Public Notice: Road Closures Due To Lake Bonny Flood Mitigation Project
LAKELAND, FL (October 24, 2024) | There is a concentrated effort taking place to mitigate the flooding that has happened around Lake Bonny. The lake is swollen above typical levels due to heavy rains experienced with Tropical Storm Debbie, Hurricane Helene and most recently Hurricane Milton.
The City of Lakeland, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Polk County, the City of Bartow, US Army Corp of Engineers, and the State of Florida collaborated to assist residents living around the flooded lake. The US Army Corp of Engineers has provided two industrial water pumps that are now pumping from the northwest corner of Lake Bonny. Crews have installed over 6,000 feet of industrial 12” diameter piping to direct water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker. SWFWMD and Polk County have agreed to allow Lake Bonny outflow to be discharged into the Peace River. Staff is manning the system 24/7 to ensure it is operating and not causing unintended flooding in the vicinity of operations.
A portion of Main Street is closed so above ground pipe can get flood waters from Lake Bonny to a stormwater culvert on North Gary Road. The stormwater system discharges to Lake Parker and flows to Lake Hancock before being discharged to the Peace River. The SWFWMD oversees and manages water bodies that flow to the Peace River.
The overland piping will impact pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic in the area as the flood mitigation project continues. There are several road closures and detours in place. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.
Road Closures:
- E. Main Street (at Elgin Street): Closed.
- Elgin Street: Entire road closed.
- N. Fern Road (from Elgin Street to Alicia Road): Closed.
- N. Gary Road (from Rose Street to E. Magnolia Street/E. Gary Road): Closed.
Detours for Motorists:
- Visible detour signage is in place directing motorists around the closures. Please avoid the area if possible.
Pedestrian Path Closure:
- The recreational path from Lake Bonny Drive to the boat ramp will be closed. Pedestrians should seek alternate routes.
Attached Media:
- Video 1 – Pumps in Operation
- Video 2 – Lake Bonny Outfall
- Video 3 – Piping to Stormwater Intake
- Detour Map
Contact
Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863.834.6264
Kevin.Cook@LakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.