Sports Complex Manager's Job Discussed

SEBRING - The Highlands County Tourist Development Council has weighed in on what it thinks about the Highlands County Sports Complex manager position.

The issue was discussed briefly at Thursday's meeting and was brought up as a result of the news that Rocky Ellingsworth had been fired from the position Wednesday.

The council agreed the position needs to be filled by a full-time employee who is well qualified and has the same experience as Ellingsworth.

"If you don't have the right person running the project, you might as well shut it down," said council member John Griffin.

Highlands County Commissioner Andy Jackson, who is the chairman of the tourist council, said the county staff believes the manager's job is not a full-time position.

The parks and recreation department has recommended that the manager's position be removed from next year's budget. However, the county commission will ultimately make the decision whether the position is eliminated or kept in the budget.

Part of the reason for building the complex near Sebring High School was to attract large softball tournaments and bring in visitors to stay in local lodging properties on weekends.

Meanwhile, the council has a new member. George Hall has been appointed to a four-year term that will run until 2012.

Hall, the deputy mayor of Avon Park, attended his first meeting as a council member Thursday.