Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with critical priority
Budget Debate
Amendment 3's expanded homestead exemptions are projected to cost Winter Haven about $8.6 million in fiscal year 2027-28 and $11.5 million the year after. The commission agreed to suspend the nonprofit grant program, payments to outside agencies, and a $500,000 CDFI commitment to protect core services like police, fire, libraries and recreation.
FY 2026-27 Florence Villa CRA Budget
Staff will report on ongoing neighborhood projects and grant programs, which in past meetings have included sidewalks, bus shelters, and residential improvement grants.
East Winter Haven Aquifer Recharge and Wetland Restoration
The city is moving forward with the design phase of a major 450-acre wetland restoration and aquifer recharge project to improve water supply resilience and provide public trails. Officials discussed acquisition phases and grant funding supporting the initiative.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget and Property Tax Millage Rate
A proposed constitutional amendment creating a $250,000 homestead exemption could strip Winter Haven of over $10 million in general fund revenue. Commissioners discussed the need for proactive workshops to review potential budget cuts and revenue alternatives.
Water Production Facility Design and Infrastructure Expansion
The city considered adopting a comprehensive One Water Master Plan to guide future water resource management.
CRA Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
The advisory committee is reviewing a proposed $5.86 million budget that funds downtown economic development, infrastructure improvements, small business grants, and public transit initiatives like micro-transit and circulator routes.
Water and Sewer Rate Study & Surcharges
The city updated its industrial wastewater pretreatment rules and fee schedules to comply with federal standards and ensure proper cost recovery from industrial users.
Potential Fire Protection Assessment Fee Evaluation
The city initiated a formal study to explore implementing a fire assessment fee, helping prepare local government finances in case voters approve property tax reform measures in November.
Downtown P3 Parking Facility Agreement
The city approved a $10.2 million public-private partnership to build a 292-space parking garage at Avenue C Southwest and 3rd Street Southwest. This project aims to address downtown parking needs efficiently with private development expertise.
SouthState Bank Regional Operations Center
SouthState Bank is proposing a 5-story, Class A office building on Central Avenue in downtown Winter Haven to house about 125 employees. The project includes tax increment financing rebates and water/wastewater connection fee reimbursements to help revitalize a vacant downtown site.
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.
Downtown Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Projects
City crews and FDOT worked overnight to fix a major underground sinkhole and pipe issue at Highway 17 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard, reopening the road by morning.
3rd Street NW Complete Street Project & Infrastructure Upgrades
The city is awarding a construction contract to Tucker Paving for the 3rd Street NW Complete Street project, which will add roundabouts, traffic calming, and sidewalk improvements. Additionally, staff reviewed several major water and wastewater plant equipment replacements funded through capital reserves.