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Highlands Today

Name Of Agri-Civic Center Has Been Changed

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By BILL ROGERS

Highlands Today

Published: September 23, 2008

SEBRING - Although the sign still says it is the Highlands County Agri-Civic Center, the name of the Sebring building that houses offices and hosts meetings and events has been changed.

The Highlands County Commission voted in June to rename it the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center. Also, the large meeting room there will be called the Sam Polston Memorial Auditorium.

A formal dedication will be held in November, according to Tim Hurner, multi-county citrus extension agent, who is a member of the committee organizing the event. Hurner said a new sign will be installed in front of the building at the corner of U.S. 27 and George Boulevard.

Hurner said that construction is under way on a lobby for the auditorium. A wall will be built to enclose the area close to the restrooms.

Hurner noted that Harris of Lake Placid and Polston of Sebring were instrumental in laying the foundation for agriculture in the county.

The idea to honor Harris and Polston with the name changes was suggested to Highlands County Commissioner Don Bates.

Polston was the district conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for 34 years.

Bates described Polston, who died in 1984, as a people person who was "very practical" and worked hard.

"Sam would find a solution to a problem," Bates said. "He spent more time in the field than the office."

Harris became the county extension agent in 1952. He retired from that position in 1975 and devoted full time to the family cattle and caladium businesses.

Harris held the District 76 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.

Bill Rogers may be reached at 863-386-5825 or wrogers@highlandstoday.com

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