News Update for 7/23/18

Florida Governor Rick Scott reportedly will be making a whistle stop in Highlands County. Scott will be at American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park from 11:45 until 12:30 tomorrow afternoon.
Scott, a Republican is an American Legion member. He now is challenging Democrat Bill Nelson for one of Florida’s two senatorial seats.
Scott is expected to discuss his “Make Washington Work” program including; term limits, a supermajority vote for any tax increase and a “No Budget No Pay” plan.

Qualifying opened today for three city council seats in Avon Park – and already a number challengers have made known their intention to run. Businessman Charles Howell, former firefighter Craig Marans, longtime resident Stanley Spurlock and former Avon Park City Manager Maria Sutherland have announced their attention to seek office.
Incumbent Vice Mayor Brenda Gray and Councilwoman Dora Smith have indicated they will seek re-election. Incumbent councilman Terry Heston has not yet indicated his intention.
Qualifying will run thru August 3rd.

Volunteers from Leisure Lakes, Lake Placid and the Desoto City fire department as well as Highlands County fire Services and even Highlands County Public Safety Director Mark Bayshore turned out for a housefire on Lake Josephine Drive Saturday afternoon.
Bayshore said the structure was a combination of trailers with modifications which left metal walls sandwiched between wood walls making it hard to extinguish. In the end, a county Gradeall was brought in to pull the pieces apart.
Road & Bridge Manager Kyle Green reportedly ran the machinery.
A pet cat reportedly perished in the flames. Apparently, the home has been declared a total loss. Cause of the fire remains under investigation.