Winter Haven — At the November meeting, commissioners heard a progress report on downtown programming at the Ritz Theater, confirmed an appointment to the Grant in Aid committee, and advanced several fiscal and administrative items to a later hearing.

Dan Chesnick, who said he manages programming under Theatre Winter Haven, told the commission the Ritz attracts roughly 700 attendees per week for shows and community events, and that the venue is adding Friday night date‑night childcare and other weekend programming to increase downtown activity.

On administrative matters, staff recommended the appointment of David Berry to the Grant in Aid Application Review Committee after reviewing six submissions. City Manager Mike Hurst said Berry brings about 30 years of nonprofit experience and pledged to avoid potential conflicts by having his affiliated nonprofit refrain from applying for grants while he serves. The commission approved the appointment and accepted process refinements for FY26–27 that include a two‑year nonprofit eligibility minimum, expanded reporting with proof of funds spent, notarized reporting documents and a named agency representative to speak during hearings.

Staff also advanced several fiscal items to second reading on Dec. 8: O‑25‑40 (recognizing a $258,879.07 bequest from the estate of Velma Sewell Daniels to the Winter Haven Public Library), O‑25‑41 (roll forward of open purchase orders from FY2024‑25 with an aggregate value of $58,118,080.31) and O‑25‑42 (prior‑year budget amendments and transfers). Hurst emphasized the roll‑forward is intended to re‑establish prior encumbrances and is not new spending.

In other business, the commission welcomed new Fire Marshal Jeremias Perez and shared liaison remarks on the Lake Albert Trail opening and state of the city events.

Next steps: the grant program revisions will be implemented for the FY26‑27 cycle; the budget and ordinance items will return for second reading on Dec. 8.