LAKELAND – The City of Lakeland will hold a Public Kick-off Meeting for the Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin Flood Hazard and Debris Mitigation Phase 1 – Feasibility Study on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The purpose of the project is to restore the wetlands around the project corridor, remove excess sediments that have accumulated in the lake, and improve the conveyance system in the Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin. This will prevent the risk of future flooding in the May Manor Mobile Home Park and surrounding areas. The project also seeks to enhance the overall well-being of the community and the natural environment of the area.

The City of Lakeland was awarded a $42.9 million grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). The grant is facilitated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) initiative, as part of the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program. Grants were awarded to complete large-scale infrastructure projects to mitigate and harden against natural disaster risks, including severe flooding and hurricanes, targeting HUD and state-designated impacted and distressed areas.

To allow for maximum participation, the public kick-off meeting will be held in two formats, including both an in-person location and a live online session.

To allow for maximum participation, the public kick-off meeting will be held in two formats, including both an in-person location and a live online session.