County officials say online permitting and code services will continue to be temporarily unavailable as the county upgrades to a new digital platform. The switch to the new Community Development eTRAKiT system means online permit processing is paused through today, May 1st. Officials say staff will still be available for general assistance during the transition. Full services are expected to resume Monday, May 4th, as the county says the upgrade will improve long-term access and efficiency for residents and contractors.
Highlands County School District leaders say proposed personnel cuts would save $3.9 million, but the plan is drawing pushback. The plan reduces nearly 62 positions, with board members questioning cuts to instructional roles and changes to administrative staffing. Public comments also raised issues over transparency, program restructuring, and pre-K teacher reductions. The School Board is set to continue discussions at a budget workshop scheduled for today, May 1st.
Avon Park Main Street is creating a new mural to add color and attract visitors to downtown. The project, approved by the board, is being painted by local artist Madison Burnett on Griffin’s Dry Cleaning & Laundry on West Main Street. The design highlights the area’s citrus heritage. About $6,000 was raised to fund the mural, with support from local businesses and sponsors. Burnett is working daily and expects to finish by late May or early June. Organizers say more public art projects are planned to boost foot traffic and support local businesses.
Only in Florida. A routine traffic stop Thursday morning turned bizarre when troopers found 13 live iguanas zip-tied in the back of a pickup. Florida Highway Patrol says the driver, 32-year-old Rendon Casildo-Acdiel of Georgia, was pulled over for a tag light violation. Inside the truck: coolers of tilapia… and the restrained reptiles. The driver claimed he was traveling between states picking up coconuts and fish — a story troopers didn’t buy. He was arrested for driving with a suspended license. The iguanas? Rescued and turned over to wildlife officials.