The Winter Haven City Commission issued three proclamations during its April 27 meeting.
Deputy City Manager MJ Carnavale read a proclamation designating May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and emphasized local partnerships—AdventHealth, BayCare and Tri-County Human Services—and the role of public-safety peer support teams in reducing stigma and improving access to services.
Charlie Byrd, Assistant City Manager for Public Safety, presented a proclamation declaring the week of May 3, 2026, as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Byrd outlined the city's preparedness steps including staff contact updates, testing critical equipment, disaster-assessment training to be performed within 48 hours after a storm, coordination with Polk County Emergency Management, and debris-management training for solid-waste crews.
The commission also proclaimed the week of May 3, 2026, as Municipal Clerks Week, recognizing City Clerk Vanessa Castillo and Deputy City Clerk Latonya Harris for records management, neutrality, and public service.
The proclamations were signed by Mayor William Bryant Yates and attested by City Clerk Vanessa Castillo.