Winter Haven Lakes Continue to Improve, Annual Report Shows
by James Coulter
While some Winter Haven lakes have historically struggled with algae, invasive vegetation, and poor water quality, the City’s annual monitoring program shows many are continuing to improve.
At their recent meeting on Mon. July 14, 2026, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the 2025 Annual Lakes Report compiled by the Lakes Advisory Committee (LAC).
The annual report evaluates water quality, hydrology, and ecology to determine the health of local lakes. This year’s report shows that 51 percent of lakes met all applicable state water quality standards, while many of the remaining lakes continued to show improving trends.
“A lake doesn’t have to be perfect to be improving, and while those lakes may not meet every core standard, they are moving in the right direction, which tells us many of our efforts are having a positive effect,” stated Dustin Everitt, Natural Resources Manager.
The report measures overall lake health based on a 3-point scale that takes into account water quality, water clarity, habitat, impairments and trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and Chlorophyll-a.
Overall lake health has risen notably in recent years, driven by the city’s continued water‑conservation and restoration efforts.In 2018, the average lake‑health trend score sat at 1.8. Last year, it climbed to 2.0, a measurable improvement across the system.
Lake Miriam posted the highest health score in the report, standing out as a local success story. Meanwhile, Lakes Idyl, Hamilton, Link, Marth and Ned remain among the City’s most challenging lakes and will receive increased management focus to help improve conditions.
“The important thing to notice is that our Lakes have generally improved over time, which is something few communities can boast of,” stated Devon Moore, Senior Environmental Scientist. “65 percent of our lakes scored in the good to very good range, and 12 percent of our lakes actually saw an increase from the previous year, which is good news.”
The improvements reflect decades of investment in stormwater treatment, lake restoration projects, aquatic plant management, public education, and partnerships with state and regional agencies.
Founded in 1986, the LAC is a citizen-led committee whose mission is to offer “guidance and recommendations for managing Winter Haven’s lakes, with the shared goal of protecting and enhancing the health of local waterbodies.”
Working alongside City staff, the Lakes Advisory Committee supports monitoring efforts, promotes stewardship, and helps guide community education and outreach.
“Protecting our lakes isn’t always just about science: it’s also about building a community that understands and values our natural resources,” Everitt said. “Our hope is to build a generation that understands and appreciates the importance and beauty of our lakes and wildlife.”
Commissioner Nathaniel Birdsong praised the LAC’s commitment to educating residents, especially young children. He recalled recently supervising a natural‑resources field trip, where several school‑aged students were introduced to local ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.
“There are kids that live and grow up in Winter Haven that have not been on a lake, that have not kayaked, [and who] don’t know anything about the ecology and natural resources surrounding our lakes,” he said. “These kids, they were more attentive at the natural resources tour than I have seen them all summer.”
City Manager T. Michael Stavres also praised the report’s professional quality. He credited the work to the city’s highly trained staff, even remarking that one team member deserved a PhD for their contributions.
“This is one of several things that come out of this unit that is a benchmark and aspiration for many other cities,” he said. “You have some of the most accomplished, qualified, and productive staff in any city around, and the natural resource division exemplifies, day in and out, true professionals.”
The full can be read on the City of Winter Haven website: https://winterhaven-fl.granicus.com/services/legistar/download/pdf/4208781/Lakes_Report_In_Brief_-_2025.pdf
