WHO: City of Lakeland and the Southwest Florida Water Management District
WHAT: Lake Bonny water levels and emergency pumping
WHEN: Lake Bonny water levels reach 129.60 NAVD
WHERE: Lake Bonny, Lakeland, Florida
WHY: During Hurricane Milton the Lake Bonny area received unprecedented rainfall resulting in high water levels and flooding
The City of Lakeland has submitted a request to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to modify the parameters of a previously approved permit. This permit authorizes the City to operate an emergency pump that transfers water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker when water levels reach the 10-year flood stage. SWFWMD, the regulatory agency responsible for managing surface water elevations and flows, oversees this process.
The operating range for Lake Bonny is set between 128.70 and 129.70 feet North American Vertical Datum (NAVD). Under the previously approved permit, pumping was only permitted when the water level in Lake Bonny reached the FEMA-designated 10-year flood stage (130.10 NAVD), provided that the water level in Lake Parker was at or below 130.82 NAVD. However, SWFWMD has granted an Emergency Field Authorization (EFA) to the City, allowing pumping to commence when Lake Bonny reaches 129.60 NAVD. As of March 17, 2025, the water level in Lake Bonny was recorded at 129.50 NAVD. The City will continue to monitor water levels in both lakes and begin pumping operations once the level in Lake Bonny reaches 129.60 NAVD. The EFA is valid for 90 days and may be renewed if necessary.
On March 12, 2025, SWFWMD conducted a survey of the water level staff gauge and confirmed that the gauge used to measure water levels in Lake Bonny is accurate.