Plant City accepts $2.7 million in state money to expand McIntosh Park wetland

Plant City will use $2.7 million in state money to enlarge the working wetland at McIntosh Park, a project city leaders say should help hold back stormwater and ease flooding. The City Commission voted Monday night to accept the funding for the 363-acre preserve, according to a Plant City Observer report published Oct. 15.

The award is the latest in a series of state grants for the preserve that, according to the Observer, now totals more than $14 million.

What the wetland work is meant to do

The plan calls for expanding the preserve's wetland cells and reshaping its natural waterways so the property has far more room to hold stormwater. Lynn Spivey, the city's utilities director, presented the project and told commissioners, "We're using this property to help mitigate some flooding."

Spivey also said the work is part of the city's plan to stop sending surface water downstream. City Manager Bill McDaniel described the park as doing more than offering a place to walk: "We're managing stormwater, water quality and aquifer recharge," he said, calling it "generational water security for our community."

Mayor Nate Kilton called it "a massive project for Plant City" and said it has been in the works for a long time.

Next city attorney returns in November

Commissioners also started the process of replacing City Attorney Ken Buchman, who is retiring. Kilton noted that Buchman and his father, the previous city attorney, have served the city a combined 78 years. The city attorney is one of three positions the commission hires directly, along with the city manager and city clerk.

Commissioners agreed Assistant City Attorney Michael Healy is the leading candidate. By a 5-0 vote, they directed McDaniel to negotiate a contract with Healy, which is due back for review at the commission's first November meeting. Healy will also begin searching for an assistant city attorney.

Healy earned his law degree at the University of Dayton, passed the Florida bar in 2010 and was general counsel for the Lee County clerk of court from 2017 to 2025. Commissioner Jason Jones said Healy has "a good knowledge of our state statutes and city ordinances," and Commissioner Karen Kerr said he has learned a lot in his year with the city.