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 the key.” MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/lakeland-study-lake-bonny-flooding-solutions/67-fae69d74-5392-4d75-9637-9c0f5b20849d