Winter Haven Planning Board Approves Rezoning for New Residential Development
- Meeting Overview:
The Winter Haven Planning Board approved a request to rezone a 48-acre parcel from industrial to multifamily residential use. This change will enable the development of residential duplexes in an area currently designated as a mixed-use hub. The decision is in line with the city’s future land use plans and is expected to place fewer demands on public infrastructure compared to potential industrial developments.
The rezoning request was presented by city staff, who outlined the location and characteristics of the property at 1519 8th Street Southwest. The parcel, which is currently vacant, is surrounded by a mix of industrial and residential uses, with the railroad tracks and a lake to the west. The rezoning from Light Industrial (I1) to Residential Low Density (R3) aligns with the city’s goal to maintain the area’s designation as a primary mixed-use hub, with no increase in potential infrastructure demands.
During the meeting, the board also proceeded with the annual election of officers for 2026. Members decided to retain the current chair and vice-chair positions, noting that all members were eligible to serve. The meeting concluded with brief comments from staff, who mentioned an upcoming city commission review of a previous rezoning case involving a PUD amendment near Cypress Gardens Boulevard.
Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr.
Planning Board Officials:
Kevin Tison, Mario Manago, Robert “Bob” Lanpher, Wendy Whitehead-Venters (Vice-Chair), Lorena Alvarez Cordero, Colin Wells (Chair), Ed Smith, Tina Summerlin, Craig Fuller, Joshua McLemore (Ex-Officio, Polk County Public Schools), Sean Byers (Planning Manager), Heather Reuter (Senior Planner), Chris Young (Senior Planner), Jordan Warren (Planning Assistant)
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/03/2026
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Recording Published:
02/03/2026
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Duration:
11 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Polk County
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Towns:
Winter Haven
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