News Update for 10/30/19

Although Avon Park city council members didn’t take care of many employee issues at their meeting this week, they did deal with a number of insurance policies. They decided to stay with Aetna Group for the next year, but may be looking to put that out to bid next year.
The council also continues to look at including themselves on the city’s insurance plan. Former Avon Park Mayor Tom Macklin reminded the council that in the past, they could only vote raises and perks for future council members. City attorney Gerald Buhr said under new rules, the council now can vote such perks for themselves.

Units from a number of Highlands County volunteer fire departments responded to a big fire off Columbus Boulevard at Sun ‘N Lake of Sebring yesterday.
Turns out, it was a controlled burn being staged by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Apparently, Highlands County fire officials were not notified about the plans, and responded after calls from citizens.
Local authorities say they are working at developing better communications.

A couple local members of the Florida Legislature have been given the Champion of Term Limits Award. Cary Pigman who represents Highlands County in the Florida House, and Florida State Senator Benny Albritton are among 20 members of the Florida legislature to receive the honor.
Both have signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge to take no action to lengthen or abolish term limits for Florida’s elected legislators.