Builder Makes Community Stronger

SEBRING - Sometimes life interrupts our plans. It came as a surprise to Anthony Lomonico after 18 years of working for the Florida Department of Transportation in the engineering field. He was rear ended by a drunk driver, suffered pinched nerves and herniated discs, and was declared permanently disabled.

Lomonico, a native Floridian, had been coming to Sebring during that time because his dad retired here. That's when he saw the growth potential of this area and bought property.

Lomonico also has experience as a builder, constructing Tri Steel Homes and Portland System's pre-engineered metal buildings for the past five years.

That's when Lomonico took over the bankrupt Highlands Village Assisted Living at 2301 U.S. 27 S. across from Lake Jackson.
He felt he'd discovered his mission in life. Although his first thought was what would happen to these residents if he didn't step in, he immediately had to deal with the impact of the hurricanes and stay open afterward.

Dealing with existing codes, Lomonico added handicapped ramps, a new roof and fire alarm system and other practical improvements, like insulation, a solar water heater, and new appliances for energy efficiency. Everything was done to keep costs down and remain affordable for residents.

This project has become his purpose and reward.

"This is my pride and joy and our priority is customer care," he said.

Today's population is aging. Although most people feel their home is their security, there's another segment that needs assistance.

Lomonico recognized those needs. He's discovered veterans with dementia living in their cars, while others had lost everything and their families were overwhelmed.

The team at Highlands Village coordinates with NU-HOPE, Medicare, Medicaid and Optional State Supplement for all ages. There is a maximum of two per room and prices run $850-$2,200.

There are three meals and two snacks daily and assistance with medications and transportation is given. Cable TV, arts and crafts activities, a fish pond, some rabbits, a garden and the Lake Jackson sunrise and sunset reflections across the street provide a homey, nurturing atmosphere.

Respite care is also available if a family needs a vacation or temporary relief as a caretaker. They are members of Florida Assisted Living Association, the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council.

Lomonico fills his spare time as a member of SOS (Save our Source) a nonprofit lake cleaning organization that advocates better ways of maintaining our waterways.

"This community seems like a hometown that helps wherever it's needed. I think we accomplished that with Highlands Village and that it's an improvement," Lomonico said.

He's also involved with the Homeless Coalition for Highlands County and helps with the yearly point-in-time survey to determine how many need assistance and what programs are available for grant money. Florida Heartland Rural Consortium for the Homeless (FHRCH) is made up of the six counties of Highlands, Hardee, Glades, Desoto, Okeechobee, and Hendry -- which compete for grants that go to big cities.

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is also composed of the same six counties. They network and streamline emergency assistance to individuals as a result of unforeseen issues like hurricane or fire that puts the home life at risk.