Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in development
VillaMar CDD Boundary Contraction
The developer of the Villamar community and its CDD are asking the city to vacate Tract G of the Phase 7 plat, a step that changes recorded rights-of-way or tracts in the subdivision.
Commercial Improvement Grant Program Revisions
The program helps Florence Villa businesses pay for property improvements. Staff will update the committee on its status and a proposed revision to the governing resolution.
Assisted Living Facility Development on Lucerne Park Road
Pentecostal Church of God requested special use approval for a 60- to 100-bed assisted living facility on 17.5 acres off Lucerne Park Road.
Transitional Affordable Housing Grant for Heart for Winter Haven
Heart for Winter Haven presented its ongoing homelessness prevention efforts and requested a $350,000 city match from the affordable housing trust fund for a 13-unit townhome project.
Bowen Yard West Commercial Redevelopment
Six/Ten LLC is proposing a $2.6 million renovation of four vacant buildings into retail, food, and beverage spaces along 5th Street SW. The project includes a 10-year Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate and up to $151,200 in reimbursements for constructing 17 new public parking spaces.
CRA Advisory Committee Appointments
The board considered filling vacant seats on both the Florence Villa and Downtown CRA advisory committees to maintain community representation.
Residential Improvement Grant for 1923 Brown St. NE
A local homeowner is seeking grant funding to install new gutters and a security fence along a busy roadway. This project aims to protect the home from water damage and improve neighborhood safety and aesthetics.
South Polk Economic Development & Industrial Land Study
The city approved state infrastructure grant agreements, cooperation agreements, and construction awards to build a new rail spur supporting local industrial growth.
Workforce Housing Agreement - Gault Construction, LLC
The city approved a workforce housing agreement with Gault Construction to build eight new affordable rental units, supported by trust fund fee reimbursements.
Dewdney Plaza 2 Development Incentives
Property owner Terry Dewdney is seeking commercial improvement grants and intermittent draw agreements for multiple Florence Villa properties, including a restaurant conversion and car wash at 1650 1st Street North, and a mixed-use building with retail, apartments, and a bakery.
Parking Garage Development
Winter Haven is dropping $10.2 million on a brand new downtown parking garage. Get ready for major parking upgrades, but also expect some serious construction headaches if you hang out downtown.