There will be three new Highlands County Commissioners next year as another incumbent has announced that he is not running for re-election.
Saying he wants “to give somebody else a shot,” District 3 Commissioner Ron Handley says he will not run again. District One Commissioner Jim Brooks already had said he would not stand for re-election and Commissioner Don Elwell has announced his resignation as he plans to run for the Highlands County Clerk of Courts.
Handley had served on the commission for nine years. He initially had been appointed by then-governor Rick Scott to fill the unexpired term of former commissioner Jeff Carlson.
Morning numbers from the Centers for Disease control report there still are no confirmed cases of the Corona Virus here in Highlands County.
Neither are there any confirmed cases in Hardee, Desoto or Okeechobee counties. Authorities say as testing continues, they do expect it will be detected here as it has been in other areas.
Polk County yesterday confirmed its first case of the Corona Virus. Statewide there have been 328 confirmed cases of the Corona Virus.
Local health officials have clarified requirements for those wishing to be tested for the Corona Virus. People who are exhibiting the symptoms of the Corona Virus – shortness of breath, cough and fever – should contact their promary care physician. They will either test patients or refer them to the Highlands County Health Department.
If needed – candidates at risk may be called in for further screening. No walk-ups will be accepted people MUST CALL FIRST. Plans for a full drive up or mobile testing program are being formulated.
Highlands County officials have issued their latest round of closings. Locking their doors are all Highlands County Library locations, the Highlands County Veterans Service office, the Highlands County Human Services office, the Highland County Children’s Advocacy center and the Highlands County Healthy Families program.
Reportedly, the diocese of Venice has cancelled all church services in the Catholic Church – which affects all of Highlands County.
Another hit for the Sebring International Raceway. Officials at Historic Sports Car Racing have announced their Spring Fling, set to take to the track next weekend now has been cancelled.
Another victim of the Corona Virus and directives to avoid large crowds.
Earlier this month, the International Motorsports Association re-scheduled the Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring until November – making it the series finale race. That came after the World Endurance Championship cancelled their 1,000 mile support race, WEC officials vowed to return in 2021,