Winter Haven Prepares $371.8M Budget Framework Amid Concerns Over Statewide Tax AmendmentBy James CoulterEven as Winter Haven anticipates higher property values and stronger ad valorem revenue, city commissioners are worried that a new tax amendment might reduce the funds the city needs in the near future. July 27, 2026, Winter Haven commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the tentative millage rate for the next fiscal year and set the date for the first public budget hearing. However, several commissioners worried that the following fiscal year’s budget might be affected if voters approve Florida Amendment 3 in November. The first public budget hearing will be held on Tues., Sept. 15, 2026, at 6 PM in the John Fuller Auditorium in City Hall at 451 Third Street N.W., Winter Haven. The meeting was rescheduled so as not to conflict with the Board of County Commissioners’tentative budget public hearing on Mon.