The meeting commenced with recognitions, including an award to Christine Samuels for her contributions as the Director of Diversity and Inclusivity for the City of Winter Haven. Dorothy and Mitchell Tillman were also recognized for their service to the youth and elderly in the community. Both parties expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated their commitment to community service.

One of the more topics that arose during the meeting was the concern over the presence of fluoride in the city’s water. A resident cited a Harvard University study and called for the city to reconsider the use of fluoride, citing potential health impacts. This prompted a call for further examination and discussion on the topic.

Another item on the agenda was the discussion on the consent agenda, particularly concerning the replacement of a lift station on the main State healthcare property. The necessity of the replacement and the financial aspects were debated, with the developer agreeing to cover 50% of the additional cost overruns. The safety concerns associated with old lift stations were also addressed, noting the city’s relief at moving away from these outdated structures.

The designation of a Brownfield area was also a focal point, with the resolution R-248 designating land south of Martin Luther King Boulevard Northwest and west of First Street North for environmental remediation and economic development. This resolution was in response to a petition by Blue Winter Haven LLC, which had already undertaken environmental cleanup efforts, including the removal of contaminated soil. The designation would allow the petitioner to seek federal funding to help with the costs incurred during the cleanup.

The conveyance of real property from BF 1500 LLC to the City of Winter Haven was another point of discussion. The property, acquired for $10 million, was intended for aquifer recharge, storage, and future Nature Park and operational facilities for Winter Haven water. The resolution R-24-10 formalizing the acceptance of this property was approved.

The commission also passed resolution R-24-13, which reappointed members to the affordable housing advisory committee and addressed the need for additional members to ensure quorum for an upcoming meeting. The process for reviewing applications and making recommendations for appointment to the committee was explained.

The ordinance number 0-24-5, which would amend the city’s comprehensive plan by revising the future land use map series for a specific parcel, was also discussed. The parcel, proposed for commercial development, would be assigned neighborhood mixed-use Hub future land use. While the ordinance did not reach a vote, it was advanced to its second reading.

Moreover, the commission discussed the assignment of commercial Highway C3 zoning District to an annex parcel located at the northwest corner of Cypress Gardens Boulevard and Lamplight Lane Southeast. This item, along with the amendment of the Winter Haven code of ordinances regarding high water marks and waterfront properties, received support from the Planning Commission and staff.

During commissioner reports, broader community activities and projects were discussed, such as the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Greater Winter Haven Youth Baseball, and transportation infrastructure needs. The meeting also included a treasurer’s update from the Ridge League cities, the mayor’s attendance at various functions, and the introduction of two new city employees by the city manager.