Tropical Storm Elsa is coming ashore at the Florida Keys. The storm system’s top winds have been clocked at about 60 mph, and a hurricane watch is in effect for parts of Florida’s Gulf coast.
Locally we have been forecast for a couple of inches of rain and possibly some wind events. Highlands County officials are distributing sandbags at Road & Bridge Department offices in Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid for those who need them.
Governor Ron Desantis has expanded a state of emergency to a dozen counties in the Big Bend area where the storm is forecast to come ashore.
The way you keep your dog may change under provisions being pushed by the Humane Society of Highlands County. At their meeting today, Commissioner Kathy Rapp says the local organization has legislation prepared about the way dogs will – and will not – be allowed to be tethered.
Commissioners instructed County Administrator Randy Vossburg to work with Highlands County Animal Control officials on preparing the new statutes.
It will be a split shift for the Highlands County commission today. Following their morning meeting, they will have a town hall meeting to explain the upcoming budget to citizens. That will be the first of the first of three such sessions. Tonight it will be at the Government Center in Sebring, tomorrow evening in Avon Park then in Lake Placid Thursday night.
West Sebring firefighters were out last night battling the flames. A house on Santa Barbara Street reportedly caught fire shortly after 8:00. Units reportedly were on scene for several hours trying to get it extinguished.
No people were hurt, however it appears some of the pets there may have been lost. No dollar damage estimate has been released. The state fire marshal’s office has been called in to determine the cause of that blaze.
Highlands County school board members will gather for a special session this afternoon. At issue there wil be a digital alarm system. The Centegix Crisis Alert equipment is bluetooth and is activated by cards carried by employees.
School Board officials reportedly will ask for a 3-year deal on the $700,000 contract.