Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.