[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6271632,"mediaKeyId","3028831-b98576a2b7266473b3965883a1171f72","parentId",3028831,"title","Votes at a glance: Winter Haven commission adopts property transfers, plat acceptances and utility easement vacation","audioSeconds",763,"startMs",2575000,"endMs",3338000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028831-b98576a2b7266473b3965883a1171f72&start=2575&end=3338","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028831-b98576a2b7266473b3965883a1171f72/thumbnail_2575000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6271632/Winter-Haven-City/Polk-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Winter-Haven-commission-adopts-property-transfers-plat-acceptances-and-utility-easement-vacation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271632-1b5e0d858712da7c09f8b64aa1311e00/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194916&Signature=RnTYDM9NB8mX8BuxhWywx4K8yKfELQOutoUJ0pLeoWHlB4NwESgRLfaRx66YMEQ8dw9VuzTcEHNXCWIuUJkZmrmS7xVoPeezMudlGsYBrylX~hEJmW4sm~st0OH7W4-aXodaWQZtsiHoK9dhIQ9cC8DD9FaX4a2eVmddUU-YM9xkBI3dX8ShnodxXgX~EKV~UwhDva2jN~zT6CdiDSImDcqbQVNl3MGbWYcxTS9~yZLSvuqynrOuY-1dweuPvt5TvM56jtQNv1soJtTnW~tEQyBJfopa5mN-7GcR~9yqnrA05swM8wZOc1rCKooTDTKOkvP9UN3M-NoTvZhv6PUqNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Winter Haven, FL","date","2025-04-17T00:45:13.913Z","article","At its April 14 meeting, the Winter Haven City Commission unanimously adopted a package of resolutions formalizing property conveyances, accepting subdivision infrastructure, and vacating utility easements. The commission also advanced three ordinances on first reading; second readings are scheduled for April 28.

Resolutions adopted (roll-call/voice votes; all adopted):

- R25-13: Accept conveyance of property adjacent to Bowen Yard from 6 10 LLC. Staff said the developer constructed 24 public parking spaces and a sidewalk using a combination of public right-of-way and private land; transfer conveys the private portion to the city. Staff recommended approval and noted no financial impact. Motion approved; recorded as adopted.

- R25-14: Accept improvements, infrastructure and dedications for Annabelle Estates (approx. 95.38 acres, 324 building lots, 12 common lots). The developer posted a performance bond for previously incomplete work in the amount of $860,622.45; city inspections found incomplete items are now complete and utilities can be accepted. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

- R25-15: Accept improvements for Sunset Hills (approx. 45.4 acres, 162 building lots, 12 common lots). The developer had posted a performance bond of $2,351,410.08; city staff found previously incomplete improvements now finished and recommends acceptance. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

- R25-16: Approve final plat for Residences at Winter Haven (approx. 15.6 acres, 63 building lots, 5 common lots). Staff reported adequate water/wastewater capacity and consistency with comprehensive plan. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

- R25-17: Approve final plat for Traditions Retail (approx. 5.3 acres, 3 lots), including right-of-way dedication for Tract A. Staff noted the site has adequate water and sewer capacity and part of the parcel is under construction for a convenience store and fueling facilities. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

- R25-18: Authorize termination, abandonment and release of four 15-foot-wide utility easements (totaling 3,269.41 feet) originally dedicated in 1981 to allow redevelopment of the Lake Deere townhouse site. City engineering and water departments reported no objections provided replacement easements/utilities are recorded and abandoned mains are removed at the developer’s expense. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

Ordinances advanced on first reading (no final vote tonight):

- O25-11 / O25-12: Companion ordinances seeking annexation, future land use assignment (Neighborhood Support) and Commercial Highway C-3 zoning for an annexed 8.64-acre parcel at 75 Sage Road. The petitioner intends a medical office; staff said supporting infrastructure has sufficient capacity and the planning commission recommended approval. Second readings scheduled for April 28.

- O25-17: Ordinance amending fiscal year 2024-25 budget to appropriate $3,858,447 for encumbrance roll-forwards from FY24. Staff said these are carryforward amounts to reflect prior-year commitments; second reading set for April 28.

Additional procedural actions: The consent agenda was approved in its entirety; minutes from prior meetings were adopted. Several items were read by the city attorney and recommended by staff; no public comment was offered on those items during the hearing periods.

All resolutions and plat acceptances were acted on by motion, public hearing (closed after no speakers) and unanimous commission votes recorded as “aye.”","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting, April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission unanimously approved six resolutions accepting conveyances, infrastructure and plats and vacating utility easements; three ordinances advanced on first reading with second readings scheduled for April 28.","taxTitle","Winter Haven City, Polk County, Florida","taxId",12580,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6271637,"Winter Haven officials say quiet zone work is near 'home stretch'; residents urge faster action",914,1341000,2255000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028831-b98576a2b7266473b3965883a1171f72&start=1341&end=2255","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028831-b98576a2b7266473b3965883a1171f72/thumbnail_1341000.jpg","/articles/6271637/Winter-Haven-City/Polk-County/Florida/Winter-Haven-officials-say-quiet-zone-work-is-near-home-stretch-residents-urge-faster-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271637-3881f2494eb5c38bec45baaa1993dac4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194916&Signature=mSKA5AQuC1Y9E1r3EH-4gicSLClybP2JFCeEzB2JpbjIZu0Jy-UIagxYKjdnYWJCjOmHr4B1rqTg83VDqbkLoeVP2DkRXoYh8o0PRTBCb77BW9YkUQUUcCo90Ep8IghSrU5t7j-m2ShbZLJt9j1kT4JsMwPxBfrTcRy2POTsY~69wZT0f-fXo4R5eVbSNJHf-Y-kaXh3doh~-5qDJnbusKtlqm6R91ol~mn6ihqchdGh8ANPEindlg~WEJ~rSJ0OceU2LwXsvjIvIktaccMSPh24-xfS24Tp2CYgj4pT-Db4qx1hR9Dp9TiXeGnJHelxeyMefpNRHH2Gxde5WXgWqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents from southwest Winter Haven told the City Commission on April 14 that train horn noise along residential rail crossings is “unbearable” and urged quicker action to create a federally recognized quiet zone.

City staff gave a detailed status update on the quiet-zone project, saying the city has completed feasibility studies and engineering designs, received Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Florida Department of Transportation reviews, issued a notice of intent and now needs a right-of-entry permit from CSX to build safety improvements within the railroad’s right-of-way. Deputy City Manager MJ Carnivale said the city has authority to establish the quiet zone once those improvements are built and inspected by the FRA.

MJ Carnivale, Deputy City Manager: “We have a fully designed project... That right of entry permit is back with CSX pending their approval. I spoke with a member of their team today. I think we're in good shape on that… We're hoping to know in the next week or two.”

Residents described years of delays and sleep disruption. Debbie Kajrovich, who said she first raised the issue in 2015 and recalled the late Commissioner JP Powell as a project champion, told the commission she hoped the quiet zone could be dedicated in his honor and not delayed further. Barbara Klein said trains wake her at 2 a.m. and asked directly whether the project is moving forward.

City Manager (unnamed): “JP Powell was the champion of the quiet zone initiative… I’m gonna ask the deputy city manager, MJ Carnivale… to give everyone an update that shows where we are today and where we think we're headed on this.”

Timeline and process: City staff laid out remaining steps — secure CSX right-of-entry; bid and award construction (the city budgeted funds in its transportation fund); complete construction (staff estimated about 90 days for construction; combined procurement/construction timeline roughly 180 days); request and pass an FRA inspection; and issue a city notice of establishment. Once a notice of establishment is issued and the FRA inspection is passed, the quiet zone becomes effective 21 days later. Staff said engineers may still sound horns for safety if an obstruction occurs but that such uses must be justified and can be subject to fines if unjustified.

Deputy City Manager MJ Carnivale said the city does not expect materials procurement problems and that once right-of-entry is granted, construction could move quickly. Multiple speakers urged the city to share timely status updates with affected neighborhoods. Staff said it will notify residents directly when CSX returns the signed right-of-entry agreement.

The commission did not take formal action on the quiet-zone issue during the meeting; staff characterized the matter as awaiting CSX final approval before construction procurement could begin.","Residents described persistent train horn noise during public comment as city staff outlined steps remaining to create a quiet zone, including a pending CSX right-of-entry permit and a roughly 180-day construction timeline after approval.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6271641,"Winter Haven approves land deal, developer amendments to advance Logistics Parkway extension",649,3820000,4469000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028831-b98576a2b7266473b3965883a1171f72&start=3820&end=4469","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028831-b98576a2b7266473b3965883a1171f72/thumbnail_3820000.jpg","/articles/6271641/Winter-Haven-City/Polk-County/Florida/Winter-Haven-approves-land-deal-developer-amendments-to-advance-Logistics-Parkway-extension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271641-f6a66730e7b2c504387435bf500b6625/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194916&Signature=IWEYXteSzVQ7YVkwT30PsbWIGf~aawqn5YEJA3R4MKYWv9W34VPS0NYQivRlq-3KsSP-u2aIl8HP~sOm4-ENWvGxYJVA3xSwM3zs2nvkzweA907lUgypC3bljYrzM9b8enDIZU7e9ePCJb~raLdVHYYDrKjFK~~0glx8seLbjhplflLMWxabgH~bOCmma3EloliOb8qkbeB~i63zqMzLNo7ZUHj3JfredBhAgDTGtUpMQErOFlzluYMf~4n5T1G3uMm4azNAGCSF8B1dsyaBPm7XvTAKxCTwMiueeIV37sqoX8EDpcpsFMYvRBadqShsyWmq6qI5hmbphn6FJVH~hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winter Haven City Commission on April 14 approved a set of land and agreement actions to advance the Logistics Parkway extension, including a purchase of about 4.04 gross acres for $424,200 and amendments to an existing developer's agreement.

The action authorizes the city manager to execute a purchase-and-sale agreement, a first amendment to a developer's agreement, a right-of-first-refusal agreement and an option agreement related to property in the Intermodal Logistics Center (ILC). City Manager (unnamed in the record) described the package as necessary to change the road alignment, reduce costs and allow the city to proceed with bidding and construction.

The change in alignment lowers the engineer’s estimate for the remaining roadway segment from roughly $21.4 million to about $10.5 million — a savings of approximately $11 million, according to the city manager. The council approved the agreements by voice vote; all present commissioners voted aye.

Why it matters: the city previously secured $9,411,612 in state funding (two grants from Florida Commerce and the Florida Department of Transportation) for the Logistics Parkway project. The city received the bulk of those grant dollars after completing the first project phase in June 2024. The redesign and the land acquisition are intended to shorten construction time, reduce utility relocations and keep the project within grant requirements.

Details from the meeting: the purchase price of $105,000 per gross acre (total $424,200) was established during earlier negotiations with Florida Can Manufacturing (FCM); Ball Corporation subsequently acquired FCM’s assets and the city continued negotiations with Ball. The city anticipates closing the land purchase before May 30, 2025. If Ball/FCM exercises purchase rights under the right-of-first-refusal or option agreements within the five-year windows described by the documents, the city would receive up to $5,701,500 in revenue tied to future acreage transactions.

The city manager said the project’s construction costs specific to the roadway were included in the Series 2023 bond issuance and budgeted in the transportation fund, with direct land-transaction costs to be paid from the project account. The manager also said the Florida Department of Transportation extended the project completion date to match the Florida Commerce grant schedule, moving the deadline to Jan. 6, 2027.

Commission discussion was brief. A commissioner moved to approve the package “as presented,” and the motion passed with unanimous approval. The city intends to close on the property purchase, then proceed to procure the construction contract via a public bid process; staff estimated roughly 180 days from procurement to construction completion once right-of-entry and contracting steps are complete.

The city identified the Public Works/Transportation division as the implementing department and said staff will return with procurement documents and closing steps as required.","The City Commission authorized a $424,200 land purchase and related agreements with the parcel’s prior owner to move forward with a redesigned Logistics Parkway extension that reduces estimated construction costs and aligns state grant deadlines.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Winter Haven commission adopts property transfers, plat acceptances and utility easement vacation

Winter Haven officials say quiet zone work is near 'home stretch'; residents urge faster action

Winter Haven approves land deal, developer amendments to advance Logistics Parkway extension