Highlands County commissioners will convene this evening for a rare “night” session. It’s set for 5:30 in the government center.
Reportedly, they will discuss issues surrounding the upcoming budget – and ways to trim it to fit within the current 8.55 millage rate. Otherwise – commissioners could vote to raise taxes.
In other action, commissioners will consider a change in land use for five acres of property and look at awarding an insurance contract.
Every building in a Plantation shopping center has been declared unsafe days after a massive explosion at a vacant pizza restaurant. Nearly two dozen people were injured in the July 7 explosion that hurled large pieces of concrete and debris up to 50 yards (45 meters) away and sent pieces of metal as far as 100 yards (90 meters) across the street. The Sun Sentinel reports it’s unclear whether the shopping center will be demolished or can be repaired.
State investigators say a Florida man has died and his guardian is being investigated for allegedly filing “do not resuscitate” orders on behalf of clients without permission from their families. A judge last week filed to remove professional guardian Rebecca Fierle from 98 cases. State investigators say 75-year-old Steven Stryker died in a Tampa hospital after staff could not perform life-saving procedures because of the order filed by Fierle against Stryker’s wishes.
Two Florida teenagers have been sentenced to ten years in prison for their role in the murder of a professional mixed martial arts fighter nicknamed “The Matzoh Brawler.” Friends say Aaron Rajman, who wore a yarmulke in his MMA fights, was targeted for the marijuana and cash he kept at home. On Monday, 18-year-old Summer Church and 20-year-old Jace Swinton pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree murder. The prosecution continues its case against Roberto Ortiz as the alleged shooter.