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Small business owner urges Polk County to limit FEMA park use; asks about e‑bike rules
Summary
A Winter Haven small business owner told commissioners FEMA use of Loyce Hart Park for storm debris removal has harmed his shop's revenue and asked the county to seek alternative sites; he also asked whether the county plans regulations for electric bikes on sidewalks and roads.
At the Jan. 7 Polk County meeting, Leroy Manninen, a small business owner who operates a bicycle shop near Loyce Hart Park, told commissioners the park has been used as a FEMA debris site for about four months and that the closures have hurt his business and community access to park amenities. "We've now gone for about 4 months of profit losses because you guys have allowed FEMA to use this park as a site to get rid of debris," Manninen told the board.
Manninen asked the board to coordinate with county affiliates to find another location for FEMA debris operations so parks and amenities remain available to residents and small businesses. He also asked whether the county is considering regulations for electric bicycles (e‑bikes) on sidewalks, county roads and in housing communities and offered to assist with guidance if the county pursues e‑bike rules. The chair acknowledged the comment and said the board would "take that into consideration." No formal action or directive was recorded at the meeting.
The speaker also thanked a community member who spoke on his behalf at a previous meeting. Commissioners did not vote or give a timetable for any follow‑up during the public comment period; staff follow‑up was not specifically scheduled on the record.
