Highlands County boards weighed budget amendments, road projects, and historic preservation items; minutes pending
Highlands County commissioners had a busy two weeks, with agendas covering more than $1.2 million in budget amendments, a $400 million revenue bond resolution, and two historic preservation applications for the Pearce‑Lockett Estate. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the four recent meetings, so final outcomes are not confirmed.
July 7 Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners' July 7 regular meeting agenda included budget amendments for Sebring Parkway maintenance ($84,050) and the Memorial Dr. multi‑use path ($959,689.57), an agreement with SRQ Pest Management ($21,340), and a resolution for Health Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds ($400,000,000). A public hearing was also scheduled for the Emerge Transport COPCN application. Minutes have not been published, so it is not confirmed which items were approved.
July 7 Meeting of the Districts
The same day, the board met as the Meeting of the Districts to review the Special Districts agenda. Two resolutions were listed: Resolution 25‑26‑138, an $8,000 donation for Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District ditch cleaning, and Resolution 25‑26‑147, a $50,000 increase to Fund 109 for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District. The agenda also included approval of minutes from April 21, 2026, and May 5, 2026, meetings. Minutes for this session are not yet published.
July 9 Historic Preservation Review
A special meeting on July 9 featured the Historic Preservation Commission reviewing two applications for the Pearce‑Lockett Estate at 22160 Edna Lockett Loop, Florida: HPC‑26‑102, a CRAS application, and HPC‑26‑103, a COA application. Both were listed for discussion and possible approval. No other decisions were listed beyond routine agenda items. Minutes are not yet published.
July 14 Budget Workshop
On July 14, commissioners held a special meeting to review the proposed FY26/27 Recommended Budget for Board departments and a Capital Financial Strategy presentation. The agenda noted that no final decisions were scheduled for this workshop. A public comments period was included. The meeting was held at 600 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870. Minutes are not yet published.
Coming up
Two meetings are scheduled for July 21:
- **Regular Meeting**: The board will consider purchasing two tankers for $2,036,459.76, a proposed solid waste special assessment increase to $280.56, a budget amendment of $1,322,500.00 for the Master Stormwater Plan and Thunderbird Road Drainage, an agreement with Wander Media Company for $98,500.00, and a resolution to reduce the speed limit in Spring Lake from 30 mph to 25 mph. Public hearings are scheduled for four zoning changes and the re‑imposition of the solid waste special assessment.
- **Special Meeting (Workshop)**: A workshop to consider and discuss requested FY 2026/27 budgets for constitutional officers and outside agencies. No decisions are listed on the agenda.