Avon Park Councilwoman Michelle “Shellie” Mercure has resigned effective immediately, moving up her previously announced September 18th departure. Mercure said the change will allow the city to move forward with filling her vacant seat. She is leaving to relocate to another state. Council is expected to discuss the vacancy at its August 24th meeting.
The Highlands County Commission will meet Tuesday, August 18th, at 9 a.m. at the Government Center. Commissioners will present a Medal of Valor to Firefighter/EMT Kyle Norvis and hold a final public hearing on the 2026-27 solid waste assessment. The meeting will also include a vulnerability assessment plan and a workshop on the proposed 2026-27 county budget.
The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency has granted a 30-day extension to complete renovations at the former Wachovia building on North Ridgewood Drive. The three-story building currently has a temporary certificate of occupancy for the first floor, but its elevator is not operating. The developer is seeking time to determine whether the existing elevator can be repaired rather than replaced. The CRA will receive updates every 30 days, and a $600,000 grant will not be released until the building receives a final certificate of occupancy.
A 48-year-old Winter Haven man is facing DUI and other charges after deputies stopped him Tuesday night in Wahneta for driving a golf cart without lights. Investigators say Juan Gonzalez-Reyes showed signs of intoxication, had an open beer nearby, and initially gave deputies a false name and birth date. His breath tests reportedly showed blood-alcohol levels near three times Florida’s legal limit.