FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE
FEMA encourages those that need help to apply for assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov. Those seeking services can also visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, and receive referrals to local agencies that provide services in the area. There is the FEMA mobile app or those in need can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or if other communication services are used, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. Check with your local emergency management officials at Polk County Emergency Management for additional resources at 863-298-7000 or paulwomble@polk-county.net. A number of available resources can be found at www.polk-county.net/hurricane-milton-recovery-resources-in-polk/.
Disaster Recovery Center
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center offers one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Milton. Center location: W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 South Holland Parkway Bartow, FL 33830. Hours: 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Hope Florida
Connects residents with resources for food, household losses and home repairs.
(833) 438-4673
American Red Cross
Mental health resources and recovery case management.
(800) 733-2767
FEMA INSPECTORS
A FEMA inspector documents disaster caused damages as part of an inspection. The inspector is not able to determine whether a survivor is eligible for assistance. FEMA inspectors may not be able to enter a residence until flooding recedes or conditions improve.
FEMA FLOOD ZONE MAPS
FEMA determines flood zones at varying intervals by analyzing the likelihood of an area experiencing a flood with a 1% annual chance, also known as the "100-year floodplain.” This means there is a 1% chance of a flood occurring in any given year and a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a typical 30-year mortgage. Areas with this high risk are designated as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and are typically labeled with an "A" or "V" on a flood map, while lower risk areas are labeled with "B" or "X" depending on the flood risk level. Flood insurance requirements apply to properties located in a SFHA on a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map.
Flood zone maps can be viewed by visiting: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home. Key points about FEMA flood zones:
- 1% Annual Chance Flood: The primary factor in determining a flood zone is the probability of a flood occurring in any given year, with a 1% chance considered high risk.
- Designations:
High-risk areas (SFHA) are labeled with "A" or "V" on FEMA flood maps, while moderate to low-risk areas are labeled with "B" or "X".
FEMA calculates how much water would accumulate in an area, as well as the speed and direction of flow using factors like ground elevation, proximity to nearby water bodies, past flood events, and drainage patterns when determining flood zones.
FEMA AND STATE MITIGATION GRANTS
Mitigation is the reduction or elimination of potential risk to life and/or property. Mitigation is a cost-effective way to avoid future damage from disasters, such as flooding or high winds. Typical residential mitigation projects include:
- Structure Elevation
- Structure Mitigation Reconstruction
- Structure Acquisition & Demolition (Buyout)
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Bureau of Mitigation administers grant programs, including FEMA-funded grants, to assist communities and residents reduce the impacts of disaster. Learn more at: https://www.floridadisaster.org/dem/mitigation/.
ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS
The City of Lakeland has placed four roll-off containers at key locations within the Lake Bonny neighborhood to assist with debris removal following Hurricane Milton. The City has also deployed claw trucks and personnel to support the clean-up efforts. The dumpsters can be found at the following locations and are checked daily:
- Lake Bonny Drive East (2 containers)
- Honey Tree Lane West
- Honey Tree Lane East
Residents of the Lake Bonny area who are disposing of building materials are encouraged to use these roll-off containers as part of the clean-up process. Please note that these containers are for building materials only and are not to be used for vegetative debris. Curbside debris pick-up is still available as an option for those living inside the Lakeland city limits. For additional information, please contact City of Lakeland Solid Waste at 863-834-8773.
LAKE BONNY PUMPING SYSTEM
The pump that is on location at Lake Bonny assists in moving water to Lake Parker. The pump was initially installed to accommodate 10-year flood events to lower Lake Bonny water levels. The pump was not intended to accommodate a once in a 200-year rain event experienced with Hurricane Milton. The electric motor on the pump eliminates typical maintenance that would be associated with a gas or diesel motor. City crews perform routine maintenance that includes checking and changing air compressor oil, greasing bearings, and checking the psi vacuum pressure to ensure there are no blockages. The system was inspected prior to hurricane season and crews cleaned the ditches that are part of the drainage system on August 6, 2024. After Hurricane Milton, the Lake Bonny pump was checked four times per day.
City staff monitored lake levels throughout the rainy season. Lake Bonny was within the operating range of 128.70-129.70 through July 25, 2024, when the lake level was recorded at 129.98. After Tropical Storm Debby, the level went above the 10-year designated flood stage of 130.10. Per the SWFWMD permit held by the County and the City of Lakeland to operate the emergency pump, the pump can begin operating when the level in Lake Bonny reaches130.90 and the level of Lake Parker is less than/equal to 131.70 using the NGVD29 Datum Scale. The City began operating the pump on August 5, 2024, prior to reaching permit levels – doing so under a District Emergency Order issued by SWFWMD. The pump has been operating 24/7 since that date in close collaboration with multiple agencies and stakeholders. Lake Bonny water levels are regularly posted on the City’s website: www.lakelandgov.net/hurricane.
As of November 22, 2024, the elevation of Lake Bonny is 129.98, below the established 10-year flood stage at which the City and County are allowed to operate the City’s emergency electric pump. In coordination with Polk County, FEMA, Army Corp of Engineers, and with Southwest Florida Water Management District’s approval, pumping operations will continue until Lake Bonny reaches the normal operating range at 129.70. The 129.70 level should be achieved before November 24, 2024.
Once the 129.70 level is reached, the City will shut down pumping operations as instructed. The Army Corp of Engineers has notified the City of Lakeland that the three auxiliary pumps will be removed. Over a five-day period following the initial pump shut-down, lake levels in Lake Bonny will be closely monitored to evaluate potential rebound, which could occur if significant amounts of groundwater continue to recharge the lake. If no rebound is observed, the City will notify the Army Corp of Engineers to remove the loaned pumps. The City’s emergency pump will remain on stand-by to be used if necessary. As normal procedure, the City will continue to collect weekly lake level data throughout the dry season.
DRAINAGE CONVEYANCE
There are multiple agencies and entities that have jurisdiction over the drainage system that starts at the outflow from Lake Bonny and ends at the outfall to Lake Parker. The entirety of this drainage system is in unincorporated Polk County. Portions of the drainage system are private; some are in County easements, and some are in County right of way. It also goes beneath CSX railroad tracks and multiple gas pipelines. Additionally, FDOT has jurisdiction where the drainage flows beneath Highway 92. In 2000 and 2001, the County designed, permitted and constructed a new piped drainage system with operable gate. In October 2001 the City of Lakeland took over operational responsibilities for the gate. In 2015, the City designed and permitted a pumping system to pump water from the outfall canal, across the gate structure and into the piped drainage system.
On November 18, 2024, City of Lakeland Public Works drainage staff assessed the ditch located at the corner of Bonnyview Drive and South Elm Road due to standing water. City crew will clean out the ditch using heavy equipment in the coming weeks. This ditch is not part of the drainage system between Lake Bonny and Lake Parker, but questions regarding this ditch have been posed by Lake Bonny residents. Any inspections or maintenance of the ditch between Lake Bonny and Lake Parker falls under the responsibility of Polk County roads and drainage. City of Lakeland Public Works staff monitors the system for water flows, and alerts Polk County staff regarding maintenance.
There were concerns regarding a Polk County sidewalk project along Longfellow Boulevard and impacts to drainage. According to the Roads and Drainage Director with Polk County, there were no drainage systems impacted by the Longfellow Boulevard sidewalk project.
PUMP OPERATION
The Lake Bonny pump is electric, and the City receives a bill from Lakeland Electric for the monthly operation. A question came up regarding billing and why did the bill increase from the August bill that was due September 23, 2024, in the amount of $1,375.78 to $2,747.78 with the September bill that was due October 23, 2024. The August bill was for billing July 24, 2024, through August 25, 2024. The Lake Bonny pump was activated on August 5, 2024, so the August billing cycle included 19 days of pump operation compared to 30 days with the September billing cycle. There was also a comment about the fluctuation in kwh on the Lake Bonny Pump. The fluctuation in kwh is a result of the pump being throttled up and down based on the operating capacity of the conveyance system carrying water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker. The pump would be throttled down to prevent flooding downstream and to alleviate possible damage to the plumbing system due to the forceful flow of water. The pump would also be turned off during periodically for routine maintenance.
Before storm season the City of Lakeland Drainage Maintenance Staff conducts an inspection of the pump, including checking compressor oil levels, filling grease fittings, and operating the pump to check pressures. After the initial check for storm season, the pump is again inspected when the City moves to Phase 1 during preparation for each storm. When lake levels reach the permitted level for pump operation, the pump is brought online using the following steps.
- A strap is installed to prevent back pressure from blowing out the lake level gate.
- Check compressor oil and grease fitting for startup.
- The pump is powered up.
- Increase pump RPMs to 1150 and check pumping pressures.
- Go to Canal St. and check the outfall ditch for flow.
- The pump is checked visually on Monday and Thursday during pumping operation.
Once staff is directed by Lakes & Stormwater to stop pumping because Lake Bonny water levels fall below the SWFWMD permit threshold, the pump is turned off. When not operating, the pump sits idle until Phase 1 of the next storm event. Staff checks on the pump periodically during idle times, but it is not on a set schedule. In April 2023, Thompson Pump performed a preventative maintenance inspection and installed a new priming mechanism in preparation for storm season.
SEWER VS SEPTIC
The City will need to engage with a consultant to perform a septic to sewer study for any specific area within the Lakeland city limits. This would determine the infrastructure needed to serve the area and determine what upgrades would be needed to existing facilities to accommodate the new flow. The study would also provide an estimated cost. While the City can move forward with a study, the cost to construct may be prohibitive without additional funding from grants and/or legislative appropriations. There are current rules that require septic to sewer initiatives, however, there is no additional funding for these projects. The City is planning to complete a septic to sewer feasibility study by 2027. This feasibility study is only for those required septic systems inside the Lakeland city limits.
LONG-TERM
On October 7, 2024, The City Commission approved a Task Authorization to Geosyntec to complete a Stormwater Project Prioritization and citywide Model Update project. This project is part of the ongoing Stormwater Management Master Planning effort, and consists of three major tasks: 1) compilation of updated records and data (surveys, FEMA records, flood complaints, new development projects); update of the citywide existing hydraulic and hydrologic model with updated records and data to evaluate potential changes in regional and local hydrology; and, 3) development of a prioritization matrix that ranks flood control and water quality improvement projects based on feasibility and potential impacts. This project has been expedited as requested by City Commission. City of Lakeland Public Works will engage with an engineering consulting firm to complete a comprehensive evaluation specifically of the Lake Bonny watershed and drainage systems and complete a feasibility study to evaluate the potential options for future flood mitigation. The study will incorporate hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, inventorying of Polk County and City of Lakeland drainage infrastructure, and consideration of upstream and downstream impacts. The study will be completed in close coordination with Polk County as parts of the Lake Bonny shoreline and watershed are in the County and in the Lakeland city limits. Once design has been approved, funding will need to be identified and secured before construction would start. There is currently no funding for a multimillion-dollar project at Lake Bonny. The City and County will need to collaborate and seek grant assistance from the state and/or federal government to raise funds for a project of this magnitude.
LAKE BONNY LIFT STATION
In comparison to other lift stations, this station is somewhat small when it comes to the amount of flow coming from the area. Permanent generators are very expensive and require perpetual maintenance. The City has prioritized the stations that receive a permanent generator based on whether it receives flow from another lift station, how much flow it receives and the response time to bring out a portable generator. With smaller stations such as the one at the northeast corner of Lake Bonny, the City is able to transport a portable generator, pump the station down and then move the portable generator to the next location. This cycle continues until either permanent power has been restored to the station or the number of stations without power has decreased to the point that a portable unit can be left onsite.
In the case of Lake Bonny, this station was under water following Hurricane Milton. A permanent generator would not have solved the issue because the station was inundated with water, and it would have been pumping continually. This was the case at another station on the west side of Lake Bonny where there was a permanent generator. That station was not able to pump even though there was power because of the large volume of water at the station. At the northeast Lake Bonny station, crews transported a portable generator to the site at 4:20 a.m. on Friday 10/11/24, pumped it down and then went to another station. This action was repeated at 8:30 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. the same day. That night (10/11/24) at 11:10 p.m., the portable generator was left on site once power was restored to enough lift stations.
PERMITTING FEES
City staff continues to research and evaluate the feasibility of waived permit fees for Lake Bonny residents. State law requires that permit fees must be consistently applied, which limits the City’s ability to waive fees for Lake Bonny residents and property owners only. A citywide waiver must be carefully considered for its fiscal impact, as the City’s building permitting, plans review, and inspection services are funded entirely by permit fee revenue. Additionally, the City of Lakeland has permit authority only within its corporate boundaries, meaning any fee waiver implemented would not apply to Lake Bonny residents outside Lakeland’s city limits in unincorporated Polk County.
LAKELAND ELECTRIC
Lakeland Electric is committed to supporting customers through every stage of recovery. There is assistance in reviewing accounts, connecting with available resources, and identifying solutions that best meet customer needs. If an account was closed during Hurricane Milton, any deposit made would be applied to the final bill. Please contact Lakeland Electric Customer Service at (863) 834-9535.
https://lakelandelectric.com/news/___navigating-recovery-with-lakeland-electric
AMTRAK TRAIN DERAILMENT
A question was posed by Lake Bonny residents on whether the Amtrak train derailment impacted the Lake Bonny drainage conveyance. There was an incident involving an Amtrack train July 2023.The train originated in Miami and was bound for New York. It had stopped in Tampa, prior to the crash and was heading east. The train struck a vehicle transport at Canal Avenue pushing the transport away from the intersection. According to reports, there was repairable damage to the CSX tracks at Canal Avenue. There is a jet fuel pipeline under the tracks in the immediate vicinity of the incident and it had no damage. Most damage was to the train engine and the loss of revenue during the 10-hour downtime while the incident was being investigated. The incident happened east of the drainage conveyance.
LAKELAND HYDROLOGY
Lake Bonny is a shallow (average three feet deep) lake that is approximately 250 acres in size. The lake receives stormwater from multiple outlets over an urbanized 1,144-acre watershed that encompasses the east and west sides of US Highway 98 South from approximately Main Street to South Crystal Lake Drive. Lake Bonny has over 100 drain inputs from the watershed. There is only one outfall from the lake at the north end. The outfall is through a canal to Lake Parker, which is generally at the same elevation as Lake Bonny. The City has a pump located at the outfall to assist with pushing water to Lake Parker when natural flow is not enough to relieve water levels in Lake Bonny. This pump has been operating 24/7 since August 5, 2024.
Lake Parker discharges on the east side of the lake to Saddle Creek and into Lake Hancock. Saddle Creek and Lake Hancock were also flooded after Hurricane Milton, so it made it very difficult to push water out of Lake Bonny and Lake Parker to alleviate flood conditions and lower the lake levels. The Lake Parker water control structure was opened the maximum amount possible on June 25, 2024, and remained open through the time this document was published.
Water naturally flows from higher elevation to lower elevation. Inputs to area lakes historically were from small streams and overland stormwater flows. Water will naturally flow to lower lying areas. As some of these natural areas around Lakeland have become urbanized, natural systems have been altered by development. Stormwater flows are diverted through constructed drainage conveyances that collect water from roadways and parking lots. These urbanized stormwater systems ultimately drain to area lakes. Over time, the City also constructed drainage systems to allow the flow of surface waters from one lake to another to mimic and enhance the natural flows.
Many of the lakes within the Lakeland city limits have operating ranges approved by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The operating ranges are a safe water level range that optimizes the water storage capacity and water quality in each of the water bodies. The City and SWFWMD maintain and operate control structures at multiple lakes that are used to hold water back during times of drought, and release water when levels are approaching the top of their operating ranges. SWFWMD manages Lake Gibson, Lake Parker and Lake Hancock. The operation of control structures is coordinated to ensure that downstream drainage can handle the additional capacity without causing more flooding. The downstream rivers (Peace and Hillsborough) flow through relatively flat terrain with little elevation changes, which leads to significant regional flooding after major storm events. The Peace and Hillsborough Rivers were at flood stage after the passing of Tropical Storm Debby. Hurricanes Helene and Milton worsened the flooding situation. To illustrate, the downstream drainage basin is at capacity like a full glass of water. As more water is added via rainfall and upstream flows, the glass cannot take more volume, and the water spills over flooding the surrounding area. This is the situation all over west and central Florida after successive storms.
The largest surface water drainage system is the Lake Parker system. Lakes at higher elevation that naturally flow into Lake Parker include Lake Gibson (via Lake Crago) and Lake Mirror. Lake Bonny is at a relatively equal elevation to Lake Parker, and depending on which lake has higher water levels, water will flow from Parker to Bonny, or Bonny to Parker. The City operates a control structure between Bonny and Parker. When water rises above the 10-year flood level in Lake Bonny, SWFWMD permits the structure to close so there is no backflow and the Lake Bonny pump is then activated to push water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker. SWFWMD operates a control structure on the east side of Lake Parker that allows water to flow into Saddle Creek to Lake Hancock. Lake Hancock outflows through a SWFWMD operated structure into the Peace River.
Lake Morton and Lake Horney flow into Lake Hollingsworth. Water leaving Lake Hollingsworth flows to Lake Bentley and then through drainage conveyances through Lake Somerset and eventually to Lake Hancock and the Peace River. Lake Wire and Lake Beulah flow into Lake Hunter. Lake Hunter and Lake Bonnet outflow to Itchepackessassa Creek, which flows into the Hillsborough River.
There are multiple agencies and entities that have jurisdiction over the drainage system that starts at the outflow from Lake Bonny and ends at the outfall to Lake Parker. The entirety of this drainage system is in unincorporated Polk County. Portions of the drainage system flow beneath CSX rail tracks and a Kinder Morgan gas pipeline. Additionally, FDOT has jurisdiction where the drainage flows beneath Highway 92. The Lake Bonny watershed footprint has not changed but the amount of impervious surface has increased over time due to development. A feasibility study would be required to evaluate the potential options to divert stormwater elsewhere.
HYDROLOGY CONTACTS
City of Lakeland Lakes & Stormwater
Lakes&stormwater@lakelandgov.net
863-834-3300
Polk County Roads & Drainage
jayjarvis@polk-county.net
863-535-2200
Southwest Florida Water Management District
info@watermatters.org
Bartow Office: 863-534-1448
