Development News for Winter Haven, Florida

City to Purchase New Front-End Garbage Truck to Replace Aging Unit

The city is recommending the purchase of a 2024 Autocar ACX64 front-end garbage truck with a 28-yard Heil half-pack refuse body for the commercial solid waste division. This purchase is necessary to replace an aging unit (2012 MAC front-end loader) that requires significant repairs and has reached the end of its service life. The new truck will be procured through Florida Tampa Kenworth, a vendor under the Florida Sheriff's Association contract. The city already operates similar Autocar units in its residential division and has more on order. The total cost for the new truck is $436,263, with $341,356 available from the capital depletion fund and the remaining $94,970 funded from the commercial solid waste operating budget. The truck is expected to be delivered in August 2026. The replacement aligns with the city's strategic pillar of community safety and goal 5.2 to meet service demands.

Final Approval Sought for Developer Incentives for First Street North Project

The City Commission is being asked to grant final approval for a developer's agreement related to a commercial improvement project proposed by Mr. Terry Dudney for a property at the southeast corner of First Street North and Palmetto Avenue North. This agreement includes incentives previously approved by the Florence Villa Advisory Committee and the CRA board, such as a commercial improvement grant, small business development assistance grant, new construction missing middle rental program, housing investment program (tax rebate), and utility connection fee reimbursement. The approval pertains specifically to the housing investment program and utility connection fee reimbursement components.

Winterhaven Launches Kindergarten Swim Program with Local Schools

The city is undertaking a new kindergarten swim program in partnership with Polk County Public Schools. This two-week program provides swim lessons during the school day. The first week includes water safety videos and activities during PE class, followed by in-water lessons at the Rowdy Gaines Olympic pool in the second week. The program has been implemented at Jewett School of the Arts (serving 50 students) and Snively Elementary School (serving 42 students). The initiative aims to teach essential water safety skills and improve children's swimming abilities, with plans to expand the program to more schools and kindergartners.

Winterhaven Golf Course to Acquire New Mowing Equipment

The city is seeking approval to purchase three central pieces of equipment for the Willbrook Golf Course, managed in partnership with Trune Golf Course Management. The equipment includes a 5510 Toro Reel Master (for fairways, green approaches, and collars), a 4300 Toro Grounds Master (for roughs and larger common areas), and a Toro Z Master 5000 (zero-turn mower for common areas and tight spaces). The total cost for this equipment is $198,629.38, funded through the capital depletion fund, supplemented by equipment cost savings and reserve balance in the Willbrook fund. This purchase is intended to maintain and improve the golf course conditions and uphold its quality standards.