Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in public safety
Community safety: CPR training, fire accreditation, Fire Station 5 and airport advances
The fire department trained 57 employees in hands-only CPR, deployed 38 AEDs and earned a 100% gold-standard safety accreditation. Fire Station 5 is about 90% complete and should open in January 2027, and the airport now has its own radio frequency and is building the nation's first truly remote digital control tower.
Neighborhood Service Center Modernization
The city is preparing to open the brand-new Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center on April 30, featuring a gymnasium, pool, splash pad, and community rooms. Commissioners reviewed proposed rental rates and free drop-in access policies, discussing how to balance public availability for local residents with special event rentals.
Firefighters Collective Bargaining Agreement
The city and the firefighters union negotiated a one-year agreement covering wages, paramedic pay corrections, and administrative updates through September 2026.
Legal Counsel Retention for Blue Line Aviation Litigation
The city formally retained outside counsel after Blue Line Aviation filed a lawsuit regarding lease termination at the Winter Haven Airport.
Community Safety Strategic Pillar Update
Fire, police, and water departments updated the commission on safety initiatives, including new fire stations, a resident safety portal, and police wallet cards for individuals with disabilities.
Hurricane Season Readiness
City officials and public safety teams kicked off hurricane preparedness efforts, updating phone trees, training staff, and coordinating with TECO and emergency partners.
ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Compliance
With an April 24 deadline approaching, city staff have meticulously updated the city's website, documents, social media, and digital portals to comply with new federal ADA accessibility rules.
287(g) Immigration Task Force Agreement
Community members voiced strong opposition to the city's 287(g) police agreement with federal immigration authorities, while police staff provided operational data showing 47 immigration queries out of nearly 39,000 service calls.