Oct. 9, 2009 (Marketwire) --

WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- (Marketwire) -- 10/09/09 -- Florida Public Utilities Company (NYSE Amex: FPU) today announced that Glass, Lewis & Co. and PROXY Governance, Inc., two leading independent proxy advisory firms, have each recommended that Florida Public Utilities Company shareholders vote "FOR" the strategic merger with Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) at FPU's Special Meeting of Shareholders on October 22, 2009.

"We are pleased that these independent shareholder advisory firms both found that this transaction is in the best interests of FPU's shareholders and recommended our shareholders vote for our strategic merger with Chesapeake," said John T. English, President and Chief Executive Officer of FPU. "Like these firms, our Board has also unanimously determined that FPU's merger with Chesapeake Utilities Corporation enhances short- and long-term shareholder value and therefore, should be supported."

Glass, Lewis, in its report recommending that FPU shareholders vote for the merger with Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, concluded, in part:

"In our opinion, the directors of FPU have a reasonable basis to recommend that a merger with Chesapeake is the strategic option in the best interests of shareholders. The premium offered for FPU shares seems adequate. In addition, since the proposed transaction is a stock-for-stock deal, shareholder value realized from the acquisition depends on the future performance of the combined company. The FPU board believes combining with Chesapeake offers the best opportunity for the company to meet its objectives and enhance shareholder value.

"Accordingly, we recommend that shareholders vote FOR this proposal."

PROXY Governance, in its report recommending that Florida Public Utilities' shareholders approve of the merger with Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, concluded, in part, "... we believe the deal offers reasonable value and an improved long-term outlook for FPU shareholders, and, in the absence of a more compelling alternative, warrants shareholder support."

Florida Public Utilities encourages all stockholders to follow the recommendations of Glass, Lewis and PROXY Governance and vote their shares promptly by phone, via Internet, or by mailing their WHITE proxy card; or to contact FPU's proxy solicitors, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., toll free at 800.322.2885, if they have any questions or need any assistance in voting their shares.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed merger, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation ("Chesapeake") has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No.