News Update for 7/28/22

Preparations are underway in Lake Placid for the start of the 2022 edition of the Caladium Festival. It all begins tomorrow morning at 10:00 with opening ceremonies at the Stuart Park Gazebo. That will kick off three days of entertainment, arts and crafts booths, exhibits and displays – plus tours of the colorful caladium fields Continue reading

News Update for 7/27/22

Code Enforcement officers are cleaning up the city of Avon Park and it appears they are ahead of schedule. Code Enforcement Chief Randy Labelle told city council members his staff has issued 905 notices so far this year – with 130 of those coming this month alone. They’re up 30-percent in productivity in their efforts Continue reading

News Update for 7/25/22

It appears that the city of Avon Park may be getting some help from Florida Airport Management in their bid to take over operation of the Avon Park Airport. Representatives from the group will be at tonight’s regular council meeting to discuss helping to pay for outside council, as the city negotiates its way through Continue reading

News Update for 7/22/22

For those who need to register or change their party registration for the upcoming primary elections, time’s wasting. Highlands County Supervisor of Elections Karen Healy is reminding residents that the books will close Monday. Florida has a closed primary system, meaning democrats can only vote for democrats and republicans can only vote in their race Continue reading

News Update for 7/21/22

A simple traffic stop has led to the arrest of a 37-year-old Sebring man. Once the car was stopped on Highway 27 in front of the Sun ‘N Lake community, deputies were alerted by a Sheriff’s K-9 to possible narcotics. They then searched the vehicle of Fredrick Taber Reed. There they found a cache of Continue reading

News Update for 7/20/22

Highlands County commissioners yesterday took the first step in setting property tax millage. They cut the proposed rate by five-one hundredths of a mill – setting the tentative rate at 8.5 mils – or $8.50 for each $1,000 of property valuation. In the past couple years, property values are said to have jumped by as Continue reading

News Update for 7/19/22

Following a long public hearing, Highlands County commissioners voted to re-zone some 93-acres of property off Highway 70 from Agricultural zoning to Medium Density Residential. The action reportedly could clear the way for an affordable housing project. Tne property is surrounded by conservation lands. In passing the recommendation, commissioners called it a tough decision – Continue reading

News Update for 7?18/22

Highlands County elections officials have announced a date for the dedication of their Kenilworth Building to the memory of former Supervisor of Elections, Penny Ogg. New Supervisor of Elections Karen Healy has announced the marquee will be unveiled August the eighth. Avon Park city council members will get together this evening to take care of Continue reading

Neews for 7/15/22

For the first time in months, Highlands County gas prices have dipped below four dollars – by a tenth of a cent. At least one station here has been seen at $3.99.9 for unleaded regular. Reportedly, the price has dropped, as the strategic oil reserves have been opened for consumer use and export. A Florda Continue reading

News Update for 7/14/22

While the housing market in Highlands County continues to be hot, it appears not everybody is buying a place to live in. A new study by Stessa shows that 8.5-percent of home sales here actually are going as investment properties. Apparently, with rising home values and rents, rental properties are proving to be an attractive Continue reading