A wildfire off Oak Beach Boulevard south of Sebring kept firefighters busy all weekend long. Highlands County units were joined by Florida Forestry crews in containing the better than 35-acre blaze.
They thought they had the so-called "OShanter Fire" under control Saturday, but it re-kindled yesterday. Officials believe it now once again has been contained and is burning itself out.
No injuries were reported, and apparently no structures were damaged. Cause of the blaze has not been released.
Residents are advised there will be residual smoke in the areas near Lake Josephine Drive, Orange Blossom Blvd, and State Road 66. Dry conditions remain and citizens are advised against outdoor burning.
Did you suffer damage from that big April 4th hail storm? Help is on the way.
Highlands County officials are opening the call center at the Emergency Operations Center today to help establish the need for assistance.
Those who had damage to their primary home, business or vehicle, and do not have adequate insurance, should contact county and report it.
The number will ring at 863-402-6800 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Wednesday.
Avon Park city council members will again work on a couple of longtime projects when they meet tonight in regular session. They first are expected to wrap up the sale of the Brickell Building to Sauls Realty.
That action sparked controversy at their last meeting, when Councilwoman Bernice Taylor suggested that restrictions be placed on the kinds of businesses that could go in there.
In other action, council members will continue to work on an agreement with Florida Airport Management to turn over operations of the Avon Park airport facility.
There will be no workshop on sex education for the Highlands County School Board tonight. Highlands County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brenda Longshore announced last week that she would not renew the contract with the current vendor – the "I Make A Difference" program.
Instead of a public workshop, Longshore said she would appoint a committee of parents, teachers and community members to pick a new curriculum. Citizens would then be allowed to submit written comments on the selections made by the board.