Winter Haven, Florida Development News
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City Commission Meeting | 07-22-2026
Published: Jul 22, 2026
Winter Haven Updates Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map for 20-Year Planning Horizon
The city is revising its comprehensive plan and adopting the 2050 Future Land Use Map series as part of the state-mandated Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) process. The primary modifications to the comprehensive plan involve extending the planning period to 20 years and adjusting population projections and goals accordingly. Due to state law (Senate Bill 180), significant changes that could be perceived as burdensome are prohibited. The future land use map series has been reformatted but does not include changes to existing land uses for any properties within the city. These updates are intended to align with growth management legislation.
Winter Haven Proposes Update to Industrial Wastewater Pre-Treatment Fees
The city is updating its industrial pre-treatment program code of ordinances and associated fee structure to accurately reflect the costs associated with treating industrial wastewater. The proposed changes include adjusting operational surcharges for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) to match current operational costs, and introducing new surcharges for Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, and Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG). The Capital Recovery surcharge component is recommended for discontinuation due to its outdated nature and lack of comparable systems in other Florida communities. These adjustments aim to ensure industries pay their fair share for the impact of their wastewater, protecting residential customers from undue cost increases. The new fees are expected to take effect after January 1, 2027, providing industries time to prepare.
Winter Haven Proposes $372 Million Budget with Major Infrastructure Investment
The city manager presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 27, highlighting a significant investment in infrastructure, particularly water and sewer systems. The total proposed budget is $372 million, an increase of $120 million from the previous year, primarily due to one-time capital investments. The general fund is budgeted at $85.5 million, a modest increase of less than $6 million. The budget maintains the current millage rate of 6.59 mills and is fully balanced. Property values increased by 4.97%, with 2.83% attributed to new growth. The budget also includes a 3% cost of living adjustment for employees (excluding police and fire pending negotiations) and recommends six new positions, five of which are in proprietary accounts. The city is focusing on conservative spending due to potential property tax reform impacts and future revenue uncertainties.
Easement Approved for New Transformer Installation at Old Fire Station One Remodel
An easement agreement between the City of Winter Haven and Tampa Electric Company was presented for approval. This easement is required for the remodel project at Old Fire Station One, specifically to allow Tampa Electric to install a new transformer to accommodate the building's increased electrical load. The location of the easement is depicted on screen, showing a small black box on the left side of the building.
Winter Haven Approves Design for Major Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion
The city is undertaking a major upgrade and expansion of its wastewater treatment infrastructure, focusing on the Pard Road site (Wastewater Treatment Plant 3). This phased project includes decommissioning Wastewater Treatment Plant 2, consolidating flows to Plant 3, and increasing Plant 3's capacity from 7.5 MGD to 12 MGD initially, with future expansion planned to 24 MGD. The project aims to ensure reliable, high-quality effluent and support the city's long-term growth and 'One Water' vision. The current task order (Task Order 3) focuses on the design of new infrastructure, including biosolids processing tanks and membrane filtration systems, while improving existing biological process tanks. This significant capital investment, estimated at $27.78 million for design alone, is funded through existing utility rates established in a 2024 rate study.
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City Commission Meeting | 07-13-2026
Planning Commission Meeting | 07-09-2026
Agenda Review Meeting | 07-08-2026
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