Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Haven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
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.
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.
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.
Sertoma Park football renovations
A liaison request would start the process of hiring design-build services to renovate the football facilities at Sertoma Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Production Facility Design and Infrastructure Expansion
The city considered adopting a comprehensive One Water Master Plan to guide future water resource management.
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.
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.
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.
CRA Advisory Committee Appointments
The board considered filling vacant seats on both the Florence Villa and Downtown CRA advisory committees to maintain community representation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.