The most development from the recent Winter Haven City Commission meeting was the detailed presentation of the city’s strategic plan. This plan was crafted with input from various stakeholders and includes an extensive array of goals and strategies across six key areas: economic sustainability, quality of life, infrastructure, water resources, embracing new technology, and environmental stewardship. Notably, the plan also integrates community safety, responsible government, and the prioritization of a robust infrastructure.

The presentation of the strategic plan emphasized the importance of a qualified workforce, affordable housing, comprehensive transportation, and technology adoption. The plan’s economic sustainability pillar focuses on developing formal programs to support workforce availability and a comprehensive neighborhoods program. Quality of life goals include establishing a community wellness and health advisory committee and a linkage fee program for affordable housing. Infrastructure objectives highlight the necessity of partnerships for transportation planning and maintenance.

The strategic plan’s environmental stewardship goals aim to maintain and strengthen the urban forest, leverage partnerships for a clean environment, and ensure equitable access to natural amenities. Furthermore, the community safety pillar calls for a data business continuity plan and an annual service demand assessment to keep pace with population growth.

Commissioners discussed the implementation of the strategic plan, stressing the need for a designated individual to oversee its execution to prevent stagnation and ensure integration into the city’s day-to-day operations. They also suggested reviewing the city charter in conjunction with the new plan and emphasized the importance of the plan’s alignment with various city initiatives, including the State of the City address, legislative platforms, grant applications, and financial planning.

The meeting also tackled the city’s lakes and their ecological health. The annual Lakes Report, a document produced in-house, was approved and highlighted the city’s efforts to monitor and improve lake water quality. Discussions centered on the management of aquatic vegetation and sediment, particularly in Lake Lulu and Lake Idol. The report mentioned accomplishments such as increased lake surface monitoring and refurbishing of rain gardens. It evaluated the water quality, hydrology, and ecology of the lakes, noting improvements in some areas and identifying lakes in need of water quality improvement projects.

A debate surfaced over the management of vegetation in Lake Lulu and the potential effects of El Niño on lake levels. Moreover, a recent sanitary sewer overflow into Lake Howard was addressed, with steps taken to manage the situation detailed, including coordination with the Department of Health.

Further discussions on lake management included the integration of public or private access to lakes within new subdivisions to facilitate water quality monitoring and recreation. Commissioners recognized that improved public access to lakes could attract state dollars for lake improvement projects.

The commission also deliberated on a clean air ordinance for public spaces, with opinions varying on its practicality and enforceability. While some commissioners suggested starting with the placement of signs to discourage smoking and potentially recreational marijuana use, others were open to further exploration of the ordinance.

In addition to the strategic plan and lake health, the commission reported on community activities and initiatives. Events like the July 4th fireworks, the Beer and Bubbles event, and the Rocking Freedom Festival were mentioned. Challenges such as the enforcement of smoking bans at large events were highlighted. The meeting also acknowledged the advancement of the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center project, the dedication of sports complexes, and the acquisition of the Ritz Theater.