Bradenton Sarasota Drigg

By MERISSA GREEN The Ledger WINTER HAVEN | City commissioners in Winter Haven voted Monday night to repeal fire inspection fees they adopted two years ago. The fees were unpopular with many business owners and didn't generate the revenue city officials expected. Mayor Jeff Potter said the fees were double taxation.

WINTER HAVEN - Bills to eliminate crash response fees in Winter Haven and other cities don't have a lot of steam in the Florida Legislature, but if one of them does become law, Winter Haven City Manager David Greene said the city won't be affected much.

WINTER HAVEN - Bills to eliminate crash response fees in Winter Haven and other cities don't have a lot of steam in the Florida Legislature, but if one of them does become law, Winter Haven City Manager David Greene said the city won't be affected much.

If passed, a new piece of state legislation would prevent cities such as Winter Haven from imposing emergency response fees. Winter Haven has collected the extra fees for vehicle crash rescues and investigations since August 2008.

City commissioners in Winter Haven are considering repealing a fire inspection fee that was approved in 2008.

By MERISSA GREEN The Ledger WINTER HAVEN | City commissioners in Winter Haven on Monday night voted 4-0 to give final approval to a $102.8 million budget that City Manager David Greene called a "responsible spending plan."

WINTER HAVEN | Winter Haven and Auburndale fire officials have figured out a way to save money - they'll combine forces. Winter Haven city commissioners unanimously approved Monday night an interlocal agreement that would allow the two fire departments to share fire suppression, fire inspections, fire investigations and training.

Mayor Jeff Potter announced at Monday night's Winter Haven City Commission meeting that he will be the city's representative on the May 11-16 trip to Legoland in Europe. 'I don't think Winter Haven has a concept on how this is going to be developed,' Potter said. 'Our presence there is paramount.'

By MERISSA GREEN THE LEDGER WINTER HAVEN | After 31 years with the Winter Haven Police Department, Chief Buddy Waters is retiring. His retirement will be effective July 30. City officials didn't say Monday whether his replacement will be selected internally or a search for an outside candidate will be done.