[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6061950,"mediaKeyId","3280859-ad7ccf34d05220f9ad227484e76f0b96","parentId",3280859,"title","Commission hears concerns about lake litter, stormwater catch basins and possible county boating restrictions","audioSeconds",728,"startMs",3838000,"endMs",4566000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3280859-ad7ccf34d05220f9ad227484e76f0b96&start=3838&end=4566","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3280859-ad7ccf34d05220f9ad227484e76f0b96/thumbnail_3838000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6061950/Winter-Haven-City/Polk-County/Florida/Commission-hears-concerns-about-lake-litter-stormwater-catch-basins-and-possible-county-boating-restrictions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061950-b123f5a191ad1803feecbce418449a7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194419&Signature=oX884yA3ATJe9cLphoyG~j3C6ZomW0EMc9WnVQBmeKPthRyMhU9iC5IhSj8OskIi7cSQXVvqkS1h4HjF17uf3VYtpypJw0M48jQ0rjkLLytdP3zikiBTYlUUpzCXzufkHV3WXN9J7B3H8-nqoQVzw9giuSkVoDGpfh~s~c7K4jzsYUtoClP6rE0cTeN9YAGnQj16jQHnII4~QiHXjQax~769Cuya9-tEXQ9vChZyFBKQWcQICbxpZrxwKLvYsSsrPkdfnxn0TLa9CXy0AgGl1jcBnsp-lz-1w67300N9hyYnWpx9~x7cxFIgrwPwkJCtXE8eC1DRxr1beafRC9ejxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Winter Haven, FL","date","2025-05-13T11:42:41Z","article","During liaison reports on May 20 the Winter Haven City Commission discussed recent increases in litter in the city’s lakes, city and county maintenance responsibilities for outfalls and catch basins, and a pending Polk County ordinance that could restrict boating activity in parts of the Chain of Lakes.

Commissioners and staff said the recent wet period flushed accumulated debris — including lawn clippings and other vegetative waste — from catch basins and stormwater parks into Lake Lulu and connected waterways after a prolonged dry spell. City staff told the commission the community has not had “significant rainfall since probably early February,” and that accumulated material produces a large “flush” when rain arrives. Staff noted some outfalls are maintained by Polk County and others by the Florida Department of Transportation; staff said the city will follow up with FDOT and Polk County about maintenance schedules and whether additional proactive clean-ups are possible ahead of the wet season.

Commissioners discussed recent volunteer cleanup efforts, including a “Great Winter Haven Cleanup” that engaged local schools and community volunteers; staff reported the city and volunteers recently collected several 20-yard roll-offs of debris and that nearly 900 schoolchildren participated in the campaign. Staff said they will evaluate expanding Project Eagle-style volunteer cleanups beyond the single Earth Day alignment to address recurring lake litter.

A commissioner raised a separate item: Polk County is drafting an ordinance that would restrict certain boat activity and congregating in areas such as Lake Winterset and some Auburndale lakes; staff said they are not yet familiar with the draft and will obtain and review it and report back. Enforcement of lake-use regulations is handled primarily by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office marine unit and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; the city said its on-water role is typically emergency response and rescue.

Why it matters: litter and vegetative debris affect water quality and recreation on the Chain of Lakes and require coordination among city, county and state agencies for maintenance and enforcement. Volunteer efforts and education campaigns can reduce litter entering storm drains; staff and commissioners discussed options to make lake cleanups more routine.

Next steps: city staff will contact Polk County and FDOT about maintenance schedules and request the draft county ordinance for review. Staff will also explore ways to expand volunteer cleanups and public education, and return with recommendations as appropriate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting, May 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners and staff discussed an increase in lake litter after recent rains, the roles of city, county and state agencies in maintaining catch basins and outfalls, and a potential Polk County ordinance to restrict certain boat activity on Lake Winterset and nearby lakes.","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},6061954,"Commission approves design contract and $355,930 GMP for redevelopment of old Fire Station No. 1",212,2859000,3071000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3280859-ad7ccf34d05220f9ad227484e76f0b96&start=2859&end=3071","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3280859-ad7ccf34d05220f9ad227484e76f0b96/thumbnail_2859000.jpg","/articles/6061954/Winter-Haven-City/Polk-County/Florida/Commission-approves-design-contract-and-355930-GMP-for-redevelopment-of-old-Fire-Station-No-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061954-2ffb4b0a5fd759158ef435551cbab52e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194420&Signature=nYqA3xuszp0k2LjlgvZZB-I308ZGPsGLU2APgZAJ-kR7U7KRafYUWgwIv1yQB5LPK2m1uGiC3vJy67IYsgIlVgKPKjr1DGqGoOZXy9D0wCuGJmlv~ir9ODUHtqio6PcV7oFpKnrsR7mTDoDvFxmBtj3Txx7AOb8o9EPnjlVTg627Cb-HmK~IicW883ah0wAf5mYl6~AcA89AVnapboTWE3nrjR4tLTd8Ja4Ns0gKpMVGb4Yd9dCitfSGtR~Isx56S9c8IT-yPlb-QivwlxRZPs1xbm7Sd-KtXbFmKkWm2VIYkMB6PZL0egh0GG6NBlHbKhgFFFXpNA0s0wvbRsEHNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winter Haven City Commission on May 20 approved a design-and-permitting contract and a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $355,930 with Whitehead Construction for renovation of the former Fire Station No. 1.

City staff said the project will convert the former fire station—located north of the commission chambers—into space for the building division. Whitehead Construction was selected through RFQ 24-38 and the design-build contract was included in the meeting package. The approved $355,930 GMP covers the design and permitting phase; staff said the construction-phase GMP will be brought back to the commission once actual construction costs are known.

City staff noted the building division has set aside $7,000,000 from internal funds to cover future needs, including this project. Staff said they do not expect the renovation to reach $7,000,000 and estimated total renovation costs are “probably closer to $3,000,000,” but emphasized the final construction price will be presented once design work is complete.

Why it matters: the project repurposes an existing city building for operational use by the building division and sets a defined design-permitting budget while retaining commission oversight for construction spending.

Next steps: Whitehead Construction will proceed with design and permitting work under the approved GMP; when design is complete staff will present final construction costs and any required contract amendments to the commission.","The commission authorized a design and permitting contract and a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $355,930 to Whitehead Construction for design-permitting of the former Fire Station No. 1, with future construction costs to return to the commission.",{"_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},6061959,"Winter Haven commission approves Harmony subdivision acceptance, road renames and Shops at Country Club plat",293,2546000,2839000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3280859-ad7ccf34d05220f9ad227484e76f0b96&start=2546&end=2839","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3280859-ad7ccf34d05220f9ad227484e76f0b96/thumbnail_2546000.jpg","/articles/6061959/Winter-Haven-City/Polk-County/Florida/Winter-Haven-commission-approves-Harmony-subdivision-acceptance-road-renames-and-Shops-at-Country-Club-plat","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061959-f41cc9546b9ea8d513e171c5c7bcd133/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194420&Signature=muLYtTw4g2GqyuMEgn2EOudSPl-dknFEURi3nLkrrDnpa-lI~JFgJ2iVh1ucE3rfQ5VGZ5~~~wX~pfdNhKS7kjfApuD~ja752TyEU63F~O1BC3~xW3kUp7lreREzM4lFlFoVqhw2CH7n1xm1zVv~V3OYCcR5xgXLi2Tc93UO47NO59k7HJoSeAgN8xvTbj4SgH0AKYZg7B3Gg70i-TAjoWMiG7K0HXh9UePoPiWCE~xiT8KExGBGuAcrS31~QvkGKNwH~UvxzSIvLQXRXOGGIcKeL6nP98-sYOoLYqWaBk1Z87eapmb1qqG5fPSiJ~eTCYSUz0C2hed8-OjL-z5f7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winter Haven City Commission on May 20 approved several land-development measures affecting subdivisions and street names in and around the Harmony on Lake Eloise area and the Shops at Country Club project.

Resolution R-25-23 confirmed the city’s acceptance of improvements and infrastructure for Harmony on Lake Eloise Phase 4 and authorized release of the developer’s performance bond. City staff said the subdivision covers 57.25 acres and includes 322 building lots and 12 common lots; the developer posted a performance bond of $1,983,000 to guarantee completion of required infrastructure. Staff reported that inspections are complete and recommended acceptance; the commission adopted the resolution after no public comment.

The commission approved Resolution R-25-22 to rename an unnamed segment of road (described in the resolution as the road running between Eloise Loop Road/Thompson Nursery Road and County Road 653 generally in Section 13, Township 20S, Range 20E) to Lake Ruby Drive West. Separately, Resolution R-25-24 renames Pomelo Lane in Harmony on Lake Eloise Phase 2 to Pomelo Drive. Staff told the commission Polk County E911 will be notified and that any cost for signage would be borne by the Harmony on Lake Eloise community development district; staff said there is no financial impact to the city for the name changes.

The commission also approved Resolution R-25-25 to accept the final plat for Shops at Country Club (Shops at CC LLC), a 34.9-acre development consisting of seven lots recorded under Planned Unit Development ordinance O-23-29.

Why it matters: the acceptance of Phase 4 improvements and release of the performance bond transfers maintenance responsibility to the city and clears outstanding developer obligations for that phase. Street renaming requires coordination with emergency response (E911) and property addressing; the Shops at Country Club plat advances a commercial development under an approved PUD.

Next steps: staff will record required documents, notify Polk County E911 and affected agencies of the street name changes, and release the performance bond per the resolution. Any future construction or bond-related matters will return to the commission as needed.","The commission adopted resolutions accepting public improvements in Harmony on Lake Eloise Phase 4, renaming two roads, and approving the final plat for the Shops at Country Club.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6061964,"Winter Haven approves airport master plan grant, extends remote tower agreement and hears Sun 'n Fun recap",285,2219000,2504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3280859-ad7ccf34d05220f9ad227484e76f0b96&start=2219&end=2504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3280859-ad7ccf34d05220f9ad227484e76f0b96/thumbnail_2219000.jpg","/articles/6061964/Winter-Haven-City/Polk-County/Florida/Winter-Haven-approves-airport-master-plan-grant-extends-remote-tower-agreement-and-hears-Sun-n-Fun-recap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061964-019d894c865309c08be7873e43b1006a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194420&Signature=MQL72O6Msxz62umMT0Ku1RmEy9LL3890MHtsO0ZBc9Gj-~XwArR7oKD8vgdO-qBTkjgAXUTzyrnWqZDBQvKzLB9Qbb2eoGfghbC0pPw77aUMikKvSihEKk36WYZ1frZr63a0EJ-bkkK-7UoVoSTmDQQWK7OIEt7fPHjMASgwm3QLP3xzEDJHMgepGIJcictgGnU0EfNJ9Hbx-MTUnfVY7xV7ArzBEH3RPqV4ttFf~xgETm9EnB3c0OhDTdd4yCXpAuOickLH~ZDPBO1WvE8l0g0SCS1SZg67xDlWyBzGZ07TkC2E66brB5vXqMd5EegQ0hWiEtlidIzhwb3S0QsXwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winter Haven City Commission on May 20 adopted a pair of airport measures and heard an operations report from the Winter Haven Regional Airport ahead of the summer season.

The commission approved Resolution R-25-19, authorizing a public transportation grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for an airport master plan update. The total project cost is $592,000; 90% ($532,800) will be paid by a Federal Aviation Administration grant, 5% ($29,600) by the Florida Department of Transportation and 5% ($29,600) as the city’s obligation. City staff recommended approval and the commission voted to adopt the resolution after no public comment.

The commission also approved Resolution R-25-21, which extends an existing FDOT public transportation grant agreement for the airport’s digital remote traffic tower program. The extension moves the grant expiration from June 30, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2026; staff said there is no financial impact associated with the extension.

Airport Director Troy Heidel and Airport Operations Supervisor Colin Davis offered a Sun 'n Fun 2025 recap, describing adjustments the airport makes for the annual aviation event. Davis said the airport brings in “contract controllers” for the week because “we see about the operations we'd see in a month in just that week.” To manage the crowds and aircraft, staff used flagged golf carts to guide pilots, designated two grass parking areas because the asphalt cannot support the week’s traffic, and operated shuttle vans—one shuttling within the airport field and another running to Lakeland Linder International Airport for the airshow. The commission was told the airport closed its crosswind runway (Runways 11/29) for the week to reduce runway crossings and simplify traffic flow during the event.

Davis reported some group statistics: a Cardinal owners’ group (Cessna 177 Cardinals) returned with about 28 aircraft; Warbirds used the field for pre-briefs and lunches; the grass parking areas and pavement were heavily used. Airport staff said gallons of fuel sold were roughly the same as the prior year, while tied-down aircraft and revenue from ramp fees increased.

Why it matters: the master plan update is a step toward longer-term airport improvements and planning; the remote tower extension preserves the grant timeline for the digital tower project; and operational lessons from Sun 'n Fun shape safety and staffing for peak events.

Next steps: staff will implement the master plan grant and bring related documents and any required construction-phase authorizations back to the commission. The remote tower grant will remain active through Dec. 31, 2026, per the adopted extension.

(Reporting note: the commission took both votes by voice after public hearings closed; no members of the public addressed either resolution.)","The Winter Haven City Commission approved an FDOT grant agreement (R-25-19) to update the Winter Haven Regional Airport master plan, authorized an extension of a digital remote traffic-tower grant (R-25-21), and received a Sun 'n Fun 2025 operations recap from airport staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission hears concerns about lake litter, stormwater catch basins and possible county boating restrictions

Commission approves design contract and $355,930 GMP for redevelopment of old Fire Station No. 1

Winter Haven commission approves Harmony subdivision acceptance, road renames and Shops at Country Club plat

Winter Haven approves airport master plan grant, extends remote tower agreement and hears Sun 'n Fun recap