Public Notice: City of Lakeland Hurricane Milton Restoration Update – October 14, 2024

At the peak Lakeland Electric had approximately 85,000 customers without power. As of this morning that number is down to 5,500. Our dedicated field personnel have been working tirelessly to make progress. Lakeland Electric now estimates that all power will be restored for those that can safely receive power by Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Lakeland Electric reports that all Combee Settlement will be restored Tuesday, October 15. Please call Customer Service at 863-834-9535 to report electric emergencies and downed lines.

There are three major watershed basins in the City of Lakeland, and outflows from area Lakes flow into either the Hillsborough River or the Peace River. The Peace and Hillsborough Rivers eventually flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Water flows from higher elevation to lower elevation. The water bodies were naturally connected with streams and creeks but as the area became more urbanized drainage systems have been built to enhance those natural flows. The operation of the flood control structures is coordinated to ensure that downstream drainage can handle the additional capacity without causing more flooding. The downstream rivers (Peace and Hillsborough) flow through relatively flat terrain with little elevation changes, which leads to significant regional flooding after major storm events. The Peace and Hillsborough Rivers have been in flood stage since the passing of Tropical Storm Debby, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton have fully exacerbated the flooding situation. This makes it very difficult to drain flooded upstream waters.

The largest surface water drainage system is Lake Parker. Lakes at higher elevation that flow into Lake Parker include Lake Gibson (via Lake Crago) and Lake Mirror. Lake Bonny is at a relatively equal elevation to Lake Parker, and depending on which lake has higher water levels, water will flow from Parker to Bonny, or Bonny to Parker. The City operates a control structure between Bonny and Parker, and when water levels rise above the operating range in Lake Bonny, the structure is closed and a 12 MGD pump is used to push water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker. SWFWMD operates a control structure on the east side of Lake Parker that allows water to flow into Saddle Creek to Lake Hancock. Lake Hancock outflows through a SWFWMD operated structure into the Peace River.

Lake Morton and Lake Horney flow into Lake Hollingsworth. Water leaving Lake Hollingsworth flows to Lake Bentley and then through drainage conveyances through Lake Somerset and eventually to Lake Hancock and Peace River. Lake Wire and Lake Beulah flow into Lake Hunter. Lake Hunter and Lake Bonnet outflow to Itchepackessassa Creek, which flows into the Hillsborough River.

The City’s stormwater system and sanitary sewer system has been taxed heavily. The City of Lakeland asks residents, to reduce the use of water – only use toilets, laundry, and other water, as absolutely necessary. All used water going down the drain impacts the wastewater process in moving water through the system. Be careful and when approaching standing water, do so with extreme caution because not all water is stormwater. Refrain from recreational contact in and around water bodies. Many of these systems have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Milton with high water levels, potential contamination and submerged structures.

Hurricane Milton caused several water main breaks, and the City’s Water Department continues to work on the water system. There is a growing list of boil water notices in place. Go to lakelandgov.net/boilwaternotices for the latest updates.

Full Press Release: LakelandGov.net/MiltonUpdate101424.