Lakeland gets emergency permit to lower Lake Bonny

Lakeland has received a 90-day emergency permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to lower Lake Bonny's water levels. This allows the city to operate a pump at 129.6 feet, half a foot earlier than before. Previously, the city could only pump water after reaching a higher flood stage of 131.10 feet. As of now, Lake Bonny is at 129.46 feet, and the city is monitoring the situation daily. Residents have requested an independent investigation into flooding caused by Hurricane Milton. Lakeland has hired a consulting firm to evaluate the watershed, with results expected in four to six months.