News Update for 2/28/23

It appears Avon Park City Manager Mark Schrader will stay on for at least another three years. After a very public, and sometimes tense negotiation session at last night’s Avon Park city council meeting, the two sides hammered out the details of the city manager’s contract.
It will bring Schrader to an average $130,000 a year, provide him with a vehicle, with health insurance and other considerations. Incidentally, the vehicle will be a 10-year-old Durango already in the municipal motorpool.
All council members had words of praise for the job Shrader has done over the past three years.

An illegal burn that got out of hand, brought units from the Venus, Sun ‘N Lake South, Lake Placid and Placid Lakes stations out to extinguish a 20-acre brush fire near Venus yesterday afternoon. According to reports, the flames did get close to a structure, but crews were able to stop the advance before it did significant damage to the home.
No injuries were reported. No cause has been listed. Authorities say there may be lingering smoke in the area of County Road 721.

Those who want to learn more about law enforcement in Highlands County will have an opportunity this evening as Sheriff Paul Blackman addresses the Highlands Tea Party. Sheriff Blackman is expected to give an overview of the office, its staff and operation. He also will be asked about the upcoming budget for the Sheriff’s office during the next fiscal year.
The session will be held at the Vietnam Veterans Hall, 33565 Grand Prix Drive -behind the Sebring Walmart. Doors open at 5pm meeting begins at 6pm.