The City of Lakeland encompasses an area of approximately 45,000 acres and contains 38 named lakes and numerous smaller lakes, ranging in size from 2.5 acres (Lake Blanton) to 2272 acres (Lake Parker). Water discharged from these lakes flow through creeks, ditches and pipes to tributaries of three major river systems – the Peace River, the Alafia River, and the Hillsborough River. Our lakes are invaluable to the citizens of Lakeland as they provide opportunities for recreation, sanctuaries for wildlife, and natural beauty. Public and governmental concerns about the health of the lakes within the City of Lakeland led to the formation of an ad hoc City Lakes Advisory Committee and in 1985 the Lakes Education and Action Drive (LE/AD) was formed. In 1987 the Lakes Program was added to the City of Lakeland's Public Works Department. Because of the important relationship between stormwater and lake conservation, the Stormwater and Lakes Management Programs were merged in 1999. The purpose of the program is to improve the quality of all City lakes and water resources.


Stormwater management has been an ongoing challange within the City since the early settlers began developing the landscape. It was only recently, however, that we realized the impact of stormwater runoff on the quality of lakes, streams, and groundwater. Prior to the establishment of the Lakes Program, little information was available on our lakes. In 1988 this program was started to monitor the water quality of 17 major lake systems within the City for physical, chemical, bacteriological and biological parameters. The Lakes Program also teamed with other state and local agencies by conducting diagnostic feasibility studies on some of the other lakes. These studies have provided the information necessary to develop restoration and management programs on several lakes - such as the dredging of approximately 3,000,000 cubic yards of sediments from Lake Hollingsworth. Another important component of the Lakes Program is aquatic plant management. The Lakes Program manages aquatic plants in open water areas and along shorelines that are accessible to the public. Prior to the establishment of the Lakes Program, most of the lake shorelines were partially or totally covered with nuisance vegetation. Visibility into most lakes was hindered which was aesthetically unpleasing. The shorelines were treated for nuisance vegetation by hand removal, herbicides and mechanical and biological control. Revegetation occurred with desirable vegetation.

The program is staffed by five environmental scientists, and is within the Public Works Department. The division is located at 407 Fairway Avenue along with the Construction & Maintenence Division.  Funding for lake and stormwater related projects comes from the City's Stormwater Utility Fee.

The establishment of the Lakes & Stormwater Division has contributed considerably to improving the health and beauty of our City's lakes and waterways. The Lakes & Stormwater staff invite you to take advantage of and enjoy the many lakes and water resources available to Lakelanders and visitors alike.