With the Fourth of July approaching, officials are reminding residents that exploding and airborne fireworks are only legal on July Fourth, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Highlands County Fire Rescue also warns fireworks can still spark brush fires despite the burn ban being lifted. Officials urge adults to use fireworks safely, keep water nearby, and check for any local or HOA restrictions before lighting them.
South Florida State College is asking the state to consider nearly $25 million in future campus renovation projects. The college’s three-year capital improvement plan includes updates to the Student Services Center, Learning Resource Center, Citrus Center EMS building, and Building L on the Avon Park campus. College President Fred Hawkins says the projects are funding requests only and construction will not begin unless the state approves the money. The plan goes before the Board of Trustees on today.
The Sebring City Council has approved preliminary fire assessment rates for the 2026–27 fiscal year with no changes from the current year. The residential assessment will remain at $200 per home, while commercial and other non-residential rates will also stay the same. City leaders say they chose to hold rates steady while awaiting the results of an EMS call study. A final public hearing and vote on the assessments is scheduled for August 4th.
The Florida Manufactured Housing Association is asking a judge for permission to amend its lawsuit against the City of Sebring over a 2022 ordinance restricting mobile home replacements in non-conforming parks. The association says one of its members was denied a replacement permit under the ordinance. The city argues the group lacks legal standing and failed to follow required administrative procedures. A judge has not yet ruled on the request to amend the complaint.