Lakeland to commission study to address flooding around Lake Bonny [Video]

LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland city officials are taking decisive steps to address the devastating flooding that impacted neighborhoods around Lake Bonny during Hurricane Milton. 

A new $85,000 watershed study, conducted in partnership with Polk County, will examine not only the city’s pumping system but also broader water management strategies. 

The study is expected to take only 4-6 months, though not in time for the upcoming hurricane season.

City Manager Shawn Sherrouse emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, stating, “If we were just studying that pump, we would only be studying one symptom of a much larger disease.” 

Residents like Betty Wurtz welcomed the initiative, calling it “very important and very necessary.” 

Neighbor Larry Bruening expressed cautious optimism, saying, “If they do a study and…actually fix it, that’s …