Polk County commissioners approve contracts, land purchase, appointments; adopt swim exclusion zones and new noise rules

Polk County commissioners on Sept. 2 approved multiple contracts and property actions, confirmed an appointment to the county court services division, advanced boat-ramp design work, adopted vessel-exclusion zones for several Winter Haven lakes and passed a revised county noise ordinance. The board also approved traffic calming on three residential corridors and confirmed a range of board and advisory‑committee appointments.

Manager’s office items and confirmations

- Court services appointment: The board confirmed Lashonda Salters as director of the Polk County Court Services Division, effective Sept. 2, 2025. Beasley noted the position is authorized in the FY24‑25 budget; the negotiated base salary is $130,000 plus roughly $56,000 in benefits. The appointment was presented under the county charter’s confirmation requirement for manager appointments.

- Wellhead construction contract: The board approved a one‑time construction contract not to exceed $3,379,950 for wellhead facilities at Holly Hill Upper Florida aquifer Well No. 2 and Oak Hill Well No. 4. Bid number 25‑Z‑402 produced a lowest responsive bid of $3,219,000 from the responsive bidder as read into the record; the board authorized an allowance/contingency consistent with Resolution 13‑066. Contract time is 300 calendar days for final completion; funding is budgeted in the Utilities Community Investment Program.

- Courthouse electrical site purchase: Commissioners approved a purchase agreement with Rosalita Enterprises, Inc. for approximately 0.5 acre immediately south of the judicial parking garage to site a larger emergency generator and associated switchgear. Purchase price: $1,802,222; estimated closing costs and title services: $10,000 (American Government Services). The county will demolish the existing building on the site to accommodate the generator and buffers to the courthouse electrical systems.

- Lake Marion boat‑ramp design: The board approved a consultant services agreement with Dewberry Engineers, Inc. for professional engineering services not to exceed $496,930.66 to design a replacement boat ramp and associated parking and access at the recently acquired Bellini Preserve on Lake Marion. Staff said permits and construction plans are expected in about a year and that staff will pursue state Boating Improvement Program grants for construction funding. Staff discussed a minimum of 15 trailer parking spaces and a design goal closer to 20–25 trailer spaces with room for future expansion.

Appointments,…