Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues with high priority
FY27 Grant and Aid Funding Recommendations
The city's grant review committee will present its recommendations for which local not-for-profit agencies should receive grant and aid funding in fiscal year 2028.
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.
Commercial Rezoning at Millers Landing on Cypress Gardens Boulevard
A parcel currently zoned as a Planned Unit Development could be rezoned to Commercial-Highway, opening the door to highway-commercial uses at the Millers Landing property.
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.
Winter Haven Regional Airport PAPI and Taxilane Upgrades
The city is moving forward with important lighting and pavement repairs at the Winter Haven Regional Airport, largely funded through state and federal aviation grants.
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.
We Care Family Physicians Developer's Agreement
The committee considered a developer agreement to support the conversion of a vacant building into a modern healthcare facility on Avenue H SE through tax increment financing and improvement grants.
8th Street SW Complete Street and Sidewalk Planning
A local resident raised concerns about the growing number of speed bumps on neighborhood streets, arguing they cause vehicle wear and tear and unfairly penalize all drivers. City staff agreed to follow up with the resident to discuss the concerns.
Elected Officials Compensation Adjustment
Commissioner Chad Davis requested a comparative study of city commissioner salaries across Polk County municipalities, noting that elected compensation has not been significantly adjusted in decades. The commission reached a consensus to have staff compile comparative salary data and population metrics within five to ten days.
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.
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.
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.
Downtown CRA Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The board reviewed proposed operating and capital budgets for the Florence Villa and Downtown redevelopment districts for fiscal year 2027. These budgets outline funding for local infrastructure, grants, and economic development programs.
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.
2025 Annual Lakes Report and Water Quality
The city's Natural Resources Division presented its annual report, showing that 51% of monitored lakes meet state water quality standards—a major jump from 37% in 2018. Officials highlighted ongoing stormwater projects, public outreach, and monitoring efforts to protect local waterways.
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.
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.
Citrus Connection Transit Funding
Transit officials requested a 4% increase in Winter Haven's municipal contribution for fiscal year 2026-27 to offset rising fuel, maintenance, and operating costs after four years without an increase.
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 Construction
Winter Haven is building a brand new $10.2 million downtown parking garage to finally solve the headache of finding a spot while you're out eating or shopping. It's a big investment, but it should make visiting the downtown area way less stressful.
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.
Airport Commerce Park Phase I Construction
A grant agreement with FDOT was scheduled for approval to fund construction of the Airport Commerce Park Phase 1 Project.
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.
FY 2025 Financial Audit Results
The city earned a top-tier clean audit report for its nearly $300 million budget, reflecting strong financial management and careful oversight.
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.
Lake Ruby Drive Infrastructure Acceptance and Pedestrian Safety
Residents from the Traditions community raised urgent safety concerns about heavy traffic, speeding, and a lack of traffic signals or safe crossing options at Thompson Nursery Road and Lake Ruby Drive as new developments add thousands of trips.
Transition to OpenGov Procurement Platform
The city has successfully rolled out OpenGov, a modern digital platform that has drastically increased vendor reach, bidding transparency, and administrative efficiency for city projects.
Chain of Lakes Fieldhouse Parking Lot Repaving
The city is using $99,000 in project savings and $110,000 from department operating savings to repave the aging northwest parking lot at the Chain of Lakes Fieldhouse while contractors are already on site.
Small Business Incentive Review
A local business owner voiced frustration over navigating city permitting requirements and contractor mandates when relocating her restaurant after 26 years.
Highway 17 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard Sinkhole Repair
City crews and FDOT worked overnight to repair a significant underground void and hole that opened up at a major intersection, successfully reopening the road before morning rush hour.
Spring Lake Apartments Traffic & Development Concerns
Residents near 6th Street Northwest voiced strong concerns over traffic congestion and safety hazards posed by the upcoming 168-unit apartment complex. Staff explained that entitlements were established years ago and state law prevents the city from blocking the project or forcing developers to fix failing state road intersections.
Federal Appropriations for North Lake Ship Drive and Willowbrook Road
Winter Haven is pursuing federal funding through Congressman Franklin's office to help cover multi-million dollar road and utility rehabilitations on North Lake Ship Drive and Willowbrook Road. Each project is estimated at around $12 million, with the city seeking a 50-50 federal match.
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.
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.
Intermodal Logistics Center Infrastructure & Stormwater
The city is moving forward with a rail spur and a regional stormwater pond to make industrial parcels in the Intermodal Logistics Center more attractive and ready for development. These projects help manage drainage and support regional economic growth.
FY26 Budget Amendment for Capital Projects (O-26-09)
An ordinance was scheduled to amend previous appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.
Airport Commerce Park Infrastructure Grant
The city secured an FDOT grant to fund construction for Phase 1 of the Airport Commerce Park at Winter Haven Regional Airport. This project aims to boost local economic development and industrial capacity.
Certified Recovery Residences Regulations
Proposed code amendments to properly address certified recovery residences within local land use regulations.
Comprehensive Plan Capital Improvements Update
An update to the city's 5-year capital improvements schedule and interlocal agreements for transportation and school facilities.
Roosevelt Drive Construction Agreement
Approval of an FDOT agreement for constructing improvements along Roosevelt Drive.
Old Fire Station Number One Renovation
Review of a Guaranteed Maximum Price amendment for remodeling Old Fire Station Number One.
Homelessness Policy
Winter Haven is caught up in a statewide push over how to handle homelessness, with city officials officially responding to the Florida Attorney General about their public camping and support rules. If you care about local parks, public safety, and how our tax dollars handle unhoused neighbors, this policy shift is definitely worth watching.
Rail Spur Infrastructure Grant and Construction Awards
The commission reviewed state grant funding, multi-party cooperation agreements, and construction contract awards for a local rail spur project to support intermodal logistics.
City Commission Reorganization & Leadership Elections
The City Commission held its annual reorganization, including swearing in newly elected commissioners, electing a new mayor and mayor pro tem, and reassigning liaison roles.
Public Camping Ban
Winter Haven is caught in a high-stakes standoff with the state over how it handles homelessness. The Florida Attorney General's office says the city is currently violating the state-wide ban on public camping and sleeping.
Homelessness and Public Camping
Winter Haven is facing state pressure over public camping complaints, forcing local leaders to rethink how they handle homelessness. Expect new rules or crackdowns coming down the pipe soon.
Parking Garage Acquisition
Winter Haven is moving forward with a $10.2 million purchase of a downtown parking garage, which has some locals questioning how the city is spending its cash. Expect more debate as this costly deal progresses.