The most notable outcome from the meeting was the approval of a lease agreement with the Florence Villa Community Development Corporation (CDC). The CDC has been utilizing the property on Avenue RO, known as the old JW Elementary School, since 1997. The new lease allows the CDC to continue its services at the site from November 11, 2025, through November 10, 2026. This agreement includes provisions for automatic annual renewal unless either party decides otherwise with at least 60 days’ notice before the term’s end. Under the terms, the CDC will handle all utilities and pay an annual fee of $1. Staff recommended the approval of this lease, and following a public hearing with no opposition, the motion to authorize the renewal was carried unanimously.

Equally important, the commission certified the results of the November 4, 2025, regular election. The certification involved the election for city commission seats, specifically seat numbers four and five. The city clerk managed the procedural aspects, including distributing certificates for signatures. According to the certified results, candidate Matthew Crowley led the votes for seat four but did not secure a majority, prompting a runoff election with Chad Davis scheduled for December 2, 2025. For seat five, Clifton Dison won the majority, thus avoiding a runoff. The certification was approved unanimously, following a brief public hearing without any comments.

Additionally, the commission addressed several ordinances related to zoning and land use, reflecting Winter Haven’s ongoing growth and development. Ordinance 025-30, which assigns a neighborhood support future land use designation and a C3 zoning district to a parcel along an arterial highway corridor, was discussed. Despite public concern over access and traffic, city staff assured the commission that the designations were suitable given the property’s location and infrastructure, recommending approval. A second reading of this ordinance was scheduled for November 24, 2025.

Other zoning-related ordinances included Ordinance 025-31, which assigned a C3 zoning district to another annexed parcel, and Ordinance 025-32, amending the comprehensive plan to designate an institutional future land use for a parcel adjacent to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Ordinance 025-33, a companion to 025-32, focused on the zoning aspect, while Ordinance 025-34 and 025-35 addressed land use designation and zoning changes for a city-owned parcel purchased for water department operations. All these ordinances were recommended for further advancement to their respective second readings.

In matters of community interest, the commission considered RFP 2537, which dealt with the Local Government Area of Opportunity project designation. Two submissions were received, with the project by Blue Sky Communities, known as Destiny Place, receiving the designation. This development involves 88 multifamily units supported by a $610,000 loan from the Winter Haven Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The commission voted to award the designation to Blue Trinity Place LLC, facilitating necessary project actions.

The meeting also featured presentations from community organizations. The Women’s Club of Winter Haven, represented by Jane McInness and Kimberly Burr, introduced a fundraising initiative involving a book of photographs titled “Florida is Golden, Richness in Nature.” Proceeds from the book, available for a $40 donation, will support a flight for 172 female veterans to Washington D.C. on March 11, 2026. The club presented a signed copy to the commission, receiving audience applause for their efforts.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Polk County, represented by Steve Jordano, shared updates on their collaboration with Winter Haven, noting a strong membership and attendance rate. Jordano highlighted the importance of the meals provided to children from households eligible for free lunch, which underscores the club’s critical role in supporting the community.

Commission reports during the meeting reflected on various activities, such as involvement in the Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities by 2040. Commissioners shared experiences from recent events and meetings, including the Friends of the Library’s 50th anniversary and a groundbreaking ceremony for Cypress Junction Montessori School.