Residents Celebrate as Roof Repairs Begin on Reopened Eagle Lake Schoolhouse
Roof repairs began Wednesday on the historic Eagle Lake Schoolhouse, just nine days after the city commission voted to rescind the bid approvals and demolition of the hundred-year-old red brick building. The historical society hosted its first event in the building, welcoming residents ahead of the new school year.
The roof was the most urgent problem facing the building, with continued water intrusion being the biggest threat to a structure that residents rallied to save.
Robert Binns Roofing of Winter Haven, a local business that has served Polk County for 30 years, donated materials and labor to fix a leak that caused second-floor water damage after multiple storms. They received the Duro-Last Platinum Contractor Award in February for “outstanding work on over 500,000 square feet of commercial roofing,” for their “commitment to quality, dedication to detail, and hard work.” It is their community spirit that is now giving residents cause to celebrate.
At the Aug. 3 meeting, the commission changed an earlier decision to demolish the schoolhouse and two other existing buildings to make room for new city structures.
Eagle Lake Historical Society treasurer Rhonda Dorman informed the commission during public comment that a local business had already committed to donating roofing materials and labor to fix the leak. She also said the society would continue to seek additional donated materials to lower repair costs, while the city seeks bids for roof replacement. Future plans include a second-floor museum and a multipurpose activity center on the main floor.
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Neighbors and society members took photos as the men worked on the school, which was not only part of their personal history but also a beloved landmark for former generations who have called Eagle Lake home since before the city was chartered in 1921. The commission voted unanimously on August 3 to instruct the city to seek bids for a new roof. A motion was made by Commissioner Steve Williams, and seconded by Vice Mayor Steven Metosh.
On the Friday night before Polk County schools welcomed back students to a new school year, the historical society held its inaugural event inside the building. This was just days after learning it would be saved, and nearly four months since it was last used for municipal elections in April of this year. Stephanie Floyd, historical society secretary, said about 60 guests attended the Back to School Bash on the first floor of the schoolhouse.
Mayor Coler, Commissioner Chaney, and City Clerk Dawn Wright attended the special night, greeting families and students who received donated school supplies, balloons, temporary tattoos, and refreshments.
Senior Center Still in the Dark
Power was restored to the schoolhouse July 31. The senior center next door, which was also on the rescinded demolition list, lost power at the same time. The city told The Citrus Tea News that restoring electricity will require a motion from the commission in order to turn on the lights.
City Clerk Wright said residents can bring the issue before city leaders during public comment at the next commission meeting, at which time they can add it as an agenda item at the same meeting or a future one.
The commission meets Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. in the commission chambers at 675 E. Eagle Ave., following a budget workshop. Agendas are posted at eaglelakefl.gov.
Sources: Regular City Commission Meeting Minutes, City of Eagle Lake, Aug. 3, 2026; Regular City Commission Meeting Agenda, City of Eagle Lake, Aug. 17, 2026; City of Eagle Lake, eaglelakefl.gov; Robert Binns Roofing, Inc., robertbinnsroofing.com; Photos courtesy of the Eagle Lake Historical Society.
