Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues with medium priority
8th Street NW and Ave L NW road project
The city is surveying and gathering resident input before designing water, sewer and complete-street upgrades, with a community meeting planned for December. A $507,584 design contract and a $1.7 million FDOT construction grant are already in place.
VillaMar CDD Boundary Contraction
The developer of the Villamar community and its CDD are asking the city to vacate Tract G of the Phase 7 plat, a step that changes recorded rights-of-way or tracts in the subdivision.
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.
Commercial Improvement Grant Program Updates
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.
Logistics Parkway Extension Construction Change Order
The commission reviewed a $119,827 change order for the Logistics Parkway extension project to cover unexpected drainage issues, roadway elevations, and gopher tortoise relocations.
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.
Jewett Alumni Association In-Kind Sponsorship Request
The Jewett Alumni Association requested city sponsorship and in-kind services for its upcoming 40th anniversary parade and community celebration.
City Manager Employment Agreement Amendment
Commissioners discussed a proposed contract amendment for City Manager T. Michael Stavres. The change would require him to take at least two weeks of vacation annually and allow him to cash out unused leave above standard department director thresholds, addressing hours he routinely forfeits due to work demands.
CRA Advisory Committee Appointments
The board considered filling vacant seats on both the Florence Villa and Downtown CRA advisory committees to maintain community representation.
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.
Population Growth
Winter Haven just snagged the title of fastest-growing city in the U.S. Get ready for more traffic, a boom in housing developments, and some big changes coming to your local neighborhood.
Residential Improvement Grant for 1923 Brown St. NE
A local homeowner is seeking grant funding to install new gutters and a security fence along a busy roadway. This project aims to protect the home from water damage and improve neighborhood safety and aesthetics.
South Lake Howard Nature Park Expansion
Construction is underway to expand South Lake Howard Nature Park with stormwater treatment cells, a boardwalk, educational pavilions, and Winter Haven's first 13-hole disc golf course.
Traffic Calming and Speed Bumps
A resident voiced strong concerns about the number of speed bumps installed across city streets, arguing they damage vehicles and unfairly penalize all drivers.
Water Utility Coordination & Builder Relations
Local homebuilders raised concerns about communication breakdowns and delays in setting water meters, which increase construction costs and affect housing affordability.
Avenue K SW Roadway Transfer
Winter Haven officially took over the maintenance and upkeep of Boys Club Road from Polk County.
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.