It looks like the city of Avon Park’s Community Redevelopment Agency may be going through another iteration. Currently there are three advisory boards to help eliminate the slum and blight in the City of Charm.
Now, councilwoman Maria Sutherland says she would like to combine elements of the Main Street, South Side and Airport CRA advisory boards into a single entity – then allow them to become the CRA board.
To facilitate that, Sutherland would like to see them have an Executive Director. New Avon Park City Manager David Flowers says he has an employee who could add those duties to their current job. He told council he’ll report back at their next session.
In Sebring, the Community Redevelopment Agency there is moving along with plans to purchase the old Wachovia Bank Building. David Leidel talked to Sebring city council members about options for the Ridgewood Drive property.
They range from demolishing the building and using it for a parking lot, to either consolidating some municipal departments or using it as a city hall. Renovations to that structure could cost as much as $2-million dollars.
Many people have been waiting for months, now, Highlands County officials say “bear resistant” trash carts are available. Residents who live within one of the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission’s “High Deensity Black Bear Areas” now can purchase one of the gravity-lock bins.
Eligible residents can buy one for $75, or trade in their current county-issued trash can and pay just $25. Those interested can call the county’s solid waste department at 402-6505.