It was a short but productive meeting for the Avon Park city council last night. The board took final action on a lease/purchase agreement for the Brickell Building. Officials of Sauls Realty now will move forward toward renovation and occupancy of the downtown structure that has been vacant for decades.
The council also approved the first steps in turning over their airport facility to Florida Airport Management. They approved a preliminary management agreement and changes to the municipal budget to start the process.
There’s no Red Flag Warning, but Florida Forest Service officials are warning residents that the danger of wildfires in Highlands County remains high. Numbers on the Keech-Byrum Drought Index put Highlands at 530 out of 800.
Dry and windy conditions make the start and spread of fire easy. Authorities are asking residents to avoid outdoor burning, and keep vehicles out of tall grass – as heated elements might easily spark a flame.
And for those who see smoke in an area, report it to officials.
Business was slow yesterday as officials opened a hail damage hotline at the Highlands County Emergency Management Center. Residents who suffered damage to their homes, businesses or vehicles in that April 4th hailstorm – and do not have adequate insurance to cover repairs, may call and request assistance.
The idea is to measure the needs in the county – one the survey is completed; officials say they will work on different options to pair needs and resources.
That number rings at 863-402-6800. Operators will staff that number from 8-5 again today and tomorrow.