SEBRING — Highlands County Commissioner Andy Jackson said the University of Florida is still his "favorite university." But Jackson remains concerned over recent comments made by J. Bernard Machen, the president of the University of Florida Jackson, a graduate of the UF and a lifelong Gators supporter, said he does not agree with Machen's published comment that "agriculture is a dying industry in the state of Florida." Machen, who came to UF in 2003 from the University of Utah, also infuriated agriculture interests when he added that agriculture in Florida "is not worthy of the investment being made by the legislature" in the state's extension service program. Machen was quoted as saying the university's agriculture extension service should take the brunt of the $25 million in budget cuts slated for ...more

February 25, 2008

SEBRING — Jeri Canale, a county commissioner a decade ago, has filed for election to District 3. She will oppose incumbent Andrew Jackson and Sebring City Council man Jeff Carlson. ...more

February 20, 2008

SEBRING — While the person giving the invocation to start the Highlands County Board of Commissioners meetings changes every week, one thing stays constant. Every meeting begins with expressions of gratitude to and prayers for the men and women serving in the military. At Tuesday's meeting, the commissioners will discuss a proposal to provide up to $900 per year in financial aid to military personnel from Highlands County serving in combat zones in the war on terrorism. Highlands County is likely to become the 14th county in the state to offer such aid through an exemption on property taxes or a stipend to help with expenses. ...more

November 10, 2007

SEBRING –– The Highlands County Tourist Development Council favors retaining the operation of the tourism program as it is and asking the county to advertise for a director to replace Jim Brantley. The council spent about two hours Thursday discussing options and receiving input from the public concerning the future of the county's tourism program. Since the council is an advisory board to the Highlands County Commission, it can only make recommendations. The county commission will make the final decision. The recommendation is expected to come before the board in December. County Administrator Carl Cool, who attended the workshop, said the tourist council wants to review a proposed job description for the director at its next meeting, which is scheduled for Dec. 6. If the council approves the description, the item could be on the Dec. 11 commission agenda. ...more

November 2, 2007

SEBRING — Highlands County government is going into the asphalt production and paving business. In a 3-2 vote Tuesday, county commissioners decided to build the first government owned and operated asphalt plant in Florida. ...more

September 19, 2007