The Latest Local News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The idea of an elected, versus an appointed superintendent of schools again has surfaced. Resident Jesse Sapp brought the item before the Highlands County School Board at their meeting last night in a discussion about school grades. He said that for the past 12 years, Highlands has had a "C" rating, and has ranked in Continue reading

Avon Park has acquired nearly $200,000 in fees to attorneys and consultants so far in their bid to turn over their airport facility to a management firm, and there’s no end in sight. Council members in the City of Charm last night learned that their consultant fees topped $69,000 with the lawyers’ bill north of Continue reading