Highlands County, Florida

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Districts

General

Meeting of the Districts

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop to consider the requested FY 2026/2027 budgets for constitutional officers and outside agencies. The meeting is a special session dedicated to reviewing these budget proposals. No decisions are listed on the agenda; the workshop is for discussion and consideration.

• Workshop to consider and discuss requested FY 2026/2027 budgets for constitutional officers and outside agencies

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will discuss several budget amendments, including funding for fire tankers and stormwater plans. Public hearings are scheduled for four zoning changes and the re-imposition of a solid waste special assessment.

• Purchase of two tankers for $2,036,459.76
• Proposed solid waste special assessment increase to $280.56
• Budget amendment of $1,322,500.00 for Master Stormwater Plan and Thunderbird Road Drainage
• Agreement with Wander Media Company for $98,500.00
• Resolution to reduce speed limit in Spring Lake from 30 mph to 25 mph

General

General

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

General

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting to review a proposed FY26/27 Recommended Budget for Board departments and a Capital Financial Strategy presentation. No final decisions are scheduled for this workshop.

• Workshop to consider the proposed FY26/27 Recommended Budget for Board Departments
• Workshop to consider the Capital Financial Strategy (CFS) Presentation
• Public Comments period
• Meeting at 600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider two new business items, HPC‑26‑02 and HPC‑26‑03, both concerning the Pearce‑Lockett Estate at 22160 Edna Lockett Loop, Florida. The items are presented for discussion and possible approval. No other decisions are listed beyond routine agenda items.

• HPC‑26‑02 – CRAS application for Pearce‑Lockett Estate, 22160 Edna Lockett Loop
• HPC‑26‑03 – COA application for Pearce‑Lockett Estate, 22160 Edna Lockett Loop

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider budget amendments totaling over $1.2 million, including funds for the Sebring Parkway and Memorial Dr. multi-use path, as well as agreements for pest management and a revenue bond issuance.

• Budget amendment for Sebring Parkway maintenance ($84,050)
• Budget amendment for Memorial Dr. multi-use path ($959,689.57)
• Agreement with SRQ Pest Management ($21,340)
• Resolution for Health Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds ($400,000,000)
• Public hearing for Emerge Transport COPCN application

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to review the Special Districts agenda. The primary focus is on two budget amendments for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District.

• Resolution 25-26-138: $8,000 donation for IMWID ditch cleaning
• Resolution 25-26-147: $50,000 increase to Fund 109 for Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District
• Approval of minutes from April 21, 2026, and May 5, 2026, meetings

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing for the adoption of Ordinance 25-26-15. This ordinance concerns the Highlands County Impact Fee Study and the restatement of impact fees.

• Public hearing for Ordinance 25-26-15 regarding impact fees
• Projected capital expansion revenue of $13,640,000 to $20,487,500 over five years

General

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on preliminary resolutions to set an annual non-ad valorem assessment and a tentative millage rate for properties in the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District. The consent agenda includes a budget amendment for $147,840 in road construction and maintenance on Ballard Rd within the Red Hill Farms Improvement District.

• Public hearing on Preliminary Resolution 25-26-133: impose $14.07 non-ad valorem assessment on non-agricultural properties in Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District, raising ~$8,653
• Public hearing on Preliminary Resolution 25-26-134: set tentative millage rate of 10.0000 for agricultural properties in Istokpoga Marsh, raising ~$248,379
• Consent agenda: Resolution 25-26-125 for budget amendment 25-26-085 — $147,840 from fund balance for Ballard Rd construction and maintenance in Red Hill Farms Improvement District

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will vote on several infrastructure contracts and budget amendments. The meeting includes public hearings on land development regulations for recovery residences and a burn ban extension.

• Amendment 1 with Associated Asphalt, LLC for $1,000,000.00
• Local financial commitment of $399,859.99 for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)
• Budget amendment of $60,000.00 for the County Attorney
• Public hearing on land development regulation amendments for certified recovery residences
• Waiver of $660.00 in landfill tipping fees for Highway Park Neighborhood Council

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will consider requests to change zoning and land use designations for several properties in Sebring. These items will be sent to the Board of County Commissioners for a hearing on July 21, 2026.

• P&Z 2192: Request to change 9.11 acres at 3925 Muriel Avenue from Agricultural to Multiple-Family Dwelling including Motel and Hotel District
• P&Z 2193: Request to change 6.3 acres at Valerie Boulevard and Memorial Drive from R-1 Residential to R-2 Two-Family Dwelling District
• CPA-26-653SS: Request to change 1.9 acres at 3810-3906 SR 66 from Agriculture to Commercial land use
• P&Z 2194: Request to change 1.9 acres at 3810-3906 SR 66 from B-2 Limited Business to B-3 CU Business for an open storage lot and accessory office

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Highlands County Board of Adjustment will review a special exception request for a sand mine covering three parcels totaling about 243.97 acres at 97 Paul Road, 155 Paul Road, and 57 Hicoria Road in Venus. It will also consider a variance request for a 0.11‑acre parcel at 153 E A Smith Ave in Lake Placid, seeking a 2.25‑foot reduction in the required corner setback. Additional agenda items include routine matters such as minutes, swearing in of witnesses, and announcements of future meetings.

• BOA 2004 – special exception for sand mine on 97 Paul Rd, 155 Paul Rd, and 57 Hicoria Rd (≈243.97 acres)
• BOA 2012 – 2.25‑ft variance to allow a 12.75‑ft corner setback on 153 E A Smith Ave (0.11 acre)
• Consideration of minutes from the previous meeting
• Swearing in of witnesses
• Announcement of next meeting on August 11, 2026

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Land Development Regulations pertaining to certified recovery residences. They will also discuss the Ridge to River Conservation program polling results and direction on a referendum, and continue discussion on the Impact Fee Study and Alternative Revenue Report. The consent agenda includes multiple items such as FDOT street lighting compensation renewal, budget amendments, and fee waivers.

• FDOT State Highway Lighting Maintenance and Compensation renewal for FY 26/27 – county to receive $270,539.15
• Request to waive Landfill Tipping Fees for Annual Caladium Festival – $220 estimated cost waived
• Adoption of Resolution 25-26-126 for Budget Amendment 25-26-087 for Sebring Fuel Station Project ($298,000)
• Amendment #3 with Jack's Lawn Service for mowing maintenance ($95,000)
• Public Hearing on proposed amendments to Land Development Regulations for certified recovery residences

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board will vote on a consent agenda including a $3M fire station agreement, a $222k SEMCO contract amendment, and $169k in herbicide purchases. Two public hearings will consider an ambulance certificate for Medfleet and a land development code change to final plat requirements. The board also will discuss authorizing two sports facility projects totaling $75k.

• Consent item E: $3,000,000 Department of Financial Services Agreement for Fire Rescue Station #23
• Consent item A: Amendment #1 with SEMCO costing $222,440.40
• Consent item C: Award ITB 26-012 Herbicides and Fertilizers for $169,347
• Public hearing A: Medfleet, LLC dba ATI Ambulance application for Class 2 and 3 COPCN
• Action B & C: Authorization for Phase 1 agreements with Synergy Sports Charlotte for sports complex expansion and indoor multipurpose facility ($37,500 each)

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

The Board will hold a workshop to review the draft Highlands County Impact Fee Study and draft Alternative Funding Options report. No fiscal impact is noted. Public comment will follow the workshop. This is a discussion-only item; no formal vote is scheduled.

• Workshop: Highlands County Impact Fee Study (Draft) and Alternative Funding Options (Draft) Reports Presentation

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will consider P&Z 2191, a proposal to amend the Land Development Regulations. The amendment would define “recovery residence” and “certified recovery residence,” list certified recovery residences as a permitted use in the R-3 and R-3 NC zoning districts, and add procedures for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. After the commission’s recommendation, the item will be heard by the Board of County Commissioners on June 16, 2026.

• P&Z 2191 – Amend Land Development Regulations to define and permit certified recovery residences in R-3 and R-3 NC zones, and add disability accommodation procedures

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting (7‑0). It also voted unanimously (7‑0) to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners adopt proposed amendments to the Highlands County Land Development Regulations to define and permit certified recovery residences and establish a reasonable‑accommodation request process.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (7-0)
• Recommended adoption of LDR amendments for certified recovery residences (7-0)

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on four requests: two setback variances (front yard at 130 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid, and rear yard at 1500 Duane Palmer Blvd, Sebring) and two special exceptions to allow keeping up to two caged hens (at 211 Lark Ave and 218 Rail Ave, Sebring), one with a reduced coop setback. The board will also consider minutes from the previous meeting and other routine business.

• BOA 2002: 5.5-ft front-yard setback variance (to 19.5 ft) for a damaged dwelling replacement at 130 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid
• BOA 2007: Special exception to keep up to two caged hens at 211 Lark Ave, Sebring
• BOA 2009: Special exception for two caged hens with reduced coop setback of 12 ft 10 in from side and 16 ft 2 in from rear at 218 Rail Ave, Sebring
• BOA 2010: 7-ft rear-yard setback variance (to 18 ft) to enclose an existing screen room at 1500 Duane Palmer Blvd, Sebring

The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a 5.5‑foot front‑yard setback variance for 130 E A Smith Ave in Lake Placid (6‑1). It also approved special exceptions to keep up to two caged hens at 211 Lark Ave, Sebring (7‑0) and at 218 Rail Ave, Sebring with reduced setbacks (6‑1). Finally, it approved a 7‑foot rear‑yard setback variance for 1500 Duane Palmer Blvd, Sebring (7‑0).

• Approved 5.5‑ft front‑yard setback variance at 130 E A Smith Ave (6‑1)
• Approved special exception for up to two caged hens at 211 Lark Ave (7‑0)
• Approved special exception for up to two caged hens with reduced setbacks at 218 Rail Ave (6‑1)
• Approved 7‑ft rear‑yard setback variance at 1500 Duane Palmer Blvd (7‑0)

General

Meeting of the Health Insurance Advisory Committee

The Health Insurance Advisory Committee will review the county health plan's claims and benefits performance with The Gehring Group and consider a 2026 wellness dollars proposal. They will also approve previous meeting minutes and introduce a new HR and PIO director.

• Introduction of Shawn Fournier as new HR and PIO Director
• Claims and Benefits Review and Health Plan Performance Review by The Gehring Group
• 2026 Wellness Dollars Proposal

Meeting of the Districts

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider the Consent Agenda item to approve the minutes from the March 17, 2026 Special Districts meeting. The agenda notes that approving these minutes has no fiscal impact. The meeting also includes public comment and standard procedural items.

• Approve minutes from the March 17, 2026 Special Districts meeting (no fiscal impact)

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will consider a $1.99 million change order for the Jail Expansion Project, along with several budget amendments and fee waivers. Public hearings include extending a burn ban and revoking a medical transport certificate. The meeting also features proclamations for National Travel and Tourism Week, EMS Week, and other observances.

• Amendment No. 2 with Ajax Building Company for Jail Expansion Project: $1,994,492.00 change order
• Budget Amendment 25-26-083 for Jail Expansion Project: $1,994,492.00 appropriation
• Public hearing to adopt Ordinance 25-26-12 extending a burn ban
• Budget Amendment 25-26-079 for standby generator at Fire Station 33: $31,122.00
• Request approval of Amendment 1 with Alfred Benesch & Company for impact fee study: $19,000.00

General

Meeting of the Districts

Highlands County Board of County Commissioners meets as the governing board for several special districts. The consent agenda includes a resolution to adopt a budget amendment providing $5,800 from fund balance to the Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District for operating supplies. No other substantive business is scheduled.

• Resolution 25-26-109: Budget Amendment 25-26-070 allocating $5,800 from fund balance to Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District for recreation operating supplies

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider approving a budget amendment to appropriate $3.2 million from the Tourist Development Trust for facility development and enhancement projects. The meeting also includes approvals for road resurfacing, fire station construction, and agreements with various vendors.

• Approval of $3.2M budget amendment for facility development
• Approval of $192,000 asphalt milling contract
• Approval of $500,000 for Lake Placid Fire Station construction
• Approval of $338,000 property purchase at 1127 E. Winthrop St.
• Public hearing on zoning change for slaughterhouse facility

General

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Highlands County Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss a proposed amendment to Section 12.04.112 of the Land Development Regulations, which deals with final plat submittal and recordation. The item is listed as P&Z 2188 under new business. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and minutes review.

• P&Z 2188 – Proposed amendments to Section 12.04.112 (final plat submittal and recordation) of the Land Development Regulations

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the prior meeting, correcting a parcel ID. It then voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the proposed amendment to Section 12.04.112 of the Land Development Regulations concerning final plat submission and recordation.

• Approved previous meeting minutes with parcel ID correction (7-0)
• Recommended adoption of Section 12.04.112 final plat amendment (7-0)

General

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will review requests for special exceptions and zoning variances. Decisions include potential approvals for a sand mine, model homes, and guesthouses, as well as setback adjustments for replacing damaged dwellings.

• Special exception request for a sand mine on 243.97 acres at 97 Paul Road, 155 Paul Road, and 57 Hicoria Road
• Special exception request for a model home at 7100 Sun 'n Lake Boulevard
• Special exception requests for guesthouses at 1224 CR 17 N and 3252 Curlew Road
• Setback variance requests for dwelling replacements at 4712 Muriel Ave and 108 Foxhunt Ave
• Front yard setback variance request for a mobile home replacement at 8 W Palm Circle

The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved six variance or special‑exception requests unanimously. It also approved a special‑exception for a model home at 7100 Sun 'n Lake Boulevard, Sebring. The board voted 6‑1 to continue the Hicoria sand‑mine special‑exception application to a June 9 2026 hearing.

• Approved Variance Application No. 1999 (3‑ft side‑yard variance) – vote 7‑0
• Approved Variance Application No. 2000 (6.5‑ft rear‑yard variance) – vote 7‑0
• Approved Special Exception Application No. 2003 (model home) – vote 7‑0
• Continued Special Exception Application No. 2004 (Hicoria sand mine) to June 9 2026 – vote 6‑1
• Approved Variance Application No. 2005 (13.8‑ft front‑yard variance) – vote 7‑0
• Approved Special Exception Application No. 2006 (guesthouse) – vote 7‑0
• Approved minutes of the previous meeting – vote 7‑0

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the extension of a burn ban. The meeting includes votes on several interlocal agreements and budget amendments for county services and infrastructure.

• Public hearing for Ordinance No. 25-26-10 to extend a burn ban
• Interlocal Agreement with the City of Avon Park for $145,000
• Budget amendment of $34,826 for the Ridge to River Conservation Planning Study
• Budget amendment of $40,008 for a Clerk IT staff vehicle
• Amendment between Highlands County and Placer Labs, Inc. for $37,800

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

Meeting of the Districts

The Board will consider its consent agenda, which includes approving minutes from the January 22 and February 3, 2026 Special District meetings and adopting Resolution 25-26-100 to appropriate $35,000 from Fund 111 for road‑material purchases to stabilize roadways in the Avon Park Estates Special Benefit District. The meeting also provides time for public comment, a public hearing, and an action agenda.

• Approve minutes from the Jan 22 and Feb 3, 2026 Special District meetings (no fiscal impact)
• Adopt Resolution 25-26-100, Budget Amendment 25-26-062 to appropriate $35,000 for road materials in Avon Park Estates Special Benefit District
• Public comment period (speaker cards required by 8:50 a.m.)
• Public hearing (no specific agenda items listed)
• Action agenda (details not provided in agenda)

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Highlands County Board will vote on a lease agreement that adds $683,559 to the General Fund for County Buildings Rent. It will also consider a consent agenda containing several contracts, grants, and fee waivers, including a $25,000 grant to the Peace River Center for Personal Development. Public hearings will be held on an Elite Medical Response application for a Class 2 and 3 Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Additional actions include waiving a $200 road‑closure permit fee for an Easter event.

• Approve lease agreement with Department of Children and Families ($683,559)
• Approve grant agreement with Peace River Center for Personal Development, Inc. ($25,000)
• Approve TOA 1‑3 with SEMCO Construction, Inc. ($141,426.48)
• Public hearing on Elite Medical Response application for Class 2 and 3 COCN
• Waive road‑closure permit fee for Easter event ($200)

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will review application P&Z 2187 from the Dennis Coulter Trust to change the zoning of an approximately 10.09‑acre parcel (Parcel ID C‑19‑33‑29‑A00‑0030‑0000) from Agricultural (AU) to Industrial (I‑2) with a conditional use for a slaughterhouse and meat‑processing facility. Staff determined that a change to the CU (Commercial Use) designation would be more appropriate. The commission’s decision will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for a final vote on April 21, 2026.

• Rezoning request: AU Agricultural District to I‑2 Industrial District with conditional slaughterhouse use
• Staff recommendation to change zoning to CU (Commercial Use) instead of I‑2
• Parcel size: approximately 10.09 acres, Parcel ID C‑19‑33‑29‑A00‑0030‑0000

The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting by a 7‑0 vote. It then unanimously recommended to the Board of County Commissioners that the Official Zoning Atlas be changed for an approximately 10.09‑acre parcel from AU Agricultural District to AU CU Agricultural District with a conditional use for a slaughterhouse and meat‑processing facility. The recommendation was adopted with a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (7-0)
• Recommended zoning change for 10.09‑acre parcel to AU CU Agricultural District with Conditional Use (slaughterhouse) – motion carried 7-0

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Highlands County Board of Adjustment will review a special exception request for an approximately 2.93‑acre parcel at 1600 Sunpure Road in Avon Park. The applicant seeks permission to use the existing building for miscellaneous office purposes, including medical, dental, and governmental offices. The board will also address the revocation of BOA 1939. The meeting includes routine items such as minutes, roll call, and the announcement of the next meeting on April 14, 2026.

• BOA 1998 – AVEM LLC: special exception request for 1600 Sunpure Rd, 2.93‑acre parcel, to allow miscellaneous office uses
• BOA 1939 revocation (details not specified in agenda)
• Announcement of next meeting – April 14, 2026
• Consideration of minutes from previous meeting
• Swearing in of witnesses

The Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a special exception for 1600 Sunpure Rd, Avon Park to allow miscellaneous office uses. The Board also unanimously revoked the special exception for 961 US 27 S, Venus because the property remains non‑compliant. No public comments were received on either request. The meeting was adjourned at 3:24 p.m.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (7-0)
• Approved Special Exception Application No. 1998 for 1600 Sunpure Rd, Avon Park (7-0)
• Revoked Special Exception BOA 1939 for 961 US 27 S, Venus (7-0)

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Highlands County Board will vote on several consent‑agenda items, including contract amendments for local vendors and an interlocal agreement with the Town of Lake Placid. A public hearing will consider an ordinance regulating hobby breeders and a fee increase for animal services. The action agenda includes accepting a $372,000 Florida Communities Trust grant and approving a $5,002,592.06 construction contract for Spring Lake Fire Station #23.

• Approve Amendment 1 for Sonny's Lawn & Tree Service (total fiscal impact $102,342 across multiple funds)
• Approve Interlocal Agreement with the Town of Lake Placid (fiscal impact $125,000 to General Fund)
• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 25-26-08 for hobby breeders and animal services fee increase (no fiscal impact)
• Accept $372,000 Florida Communities Trust grant (increase to Tourist Development Trust Fund)
• Approve contract with Marmer Construction, Inc. for Spring Lake Fire Station #23 ($5,002,592.06 total, $3,000,000 grant funded)

Meeting of the Districts

Meeting of the Health Insurance Advisory Committee

The committee will approve the minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting, introduce three new members, hear a claims‑review presentation by Shawn Fleming of The Gehring Group, and discuss a request for proposals for medical and dental services.

• Approve minutes of November 6, 2025 committee meeting
• Introduce new members: Christopher Cruz, Kayla Nickerson, Colleen Plonsky
• Claims review presentation by Shawn Fleming (The Gehring Group)
• Discussion of RFP – Medical & Dental

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Highlands County Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes several budget amendments, notably a $947,200 increase for the EMS Fleet Replacement project and other fund transfers for EMS, fire, and road projects. The meeting also features a public hearing on a land‑use policy amendment and a burn‑ban extension ordinance, both with no fiscal impact. Additional items include approvals of interlocal agreements, fee waivers, and a resolution to roll over project balances, increasing the general fund by over $32 million.

• EMS Fleet Replacement project 25034: $947,200 increase to Fund 151 (Infrastructure Surtax)
• Budget amendment for Central Square software upgrade: $49,900 transfer in General Fund
• Interlocal Agreement with Sun 'N Lake Improvement District: $50,000 funded from existing budget
• Public hearing on amendment to Future Land Use Element of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
• Resolution to roll over FY 24/25 project balances, raising total fund allocations by $32,294,608.42

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

Meeting of the Districts

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will vote on two budget amendment resolutions. One resolution (25-26-078) appropriates $3,720.05 for chemicals used in helicopter spraying for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District. The second resolution (25-26-087) reverses special benefit district encumbrances, decreasing the overall budget by $19,781.80 across the Istokpoga Marsh and Sun’N Lakes Placid Recreation districts. The meeting also includes a public comment period and standard procedural items.

• Adopt Resolution 25-26-078 to appropriate $3,720.05 for chemicals for IMWID helicopter spraying
• Adopt Resolution 25-26-087 to reverse encumbrances, decreasing budget by $19,781.80 ($7,962.00 from Fund 109 Istokpoga Marsh, $11,819.80 from Fund 128 Sun’N Lakes Placid Recreation)
• Public comment period for residents
• Consent agenda items covering the two resolutions
• Invitation for attendees to fill out "Comments by the Public" forms

Addendum to the Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to consider a proclamation. The item is an addendum to the regular board agenda.

• Request to declare February 11, 2026, as 'United Way 211 Day'

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

At the February 3, 2026 meeting, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider a consent agenda containing multiple budget amendments, personnel updates and contract approvals. The action agenda includes approval of a $1.5 million interlocal agreement with Polk County to expand and renovate the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Facility, a $500,000 defense grant agreement, and a $389,000 purchase order for medical supplies. Additional items address a 3% service fee on Tourist Development Tax collections, the dissolution of the Lake Istokpoga Management Committee, and acceptance of a conservation planning study.

• Approve $1.5 M Interlocal Agreement with Polk County for medical examiner facility expansion (Action Agenda A)
• Approve $500,000 Defense Grant Agreement with Dept. of Commerce and Florida Defense Support Commission (Consent Agenda K)
• Approve $389,000 purchase order for ITB 26‑004‑RDV ALS‑BLS Medical Supplies (Consent Agenda G)
• Adopt 3% service fee on Tourist Development Tax collections (Action Agenda C)
• Approve $20,340.40 budget reduction by reversing FY 24/25 encumbrances (Consent Agenda I)

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider a series of consent agenda items, including contracts for landscaping, waste processing, and grant adjustments. The primary action is a resolution to move $100,000 from Fund 005 (General) to Fund 152 (Tourist Development Trust) to fund the matching portion of a grant for the Highlands County Sports Complex property purchase. Additional items include a $95,000 landscaping contract, a $174,300 waste‑processing contract, and an $11,218.49 increase to a VOCA grant. Recognitions, public comment, and routine reports are also on the agenda.

• Transfer $100,000 from Fund 005 (General) to Fund 152 (Tourist Development Trust) for Sports Complex property purchase (Resolution 25-26-076)
• Approval of ITB 23-007 Renewal Jack's Lawn & Landscaping contract, fiscal impact $95,000
• Approval of ITB 24-018 Renewal Consolidated Resource Recovery contract, fiscal impact $174,300
• Adoption of Resolution 25-26-077 for VOCA FY 25/26 grant increase of $11,218.49
• Approval of Agreement with Crowdriff, Inc., fiscal impact $16,000 annually

Meeting of the Districts

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider a consent agenda that includes approving the minutes from the November 4, 2025 and December 2, 2025 Special District meetings. No fiscal impact is noted for either item. The meeting also provides time for public comment, a public hearing, and other agenda items, but no additional actions are detailed.

• Approve minutes from the November 4, 2025 Special District meeting (no fiscal impact)
• Approve minutes from the December 2, 2025 Special District meeting (no fiscal impact)

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

The Board will consider a request to approve a grant award from the Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers called Bridge the Gap. The item appears on the consent agenda as item 8B. No other substantive items are listed for discussion.

• Approve Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers Bridge the Gap Grant award (item 8B, consent agenda)

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Highlands County Board of Adjustment will hear three applications for zoning variances. One request seeks a 13.6‑foot variance to reduce a corner‑yard setback at 120 Sunbird Place in Sebring. Another requests a special exception to allow a guesthouse at 2628 Oak Beach Blvd, Sebring, provided it is not used for rental. The third asks for a variance to reduce a 25‑foot wetland setback for a new residence at 8 Lake June in Lake Placid.

• 13.6‑foot corner‑yard setback variance for 120 Sunbird Place, Sebring (≈0.23 acre)
• Special exception for an unattached guesthouse at 2628 Oak Beach Blvd, Sebring (≈0.50 acre)
• Setback variance from 25‑foot wetland requirement for new home at 8 Lake June, Lake Placid (≈2.18 acre)

Board of Adjustment / Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a text amendment to the Future Land Use Element for the Lost Lake Groves area. The amendment would remove site‑specific conditions from four parcels and lower the maximum single‑family dwellings on the remaining 327.76 acres from 1,050 to 983, while keeping the Medium Density Residential designation. Two prior applications for a 608.22‑acre parcel at 3500 East Altvater Road are being tabled for future consideration.

• CPA-26-650LS – Lost Lake Groves: reduce single‑family units from 1,050 to 983 on 327.76 acres
• CPA-25-643LS – 734 BLP Groves LLC: request to change Future Land Use from Agriculture to Medium Density Residential (tabbed)
• P&Z 2176 – 734 BLP Groves LLC: request to rezone from AU Agricultural to R‑3 PD Multiple Family Dwelling (tabbed)

General

The Highlands County Historic Preservation Commission will meet on January 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM in the Government Center Board Room, Sebring. The commission will address new business items, including elections and the application identified as HPC‑26‑01 for a CRAS parcel on Butler’s Bluff Road (Parcel ID C‑34‑36‑33‑A00‑0040‑0000). An update on a historic grant from DOS will be presented, and routine items such as approval of draft minutes and announcements will be handled.

• Approve October 16, 2025 draft meeting minutes (consent agenda)
• Consider elections (new business)
• Review HPC‑26‑01: CRAS parcel ID C‑34‑36‑33‑A00‑0040‑0000 on Butler’s Bluff Rd
• Receive DOS historic grant update
• Commissioner projects/requests

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Commissioners will vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of a jail chiller replacement project costing $134,954.30. They will also consider reappointing seven members of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The meeting includes standard procedural notices about public comment and ADA accommodations.

• Approve 20-039 EO Koch TOA 2-1 Jail Chiller Replacement – $134,954.30
• Reappoint seven members of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC)
• Consent agenda item 8 – includes jail chiller replacement approval

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider approving budget amendments for the Sheriff's Office and other departments, as well as an emergency burn ban ordinance. The meeting also includes the reappointment of advisory committee members.

• Approval of budget amendment for Sheriff's Office IG026 ICE Stipends ($207,284.50)
• Approval of emergency burn ban ordinance
• Reappointment of Affordable Housing Advisory Committee members
• Approval of contract with Children's Advocacy Center ($3,148.37)
• Request to replenish Tourist Development Fund with General Funds ($100,000)

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners