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Violating water-restriction policies is going to get more expensive, while Lakeland Electric customers will see a lower fuel charge, following the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Leaders also discussed the rising volume of travelers through Lakeland’s city-owned airport and authorized a state grant to revise the city’s stormwater mitigation plan as hurricane season continues.
Dig deeper below.
Rogue Lawn-Watering Penalties Go Up
Since spring, Lakeland has been under modified Phase III “Extreme” water shortage restrictions, which means watering lawns only once per week in most cases. Now, the city will stop issuing warnings, and fines will rise for property owners who do not follow the city’s schedule.
Under the revised ordinance, approved unanimously by city commissioners, Lakeland residents will be fined $50 on first violation of water restrictions. A second violation will result in a $200 fine, a third in a $500 fine. City policies allow more frequent watering for newly planted lawns but only during assigned times.
Assistant City Attorney Katie Prenoveau said that fines will be added to offenders’ utility bills — with a notice of violation on their statement and details on how to appeal. She added that the increased fines are “aligned with what Polk County is already doing.”
Multiple commissioners asked about the recent increase in rainfall. Brittany Thornton, city conservation specialist, replied that “We’re still in a deficit,” according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD). In coming weeks, SWFMD is expected to announce what comes next after current restrictions expire on Oct. 1.
Lakeland Electric Fuel Rate Decreases
City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a resolution to lower the Lakeland Electric (LE) fuel rate by $10 beginning Oct. 1, 2026.
The monthly fuel charge will go from $57 to $47 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours. As a result, a typical household using 1,200 kWh a month should see their bill reduced by about $12.
On Friday, Sept. 5, Sandra Ruede, fuels manager, told the city’s Utility Committee that Lakeland Electric’s reserves have continued to recover from the January-February deficit more quickly than anticipated.
“We are currently in an over-recovered position,” Ruede said, “so we need to adjust that and give the money back to our customers.”
She said if market conditions remain stable, she expects consistent pricing that will allow LE’s reserves to increase back into the desired $30 million range by the end of the 2027 fiscal year. “The weather is always going to be our wildcard,” cautioned Ruede.
Ride-Sharing At ‘Packed’ Lakeland Airport
Taxi and rideshare rides to and from the airport have gone from 1,200 a month to nearly 3,000 rides per month, interim airport director Adam Lunn told commissioners.
“That’s a pretty significant increase for us,” said Lunn. “As we are adding more flights, there is a higher demand.” Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley added she found the airport “packed” at a recent pick-up.
On Tuesday, the City Commission approved a three-year non-exclusive agreement with Rasier LLC, a subsidiary of Uber. The company will pay the city $1.75 per trip when a driver picks up or drops off a passenger at the airport, according to Ramona Sirianni, deputy city attorney. A similar agreement is already in place with competitor ride-hailing app Lyft.
Lunn said the airport is also making efforts to bring in another rental car operator.
Two other airport-related agenda items included the renewal of a long-term lease with airport services provider Globe Aero and appropriation of construction funds for three airport holding bays and taxiway improvements.
$400,000 Grant to Study Stormwater Crisis Mitigation
The City Commission authorized a $400,000 grant from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which allocates federal funds for a local hazard-mitigation plan. The city will conduct a comprehensive review of drainage systems and bodies of water, analyzing the potential impacts of 25-year and 100-year storm events in the region’s floodplain.
The study will determine necessary mitigation in known problematic flood-prone areas and policy revisions needed for new development, such as housing or retail, to reduce flooding risks.
Federal funds will cover 75% of the study, or $300,000, while the city will contribute the remaining $100,000.
During Friday’s Agenda Study, multiple commissioners referenced the $39.8 million allocated by Polk County in May for stormwater infrastructure improvement, pointing out that progress on the projects was not apparent.
Commissioner Guy LaLonde Jr. raised concerns about flooding around Lake Bonnet, including at May Manor Mobile Home Park, which has experienced flooding for years.
“I’m glad that we have a $400,000 grant where we can get $300,000 back (to) continue to study,” LaLonde said on Friday. “(But) I’m really looking for when we’re going to try to insist on the county doing their portions.”
To close Friday’s discussion, City Manager Shawn Sherrouse proposed a joint meeting between city and county officials to discuss the status of stormwater hazard-mitigation projects and improve coordination.
Read Tuesday’s meeting agenda and watch the video.
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