The Avon Park City Council will hold a special budget meeting today at 5 p.m., followed by its regular council meeting at 6. The proposed 2026-27 budget is based on a six-mill tax rate, the same rate adopted last year, while the city is also considering funding for new firefighters, street improvements and citywide water meter replacements. Due to early voting at City Hall, both meetings will be held at the Avon Park Community Center.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is inviting young people ages 14 to 21 to join Explorers Post 2247. The program offers hands-on exposure to law enforcement while helping participants build leadership, teamwork, confidence, and community service skills. Meetings are held every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office on South Eucalyptus Street in Sebring. For more information, contact the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.
The field is set for Avon Park’s November 3rd municipal election, with two candidates running for mayor and six seeking a council seat. Mayor Garrett Anderson is seeking another term and will face former councilwoman Brenda Gray-Snell, who was connected to the recent recall effort against Anderson and two council members. Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard is also seeking reelection, facing four challengers for the council seat.
Highlands County is offering free training to help adults recognize warning signs of child abuse and exploitation and learn ways to help prevent it. The Protect Your Children session is September 26th, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Ruth E. Handley Children’s Advocacy Center in Sebring. Parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches and other trusted adults are encouraged to attend. To register, visit highlandsfl.gov and select the Protect Your Children training from the news section.