33-Acre Parcel near Cypress Gardens Boulevard Being Considered for Land Development Code Amendment
by James Coulter
A 33-acre parcel in Winter Haven, currently being used as a preserve and wildlife refuge, is being considered for a land development code amendment to restrict certain uses from being developed on that property.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Dec. 2, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) reviewed a proposed amendment to the Polk County Land Development Code (Appendix E, Section E105) that would be specific to a parcel of land located in Winter Haven.
The subject property is a 33-acre parcel located south of State Road 540 (Cypress Gardens Boulevard) and west of US Highway 27. Currently, the property has been developed with a preserve and wildlife refuge.
The property owner requested a parcel‑specific restriction to prohibit certain uses so they can expand on‑site services without increasing intensity, according to Johnathan (JP) Sims, MPA, Planner II, Land Development Division.
The amendment would prohibit the following uses on the site: helistops, medical marijuana dispensaries, hotels and motels, intensive recreation and amusement facilities, multifamily housing, nightclubs and dance halls, outdoor concert venues, recreational vehicle parks, and vehicle-oriented recreation.
“This request will be compatible with the surrounding area as Leisure/Recreation is compatible with adjacent residential uses,” Sims wrote. “The developments surrounding the subject site are all residential in nature. It has City of Winter Haven completely surrounding the subject site on all sides.”
The Planning Commission approved the amendment unanimously with a 7–0 vote on Wed. Nov. 5, 2025. The BoCC completed the first reading on Tues., Dec. 2, which did not require a motion. They will vote on the second reading scheduled for Tues. Dec. 16.
