Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in zoning
Code Amendments for Downtown Indoor Recreation and Manufactured Housing
A state law passed in 2026 requires cities to allow manufactured homes in more residential zoning districts. This ordinance would bring Winter Haven's code into compliance, affecting what kinds of housing can go in RE through R-4 and mixed-use zones.
Small Business Parking Code Enforcement
Residents and business advocates raised questions regarding commercial parking restrictions on unpaved surfaces, prompting commissioners to request a review of city zoning and code enforcement practices.
Lake May Marina Redevelopment Rezoning
Lake May District JV is seeking to rezone six parcels at 717 Sixth Street SW from heavy commercial to a PUD to allow a revamped marina, restaurant, boat club, and food trucks.
Fantasy Island Bar Special Use and Code Compliance
The city is evaluating whether a restaurant at 221 Martin Luther King Boulevard, NE can be officially approved to operate as a large-scale drinking establishment. Neighbors and city staff have raised concerns about insufficient parking, unpermitted outdoor seating near residential zones, and past code violations.
Special Use Approval for Large-Scale Drinking Establishment at 221 MLK Blvd NE
The city evaluated whether to grant special use approval for Fantasy Island Restaurant & Bar to operate as a large-scale drinking establishment, balancing business interests against neighborhood concerns regarding parking, noise, and zoning compliance.
Commercial Rezoning at 2001 First Street North
Beacon Six Holdings is seeking to rezone a 0.46-acre parcel from Mixed Use to Commercial-Highway to build a new convenience store with fuel sales.
Avenue H SE Rezoning Request (P-26-10)
An applicant is asking to rezone two small lots from commercial to mixed use to bring an existing house into compliance and allow a duplex. City staff supports the change because strict commercial rules make the small lots hard to develop.
Spring Lake Plaza and Scarecrow Property Development
Residents expressed frustration over a lack of clarity and transparency surrounding site preparation and potential apartment construction behind Spring Lake Plaza, referencing past controversies and code violations.
Zoning Amendment for Parcel Rezone
A request to rezone a portion of a parcel from Planned Unit Development to Commercial-Highway and Conservation districts was scheduled for consideration.
Duplex Rezoning Request at 1519 8th Street SW
Antonio Araque has requested to rezone a 0.48-acre vacant lot from industrial to low-density multi-family residential to build a duplex. City staff supports the change because it fits the area's future land use designation and will likely reduce infrastructure strain compared to industrial uses.
Subdivision Regulations Update
Revisions to local subdivision rules to ensure compliance with updated state laws.
Certified Recovery Residences Regulations
Proposed code amendments to properly address certified recovery residences within local land use regulations.
Lake Ashton II PUD Amendment
The city is reviewing a request from Lake Ashton II CDD to amend an existing Planned Unit Development ordinance.