Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues
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.
Sertoma Park football renovations
A liaison request would start the process of hiring design-build services to renovate the football facilities at Sertoma Park.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.