Public Notice: Lake Bonny Emergency Pumping Operations
LAKELAND, FL (May 6, 2025) | With the 2025 Hurricane Season just weeks away, the City of Lakeland has obtained an Emergency Field Authorization (EFA) to operate the Lake Bonny stormwater pump below the standard permitted level of 130.10 feet (NAVD) in preparation for potential storm events.
Under the EFA, pumping is permitted until water levels reach 128.40 feet NAVD, which represents the average depth to the regional water table per Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) records. Pumping below this level is ineffective, as nearly all water would consist of groundwater. Additionally, when water levels fall below 128.70 feet NAVD, there is insufficient water in the canal system between Lake Bonny and Lake Parker to allow the City's stormwater pump to operate efficiently.
To address this, Polk County has secured a temporary access agreement to place an auxiliary pump on private property adjacent to the canal on the east side of Longfellow Boulevard. This auxiliary pump will be used to move water from Lake Bonny through the canal system to support the City’s pump when canal water levels are too low for normal operation.
If both the City and County determine that conditions warrant it, the County will mobilize and begin their pumping operations within 24 hours. Both agencies will closely monitor pumping activities to maintain appropriate water flow and prevent canal overflow. Adjustments to pumping rates and volumes will be made as necessary based on real-time field conditions.
This coordinated procedure was agreed upon by the City of Lakeland, Polk County, and SWFWMD during a meeting held on April 16, 2025.
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.