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

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.