Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 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.