Land clearing is underway at 1383 Sebring Parkway, the site of a proposed 529-unit apartment community in Sebring. The project, known as Central Park Village, was approved by the Sebring City Council in 2023, but city officials say no building permits have been issued yet. The property is part of the former Kenilworth Lodge golf course and is owned by Lake Jackson Holdings LLC.
Several Highlands County government offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day, including County offices, public libraries, Public Safety administration, Highlands County Fire Rescue administrative offices, and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office main and jail visitation lobbies. The highlands County tax collector will be closed July 2nd and Friday July 3rd. Recycling sites and the county landfill will also be closed Saturday, July 4. Curbside garbage collection will continue as scheduled, and offices will reopen Monday, July 6th.
The Highlands County Master Gardener Volunteers are now accepting vendor applications for the 2026 Let It Grow Garden Festival and Plant Sale, set for November 21 at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center in Sebring. The event is looking for crafters, artists, small businesses, nonprofits, and other vendors. Indoor and outdoor booth spaces are available, with indoor spots offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available through the Highlands County Extension Office.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Florida’s $117 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year after vetoing more than $800 million in spending requests. DeSantis says it’s the fourth straight year of declining state spending. Highlights include an additional $200 million for education and teacher pay, more funding for Everglades restoration, and more than $14 billion for transportation projects.