During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implementation of a new conservation program aimed at enhancing water management in Polk County. The initiative, which will be funded annually, seeks to allocate $150,000 each year—$75,000 from the Heartland Headwaters grant and $75,000 from local municipalities, including Winter Haven. Each participating member is expected to contribute approximately $10,000 annually to support the conservation efforts.

The program will utilize a third-party consultant to assist in implementing conservation strategies across the region. This approach aims to support municipalities with existing robust conservation programs, such as Winter Haven, Polk County, and Lakeland, while also providing assistance to smaller municipalities that may lack the necessary staff to execute conservation projects.

Gary, a member of the council, emphasized the importance of reducing irrigation water usage, which currently accounts for 38 to 40 percent of total water consumption. He advocated for a public education program to further promote conservation efforts, highlighting the need for community engagement in water-saving initiatives.

In addition to conservation discussions, the meeting also covered the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funds received by Winter Haven. Officials reported on the progress of the SHIP program, which provides financial assistance for down payments and home rehabilitation. Cedric Cox, assistant director of the Economic Opportunity and Community Investment Department, shared that the city has received 82 applications for assistance, with 31 for down payment help and 51 for owner-occupied rehabilitation.

The SHIP program has seen significant activity, with a total of $1.8 million in funds being utilized effectively to support local residents. As of the latest report, the remaining balance across various fiscal years is approximately $132,193, with additional funding expected to be expended as contractors become available to complete approved projects.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of local officials to enhance conservation efforts and provide essential housing assistance to the community, reflecting a proactive approach to environmental sustainability and social support.