Company, has offered 1,000 gallons of light oil that can be used for disinfecting purposes. It will probably be distributed over the city streets by means of the sprinkling wagons.”
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Library of Congress.
Today, Peoples Gas and its 600 team members across Florida continue the responsibility of providing reliable natural gas service, fueling homes and businesses safely. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our customers, whether it’s working tirelessly during challenging times or volunteering in our communities to help those in need.
We appreciate and celebrate the hard work, kindness and compassion of our team members. As we have for more than a century, Peoples Gas continues to stay focused on the health and safety of the people and communities we serve.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have contributed more than $1 million in partnership with Tampa Electric to support essential and critical relief services through charitable organizations providing food, housing assistance, childcare and educational services across the state.
Our team members are dedicated to volunteerism, contributing more than 5,000 hours of community service annually throughout the state to donate food, school supplies and blood, and build homes for low-income residents and provide energy-efficient home upgrades for military veterans.
Community is at the Heart of Peoples Gas
While times change, our company still remains focused on the health and wellness, education, culture and innovation of our communities. Learn more and visit our community share program.
