More Than a Building | The Story of the Winter Haven Recreation & Cultural Center
Community members and meeting participants spoke about the decision to replace an older Florence Villa recreation center with a new campus-style facility in Winter Haven City, describing memories of the old center, the community-driven planning process, construction methods, and the building's planned amenities.
Discussion Points
•City presented options and allowed residents to choose.
•Design elements added to avoid a warehouse aesthetic.
•Planned amenities include library, digital room, game room, workout room and large gym.
•Planned pool programming to include introductory lessons.
•Public meetings preceded a formal vote on demolition vs renovation.
•Residents described childhood memories and social uses of the old recreation center.
•Speakers claimed the final design reflects community input.
•Speakers said preserving history should be part of the redevelopment.
•Swim programming will be staged with a zero-depth entry pool and progression from splash pad to lessons.
•Tilt-wall construction described in detail.
Decisions
•Vote favored demolition and new construction, per participant report.
City Commission meeting of Winter Haven on Nov. 9, 2026 included a staff presentation and resident discussion of the 8th Street Northwest / Avenue L Northwest roadway and utility project, several ordinance votes (including zoning and manufactured-home code changes), a resolution vacating Tract G of Villamar Phase 7, and a commission debate over researching a potential data-center moratorium.
Discussion Points
•City nominated five census tracts under Opportunity Zones 2.0; designations begin Jan. 2027.
•Commissioner Davis requested legal review of moratoria and other options after report on Auburndale.
•O‑26‑25 had been presented earlier; no changes since first reading.
•O‑26‑26 adopted to comply with state law HB 399.
•Other commissioners argued staff time and lack of a local proposal counseled against preemptive research.
•Parks master plan developed with Kimley‑Horn and stakeholder input; staff to return with adoption resolution in December.
•R‑26‑25 vacates plat tract consistent with previously adopted zoning and contracted CDD boundary changes.
•Residents called for targeted study of cut‑through traffic and expressed concern about sidewalks, tree loss, driveway impacts and privacy.
•Staff committed to Dec. 7 community meeting and to posting designs and Q&A online.
•Staff presented project scope, funding and outreach; emphasized no final design.
•Youth football group requested a commission liaison for Sertoma Park RFQ/design process.
Decisions
•Motion to direct research failed; no city attorney action ordered.
•No adoption action taken at Nov. 9 meeting; items continued for future action.
•No design approvals or votes taken; staff to continue engagement and refine options.
•Ordinances O‑26‑25 and O‑26‑26 approved on second reading; Resolution R‑26‑25 approved.
Directions
•Post survey results, presentation and Q&A on project hub; present preliminary design options at Dec. 7 community meeting; allow two weeks online comment after posting designs.
•Staff to provide higher‑resolution maps and GIS overlays and to bring the parks master plan adoption resolution in December.
Winter Haven City Commission met for an agenda-review session and heard staff updates on a neighborhood street project design contract, software and IT service agreements, routine budget amendments, a land‑use tract vacation, and a wide-ranging presentation on public-safety initiatives and airport projects; commissioners gave consensus to suspend the city's small grant-aid program given the passage of Amendment 3.
Discussion Points
•Adjustments included airport grant receipts, library and HVAC emergency repairs, transfers to consolidated construction fund, and utility fund encumbrances for water projects.
•Airport secured CTAF 120.425, updated FAA publications, and is advancing a FAA-supported remote digital tower with modular components arriving on site.
•City Manager presented a preliminary estimate of $8.6M revenue loss from Amendment 3 for FY27-28, rising to an estimated $11.5M thereafter.
•Commissioners expressed preference to prioritize essential city services and to pause discretionary external funding.
•Committee recommended seven process changes to nonprofit grant aid including numeric performance metrics, caps on city funding participation, and audited financials.
•Fire Department received FMIT Safety Excellence Level 3 accreditation at 100%.
•Fire Station No. 5 construction is about 90% complete; service expected Jan 2027 and grand opening Feb 2027.
•Hands-only CPR training reached 57 employees; city expanded AED deployment to 38 devices in facilities and carries additional AEDs on emergency vehicles.
•Ms. Hart reported a Kimley-Horn purchase order of $507,584 for the design phase and an FDOT grant just over $1.7 million for roadway construction.
•OpenGov module will provide online application portal, workflow, compliance and transparency features.
•Ordinance is a post-year-close omnibus amendment to reallocate funds per Florida statute.
•Presenter provided specific cost breakout for 21 months and year-one implementation costs.
•Staff described resident engagement, ground surveying and conceptual-design steps for A Street.
Decisions
•Consensus to suspend the grant-aid program for funding cycles beginning Oct. 1, 2027 and to pause certain general-fund partner payments.
Directions
•Authorize city manager to execute amendment subject to consent agenda approval.
•Continue AED tracking and maintenance via centralized electronic board; continue construction and FAA certification steps for the digital tower.
•Hold a December public community meeting in the project area; continue design work with input from residents.
•Record transfers and post ordinance as required by statute.
•Staff to notify prior recipients and publicly announce suspension next week.
•Staff to prepare budget prioritization guidance and potential list of suspended general-fund expenditures.
Winter Haven's 2026 State of the City addressed recent infrastructure and economic projects, outlined a $377 million city budget, and previewed changes city leaders expect after Florida's Amendment 3; the city announced temporary suspensions of some grant funding as leaders weigh revenue impacts.
Discussion Points
•Anticipated revenue loss from Amendment 3 and need for adjustments
•City budget totals and one-time capital vs. recurring spending
•Community engagement and decade-long planning for the center
•Construction methods used (tilt-wall)
•Dedicated ATC frequency obtained
•Downtown projects (South State Bank HQ, Taylor Hotel renovation, Target opening)
•Fire Station Five location and operational timeline
•Goal of a fully remote digital tower with controllers at Bartow Air Base
•Historic cost of Pollard Road plant and modern replacement estimate
•Importance of federal/state funding for large capital projects
•Langley developer eight-unit workforce housing near Grace Lutheran Church
•New protective gear and vehicle replacements
•Park for Winter Haven proposed 13 transitional houses
•Plan for modular manned unit by late 2027
•Programming aimed at multiple age groups
•Rail spur construction and economic leverage
•Ribbon-cutting timing and staffing
•Role of sporting events at Chain of Lakes Park in attracting visitors
•Two water plants under construction (~$100 million)
•Use of affordable housing trust funds
•Use of reserves and temporary suspension of some grant funding
Decisions
•Consensus to temporarily suspend grant-aid programs and certain general-fund expenditures to allow partners time to plan
Directions
•Coordinate ribbon-cutting and staffing plans
•Coordination with FAA and aviation stakeholders required
•Department heads to be available for public Q&A and follow-up
•Pursue grant funding and phased replacement planning
•Staff to prepare detailed FY2027-28 budget options and impact analyses
Polk County commissioners on Nov. 3, 2026 recognized outgoing Chair Martha Santiago, approved several construction contracts including a $29.98 million guaranteed maximum price for a joint-use sheriff's warehouse, approved a $13.34 million medical examiner expansion, ratified a collective bargaining agreement advancing firefighter schedules, and voted to close a Northeast Landfill convenience center effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Discussion Points
•Alpers presented project investment and job numbers and the projected annual tax-exemption value.
•Beasley described space allocation—112,500 sq ft main building and 7,500 sq ft secondary building; 10,000 sq ft for emergency storage and 92,500 sq ft for sheriff storage.
•Beasley explained scope: 4,900 sq ft office; 8,400 sq ft morgue/autopsy building; total contract time 720 days.
•Colleagues praised Santiago's leadership during county growth and the COVID-19 pandemic.
•Commenters requested more public reporting on cruelty investigations and outcomes.
•Commissioners and union representatives framed the change as competitive and long-term beneficial.
•Commissioners expressed concern about budget priorities but affirmed consolidation and operational efficiencies.
•Commissioners questioned access roads, wellfield protections and the application of compatibility standards under new state law.
•Economic development representatives said the incentive helps retain and expand local operations.
•Hall described health and retention reasons for the schedule change, including cumulative exposure to hazards and fatigue.
•Hardy and Highlands county contributions and state grant were identified to offset Polk County's share.
•Multiple commenters asked that spay/neuter, affordable vet care, foster/adoption and community food support be prioritized to reduce shelter numbers.
•Pilot metrics: average 22 vehicles/day, ~7 tons/day; repeat users and commercial use skewed usage.
•Projected net loss roughly $357,000 if continued through May 2027; closing on Jan. 1 would reduce loss by about $150,000 per staff estimate.
•Staff and commissioners recognized her community service and roles in education and Polk State College.
•Staff explained that some items are first reading and others require state transmittal; planning commission had unanimously recommended approval.
Decisions
•Advanced/approved expedited items per staff recommendation.
•Approved closure effective 2027-01-01.
•Approved collective bargaining agreement and associated consent agenda items.
•Approved GMP addendum not to exceed $13,342,830.
•Approved GMP addendum not to exceed $29,978,532.
•Approved tax exemption and performance agreement.
Directions
•Close CCC effective Jan. 1, 2027; launch media outreach to inform residents; pursue alternative prevention and enforcement measures.
•Commissioners asked staff to follow up on shelter improvements and community partnership opportunities.
•County staff and the fire department to implement scheduling changes and monitor effects.
•Finalize performance agreement and monitor compliance with job creation and investment commitments.
•Proceed with GMP addendum and construction per CMAR agreement.
•Proceed with GMP addendum and construction scheduling; staff to coordinate funding details with partner counties and state grantors.
•Transmit large-scale CPAs to Florida Department of Commerce; bring first-reading text amendments back for adoption as scheduled.
The City of Auburndale Commission heard a resident’s request to allow youth livestock projects at homes, approved a developer’s agreement for a proposed gas station, and received notice of a $750,000 state grant for a regional water cooperative receiving station.
Discussion Points
•Brown said the City had applied for the grant.
•Commissioner Avery asked whether future projects were included and whether the agreement reserved capacity for the site.
•Kemker described travel to Bartow and Polk City to care for animals and said families may face added costs.
•Kemker requested a limited allowance for small livestock kept at home by FFA or 4-H students for educational projects.
•Staff said the agreement did not reserve capacity and that the submitted plan covered only the gas station.
•The agreement sets requirements for a proposed gas station to connect to City wastewater infrastructure.
•The City Attorney and Community Development Director explained that annexation is separate and the property is under County jurisdiction for permits and construction-plan review.
•The City Manager announced that the state notified the City it would receive $750,000 for the Polk Regional Water Cooperative receiving station.
•The City Manager said Kemker had been cited for keeping goats and that City code prohibits farm animals within City limits.
•The Community Development Director said the commission considered livestock allowances in 2022 but declined to proceed.
Decisions
•The commission approved the proposed Developer’s Agreement with Palmetto Auburndale Braddock Rd, LLC, with all ayes.
November 02, 2026, City Commission Regular Meeting Materials. Media
Lake Alfred City Commission met Nov. 2, 2026, and approved first readings of two ordinances (a fiscal-year final budget amendment and a charter change to seat-based elections), authorized a $3.8M amendment to a state drinking-water loan, approved a $28,116.95 community development bad-debt write-off, and adopted a CRA year-end budget amendment. Staff outlined potential local responses if Amendment Three (property-tax exemption) passes, including a possible fire-assessment fee.
Discussion Points
•Amendment adds $3.8M to the loan to fund water-main work; amount not eligible for additional principal forgiveness.
•Change simplifies ballot presentation by running races per seat rather than a multi-vote ballot.
•City's remaining obligation after forgiveness estimated at $10.82M at 1.45% over 20 years; annual debt service ~$649,790 to be repaid from connection fees.
•Commissioners discussed vacancy appointments and the timing of a referendum.
•Questions about maintenance responsibility for fences along Glen Cruden and vehicle 'donut' activity.
•Resident questions about the endpoint of the CR 557 widening project and railroad crossing improvements.
•Staff described process improvements including withholding approvals until balances are paid and larger deposits for complex projects.
•Staff modeled impacts of a statewide property-tax exemption and possible local responses (fire-assessment fee, millage increase, cuts).
•Staff presented that the 404 enterprise fund exceeded budget due to carryover design task orders.
•Write-off totals $28,116.95 and covers multi-year development projects with unpaid balances.
Decisions
•Amendment No.2 to SRF loan adopted.
•Ordinance 1586-26 approved on first reading.
•Ordinance 1587-26 approved on first reading and will return for second reading.
•Resolution 15-26 approved; write-off authorized.
Directions
•City manager authorized to execute loan amendment and related documents.
•If adopted on second reading, staff to coordinate April 6, 2027 referendum with Supervisor of Elections.
•Staff to continue review and provide corrected closeout numbers before second reading.
•Staff to coordinate with HOAs where appropriate and follow up on FDOT/county project scope; staff to share more detail if available.
•Staff to return with a policy amendment to allow larger deposits when statutory conditions permit.
A Winter Haven resident described a proposal to install a carillon as a memorial to his late wife, saying city staff and elected leaders were supportive; no formal action or vote is recorded in the provided transcript.
Discussion Points
•Resident presented two inspirations for a carillon proposal: a tower seen in the Netherlands and the death of his wife, Jerry.
•Resident reported finding a U.S. supplier (described as in Ohio) and said local officials were supportive.
Winter Haven City Commission met Oct. 26 for proclamations and staff recognitions, a CityU cohort graduation, a design update on the East Winter Haven Aquifer Recharge and Wetlands Restoration Project, two first-reading zoning ordinances (indoor recreation use and manufactured homes), routine minutes and consent-agenda approvals, and liaison reports.
Discussion Points
•CityU reported improved participant knowledge in municipal operations and finance after the course.
•Commissioners asked whether HOAs can still restrict placement; city attorney said private covenants are distinct and the statute\u0019s interplay with HOAs is not fully clarified at this time.
•Design divides site into North and South wetland systems and routes stormwater toward a managed recharge well.
•FCPC recognition for Vanessa Castillo as a professional credential.
•Plan includes trails, kayak launches, parking, educational signage, and vegetative screening.
•Planning commission recommended approval.
•Proposed new use permits indoor recreation businesses up to 10,000 sq ft in specified downtown zoning districts.
•Some adjacent parcels remain in acquisition (King and Muncie properties under contract).
•Staff estimates preliminary grant funding around $13–14 million; figures are not final.
•State law (HB 399) requires manufactured homes to be permitted where site-built housing is allowed; effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Decisions
•Ceremonial recognitions; no formal actions taken.
•First reading held; no final action taken.
•No binding decision or appropriation made at this meeting; project returned for future actions.
Directions
•Bring acquisition/closing items to the commission before year-end for parcels under contract.
•Move to final design and return with procurement/permit items.
•Second reading and vote scheduled for Nov. 9.
•Staff/city attorney to seek further clarification on HOA interplay and report back.
•Staff to continue agency engagement and begin permit applications.
•Staff to return for second reading and vote Nov. 9.
South Lake Howard Nature Park Expansion Ribbon Cutting
Presenters described an expansion of Southlake Howard Nature Park in Winter Haven City, highlighting community benefits, stormwater improvements overseen by public works, and two new amenities: an outdoor nature-based classroom and the city’s first disc golf course.
Discussion Points
•No operational, funding, or timeline details were provided.
•Project framed as community-oriented park expansion; benefits include recreation and preservation.
•Public Works led construction and stormwater improvements; no funding or technical details provided.
•Two amenities announced: an outdoor nature-based classroom and a disc golf course.
Agenda-review session for the Winter Haven City Commission ahead of the Oct. 26 regular meeting covering consent items including software renewals, contracts, a $150,000 state arts grant for Theater Winter Haven, roadway-permit requests for two December parades, a Logistics Parkway change order, zoning ordinance updates to allow small-scale indoor recreation and manufactured homes, and an update on wastewater chemical use.
Discussion Points
•Change order covers elevation, drainage and environmental measures.
•Commissioners asked technical and public-safety follow-ups; none were recorded as directing staff to change scope.
•Commissioners questioned whether certain programming could be eligible and sought clarity on certification requirements.
•Commissioners supported adoption while emphasizing human customer service must remain available.
•Contract posting had no protests and staff recommended award.
•FWC allowed work to continue under permit and will conduct post-construction surveys for possible reimbursement.
•Planning Commission recommended approval; staff requested the code amendment to align with the statutory effective date.
•Plant manager explained what microseed is and why it's used.
•Staff explained grant mechanics and the MOU with Theater Winter Haven.
•Staff explained scope, pricing, and occasional emergency cost fluctuations.
•Staff explained the statutory requirement and differences between modular and manufactured/mobile homes.
•Staff presented CitiBot usage metrics and recommended renewal.
•Staff presented functionality and costs for Agent360.
•Staff provided last-year usage and cost figures and recommended continuing the sole-source service.
Decisions
•Staff recommended approval of a three-year renewal; item to appear on Oct. 26 consent agenda.
•Staff recommended approval of Change Order No. 2 and authorization to increase the purchase order by $119,827.
•Staff recommended authorization for city manager to sign the state grant agreement and the MOU; item to appear on Oct. 26 consent agenda.
•Staff recommended awarding ITB 26-55 to Refrigeration & Electric Services, Inc.; item to appear on Oct. 26 consent agenda.
•Staff recommended continuing sole-source purchase; funds budgeted in FY27.
•Staff recommended moving Ordinance 26-26 forward to public hearing and adoption to comply with statute effective Jan. 1, 2027.
•Staff recommended proceeding with procurement; item to appear on Oct. 26 consent agenda.
October 22, 2026, Planning and Zoning Board Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF). Media
The City of Lake Alfred Planning & Zoning Board on Oct. 22, 2026 approved a variance allowing construction of a detached garage at 480 West Haines Boulevard with conditions including a 7-foot side-street setback and a 3-foot separation from the primary residence; staff initially recommended denial. The meeting included updates on local development projects, road and utility planning, and a city clerk certification announcement.
Discussion Points
•Applicant described renovation history, lack of current garage, and intent to improve street-facing appearance.
•Board approved prior meeting minutes by motion and voice vote.
•Board members raised visibility/garage dominance concerns and asked for map zoom and measurement clarifications.
•Building official advised total renovation or demolition for a hotel due to code requirements.
•City owns acreage under a new water plant that could be used for park space in the long term.
•Clerk announced certification; board members congratulated her.
•Concept plan for new gas station on old food‑market frontage recently received.
•Eden Hills Phase 3 developer obligations may include road construction tied to Publix signalization.
•Enforcement can prompt major reconstruction to meet current codes.
•Fertilizer plant remediation/demolition discussed and tied to procurement and vendor selection.
•McDonald’s contract awarded and project moving forward.
•Need for multi‑jurisdiction coordination (Lake Alfred, Auburndale, Polk County) to widen county roads and address intersection improvements.
•Publix opening contingent on county road project and signal installation; likely 2027 timeline.
•Staff explained variance criteria and recommended denial because not all criteria were met; planner presented alternative layout options.
Decisions
•Minutes approved; clerk will continue professional certification work.
•Variance approved with conditions (7‑foot side‑street setback; 3‑foot separation from primary residence or attachment/breezeway approach; access only from existing driveway; use restricted to vehicular/storage).
Directions
•Applicant must obtain applicable building permits and extend driveway from existing curb cut as permitted.
•Board to monitor enforcement outcomes affecting redevelopment.
•Staff to follow up with Polk County and neighboring jurisdictions on road project status and prioritization.
•Staff to prepare formal order documenting findings of competent substantial evidence and the board’s conditions.
•Staff to proceed with selection committee for procurement and report back to commission.
Polk County Land Use Hearing Officer on 2026-10-22 1:30 PM
Polk County land use hearing considered four variance requests — three for accessory structures and one to legalize an accessory dwelling unit. Staff recommended approval on each case; the land use hearing officer will issue written final orders within 14 calendar days.
Discussion Points
•Applicant declined to present additional evidence.
•Applicant said the ADU is not occupied and a neighbor letter of support was not available at the hearing.
•Applicant stated he had already purchased the building and did not present documentary evidence.
•Applicant stated intent to use structure for storage of building materials in advance of future home expansion.
•No members of the public spoke.
•Staff described the height and size differences and referenced two similar variances granted on the street in the last three years.
•Staff explained drainage easement constraints and referenced a neighboring property with a similar roofline extension.
•Staff presented aerial photos, screening (opaque fence and vegetation), and noted the ADU dimensions and a 2023 building permit on file.
•Staff provided dimensions and placement of the proposed structure and said it meets setback requirements.
Decisions
•No decision at hearing; hearing officer will issue written order within 14 calendar days.
•No decision at hearing; written final order to be issued within 14 calendar days.
•No decision issued at hearing; hearing officer will issue written final order within 14 calendar days.
•No decision recorded at hearing; decision to be issued in writing within 14 calendar days.
Board of County Commissioners on 2026-10-20 9:00 AM
Polk County Board of County Commissioners met Oct. 20, 2026. The board recognized long‑time employees, approved routine payrolls and multiple contracts and land‑use changes, adopted a CareerSource Polk budget and MOU with the school board, approved a large utility bond sale, and heard public opposition to a proposed recycling/solid‑waste expansion near Bradley Junction.
Discussion Points
•Applicant said proposal is for recycling and that an existing landfill is on a separate, previously permitted area.
•Commissioner asked about single bidder; manager said Weichert has been long‑time vendor.
•Commissioner asked about state road status and potential state takeover; staff will pursue if appropriate.
•Commissioners clarified cost rounding and asked about schedule and right‑of‑way needs.
•Commissioners discussed using additional streaming platforms and requested analytics review.
•Commissioners questioned statutory oversight, board appointments and ties to Polk State College.
•Controller presented payrolls, deposits and invoices totaling the recorded amounts.
•Controller reported bond sale par amount and true interest cost.
•Manager described scope and budget for vehicle classes 1–5.
•Multiple residents expressed health, environmental and property value concerns.
•Presenter explained funding sources and program categories funded (adults, youth, veterans, SNAP/TANF participants).
•Public commenter said disabling social media comments is censorship and reduces accountability.
•Residents described cut‑through traffic, speeding and lack of sidewalks on Plymouth Road.
•Staff described land‑use change and intent to house recycling components of an existing solid‑waste operation.
•Staff described scope including alignment study and two‑task approach.
•Staff described speed and volume data and confirmed ballots met policy thresholds.
•Staff reviewed prior alternatives analyses and constraints (utilities, adjacent operations).
Decisions
•Adopted all three traffic calming resolutions.
•Approved amendment to proceed with final plans.
•Approved budget and MOU.
•Approved contract.
•Approved task‑1 agreement; task‑2 to return as amendment.
•Ratified payrolls and accepted bond sale report.
•Transmission approved; item is not final and will return with more details.
Directions
•Staff to evaluate streaming on YouTube and Facebook and report back on reach/analytics.
•Staff to proceed with installation and homeowner notifications.
•Staff to provide proposed board member resumes to commissioners ahead of Nov. 3 agenda.
•Staff to transmit the amendment to Florida Commerce for state review and return Dec. 15 with adoption and conditional use details.
Polk County Board of County Commissioners met Oct. 20, 2026, approving multiple land-use amendments, several engineering and consultant contracts, a 5-year Ford vehicle purchasing agreement, federal workforce funding items for CareerSource Polk, traffic calming installations, and a 2.7% salary increase for commissioners.
Discussion Points
•Agreement uses formal quotes prior to purchase orders and is funded from fleet replacement fund.
•Budget is federal funds passed through CareerSource Polk and does not affect county general fund.
•Commissioners raised question about state taking over road segments after improvement.
•Commissioners suggested streaming on additional platforms like YouTube and Facebook to increase accessibility.
•Data showed 85th percentile speeds exceeding posted limits and homeowner ballots met the 80% threshold for support.
•Design expected to take 12–15 months with right-of-way to follow.
•Prior analyses evaluated roundabout vs. signal; constraints led to recommending realignment and signal.
•Project funded largely through FDOT local-agency project ($22M).
•Resident labeled disabling social-media comments as censorship and noted many constituents cannot attend morning meetings.
•Residents noted lack of sidewalks and increased cut-through traffic as safety concerns.
•Residents raised groundwater contamination, odor, traffic, and environmental justice concerns.
•Sole-bid situation discussed; long-term relationship with Weichert noted.
•Staff and applicant stressed the distinction between recycling operations and landfill use and said conditional-use process will set operational details.
•WIOA statute and federal regulations require local elected officials' oversight and a local board appointed by commissioners.
Decisions
•Board adopted three resolutions to install speed humps on Johnson Road, Lewell Street and Plymouth Road.
•Board approved Amendment No. 3.
•Board approved CareerSource Polk final budget and approved MOU/infrastructure agreement with the Polk County School Board.
•Board approved five-year agreement with Weichert Ford.
•Board approved Task 1 agreement with Patel Green.
•Board approved transmittal to Florida Commerce for review.
•No formal policy decision at this meeting; staff to review and report.
Directions
•Staff to proceed with finalizing agreement and process purchases via quotes and POs.
•Staff to proceed with HNTB final plans and return right-of-way items as needed.
•Staff to provide resumes and return formal board appointments for Nov. 3; liaison to report on budget implementation.
•Staff to pursue discussions on possible state takeover when appropriate and return Task 2 for approval after alignment selection.
•Staff to return Dec. 15 with adoption, subdistrict change, and conditional-use amendment that specifies buffers and operational controls.
•Staff to review streaming platform options and analytics and report back on reach and accessibility implications.
•Staff to schedule hump installations and notify homeowners; report back on schedule and any warranty needs for adjacent infrastructure.
The City Commission of the City of Auburndale met Oct. 19, 2026, and unanimously approved four ordinances (alcohol sales rules; two historic-site designations; code-enforcement counsel change), appointed Monica Holley-Workman to the Planning Commission through January 2028, and received a tourism and sports marketing update from Visit Central Florida.
Discussion Points
•City Manager Brown described the building's founding (1898) and noted 1990s alterations that altered exterior appearance but retained original nave and triangular window openings.
•City Manager Brown explained residency requirement and term length; Jody Miller indicated she could no longer serve and Monica Holley-Workman agreed to the unexpired term.
•City Manager Brown summarized the building's history (Patrick Hotel site; bank built 1925; current building built in 1960 around original 1925 vault; City acquisition in 2022).
•City Manager Jeffrey Brown explained the proposed hours change for restaurants and removal of the 14% beer/wine limit for retail sales.
•Staff noted the City established a Code Enforcement Special Master and citation system in July 2015; proposed amendment clarifies City Attorney's role in enforcement hearings.
•Visit Central Florida presented county tourism statistics, marketing efforts, and sports-marketing portfolio; commissioners asked for and received visitor statistics.
Decisions
•Appointment approved; appointee to fill term through Jan. 2028.
•Ordinance No. 1855 approved on second and final reading.
•Ordinance No. 1856 approved on second and final reading.
•Ordinance No. 1857 approved on second and final reading.
•Ordinance No. 1858 approved on second and final reading.
October 19, 2026, City Commission Regular Meeting Materials. Media
City of Lake Alfred commission reviewed public-safety staffing and equipment purchases, approved code enforcement and annexation ordinances, authorized an engineering task order for a county road widening utility relocation, and accepted two state grants for a police evidence facility and a library expansion.
Discussion Points
•Annexation limited to adding parcel to city boundaries.
•Citizen identified a budget line he interpreted as funding demolition of the water tower by 2030.
•Citizens and staff debated the distributional and fiscal effects of Amendment 3.
•Dewberry recommended because they designed county project; task order covers construction administration for water-main relocation.
•Fire department hired two captains, assistant fire marshal and three firefighters and expects to fill remaining vacancies.
•Future land use and zoning to be processed through planning and zoning board.
•Ordinance framed as cleanup aligning local code with state statute.
•Staff credited legislative outreach and the Griffin Group for successful appropriations.
•Staff estimated 3,000+ feet of pipe to relocate and noted previous budgeting across seven years; total construction cost may be multiple millions.
•Staff estimated an approximate $1.9M city revenue impact and discussed alternatives (fire-assessment fees, cuts, or other assessments).
•Staff said the figure was seed money and engineering assessment is needed before action.
•Substantive definitional change: violator defined as owner of real property.
•Technology deployments (PulsePoint Pro, Live 9-1-1) are intended to shorten dispatch-to-response time.
•Two state appropriations—$400K (evidence facility) and $500K (library expansion)—were presented as awarded and consistent with capital plans.
•Vehicle purchases include Engine 1 outfitting (~$1.25M) with ~$400,000 federal support, an electric rescue vehicle (~$146,467) and a brush truck (~$31,630).
Decisions
•Grant agreements approved and accepted
•Ordinance 15-84-26 adopted on second reading
•Ordinance adopted
•Task Order No. 4 approved
Directions
•City manager authorized to execute grant documents; staff to finalize engineering and bid schedule.
•City staff to have engineers prepare structural analysis and cost estimates for restoration vs. removal.
•Commission requested staff produce a local numeric breakdown of estimated impacts for the next meeting and consider outreach materials prior to election day.
•Return with engineering/repair cost estimates for long-term capital items as requested.
•Staff to complete background checks and finalize conditional hires; continue deployments of PulsePoint Pro and Live 9-1-1.
•Staff to coordinate with county preconstruction meetings and return with funding apportionment analysis (Raftelis or auditor input).
•Staff to follow normal planning/zoning procedures if owners pursue land-use changes.
•Staff to implement amended procedures and update public materials.
October 15, 2026, Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF). Media
Special magistrate Gerald Mawhinney heard code-enforcement reduction requests and amended an earlier order during the City of Lake Alfred special magistrate hearings on 2026-10-15; two reduction requests were granted and one prior order was amended to correct a scrivener's error.
Discussion Points
•Agent George David outlined construction history and retrofit costs (sprinkler system and other remediation).
•City staff presented evidence of compliance as of 07/24/2026 and recommended a 10% reduction.
•City suggested adopting a guideline of 10% or $5,000, whichever is lesser, for future reductions.
•Magistrate Mawhinney noted a prior scrivener's error and exercised discretion to reduce the fine below staff recommendation.
•Magistrate reviewed the proposed amended order and entered it.
•Owner David Simmons described cleanup challenges and lack of titles for abandoned vehicles and structures.
•Staff explained the amended order corrects a scrivener's error on the correction date from June 22 to August 19.
•Staff recapped inspections and recommended 10% reduction after finding compliance as of 07/31/2026.
Decisions
•Amended order entered to correct violation correction date to August 19.
•Magistrate entered order reducing fines to $10,000 plus $81.47 in costs, total $10,081.47, payable within 30 days.
•Order entered reducing fines to $1,500 plus $239.09 in costs, total $1,739.09, payable within 30 days.
Directions
•Payment of $10,081.47 due within 30 days to obtain reduction benefit.
•Payment of $1,739.09 due within 30 days to receive the reduction benefit.
Crunching the Numbers: Inside our Finance Department
Brandon Bussier, financial grant manager for Winter Haven City, gave a brief presentation describing the Financial Services Department’s role in managing budgets, transactions and advising leadership as the city grows; he emphasized long project timelines and the behind-the-scenes nature of the work.
Discussion Points
•Department supports budgets, payroll and leadership decision-making
•Project timelines are long and completion is viewed as rewarding
•Work is largely behind the scenes but enables service delivery
Winter Haven City Commission held its regular meeting on Oct. 12, 2026. The commission approved routine minutes and a consent agenda, heard multiple public comments (including requests for a community garden, help with utility bills, and questions about public notification for a street project), proclaimed several observances, and approved partial in-kind support for a Jewett Alumni Association 40th‑anniversary parade.
Discussion Points
•Applicant asked whether project aligns with CRA plan and if grant in aid is available.
•Applicant described garden size, production estimates and community benefits.
•Applicant emphasized partnership and asked for fee waiver.
•Commissioners discussed precedent, routing, and whether parade support should be vetted through grant in aid.
•Davis described an increase in homelessness and use of emergency services and asked whether individuals are being transported into Winter Haven from other communities.
•He said he has met with the State Attorney and will seek the Florida Attorney General's help if necessary.
•Overflow parking at Dewdney Plaza is causing code violations and safety concerns.
•Planning staff explained notification varies by project and cited a typical 500‑foot radius for zoning or land‑use notifications.
•Resident asked whether mail outs are codified or discretionary and who receives them.
•Resident described large outstanding water/sewer bills and difficulty obtaining account adjustment after plumbing repairs.
•Resident submitted receipts and a form but was told it had not been completed.
•Staff explained ordinance changes that restrict grass parking for commercial uses and allow some pervious/gravel options in limited cases.
•Staff presented estimated support costs and noted the request is not in the current budget.
Decisions
•Partial in‑kind support allocated ($5,255.24) by voice vote.
Directions
•Davis will continue to meet with State Attorney and local ministries; he requested assistance to determine scope and identify responsible parties.
•Staff to connect applicant with CRA and grant‑in‑aid staff for follow up.
•Staff to coordinate logistics with applicant and incorporate costs into FY27 budget as necessary.
•Staff to evaluate alternate routes and bring recommendations to commission on parade policy or grant process.
•Staff to meet/contact the resident and review invoices and account to resolve billing adjustments.
•Staff to meet with the resident and continue scheduled public meetings for the 8th Street NW project.
•Staff to survey other municipalities and report back with potential ordinance or administrative solutions for short‑term overflow parking.
