City News Blog: Lake Bonny Water Levels Emergency Pumping
LAKELAND, FL (March 17, 2025) | The City of Lakeland has submitted a request to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to modify the parameters of a previously approved permit. This permit authorizes the City to operate an emergency pump that transfers water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker when water levels reach the 10-year flood stage. SWFWMD, the regulatory agency responsible for managing surface water elevations and flows, oversees this process.
The operating range for Lake Bonny is set between 128.70 and 129.70 feet North American Vertical Datum (NAVD). Under the previously approved permit, pumping was only permitted when the water level in Lake Bonny reached the FEMA-designated 10-year flood stage (130.10 NAVD), provided that the water level in Lake Parker was at or below 130.82 NAVD. However, SWFWMD has granted an Emergency Field Authorization (EFA) to the City, allowing pumping to commence when Lake Bonny reaches 129.60 NAVD. As of March 17, 2025, the water level in Lake Bonny was recorded at 129.50 NAVD. The City will continue to monitor water levels in both lakes and begin pumping operations once the level in Lake Bonny reaches 129.60 NAVD. The EFA is valid for 90 days and may be renewed if necessary.
On March 12, 2025, SWFWMD conducted a survey of the water level staff gauge and confirmed that the gauge used to measure water levels in Lake Bonny is accurate.
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.