When it comes to construction managers – those working that job in Highlands County are doing pretty well. A new survey by Construction Coverage shows the average wage here is an adjusted $1,575 a week. That works out to an adjusted wage of just over $97,300 a year. That is slightly above the national average of $97,200 annually – and 60-percent higher than the average of all other construction positions.
Locally, workers benefit from a cost of living which is said to run about 13-percent below the national average.
Highlands County commissioners took another step in cementing a county-wide fire department today, approving an agreement with the union. Officials say they wont be able to predict the cost of the pact with the Professional EMS & Firefighters Local 5147 – because it is a three-year agreement and will depend upon the year and the number of employees.
In other action this morning, commissioners gave the go-ahead to inject a private property rights element into the county’s comprehensive plan. That comes as a result of requirements from the state legislature – to ensure that landowners rights are considered in local decision-making.
This was the last meeting for Scott Kirouac as chair for the commission. An election will be held to determine a new chair and vice chair for the commission at their next session.
Halloween is right around the corner, but officials of the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce are gearing up for their Christmas parade. Chamber Executive Director George Karos says they already have 20-units signed on for the processional, which always kicks off the Christmas Season here in Highlands County. He says there’s still plenty of room for floats, bands and specialty units.
He says there’s no theme for this year’s parade – just Christmas. More information can be obtained at the Avon Park Chamber.