Browse Highlands County civic records
Every published record for Highlands County, newest first. Filter by board, year, or industry to jump straight to the records you want, and page through to reach the full archive.
49 records
Budget Workshop Agenda
This document is an agenda for a special meeting of the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners on July 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM, located at 600 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870. The primary purpose is a workshop to consider and discuss the proposed FY 2026/2027 Budget for Constitutional Officers and Outside Agencies. The agenda includes standard meeting procedures like Call to Order, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, the budget workshop, Public Comments, and Adjournment. No specific development projects, zoning changes, or business opportunities for contractors are detailed. Public comment is scheduled, but the specific topics or speakers are not mentioned in the agenda itself.
- Board:
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners Budget Workshop
- Date:
- 2026-07-21
- Type:
- Agenda
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
- Applicant:
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
Budget Workshop Packet
[600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on July 21, 2026, to workshop the proposed FY 2026/2027 Budget for Constitutional Officers and Outside Agencies. The meeting included discussions on budget requests and funding recommendations for various county departments and external organizations. No specific development projects were discussed, and therefore no construction or trade opportunities are detailed in this document.
- Board:
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners Budget Workshop
- Date:
- 2026-07-21
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Decision:
- Workshop discussion, no formal decision on specific projects
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
- Applicant:
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
Final Agenda 7.21.26
[600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870; case P&Z 2192, P&Z 2193, CPA-26-653SS, P&Z 2194, Project 19037, Project 25050, Project 23110, Project 25052] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 21, 2026, included several agenda items relevant to contractors. Budget amendments were approved for Shell Pit repairs ($79,000) and Thunderbird Drainage Improvement ($15,000). Approval was sought for Kimley Horn CSA 3-3 for the Sebring Fuel Station project ($10,930). A License Agreement with Center Ridge Caretaking, Inc. was also on the agenda. Public hearings were scheduled to consider zoning map amendments: approximately 9.11 acres from AU to R-3 (Multiple-Family Dwelling including Motel and Hotel) under P&Z 2192; 6.3 acres from R-1 to R-2 (Two-Family Dwelling) under P&Z 2193; 1.9 acres from Agriculture to Commercial (C) under CPA-26-653SS; and 1.9 acres from B-2 Limited Business to B-3 CU Business with Conditional Use under P&Z 2194. A public hearing also addressed the re-imposition of solid waste special assessments, proposing an increase to $280.56 per unit. Action items included approving a grant agreement for the Highlands County Master Stormwater Plan and Thunderbird Road Drainage Improvements, with a budget amendment of $1,322,500. Direction was requested regarding pickleball court construction at Lake June Park. An agreement with Wander Media Company for marketing was proposed ($98,500). A budget amendment for two tanker purchases totaling $2,036,459.76 was requested. The maximum millage for FY26/27 was to be certified. A resolution to reduce the speed limit in Spring Lake from 30 mph to 25 mph was also on the agenda.
- Board:
- Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-07-21
- Type:
- Agenda
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
Final Packet 7.21.26
[case 25-26-096] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved a budget amendment for repairs at the Shell Pit. The repairs include replacing a pump discharge line and fixing a scale system damaged by lightning. The total funding approved is $79,000, with $44,000 from Fund Balance Brought Forward and $35,000 transferred from Engineering Services. The project is identified as cost center 4108 (Shell Pit) and account 54600 (Repair & Maintenance). [case 25-26-100] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved a budget amendment to realign $15,000 within Project 19037, Thunderbird Drainage Improvement. The funds are transferred from Project Capital Infrastructure (account 56301Z) to Project Land (account 56100Z) to facilitate the purchase of property for drainage improvements. The funding is from Fund 151 (Infrastructure Surtax). [Sebring Fuel Station project] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved Consultant Services Agreement (CSA) 3-3 with Kimley Horn for the Sebring Fuel Station project. This agreement covers additional professional services including site visits, field observations, reports, and shop drawings, coinciding with construction and a time extension. The fiscal impact is $10,930.00, which is budgeted in 4102A 56300Z 21112. [Center Ridge property] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved a License Agreement between Center Ridge Caretaking, Inc. and Highlands County. This agreement allows Center Ridge Caretaking, Inc. to maintain the citrus grove and harvest the 2026-2027 Valencia crop on the Center Ridge property, which Highlands County purchased on March 30, 2026. The agreement is in place until May 1, 2027, to reduce potential environmental concerns associated with an unmanaged property. There is no fiscal impact. [3925 Muriel Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870; case P&Z 2192] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners considered a zoning change for an approximate 9.11-acre parcel at 3925 Muriel Avenue, Sebring, from AU Agricultural District to R-3 Multiple-Family Dwelling including Motel and Hotel District. The applicant, JI Realty LLC, proposes future multi-family housing development (36-72 units). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (6-1). One public comment objected to potential uses like hotels/motels and noted advertisement errors. The Board of County Commissioners approved the zoning change. The property has Parcel ID C-21-34-29-050-0550-0000. The future land use designation is Medium Density Residential (RM).
- Board:
- Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-07-21
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Decision:
- Approved
- Address:
- Sebring Fuel Station project
- Applicant:
- Jonathan Harrison, Road & Bridge Director
Final 071426 PKG WS Budget
This document is an agenda for the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 14, 2026. The primary focus is a workshop to consider the Capital Financial Strategy (CFS) Presentation and a workshop for the proposed FY26/27 Recommended Budget. The CFS details a 10-year capital budget summary with projected revenues and expenses across various departments including Public Works, General Government, Public Safety, Solid Waste, and Transportation. Specific projects include road and bridge improvements, facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and public safety vehicles. The budget outlines significant expenditures for debt service, infrastructure, and public services. No specific development projects requiring zoning changes or new construction permits are detailed in this agenda, but rather the financial planning for future capital expenditures.
- Board:
- Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners
- Date:
- 2026-07-14
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
Final 071426 WS Budget
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Sebring, FL, included a workshop on Capital Financial Strategy presented by David Nitz, OMB Manager. Additionally, a workshop was held to consider the proposed FY26/27 Recommended Budget for Board Departments, presented by Laurie Hurner, County Administrator, and James Langford, Assistant County Administrator. This budget presentation was noted as having 'No impact at this time.' The agenda also included sections for Public Comments and Adjournment. No specific development projects requiring contractor or trade pursuit were detailed in this record.
- Board:
- Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners
- Date:
- 2026-07-14
- Type:
- Agenda
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
HPC Agenda 07.09.2026
The Highlands County Historic Preservation Commission will meet on July 9, 2026, at 2:30 PM. New business includes two items related to the Pearce-Lockett Estate at 22160 Edna Lockett Loop, Lorida: HPC-26-02 (CRAS) and HPC-26-03 (COA). The agenda also includes draft meeting minutes from January 8, 2026, and an announcement for the next meeting on October 8, 2026. No decisions or public comment are detailed for the specific projects listed under New Business.
- Board:
- Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-07-09
- Type:
- Agenda
- Address:
- 22160 Edna Lockett Loop, Lorida
- Applicant:
- Pearce-Lockett Estate
HPC Agenda Packet 07.09.2026
[22160 Edna Lockett Loop, Lorida; case HPC-26-02] Highlands County Historic Preservation Commission meeting on July 9, 2026, reviewed case HPC-26-02 for a Cultural Resource Assessment Survey (CRAS) for the Pearce-Lockett Estate. The applicant, Paul "Butch" Thompson, proposed constructing a caretaker's residence on a 16.75-acre parcel. The property is located at 22160 Edna Lockett Loop, Lorida, with Parcel ID C-08-36-33-A00-0040-0000. The proposed 60x40 foot caretaker's residence is permissible under the CM Conservation/Management Lands District zoning. Previous archaeological surveys have been conducted on the property, which contains historic resources including the Pearce-Lockett Estate Cemetery. A Phase I CRAS of the proposed building site (60x60 feet) found a low-density scatter of historic and prehistoric artifacts with no diagnostic material, and the survey area was recommended as not eligible as a site. Staff recommended approval of the Certificate to Proceed, finding no adverse effect on known historic or archaeological resources. The commission issued Certificate to Proceed No. HPC-26-02. [Butler's Bluff Road, Lorida; case HPC-26-01] Highlands County Historic Preservation Commission meeting on January 8, 2026, approved Certificate to Proceed No. HPC-26-01 for a proposed single-family residence (SFR) at Parcel ID No. C-34-36-33-A00-0040-0000, Butler's Bluff Road, Lorida. The property is under agricultural zoning, limited to one residential dwelling. An archaeological survey was conducted due to proximity to the Kissimmee River, and no archaeological sites were recorded on the property. The commission approved the construction of the SFR. [22160 Edna Lockett Loop, Lorida; case HPC-26-03] The Highlands County Historic Preservation Commission approved Certificate of Appropriateness No. HPC-26-03 on July 9, 2026, for the construction of a new caretaker's residence on the Pearce-Lockett Estate. The project involves a new building on a 16.75-acre parcel. An archaeological survey was conducted between February and March 2026, covering approximately 3,600 square feet, and found no significant archaeological or historic resources that would be adversely impacted. The proposed residence, measuring approximately 60 feet by 40 feet, is required to incorporate architectural features compatible with existing historic structures. The decision was based on the determination that the construction would not have a substantial adverse effect on the designated historic property.
- Board:
- Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-07-09
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Decision:
- Approved (Certificate to Proceed issued)
- Address:
- 22160 Edna Lockett Loop, Lorida
- Applicant:
- Paul "Butch" Thompson
Final Agenda 070726
[600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 7, 2026, included approval of a budget amendment for Transportation Trust funding for Sebring Parkway maintenance, totaling $84,050.00. Also approved was a budget amendment for roadway construction for the Memorial Dr. - Pompano Dr. multi-use path, with an increase of $959,689.57 from a US DOT Grant and a transfer of $24,460.00 from the Transportation Trust, bringing the total project amount to $3,173,813.76. Agreement with SRQ Pest Management LLC for Pest Management Services was approved for $21,340.00. A license agreement with Roam Projects, LLC was approved with a revenue increase of $1,176.40 to the General Fund and an expense of $10,000 to the Tourist Development Trust for advertising. A budget amendment for the purchase of a vehicle for Clerk IT staff was approved for $40,723. Approval was also given for CivilSurv CSA 1-1 for Fire Rescue Station #23 for $30,080. Budget amendment 25-26-097 for a GIS layer for water quality and storage areas was approved for $10,000.00. The Board also approved waiving tipping fees for the demolition of the Teacherage Building by the Highlands County School Board, estimated at $8,250.00. Approval was granted for the issuance of Highlands County Health Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds not to exceed $400,000,000, with no debt obligation to the County. Purchase of asphalt millings for up to $225,000 was approved. Several other budget amendments, agreements, and fee waivers were approved with no fiscal impact or were administrative in nature.
- Board:
- Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-07-07
- Type:
- Agenda
- Decision:
- approved
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
Final Reg pkg 070726
[600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 7, 2026. Several agenda items were presented, including budget amendments, fee waivers, agreement amendments, and service contracts. A presentation on Central Square Technologies' software implementation was also given. No specific construction projects were detailed, but various financial adjustments and service agreements were approved or discussed. [case 25-26-094] Budget Amendment 25-26-094 to adjust the Property Appraiser budgeted funding for FY 25/26 due to updated Health Insurance costs. The amendment transfers $35,795.00 from the Reserve for Contingency to the Property Appraiser's budget. [Venus Community Center] Request to waive rental fees and associated Special Event Permit fees totaling $1,675.00 for the Venus Community Foundation for seven events and one meeting at the Venus Community Center between August 2026 and May 2027. The foundation provides scholarships for agricultural field students. [Sports Complex Property] Request approval of Amendment 1 to the agreement between Highlands County and CivilSurv Design Group Inc. to add SCS Engineers as an approved subcontractor for an Environmental Site Assessment on the Sports Complex Property. No fiscal impact. Request approval of Amendment 1 to the agreement between Highlands County and The Lunz Group LLC. No fiscal impact. Request approval of Agreement with SRQ Pest Management LLC for Pest Management Services. Fiscal impact of $21,340.00 to multiple funds and cost centers. [Lake Glenada] Request approval of a Letter of Support to South Florida State College for a nutrient reduction project in Lake Glenada. No fiscal impact. Request to accept $10,000.00 donation from the Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District, increasing cost center 6303, account 53400Z. [Sebring Parkway; case 25-26-141, 25-26-098] Request adoption of Resolution 25-26-141 for Budget Amendment 25-26-098 to provide annual Transportation Trust funding for Sebring Parkway maintenance ($84,050.00). [case 25-26-142] Request for signature for the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) grant award for FY25-26 along with the Adoption of Resolution 25-26-142 for Budget Amendment 25-26-101 ($174,984.00). No additional fiscal impact to Fund 005 or overall budget. [case 25-26-140, 25-26-097] Request adoption of Resolution 25-26-140 for Budget Amendment 25-26-097 to the Natural Resources cost center for the GIS layer to provide insight on water quality and water storage areas in the County project ($10,000.00). [Memorial Dr. - Pompano Dr. to Sebring Parkway; case 25-26-092] Request to approve Budget Amendment 25-26-092 and accompanying resolution to add additional funding for roadway construction to the Memorial Dr. - Pompano Dr. multi-use path, Project Number 17034. Total project amount $3,173,813.76, funded by US DOT Grant and Transportation Trust. [case 25-26-093] Request approval of Budget Amendment 25-26-093 for the purchase of a vehicle for Clerk IT staff ($40,723). [Lake Placid Memorial Library] Request approval of the application for dumpster service to the Lake Placid Memorial Library. No fiscal impact. [Fire Rescue Station #23; case CSA 2-1] Request approval of The Lunz Group CSA 2-1 for time extension on Fire Rescue Station #23. No additional fiscal impact. [Fire Rescue Station #23; case CSA 1-1] Request Approval of CivilSurv CSA 1-1 for Fire Rescue Station #23 ($31,080). Appointment of Elsie Sellers to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. No fiscal impact. Request approval of one (1) regular member to the Tourist Development Council. No fiscal impact. Public hearing to request the approval of Emerge Transport LLC application for a Class 1 Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN). No fiscal impact. [case 25-26-131] Public hearing to request the adoption of Resolution No. 25-26-131 to Vacate Existing Drainage Easements. No Fiscal Impact. [Teacherage Building] Request approval of a request from the Highlands County School Board to waive tipping fees associated with the demolition of the Teacherage Building. An estimated 150 tons of Class 1 waste at a cost of $55.00 per ton, totaling $8,250.00, will be waived. [case 25-26-136] Request adoption of 25-26-136, pertaining to the issuance of Highlands County Health Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds (AdventHealth Obligated Group) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $400,000,000. Bonds do not constitute a debt of Highlands County. Request approval to purchase asphalt millings ($225,000) from the asphalt set aside account #14014 (Fund 420). Presentation of the FY2026/2027 Recommended Budget. No fiscal impact at this time. County Attorney Status Report. No specific details provided. County Administrator Status Report. No specific details provided. Quarter Two Highlands County Library System Item Surplus. No fiscal impact. Board payables from July 7, 2026, through July 20, 2026. No specific details provided. Letter of support for the Caladium Arts and Crafts Cooperative, Inc. No fiscal impact.
- Board:
- Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-07-07
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Decision:
- Approved (Recommended)
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
- Applicant:
- Property Appraiser
Sp Dist Final Agenda 070726
This document is an agenda for the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners Special Districts meeting on July 7, 2026. Two budget amendments for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District (IMWID) are listed. The first, Resolution 25-26-138, appropriates an $8,000 donation for ditch cleaning. The second, Resolution 25-26-147, involves a $50,000 budget increase for IMWID. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and a general call for public comment. No specific contractor work is detailed, but the budget amendments indicate potential contractual services for ditch cleaning and other IMWID activities.
- Board:
- Board of County Commissioners Meeting of the Districts
- Date:
- 2026-07-07
- Type:
- Agenda
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
Sp Dist Final Pkg 070726
[case Resolution 25-26-138, Budget Amendment 25-26-095] The Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District (IMWID) received a donation of $8,000 from the Highlands County Soil & Water Conservation for ditch cleaning services. This budget amendment, Resolution 25-26-138, appropriates these funds for contractual services. The project involves ditch cleaning within the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District. The action was approved. [600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870] The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved the minutes from the Special Districts meetings held on April 21, 2026, and May 5, 2026. There was no fiscal impact associated with this approval. [case Resolution 25-26-147, Budget Amendment 25-26-102] The Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District (IMWID) will borrow $50,000 from the Solid Waste Fund (Fund 401) to cover urgent repair and maintenance needs during the rainy season. This loan, authorized by Resolution 25-26-147, will be repaid with interest once State appropriations are received. The funds are for repair and maintenance within IMWID. The action was approved.
- Board:
- Board of County Commissioners Meeting of the Districts
- Date:
- 2026-07-07
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Decision:
- Approved
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
- Applicant:
- Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District (IMWID)
Final Special Meeting Public Hearing 063026
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners considered the adoption of Ordinance 25-26-15, which pertains to the Highlands County Impact Fee Study and restatement of impact fees. The projected revenue from these fees over a five-year period is estimated to be between $13,640,000 and $20,487,500. This revenue is designated for capital expansion across nine categories: Fire Rescue, EMS, Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, General Government Buildings, Library Facilities, Parks and Recreation, Environmentally Sensitive Lands, and Roads. Leah Sauls, Development Services Director, presented the fiscal impact. No public comment or stakeholder sentiment regarding this specific item was stated in the document.
- Board:
- Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners for Public Hearing on Impact Fees
- Date:
- 2026-06-30
- Type:
- Agenda
- Decision:
- Public hearing for adoption
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
- Applicant:
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
Final pkg Special Meeting Public Hearing 063026
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on June 30, 2026, to consider the adoption of Ordinance 25-26-15, which revises the Highlands County Impact Fee Study and restates impact fees. The proposed ordinance aims to generate between $13,640,000 and $20,487,500 in capital expansion revenue over five years, distributed across nine categories: Fire Rescue, EMS, Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, General Government Buildings, Library Facilities, Parks and Recreation, Environmentally Sensitive Lands, and Roads. The ordinance establishes benefit districts, outlines fee calculation and payment procedures, allows for alternative calculations and developer credits, and mandates regular updates, reporting, and an appeals process. The impact fees were suspended in 2009 and have not been collected since. The ordinance includes a phased implementation schedule for the fees, starting October 1, 2026, with full rates expected by October 1, 2030. Exemptions are provided for affordable housing. The document details specific impact fee rates for various land uses, such as single-family detached homes (2,000 sq ft), offices (1,000 sq ft), and retail (125,000 sq ft), with phased rates shown for 2026-27 through 2030-31. No public comment or stakeholder sentiment was recorded in the provided text.
- Board:
- Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners for Public Hearing on Impact Fees
- Date:
- 2026-06-30
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Decision:
- Recommended for adoption
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
- Applicant:
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
061626 Agenda1
This document is an agenda for the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners meeting on June 16, 2026. It lists various administrative items, public hearings, and action items. Several items involve agreements and amendments with contractors and service providers. Specifically, Phillips Environmental LLC and Ceres Environmental Services, Inc. are listed for Disaster Debris Removal and Recovery Services. Otis Elevator Company has an amendment to an agreement. Associated Asphalt, LLC has an amendment with a significant fiscal impact. The agenda also includes a request to apply for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) with substantial local matching funds required. A public hearing is scheduled for proposed amendments to Land Development Regulations concerning certified recovery residences. Another public hearing concerns the adoption of an ordinance for Tourist Development Tax collections. A resolution to vacate existing drainage easements is also on the agenda. Additionally, a resolution is proposed to amend a Special Exception approval for property owned by CompostUSA of Highlands County, LLC at 80 Hicoria Road, Venus, Florida.
- Board:
- Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-06-16
- Type:
- Agenda
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
061626 Package1
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners meeting on June 16, 2026. Key actions included approving agreements for disaster debris removal and recovery services with Phillips Environmental LLC as the prime contractor and Ceres Environmental Services, Inc. as the secondary contractor. The board also approved an amendment to an agreement with Otis Elevator Company for $15,854.16 and an amendment to the Healthy Families Florida Agreement for $193,116. A presentation was given regarding Sebring Airport Authority's capital projects, including the Webster Turn Dr. Rehabilitation ($2,940,000), Fuel Farm Improvements ($852,000), South Partial Parallel Taxiway D ($2,837,000), and Airfield Drainage - Phase 2 ($3,044,630). An agreement amendment with Associated Asphalt, LLC for $1,000,000 was approved. The board also considered a request to waive Landfill Tipping Fees for the Highway Park Neighborhood Council Great American Cleanup, estimating 12 tons of waste with a waived cost of $660.00. A resolution was adopted to vacate existing drainage easements. An ordinance extending a burn ban was considered. A special exception approval dated May 12, 2020, for property at 80 Hicoria Road, Venus, Florida, owned by CompostUSA of Highlands County, LLC, was amended. The board also approved an agreement amendment with Associated Asphalt, LLC for $1,000,000.00. A grant application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) was considered, with a required local match of $200,000 and additional costs of $199,859.99, totaling $399,859.99.
- Board:
- Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-06-16
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Decision:
- Approved
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
- Applicant:
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
061626 SD Agenda2
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners Special Districts met on June 16, 2026. Two items were addressed: 1. Adoption of Resolution 25-26-125 for a budget amendment of $147,840 for the construction and maintenance of Ballard Rd, funded from Fund 119 (Red Hill Farms Improvement District). 2. Public hearing for the adoption of Preliminary Resolution 25-26-133 to impose an annual Non-Ad Valorem assessment ($14.07 per property) and Preliminary Resolution 25-26-134 to impose a tentative millage rate (10.0000) for agriculturally classified properties within the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District. The fiscal impact for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District is an estimated increase of $8,653 for Non-Ad Valorem and $248,379 for Ad Valorem for FY 2026-2027. Jonathan Harrison, Road & Bridge Director, presented both items. No public comment or stakeholder sentiment was recorded in the provided text.
- Board:
- Board of County Commissioners Meeting of the Special Districts
- Date:
- 2026-06-16
- Type:
- Agenda
- Address:
- 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
- Applicant:
- Jonathan Harrison, Road & Bridge Director (presenter for both items)
061626 SPD Pkg2
[Ballard Rd; case Resolution 25-26-125, Budget Amendment 25-26-085] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved a budget amendment for the construction and maintenance of Ballard Road within the Red Hill Farms Improvement District. The amendment allocates $147,840 from the fund balance for repair and maintenance, and capital infrastructure. [Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District; case Preliminary Resolution 25-26-133 (Non-Ad Valorem Assessment), Preliminary Resolution 25-26-134 (Ad Valorem Tax)] The Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District held a public hearing to consider imposing an annual Non-Ad Valorem assessment on non-agriculturally classified properties and adopting a tentative millage rate for agriculturally classified properties for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The Non-Ad Valorem assessment is set at $14.07 per acre for non-agricultural land, projected to generate approximately $8,653. The tentative millage rate for agricultural land is 10.0000 mills, projected to generate approximately $248,379. These measures are to fund flood and erosion control, water management, road maintenance, and other district projects.
- Board:
- Board of County Commissioners Meeting of the Special Districts
- Date:
- 2026-06-16
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Decision:
- Approved
- Address:
- Ballard Rd
- Applicant:
- Jonathan Harrison, Road & Bridge Director
06.09.2026 BOA Agenda
[97 Paul Road, 155 Paul Road, and 57 Hicoria Road, Venus; 153 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid; case BOA 2004; BOA 2012] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment considered a special exception for a sand mine on approximately 243.97 acres across three parcels. The request involves extraction of natural materials, removing earth and topsoil, referencing Section 12.05.200.F.14 of the County Code. The board also considered a variance request for a 0.11-acre parcel to allow a 12.75-foot corner setback instead of the required 15 feet, to replace a damaged dwelling, referencing Sections 12.05.221.G and 12.02.104.315.
- Board:
- Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-06-09
- Type:
- Agenda
- Address:
- 97 Paul Road, 155 Paul Road, and 57 Hicoria Road, Venus; 153 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid
- Applicant:
- Hicoria Sand Mine; Yshetta Holden, c/o Sarah Maier, Dewberry Engineers
06.09.2026 BOA Agenda Packet
[97 Paul Road, 155 Paul Road, and 57 Hicoria Road, Venus, Florida; case BOA 2004] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment considered a request for a special exception for a sand mine. The project involves three parcels totaling approximately 243.97 acres located at 97 Paul Road, 155 Paul Road, and 57 Hicoria Road in Venus. The applicant, Hicoria I LLC and Hicoria II LLC, requested to allow sand mining, involving extraction of natural materials and removal of earth and topsoil. The staff recommended denial, citing concerns about increased commercial truck traffic on local roadways, potential impacts to groundwater and surrounding habitats, incompatibility with the rural residential and agricultural character of the area, and potential injury to the value of adjoining properties. The Board of Adjustment's decision is not stated in this document excerpt. [153 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid, Florida; case BOA 2012] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance for a damaged dwelling. The project involves an approximate 0.11-acre parcel at 153 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid. The applicant, Yshetta Holden (c/o Sarah Maier, Dewberry Engineers), requested a 2.25-foot variance to allow a 12.75-foot corner setback instead of the required 15 feet. The variance was needed to replace a damaged dwelling. The decision date is not explicitly stated for this item in the provided text, but it was listed on the June 9, 2026 agenda. [130 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid, Florida; case BOA 2002] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance to replace a damaged dwelling. The project involved an approximate 0.11-acre parcel at 130 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid. The applicant, Michael and Leonard Callahan (c/o Sarah Maier, Dewberry Engineers), requested a 5.5-foot variance to allow a 19.5-foot front yard setback instead of the required 25 feet. The variance was needed to replace a damaged dwelling due to property grade. No members of the public spoke for or against the request. The motion carried 6-1. [211 Lark Avenue, Sebring, Florida; case BOA 2007] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a special exception to allow the raising, keeping, or maintaining of up to two caged hens. The project involved an approximate 0.23-acre parcel at 211 Lark Avenue, Sebring. The applicant, Ann Brooks, received five letters of objection and one petition from surrounding property owners, citing concerns about disease, vermin, pests, decreased property values, roosters, chicken excrement, and damage to property. One member of the audience spoke in favor, seeking clarification on coop demolition. The motion carried 7-0. [218 Rail Avenue, Sebring, Florida; case BOA 2009] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a special exception for raising caged hens with reduced setbacks for the coop. The project involved an approximate 0.24-acre parcel at 218 Rail Avenue, Sebring. The applicant, John Austin Muldoon (c/o Megan Rossi), requested a special exception to allow up to two caged hens with a reduced setback of 12 feet 10 inches from the side property line and 16 feet 2 inches from the rear property line for the chicken coop. The agent stated the reduced setback was to preserve existing trees. One letter of objection was received. No members of the public spoke for or against the request. The motion carried 6-1. [1500 Duane Palmer Blvd, Sebring, Florida; case BOA 2010] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance to enclose an existing screen room. The project involved an approximate 0.36-acre parcel at 1500 Duane Palmer Blvd, Sebring. The applicant, Guy and Mary Stanley, requested a 7-foot variance to allow an 18-foot rear yard setback instead of the required 25 feet. One letter stated there would be no impact from the requested variance. No members of the public spoke for or against the request. The motion carried 7-0.
- Board:
- Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-06-09
- Type:
- Agenda_packet
- Decision:
- Recommended for denial by staff; final decision not stated.
- Address:
- 97 Paul Road, 155 Paul Road, and 57 Hicoria Road, Venus, Florida
- Applicant:
- Hicoria I LLC + Hicoria II LLC, c/o Cool and Cobb Engineering
See the actual businesses behind these numbers
Get the real filings, with addresses and officers, free for 7 days. No credit card required.
Start your free trial