In a special city commission meeting held on October 22, 2024, the Winter Haven City Commission convened to discuss the extension of a local state of emergency in response to Hurricane Milton. All five commissioners, including Mayor Burdshone and Mayor Pro Tem Yates, were present for the session.

City Manager Tai Loney presented Resolution R-2450, which seeks to extend the local state of emergency initially declared on October 7, 2024, through Resolution R-2447. This extension is necessary due to the limitations imposed by Florida statutes, which allow local states of emergency to last only seven days unless renewed by official action. The previous resolution, R-2448, had extended the emergency declaration until October 21, 2024.

Loney explained that the current resolution would extend the emergency status until October 28, 2024, at 11:59 PM, with the possibility of further extensions in seven-day increments if required. The urgency of the resolution reflects ongoing concerns regarding the impact of Hurricane Milton on the community.

The commission's approval of this resolution is crucial for enabling municipal officers to continue implementing necessary emergency measures to safeguard the residents of Winter Haven. The meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to disaster management and the importance of maintaining readiness in the face of natural disasters.