City staff presented a mutual aid agreement between the Winter Haven Police Department and the City of Tampa intended to facilitate operational assistance, training opportunities, and resource sharing during large events or emergencies.

Staff said Florida statutes permit law enforcement mutual aid in two contexts: operational assistance during urgencies and voluntary cooperation for routine cross‑jurisdictional matters. The agreement would create a formal mechanism so Winter Haven officers can attend training, help with investigative efficiency when incidents cross boundaries, and support or receive support during major events such as Gasparilla or large conventions. Staff said there is no direct financial impact from the agreement as presented.

Deputy Chief Goric said the city already participates in county‑level mutual aid compacts with the sheriff and that the Tampa agreement expands the pool of resources the city can draw on during exceptional events. Commissioners asked about bomb squad and specialized resources; staff said some capabilities reside with Tampa or other regional agencies and that the agreement increases access to those resources when needed.

No formal vote to execute the agreement was recorded in the transcript provided.