Highlands County, FL

Aug. 27, 2020

Push-in ceremony brings new ambulance to Fire Rescue

SEBRING – During a break in the rain Wednesday afternoon, a group of firefighters, medics and staff came together to take part in a firehouse tradition when welcoming a new ambulance to the Highlands County Fire Rescue fleet.

The “push-in” ceremony dates back more than 100 years to a time when fire trucks were operated with horse-drawn equipment. In those days, firefighters had to push their trucks into the station after a call.

“We recognize this is a fire department tradition,” Highlands County Public Safety Director Marc Bashoor said. “However, the symbolism is not lost on us with this being the first new ambulance introduced into the combined Highlands County Fire Rescue Department.

“And yes, we had a paramedic inside the ambulance cab to guide the unit into the bay and brake if necessary during the push-in ceremony,” he said.

Medic 19-1 was formally placed in service after the ceremony, Bashoor said. The ambulance, a 2020 Dodge/Horton, will be housed at the DeSoto City station on West George Boulevard.

The next medic unit is currently on the production line and is expected in the next 45 days, according to Bashoor. At least one more ambulance is planned for the next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1.

Features in the new medic units include a powerload system, which is an innovative battery-powered system that raises and lowers the patient with the touch of a button. Another feature is the powered ambulance stretcher, which dramatically reduces strenuous lifting and the associated risk of back injury.

“Before, where it took two to four people to lift a stretcher into an ambulance, now it takes one,” Bashoor said.

Each unit, equipped, costs approximately $255,000.

With the arrival of the newest medic unit, the department’s 1998 Chevy van-style ambulance with well over 200,000 miles was traded in with the new purchase agreement. Trading in the older ambulances one by one will be the strategy until all the older-style units are out of the fleet. Fire Rescue currently has five van-chassis ambulances left in its fleet.

Bashoor said one new ambulance and three powerload systems are in the FY 2021 budget request.


Highlands County Fire Rescue personnel "push in" the department's newest ambulance into a bay at Station 19 in Sebring on Wednesday, Aug. 26.


Highlands County Fire Rescue Medic 19-1 was put into service Wednesday, Aug. 26 after a push-in ceremony.


Highlands County Fire Rescue personnel stand in front of its newest ambulance unit, Medic 19-1, Wednesday, Aug. 26 after its "push-in" ceremony.

Aug. 26, 2020

County establishes pet shelter for 2020 storm season

SEBRING – Highlands County Emergency Management has established a temporary pet shelter for the 2020 hurricane season, which will be available to Highlands County residents. Proof of residency is required when registering.

“As with any other county shelter, the pet shelter should be used as a last resort,” LaTosha Reiss, Highlands County emergency manager, said. Space at the pet shelter is limited, and restrictions apply, Reiss said.

If the pet shelter is opened due to a storm, a maximum of two pet owners may stay at the shelter. Additional family members will be referred to a nearby human shelter.

Pets will be housed in a separate area from people and pet owners will be given a schedule to attend to their animal’s needs.

Dogs and cats must be microchipped, currently vaccinated against rabies and wearing a current license tag. Pet owners must provide their animal’s food (enough for at least five days), water, medications, treats, bedding, toys, etc.

Admission to the pet shelter will be consistent with other shelter openings in the county.

Pet owners will be required to provide their own food and water, sleeping bags, bedding, and personal toiletries. This shelter has limited space and residents should bring only essential necessities. Items too large or not considered essential will not be allowed.

Items not allowed in the pet shelter include furniture, weapons, alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.

Once the storm has passed and roads are deemed safe for travel, the shelter will be immediately closed so Animal Control personnel, who will be staffing the pet shelter, may return to Animal Control to attend to animals at that facility. All pets and people will be required to leave the pet shelter.

If a person's home is unsafe, options are available. Arrangements may be made with the Emergency Operations Center and Animal Control to house their animal while they report to an open human shelter and until they can find alternate shelter.

For the safety of county staff and other animals, Highlands County reserves the right to refuse aggressive animals. No animals classified as dangerous or potentially dangerous or registered guard dogs will be accepted.

Livestock, reptiles, birds or pocket pets will not be accepted at the pet shelter.

To register, fill out a Pet Shelter Registration Form and email it to PetShelter@HighlandsFL.gov. Forms are available online at http://hcfl.info/petshelterform. For more information, call 863-385-1112.

Pet owners who are pre-registered with the Emergency Management Special Needs shelter may pre-register their pets to stay at the pet shelter.

Aug. 3, 2020

County offering rental, mortgage assistance

SEBRING – Highlands County Board of County Commissioners has received funds from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in June that $250 million in CARES Act funding will be made available for rental and mortgage assistance for Florida families that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative includes two funding pools totaling up to $240 million and sets aside up to $10 million in expected operational costs for the program.

The funds will be administered through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP) infrastructure. This funding, while not specifically SHIP, will carry some of the same processes and restrictions of the SHIP program for ease of administration.

According to a press release from the governor’s office, the rental assistance will be available to help pay a household’s rent for eligible months from July through December 2020. The household may be eligible for assistance to pay rent arrearages accrued during the months of April, May and June 2020.

Highlands County government has been allocated approximately $300,000 to assist eligible residents in the community with rental and mortgage assistance payments or emergency repairs for persons who have experienced a hardship that prevents them from making these payments. Eligible individuals are Highlands County residents who have experienced a job loss or a reduction in work hours due to COVID-19.

Starting Wednesday, Aug. 5, completed applications may be mailed to P.O. Box 1926, Sebring, FL 33871-1926, or they may be emailed to lcastillo@highlandsfl.gov. Applications are available online at highlandsfl.gov under Departments: Development Services, then Housing.

All applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Assistance will be available until all funds are expended. The deadline for the entire allocation to be spent is Dec. 30.

For more information, visit https://www.floridahousing.org/about-florida-housing/covid-19-information-resource.

For more updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

Aug. 18, 2020

CARES application period to close Friday

SEBRING – Applications for Phase 1 for all Highlands CARES grant programs will close at noon on Friday, Aug. 21.

The Board of County Commissioners has sent email notifications to all persons whose applications are still in progress informing them of the Friday deadline. Anyone who has an application in progress will need to complete and submit their application by noon Friday.

The Highlands CARES application portal will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and Friday. To apply, visit HighlandsCares.com

Aug. 5, 2020

Code Enforcement honored with Keep Florida Beautiful award

SEBRING – The Highlands County Code Enforcement department recently received the Keep Florida Beautiful Law Enforcement Award. The award was officially presented to the department at the Tuesday, Aug. 4 county commission meeting by Commissioner Arlene Tuck.

The department was nominated by Keep Highway Park Beautiful for excellence and performance above the call of duty in assisting its agency in ensuring compliance with municipal ordinances for the betterment of the Highway Park neighborhood, town of Lake Placid, and Highlands County.

“We are extremely proud of our Code Enforcement employees and the hard work they perform each and every day,” Highlands County Administrator Randy Vosburg said. “The county congratulates them on earning this well-deserved award.”

The department was commended for its efforts to not only evaluate and investigate properties and cite offenders when warranted, but also for its visits to the Highway Park community on many occasions to help educate homeowners with compassion and professionalism. Code Enforcement personnel was credited in the award nomination for providing guidance to homeowners and property owners on how to maintain properties to avoid future citations, which has helped with notable improvements in the Highway Park community, including an influx of new residents.

“The county’s Code Enforcement team does good things in the community,” interim Development Services Director Joedene Thayer said. “I am honored to work with these folks and pleased that their deeds have been recognized by Keep Florida Beautiful.”

On hand to receive the award from Commissioner Tuck at Tuesday’s meeting were Rachel Barry, Jennifer Damman, John Owens, Tyler Provencher, Jo Anne Sawdy and Thayer.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

The Highlands County Code Enforcement department was presented with the Keep Florida Beautiful Law Enforcement Award by Commissioner Arlene Tuck at the Tuesday, Aug. 4 county commission meeting. From left: John Owens, Jennifer Damman, Tyler Provencher, Rachel Barry, interim Development Services Director Joedene Thayer and Tuck.

July 27, 2020

Schumacher Road construction set for next week

SEBRING – The Highlands County Road and Bridge department is set to work on Schumacher Road in Sebring starting next week. Traffic control devices will be in place for motorists.

Beginning 12:01 a.m., Monday, Aug. 3, eastbound lanes of Schumacher Road will be closed between U.S. 27 and Corvette Avenue. Traffic will be allowed in the westbound lanes only. The closure will continue until approximately 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, when the work in this section is expected to be done.

Traffic detours will be marked. Eastbound traffic on Schumacher Road will be detoured south onto Corvette Avenue, then east onto New Life Way for access to U.S. 27. Southbound traffic on Seattle Avenue will be directed out to U.S. 27 via Entrance Road/Alaska Street by the Marathon gas station.

Also starting on Monday, Aug. 3, crews will be working to mill then resurface Schumacher Road from Corvette Avenue west to Ortega Street. Work is expected to be complete on Friday, Aug. 7.

Construction will involve temporary lane closures. Drivers are urged to used caution in this area and to heed traffic control devices, including flagmen, put in place. If possible, motorists should avoid the area.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

July 16, 2020

Former Commissioner Howerton passes away

SEBRING – Claude Franklin, “C.F.,” Howerton passed away Thursday morning, July 16, at the age of 95. Howerton served as a Highlands County commissioner from 1982-1989.

“On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, we are saddened by the news of the passing of Claude Howerton,” Ron Handley, chair of the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, said.

“Claude was well respected within the community and I have known him my entire adult life. I knew him to be a kind and fair person and someone who always had the best interest of Highlands County at heart,” Handley said. “My condolences go to his family, his four children and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

Howerton was born April 16, 1925 in a house in Dover, and raised in Turkey Creek, outside of Plant City, where he graduated high school in 1943.

In his early life, he was a farmer and hauled citrus to markets. Howerton joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Pensacola during World War II.

After WWII, he began working for the Soil Conservation Service in January 1949 and moved to the Highlands County area. Howerton met his wife, Peggy O’Neal, in Highlands County and they were married in 1949. He retired from the Soil Conservation Service in 1982.

That same year Howerton was elected to the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, where he represented District 2.

His family said Howerton loved being a civil servant and working with people. He was heavily involved with many significant projects during his tenure, including the selection and location of the current landfill site. He loved being able to serve the people of Highlands County and he always tried to be a fair person, family said. He also served on the Board of Directors for Glades Electric for several decades when power service was being expanded into areas of Highlands County.

After his time as a commissioner, Howerton continued working in the family sod farm and earth equipment businesses. In recent years, he also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and working in his large garden. He was very active in several fraternal organizations such as the Masons, Shriners and Elks Lodge.

At the time of his death, he was living in Lorida.

Howerton is the father of Charles Howerton, foreman at the Highlands County shell pit, and the grandfather of Highlands County Engineer and Solid Waste Director Clinton Howerton Jr.

Howerton is preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, who passed away in 1999. He is survived by sons Charles Howerton and Clinton Howerton Sr.; daughter Cheri Hornsby, daughter Cheryl Howerton; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Highlands County government has lowered flags Thursday to half-staff in honor of C.F. Howerton. Flags will be at half-staff until his burial.


C.F. Howerton

July 31, 2020

Highlands CARES application process opens Monday

SEBRING – Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will soon be taking applications for the Highlands CARES grant programs it has established. These grant programs will be using the funds Highlands County government has received as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, the application process will be open to the public. To apply, residents will need to go to HighlandsCares.com, where the links to the application website will be live at 9 a.m.

Applications for all three grant programs will be accepted between 9 a.m. and noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Under the Individual Grant program, citizens may apply for $1,500. To be eligible, applicants must be Highlands County residents who are 18 or older and have experienced a verifiable loss of income due to COVID-19 as of March 17, 2020. Payment will be made directly to the individual applicant.

Highlands County residents must gather the following information for the application process: a valid Florida ID or Florida driver’s license listing their residence as a Highlands County address; proof of loss of income related to COVID-19 – furlough notice, lay-off letter from employer, unemployment statement, pay stubs, etc.; copy of W-2 or 1099.

The Small Business Relief Grant program will provide a tiered amount based on the number of employees to eligible businesses or non-profit organizations who have had a negative impact due to COVID-19 as of March 17, 2020. Funds will go directly to the organization. Organizations with 0-5 employees are eligible for $2,000; 6-15 employees for $5,000; 16-25 employees for $7,000; and 26-75 employees for $10,000.

Applicants may apply for up to two businesses or non-profit organizations. Businesses and non-profit organizations will need to self-certify information in the application process. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) recipients are eligible. Funds may be used to cover operational costs. The applicant must be a business or non-profit organization with its principal location in Highlands County that is legally operating within Highlands County and the State of Florida prior to March 17, 2020.

Businesses (for-profit and non-profit) wanting to apply for business assistance will need the following documentation: a copy or picture of each owner’s or executive leadership’s valid Florida ID or Florida driver’s license; “active” status business registration from the Florida Division of Corporations or copy of municipal business license or copy of Schedule C or copy of 1099; a completed and signed IRS W-9 form; for businesses with two or more employees, a W-3 summary or IRS 941 showing the number of employees prior to March 17, 2020; and information to estimate company’s average monthly expenses before March 17, 2020.

The Community Proposals program will provide funds to eligible non-profit organizations who are proposing or have an existing program that helps the Highlands County community respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-profit organizations may apply for the Small Business Relief Grant program AND the Community Proposals program. Proposals may be submitted for future programs or retroactive reimbursement of existing programs related to COVID-19 support as of March 17, 2020. Funds will go directly to the organization. Non-profit organizations will need to self-certify information in the application process. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) recipients are eligible. The applicant must be a business or non-profit organization with its principal location in Highlands County that is legally operating within Highlands County and the State of Florida prior to March 17, 2020.

Non-profit businesses wanting funds through the Community Proposals program will need the following documentation: a copy or picture of each owner’s valid Florida ID or Florida driver’s license; “active” status business registration from the Florida Division of Corporations or copy of municipal business license or copy of Schedule C or copy of 1099; a completed and signed IRS W-9 form; for businesses with two or more employees, a W-3 summary or IRS 941 showing the number of employees prior to March 17, 2020; and information to estimate company’s average monthly expenses before March 17, 2020.

Community Proposals applications will close at 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 21. Staff will review non-profit community proposals after this date and bring them before the Board of County Commissioners at the regularly scheduled Sept. 1 board meeting.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

July 7, 2020

Commissioners approve county’s CARES relief plan

SEBRING – The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved Tuesday a plan providing direction for the distribution of $4.6 million the County is set to receive in funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This plan will distribute funds to Highlands County individuals, businesses and non-profits who can prove a negative financial impact due to COVID-19.

The $4.6 million represents 25% of funds being distributed to Highlands County under the CARES Act. This initial amount will need to be expended first before the County may access the remaining 75% of the funds allocated to the county, which will be on a reimbursement basis.

All applicants must prove they have had a negative financial impact due to COVID-19 since March 17, 2020. Payments will be made directly to the individual, business or non-profit.

The plan approved Tuesday, July 7, appropriates the CARES Act funding as follows:

• Provides $1,500 in individual assistance to eligible Highlands County residents. The individual assistance program will distribute up to $1.25 million in funds to those individuals who prove a negative financial impact due to COVID-19.
• Provides $2 million in funds to eligible small businesses and non-profit businesses that can prove a negative financial impact because of COVID-19. Businesses and non-profits must have their principle location in Highlands County. Funding levels will be based on the number of employees. Businesses with 0-5 employees are eligible for $2,000; 6-15 employees for $5,000; 16-25 employees for $7,000; and 26-75 employees for $10,000.
• The Community Proposals program will be funded at $250,000 to provide eligible non-profit businesses that submit proposals for future programs or retroactive reimbursement of existing programs that provide relief directly related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
• Provides $720,000 in funds directly related to COVID-19 testing and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Provides approximately $510,000 in funds to Highlands County government to: help fund COVID-19-related safety improvements requested by Constitutional Officers (Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Clerk of the Circuit Court, and Supervisor of Elections) and municipalities; make PPE available to employees and residents when at government facilities to enhance public safety; evaluate and fund needs associated with new hurricane shelter strategies; to cover the cost of administering the programs outlined, etc.

Applicants may apply for all grant programs for which they are eligible. Business owners may apply for up to two businesses if the principle location of each business is in Highlands County.

To be eligible for individual assistance, Highlands County residents must gather the following information for the application process: a valid Florida ID or Florida driver’s license listing their residence as a Highlands County address; proof of loss of income related to COVID-19 – furlough notice, lay-off letter from employer, unemployment statement, pay stubs, etc.; copy of W-2 or 1099.

Businesses (for-profit and non-profit) wanting to apply for business assistance or non-profit businesses wanting funds through the Community Proposals program will need the following documentation: a copy or picture of each owner’s valid Florida ID or Florida driver’s license listing their residence as a Highlands County address; “active” status business registration from the Florida Division of Corporations or copy of municipal business license or copy of Schedule C or copy of 1099; a completed and signed IRS W-9 form; for businesses with two or more employees, a W-3 summary or IRS 941 showing the number of employees prior to March 17, 2020; and information to estimate company’s average monthly expenses before March 17, 2020.

The public will be notified once the application period is scheduled and details on further assistance will be provided when available.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

June 20, 2020

Recycling to resume in Highlands County

SEBRING – The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that recycling services will resume in the unincorporated areas of Highlands County by the end of June.

Starting Monday, June 29, recycling will start back in the county. Residents will need to use their green carts for recyclables only. The green carts should no longer be used for trash. Carts will need to be curbside before 7 a.m. on the scheduled collection day.

With the re-start of services, some changes have been made to help reduce load contamination. Going forward, the county is only accepting aluminum and steel cans, plastic bottles and jars, and clean cardboard.

Paper items – paper mailers, loose paper sheets, newspaper, magazines, etc. – are eliminated from the list of accepted recyclable items.

The county does not recycle plastic bags of any kind. Items should be placed loose in the green cart, not bagged.

According to Highlands County Engineer and Solid Waste Director Clinton Howerton Jr., the county was collecting approximately 400 tons of recyclables a month before the pause in services, with about a 40% rate of load contamination.

Ideally, the percentage of contamination needs to be 20% or below to be feasible, Howerton said. “0% is the goal, but some communities are below 10%, which is a reasonable goal,” he said.

Another change is that the Highlands County Recycling Center on Skipper Road will only be open on Mondays beginning June 29. Residents may still bring all items to the county landfill at 12700 Arbuckle Creek Road in Sebring, which is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Recycling services were suspended on March 24 after the county’s service provider, Waste Collections, decided to close its recycling facilities for the safety of its staff due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

A good rule of thumb about what is recyclable or not: when you know, in it goes; when in doubt, throw it out.

For more information, call 863-655-0005 or 863-402-6505.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

June 16, 2020

Brooks, Tuck recognized as FAC Presidential Advocates

SEBRING – The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has recognized Highlands County Commissioners James Brooks and Arlene Tuck as Presidential Advocates for their work during the 2020 legislative session. Commissioners Brooks and Tuck received the designation during the association’s virtual Annual Business Meeting.

“l appreciate the advocacy and assistance Highlands County and the other Florida county commissions receive through their membership in the Florida Association of Counties,” Brooks said. “Each year their staff advocates for Florida counties’ concerns and issues proposed by the Florida Legislature, especially proposed legislation that preempt local government responsibilities and power.

“The FAC is also a great source of education and information for elected county commissioners,” he said. 

“I am extremely proud to receive this pin in honor of myself and Highlands County,” Tuck said. “People need to know what a great county Highlands County is and all the great work we are doing as a county and citizens of the great State of Florida.”

The FAC Presidential Advocate recognition is given to county commissioners who have shown exceptional leadership in advocating with FAC during the 2020 session to advance the counties’ legislative agenda.

“It’s our duty as commissioners to stand up for our community, to fight to preserve the unique aspects of where we live, work, and play,” said FAC Immediate Past President and Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox. “This responsibility is only heightened during the legislative session where hundreds of bills are heard that directly impact that quality of life.”

For more than 85 years, the Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that government closest to the people governs best. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

ABOVE: Highlands County Commissioner James Brooks has been recognized by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) as a Presidential Advocate for his work during the 2020 legislative session. 



ABOVE: Highlands County Commissioner Arlene Tuck has been recognized by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) as a Presidential Advocate for her work during the 2020 legislative session. 

May 29, 2020

Friday water pipe break forces Courthouse to close

SEBRING – A water pipe on the second floor of the Highlands County Courthouse forced the facility to close to the public on Friday and caused multiple areas of the building to become flooded.

Personnel reporting to work around 6 a.m. Friday, May 29, discovered water in the basement and the first and second floors of the Courthouse. The broken water pipe was found to be on the second floor of the facility.

Numerous offices and areas on three floors were flooded. Employees already on site were sent home for the remainder of the day while crews worked to fix the break and begin the process of removing the standing water.

According to the Clerk of Court office, all court proceedings scheduled for June 1-5 have been postponed.

“It is an unfortunate event that will delay our court processes, made all the more difficult due to the ongoing pandemic, but we have a wonderful team of Clerk and Highlands County employees working hard to repair the problem,” Bob Germaine, Clerk of Courts, said.

In addition, the Courthouse will be closed to the public next week due to the water break and clean-up efforts.

The Highlands County Courthouse is at 430 S. Commerce Ave. in Sebring.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.



ABOVE: An office in the Highlands County Courthouse is seen here Friday, May 29, 2020 after it was flooded due to a broken water pipe that was found to be on the second floor of the facility.



ABOVE: An elevator shaft in the Highlands County Courthouse is seen here Friday, May 29, 2020 after it was flooded due to a broken water pipe that was found to be on the second floor of the facility.



ABOVE: The hallway on the second floor of the Highlands County Courthouse is seen here Friday, May 29, 2020 after it was flooded due to a broken water pipe that was found to be on the second floor of the facility.

May 29, 2020

County offices to reopen to public

SEBRING – Highlands County government offices will reopen to the public on June 1. To continue the efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and in accordance with Highlands County Board of County Commissioners renewal of its local state of emergency, each departmental office will implement a phased-in staffing procedure appropriate for that department.

Starting Monday, departmental lobbies and functions will resume normal operations with some staffing limitations. Citizens should continue to use the electronic services available to each department and to try to conduct as much business as possible over the phone or via email.

For the safety of the public and county employees, it is recommended that citizens wear a face covering when interacting with staff, especially if physical distancing is not possible.

Highlands County public libraries have reopened book drops and are providing patrons with the ability to pick up items placed on hold via curbside services or by walking up and retrieving items from the holds cart. Services and book drops will be available Fridays and Saturdays. Libraries are also offering limited computer usage for the public twice a week. Other library services are being phased in. For questions, call 863-402-6716.

The hazardous waste recycling center, 6000 Skipper Road in Sebring, will remain closed and recycling is still suspended in the county. The recycling facilities where the recyclables are taken and processed out-of-county by the county’s waste service provider are currently closed because of the on-going pandemic.

For continuing updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

May 11, 2020

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing to begin Tuesday in Highlands County

SEBRING – The local health department will open a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site for residents of Highlands County.

The testing site will be open from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 12 at the Florida Department of Health Highlands County, 7205 S. George Blvd., in Sebring.

Additional testing sites and dates will be announced in the coming days. Local health officials are working to bring testing sites to areas throughout the county, so residents do not have to travel far to be tested.

Testing on Tuesday will be available for individuals over the age of 18 regardless of symptoms. Testing is free, and no insurance is required.

The test site is drive-thru only. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office will provide traffic control.

Health officials ask people to please limit passengers in the vehicle to those who are being tested, and no more than five people to a vehicle. Individuals being tested will not be permitted to exit the vehicle.

An appointment is not required. Health officials say they will test as many people as possible between 9-11 a.m.

Those being tested will be asked to provide some basic information to health officials, like their name, date of birth, address and a telephone number. The test used will be a nasal swab. Once samples are collected they will be sent to a commercial lab for testing and results will be provided as soon as they are available.

Find more information, call 863-386-6040.

For continuing updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

May 5, 2020

Highlands County parks reopening Wednesday

SEBRING – Consistent with the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Phase 1 plan to reopen the state, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners decided during its Tuesday, May 5 board meeting to open its public parks.

As of Wednesday, May 6, all county parks will be open to the public. County boat ramps continue to be open. Residents are encouraged to observe guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to practice physical distancing, to wear a cloth face covering in public, and to avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more.

County officials also want to remind the public that even during normal circumstances, outdoor recreational equipment is not cleaned and/or sanitized on a regular basis. Citizens are asked to please keep this in mind when using this equipment and to take precautions as needed, such as washing your hands often and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The following county parks will open on Wednesday:

• H.L. Bishop Park, 10 Lake June Clubhouse Road, Lake Placid

• Highlands County Multi Sports Complex, 216 Sheriff’s Tower Road, Sebring

• M.L.K. Park, 141 Josephine Ave., Lake Placid

• Lake Glenada, 2475 U.S. 27, Avon Park

• Lake Francis park, 300 Cloverleaf Road, Lake Placid

• Carver Park-Highway Park, 141 Josephine Ave., Lake Placid

• Lake Henry fishing pier, 46 Lake Henry Drive, Lake Placid

• Windy Point Park, 65 Windy Point Road, Lake Placid

• Istokpoga-Cowhouse park, 2011 Lake Blvd., Lorida

• Lorida Ballfields, 1909 Blessings Ave., Lorida

• Josephine 3, 2430 Oak Beach Road, Sebring

• Red Beach Lake park, 6701 Commerce Drive, Sebring

• DeSoto City Park and Ball Park, 6300 County Road 17, Sebring

• Lake Istokpoga Park, 720 Istokpoga Park Access Road, Sebring

• Lincoln Heights Park and Ball Park, 4821 Muriel St., Sebring

Those who wish to practice at the Highlands County Multi Sports Complex must adhere to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines. Participants should keep six feet of space between themselves and others and they should keep gatherings to 10 people or less. Do not congregate in the bullpens. Tournament play is not allowed at this time.

Restrooms at county parks that have them are open. County parks are open from sunrise to sunset. For more information, call 863-402-6758.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is implementing phase one to reopen the Florida State Parks. Visitors should expect limited hours, capacity and amenities. Phase one includes approximately 80 parks and trails throughout Florida. Portions of these parks and trails have been identified that can be reopened for day use with limited risk to visitors and staff.

Highlands Hammock State Park, at 5931 Hammock Road in Sebring, is not included in phase one and is not reopening at this time. For more information, visit floridastateparks.org/learn/safety-updates.

For continuing updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

April 14, 2020

County to deal with burn ban at emergency meeting

SEBRING – The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will hold an emergency meeting at 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 15. Due to the ongoing dry and windy conditions in the county, commissioners will address a proposed burn ban originally scheduled to be heard at next week’s commission meeting.

In recent weeks, Highlands County Fire Rescue personnel have responded to numerous incidents. On Monday, April 13, HCFR units from Highlands Park 33 and Lake Placid 36 extinguished an illegal burn in a yard on Jessie Lane in Lake Placid. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire before it could spread.

Also, late Monday evening, units from West Sebring were alerted to a fire on King Street off Memorial Drive. Sun ’n Lake station 7 arrived to find a homeowner wetting down the fence, which caught fire when an unattended outside-fire got away, Public Safety Director Marc Bashoor said. Damage was limited to the fence and no injuries reported.

Around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, HCFR units from Placid Lakes 39 responded to a brush fire along State Road 70 near the Georgia Pacific property. Sun N Lakes 41, Lake Placid 36, Highlands Park 33, and the Florida Forest Service also responded. The scene was cleared shortly after 7 a.m. and FFS continued to monitor hot spots, Bashoor said.

Highlands County is currently averaging over 500 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), with Monday in the 550-599 range. The KBDI index is used as an indicator to determine the likelihood and severity of brush fires. The scale begins at zero, which is no danger and rises to 800, indicating extreme danger. As a rule of thumb, fire officials become concerned any time the scale goes above 500 for 50 percent of the county.

According to the FFS, other weather factors, such as wind, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric stability, play a major role in determining the actual fire danger. On Monday, the heat index for Sebring was 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Tuesday’s heat index was expected to be at or near 100 degrees with winds SSW at 10-15 mph.

“With it being dry and windy in recent weeks and with the increase in fire activity in our area, we felt this burn ban is an important matter that needs to be addressed as soon as possible by the county commissioners,” Highlands County Administrator Randy Vosburg said. “We must ensure the safety of our residents and we do not want to take the chance of anyone possibly losing their property due to a brush fire.”

A burn ban would apply to all unincorporated Highlands County areas, including Lorida and Venus, and the municipalities of Avon Park, Lake Placid and Sebring.

This meeting will be conducted virtually. Members of the public will be able to participate by using the link https://bit.ly/2K6Ccb6 at 9 a.m. Wednesday. A space will be reserved for citizens to ask questions about the item up for consideration. During this meeting and because of its nature questions are only going to be accepted during the time allowed for the specific subject being considered. To view the agenda for this meeting, visit http://www.hcclerk.org/Home/Board-Meeting-Live-Broadcast.aspx.

March 27, 2020

County establishes COVID-19 hotline

SEBRING – In an effort to assist locally and for those who may have questions about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its effects on our community, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners has established a local hotline number for residents to call.

“We began to plan for this hotline last week, when we saw the sheriff’s office dispatch starting to get numerous non-emergency calls related to COVID-19,” County Administrator Randy Vosburg said. “We want to try and take the burden off that system while still linking citizens to community resources.”

The public may call 863-402-6800 starting Saturday, March 28. The number will be in service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The public is asked to be patient with the rollout of the hotline. Call volume may mean a longer wait time for some.

The Florida Department of Health has set up a COVID-19 hotline for the public at 866-779-6121; the hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The public may also email questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov for the latest information on COVID-19. The website is updated twice daily at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and possible exposure, please call your primary care doctor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, call the local health department at 863-386-6040 or Central Florida Health Care at 863-452-3000.

For continuing updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

March 25, 2020

County still working

SEBRING – While some operations at Highlands County government have been reduced or closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the county is still providing many services to the community while utilizing social distancing and limiting contact between coworkers.

Those services include:

• Surplus property is still available for sale with the next bid closing April 7.

• Purchasing to meet county needs.

• Personnel are moving forward with the FY 2020-2021 budget.

• Fire Rescue continues to answer every fire and EMS call that comes through. Personnel have taken proactive steps to protect themselves and the community, in the event an exposure occurs.

• Fire inspections continue to be completed as the business operations status allows.

• The Road and Bridge Department will continue receiving telephone calls from citizens requesting maintenance activities along county-maintained roads.

• Routine maintenance activities such as road grading, tree trimming, sidearm mowing, pothole patching, right-of-way mowing, shoulder work and ditch cleaning continue.

• Fleet Maintenance continues to operate, ensuring vehicles and equipment are fully functional.

• The Highlands County Asphalt Plant continues to operate.

• Road resurfacing and restriping activities are ongoing by in-house forces, as well as outside contractors.

• Water quality monitoring on Highlands County lakes continue.

• Bridge and guardrail maintenance activities continue.

• Scheduled road and drainage improvement projects continue.

• Maintenance activities in the Sun ‘n Lake Preserve and the Lake Grassy Scrub continue.

• The Engineering office is still working on routine projects and development applications. All permitting for utilities, development, and driveways are still being reviewed and processed. Applicants can submit electronically their applications via email to reduce exposures to all persons involved.

• No change to services performed by Traffic Operations crews. Personnel are continuing to maintain county traffic signals, street lights, street signs, and pavement markings as scheduled.

• The Highlands County landfill is open for normal business. Staff are taking precautions as much as practical and there are no changes to services currently.

• Facilities is still working on all county projects in and around all buildings.

• Custodial services are ongoing in all public or closed buildings for COVID-19 control.

• Highlands County Veteran Services office is keeping all prescheduled appoints, will continue to book future appointments, and can answer questions and submit timely claims via phone at 863-402-6623.

• Librarians are available by phone, 863-402-6716, to assist with online resource access from myhlc.org.

• The Healthy Families Program continues to support families in our community through virtual software. Staff is mailing packets of crafts and learning materials for families to complete during virtual visits.

• Human Services is available by phone at 863-402-6626.

• Children’s Advocacy Center staff are working with multidisciplinary team partners on current client needs, locating resources, attending to emergent cases, conducting therapy appointments in an online format, participating in continuing education trainings, and may be reached by phone at 863-402-6845.

• The UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County office is available by phone at 863-402-6540.

• Economic Development is pushing out recovery information to Highlands County businesses.

• Building inspections continue to occur – with inspectors traveling from their home to the site and then going back home to do paperwork.

Should members of the community need to interact with county staff at local offices, we ask the public to follow safe health practices as advised by the CDC and state health officials; if you are sick, please stay home.

We encourage citizens to try to conduct as much business as possible online or over the phone. County offices may be contacted via phone or email; visit highlandsfl.gov for contact information. The county website does allow for online payments of multiple services.

While many county offices are operating under different circumstances than usual, the county also has staff working around the clock on the COVID-19 situation in our community. Highlands County Emergency Management is currently at a Level 2 Activation, which means staff are fully activated and their focus is working with local stakeholders on logistics, supplies and the sharing of information.

Also, the following Emergency Support Functions (ESF) are operating: ESF 14 (Public Information), 16 (Law Enforcement), 18 (Business, Industry and Economic Stabilization) and ESF 8 (Health and Medical) as the lead. These ESF groups are providing the community with vital information regarding business effects and support, law enforcement capabilities, and preventive measures and steps residents should take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Highlands County.

If individuals have general questions about COVID-19, FDOH has set up a COVID-19 hotline for the public at 866-779-6121; the hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have COVID-19 symptoms and possible exposure, please call your primary care doctor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, call the local health department at 863-386-6040 or Central Florida Health Care at 863-452-3000. Once you have been tested, please self-monitor and self-isolate until you receive your test results. Preliminary test results should be available in 24 to 48 hours, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The public may also email questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov for the latest information on COVID-19. The website is updated twice daily at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For continuing updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

March 24, 2020

County expanding office closures

SEBRING – To slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and in accordance with Highlands County Board of County Commissioners renewal of a local state of emergency on Tuesday, March 24, the following county offices are closing their front lobbies effective Wednesday, March 25:

• Administration offices on the second floor of the Government Center, 600 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring.

• Extension Office, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring. Please call 863-402-6540.

• The hazardous waste recycling center, 6000 Skipper Road, Sebring.

• Highlands County Annex Building, 501-505 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring.

Both the Engineering and Development Services departments, which include the Building, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Housing, Planning, Tourism and Zoning divisions, will be closed to walk-in visitors and customers beginning Wednesday until further notice. Staff will be working in the office and remotely to assist with customer needs so necessary services are still provided to the community. A designated area located through the double doors of the first floor at 501 S. Commerce Ave. is available for applications, plans, permits, etc. to be dropped off. For more information, contact the appropriate department.

This is in addition to the following offices that were closed beginning March 19:

• All Highlands County public library locations

• Highlands County Veteran Services office

• Highlands County Human Services office

• Highlands County Children’s Advocacy Center

• Highlands County Healthy Families Program office

• Road & Bridge front lobby

Visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/index.html for the latest on COVID-19.

For continuing updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

March 24, 2020

Highlands County to suspend recycling temporarily

SEBRING – The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, March 24 to extend the local state of emergency. At the special meeting Tuesday, commissioners also directed County Engineer Clinton Howerton Jr. to suspend recycling services temporarily in the county.

Howerton informed commissioners the county’s waste collection service provider was experiencing difficulty trying to offload recyclable materials at out-of-county facilities due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Effective Wednesday, March 25, recycling service in Highlands County is suspended until further notice. For now, residents may place trash in both the blue and green bins and place them curbside for collection on their scheduled day.

Also, the hazardous waste recycling center located at Skipper Road will be closed until further notice.

The Highlands County landfill remains open to public.

To report a missed pickup, go to highlandsfl.gov and click on the Garbage Collection Complaint Form on the main page, or call 863-402-6505 (Highlands County) or 863-655-0005 (Waste Connections).

For continuing updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

March 24, 2020

Highlands to close all county parks

Boat ramps remain open

SEBRING – On Sunday, March 22, at the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Environmental protection announced the closure all Florida State Parks to the public effective Monday, March 23. This includes Highlands Hammock State Park, at 5931 Hammock Road in Sebring.

Consistent with state closures and to successfully uphold Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on the coronavirus (COVID-19) to promote social distancing and avoid gatherings larger than 10 people, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners has made the decision to close all county parks effective noon, Wednesday, March 25. Boat ramps will remain open to the public.

The following county parks and locations with amenities like pavilions, picnic tables and restroom facilities will be closed to the public:

• H.L. Bishop Park, 10 Lake June Clubhouse Road, Lake Placid (boat ramp still open)

• Highlands County Multi Sports Complex, 216 Sheriff’s Tower Road, Sebring

• M.L.K. Park, 141 Josephine Ave., Lake Placid

• Lake Glenada, 2475 U.S. 27, Avon Park (boat ramp still open)

• Lake Francis park, 300 Cloverleaf Road, Lake Placid (boat ramp still open)

• Carver Park-Highway Park, 141 Josephine Ave., Lake Placid

• Lake Henry fishing pier, 46 Lake Henry Drive, Lake Placid

• Windy Point Park, 65 Windy Point Road, Lake Placid (boat ramp still open)

• Istokpoga-Cowhouse park, 2011 Lake Blvd., Lorida (boat ramp still open)

• Lorida Ballfields, 1909 Blessings Ave., Lorida

• Josephine 3, 2430 Oak Beach Blvd., Sebring (boat ramp still open)

• Red Beach Lake park, 6701 Commerce Drive, Sebring (boat ramp still open)

• DeSoto City Park and Ball Park, 6300 County Road 17, Sebring

• Lake Istokpoga Park, 720 Istokpoga Park Access Road, Sebring (boat ramp still open)

• Lincoln Heights Park and Ball Park, 4821 Muriel St., Sebring

The Preserve of Sun ’n Lake, at Sun ’n Lake Boulevard and Balboa Avenue, Sebring, is open to public. It does have scheduled maintenance that is ongoing.

 “We know these are trying times for the citizens of Highlands County. Rest assured that your Board of County Commissioners and all the employees of Highlands County make public safety our number one priority,” County Administrator Randy Vosburg said.

“We understand the closure of county parks will be frustrating as parks are an outlet for citizens to enjoy fresh air and recreation opportunities they may not have at home,” Vosburg said. “Our goal is to help keep residents healthy and safe, particularly the elderly, and to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

While county park facilities are closed, residents may still utilize county boat ramps, which will remain open to the public.

For continuing updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

March 22, 2020 

FDOH confirms one COVID-19 case in Highlands County

SEBRING – Highlands County has been notified by the Florida Department of Health that the county has one confirmed coronavirus case(s). All questions regarding the circumstances of the case should be directed to FDOH.

Highlands County Board of County Commissioners urges citizens to follow guidance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on COVID-19, the disease resulting from the coronavirus. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for prevention and safety tips.

It is recommended people continue to practice proper hygiene methods, such as frequent hand washing, avoid touching one’s face, eyes, nose and mouth, and sanitizing commonly used surfaces like door handles, light switches, telephones and computer workstations. The public is urged to stay home when sick and to practice social distancing by avoiding close contact with sick people and not gathering in crowds larger than 10 people.

“Highlands County Board of County Commissioners is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. The Emergency Management Office is communicating multiple times daily with FDOH and keeping County Administration updated,” Commissioner Ron Handley, board chair, said. “FDOH is communicating multiple times daily with the CDC and all allied health partners.”

“The county has put into place an enhanced cleaning protocol at its buildings and public facilities. We have already implemented the first part of our telework plan and will be reviewing further implementation as needed,” County Administrator Randy Vosburg said.

A COVID-19 hotline has been set up and the public may call 866-779-6121; the hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The public may also email any questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

For more updates, follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

March 19, 2020

Economic Development helping local businesses

SEBRING – 

Highlands County Economic Development (HCED) has been closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and is taking measures to help local businesses in the community. Timely updates of newly activated programs are being made to HighlandsBusiness.com/Disaster. HCED is also sharing information on Facebook @HighlandsBusiness.

Highlands County small businesses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) may now apply for short-term, interest-free loans through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program. Business owners should visit floridadisasterloan.org.

The purpose of the loan program, which was activated Monday, March 16 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is to help business owners bridge the gap between the time the economic impact occurred and when a business secures other longer-term resources, such as insurance proceeds or federal disaster assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

All Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan applications must be sent to the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) Network, and for Highlands County, specifically to the FSBDC at USF in accordance with Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) guidelines. The FSBDC at USF can provide online confidential consultation to small business owners and help them complete the application correctly.

For more information and assistance, businesses should visit sbdctampabay.com/coronavirus or email USF@floridasbdc.org. Due to the high demand of calls and emails, if local businesses have any trouble connecting with the FSBDC at USF, they can also contact Highlands County Economic Development at economicdevelopment@highlandsfl.gov or 863-402-6906.

All local businesses are also urged to complete the activated Business Damage Assessment Survey, so the local economic impact may be evaluated accurately so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin. To fill out the survey, visit floridadisaster.biz.

The U.S. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program has also been activated for working capital loans to help Highlands County small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private non-profit organizations. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period of COVID-19 (coronavirus). These working capital loans are up to $2 million with 3.750% interest. Business owners should visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

HCED is continuing to closely monitor any forthcoming information on if the state will activate the Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

March 18, 2020

County office closures

SEBRING – To slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and in accordance with Highlands County Board of County Commissioners declaring a local state of emergency, the following county offices are closing as of Thursday, March 19:

• All Highlands County library locations – Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid – will be closed until further notice. While closed, loan periods are extended. Remember you can access online materials via myhlc.org. For more information, you may call Avon Park at 863-452-3803, Lake Placid at 863-699-3705, or Sebring at 863-402-6716.

• Highlands County Veteran Services office, 7205 S. George Blvd., will be closed until further notice. Staff have been instructed to reach out to all scheduled clients. The office is still receiving phone calls at 863-402-6623.

• Highlands County Human Services office, 600 S. Commerce Ave., will be closed until further notice. Staff have been instructed to reach out to all scheduled clients. Inquiries for indigent cremation or prescription assistant services can be made by calling 863-402-6940

• Highlands County Children’s Advocacy Center, 1968 Sebring Parkway, will be closed until further notice. Staff have been instructed to reach out to all scheduled clients. The office is still receiving phone calls at 863-402-6845.

• Highlands County Healthy Families Program office, 600 S. Commerce Ave., will be closed until further notice. Staff have been instructed to reach out to all scheduled clients. The office is still receiving phone calls at 863-402-6628.

Visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/index.html for the latest on COVID-19.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

March 17, 2020

Highlands County declares local state of emergency

SEBRING – Tuesday morning, March 17, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency, to be in effect for the next seven days unless extended. As of Tuesday morning, Highlands County has no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).

All county officials are aware this is uncharted territory. We know many in the public have concerns and we want to ensure the public knows our top priority is for the safety and protection of our community.

The declaration provides the BCC with the powers necessary to coordinate and implement plans aimed at protecting people and property. A local declaration of emergency is necessary to secure mutual aid from local, state and federal agencies. It will also allow the Highlands County Sheriff to establish, modify, enforce and terminate a curfew in the unincorporated areas of Highlands County if the need arises.

With this declaration, all public meetings of advisory boards, councils, committees and other advisory boards that serve the Board of County Commissioners are postponed or canceled until further notice. The only exception being meetings involving matters of critical importance for which time is of the essence.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States. President Donald Trump’s guidance states to avoid social gatherings in groups of 10 or more.

Health officials urge the public to practice social distancing. According to the CDC, social distancing is defined as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.” Congregate settings include crowded public spaces like shopping centers, movie theaters, and stadiums.

The county has in place the following:

• Facility cleaning protocols through the county Facilities team have been enhanced, following CDC guidance.

• All county business-related travel has been suspended for 30 days.

• Administration is examining all avenues for potential telework scenarios, should that become necessary.

• All non-critical business meetings have been canceled for the next 30 days.

• All public library community events have been canceled or postponed for the next 30 days.

• Following guidance from the University of Florida, all in-person gatherings of individuals in the name of Florida UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County are postponed. The local extension office will remain open; online restricted-use pesticide license exams with a limit of five individuals testing at one time are still able to be scheduled.

• County public facility rentals are closed for 30 days.

• The county courthouse will remain open until further notice. Following state guidance, jury trials have been suspended through the end of March.

Should members of the community need to interact with county staff at local offices, we ask the public to follow safe health practices as advised by the CDC and state health officials; if you are sick, please stay home.

We encourage citizens to try to conduct as much business as possible online or over the phone. County offices may be contacted via phone or email; visit highlandsfl.gov for contact information. The county website does allow for online payments of multiple services.

If individuals feel as though they are experiencing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 exposure, they should contact their local primary care doctor. The doctor can evaluate if the individual needs to be tested. The doctor will take a sample and send it to a lab for testing or may arrange for a sample to be taken at a facility that can facilitate this action. Preliminary test results should be available in 24 to 48 hours, according to the Florida Department of Health.

FDOH has set up a COVID-19 hotline for the public at 866-779-6121; the hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The public may also email any questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/#latest-stats for the latest information on COVID-19.

Follow Highlands County BCC on Facebook by searching for highlandsfl.gov and on Twitter @HighlandsFLBCC.

Feb. 6, 2020

Fire closes Highlands County landfill

SEBRING – The Highlands County landfill has been closed to the public due to an active fire and garbage collection is expected to be delayed.

Highlands County Fire Rescue units from Desoto City, Lorida, West Sebring, Leisure Lakes, Highlands Park and Battalions 1 and 4 responded to the scene of a fire around 3 a.m. Thursday at the county landfill off Arbuckle Creek Road.

According to Public Safety Director Marc Bashoor, crews arrived and found a “fairly advanced fire in what was a small area at first.” Bashoor said the area is not near a water supply as it is a non-hydrant area. Crews have taken steps to establish supply out of a pond on site and water is being shuttled to the scene.

Fire officials say this will be a long-term operation, as crews on scene are working to separate materials and are dealing with various combustibles.

Garbage service is running but delays are expected. According to Highlands County Engineer Clinton Howerton, local municipalities have been notified that garbage service coming to the landfill has been stopped until possibly later Thursday afternoon or Friday and will resume once the landfill is able to reopen.

Trucks are running and will pick up trash Thursday until full and then will have to wait until the landfill reopens. Citizens are advised to leave their blue garbage bins out if their regular trash is not able to be picked up Thursday. Those who have trash pickup scheduled on Friday should be aware pickup may be delayed until Saturday.

Recycling is scheduled to be picked up normally Thursday, though residents should leave their green bins out if for some reason they are not picked up.

January 29, 2020

Station 41 repairs expected to begin Monday

SEBRING – Due to extensive long-term damage from two original air-conditioning units, repair work at Highlands County Fire Rescue Station 41, Sun N Lakes Lake Placid, is expected to start Monday, Feb. 3. Because of the extent of the work, crews will temporarily relocate to Station 36, Lake Placid, until work is complete.

Repair work will begin Monday to fix a significant problem that soaked and has caused mold in insulation and ceilings, across the entire attic area. The leaks have also rendered the building’s fire alarm system inoperable. Station 41 is at 460 Sun N Lakes Blvd. in Lake Placid.

The crews will vacate the building’s living area beginning Thursday, Jan. 30 for approximately two to four weeks. While Station 41 crews will be temporarily relocated to Station 36, 12 W. Interlake Blvd. in Lake Placid, Highlands County Public Safety Director Marc Bashoor has directed crews to go by Station 41 daily to check on progress and to continue conducting training and general inspection work in their primary Sun N Lakes response area.

“Temporarily relocating to Station 36 bears no expense and allows us to keep crews safe and within five miles of most of the response area,” Bashoor said.

It is anticipated that repair work should be complete by March 1, with the move in to occur after job inspection and sign off.

For more information, call 863-385-1112.

January 21, 2020

Highlands County to open cold weather shelter

SEBRING – Due to a wind chill advisory issued by the U.S. National Weather Service that is in effect for all counties in west central and southwest Florida from 1 a.m. until 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will open a cold weather shelter.

The shelter at Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, will be open from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Much colder and drier air will continue to move into the area through Tuesday night on a breezy northerly wind flow, forecasters say. North winds around 10 mph with a few higher gusts are expected to persist overnight, which will support wind chill values in the upper teens and 20s across the area late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.

When disasters occur, general population shelters provide a safe place to stay. General shelters allow approximately 20 square feet per person. However, shelters will not be able to provide the same level of convenience as a family member's home or a hotel. Oftentimes, shelters can be crowded, noisy, boring, and have very little privacy.

The public is allowed to bring the following items to a shelter: food and water; medication and written instructions regarding care and medication; blankets, pillows, bedding, etc.; clothing - seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes; toiletries - hygiene items/moisture wipes; and other miscellaneous items, such as a cell phone with charger, games, cards, toys, battery-powered radios, flashlights, batteries, or other reasonable items you may need.

What is not allowed at a shelter are alcoholic beverages, tobacco or weapons; smoking; or pets. Only service animals are allowed in shelters.

Officials urge the public to remember the “5 P’s of Cold Weather Safety.”

Protect people: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. It is important to try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry. Also, remember to check on young children and the elderly who are the most sensitive to cold weather.

Protect pets: If cold weather is in the forecast, be sure to bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter to stay in.

Protect plants: Cover cold sensitive plants to protect them from the dangerous temperatures.

Protect pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent from freezing and breaking.

Practice fire safety: Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. Also, make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames.

For more information, call 863-402-6700.

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January 10, 2020

County launches new domain for their website and emails

SEBRING – The Highlands County Board of County Commission has a new web domain. Highlandsfl.gov domain is live, and residents are urged to visit the county new website.

The former domain, hcbcc.net and hcbcc.org, will remain active for a few more months and users will be redirected to the new web domain. However, users are urged to visit the new website, www.highlandsfl.gov, and bookmark it or add it to their favorites in their preferred web browser.

The DotGov Program, which is part of the General Services Administration, operates the .gov top-level domain (TLD) and makes it available to US-based government organizations, from federal agencies to local municipalities like Highlands County. Using a .gov domain indicates the website is an official government organization.

Like .com or .org, the .gov TLD serves a defined community of interest – but unlike other TLDs, .gov is only available to bona fide U.S.-based government organizations. Government organizations are increasingly delivering services and information digitally and using a .gov domain signals to users that the government website they are visiting, or the email they have received from a .gov email address, is legitimate.

According to the DotGov Program, one of the primary reasons .gov exists is to help the public easily identify government services on the internet.

Users may access the Highlands County Board of County Commission website at www.highlandsfl.gov. County employees can be reached by using the first name initial followed by the last name and ending with @highlandsfl.gov.

“All Board of County Commissioners employees’ email addresses are also changing to reflect the @highlandsfl.gov. We ask our residents and business that interact with the various Board departments, to please make note of the changes,” Randy Vosburg, Highlands County administrator, said.