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 — Highlands County government leaders expect Gov. Charlie Crist and the Legislature to come through on their promise to this and the five other "fiscally constrained" counties. ...more

February 20, 2008

SEBRING – The persistence of one man looks like it will pay off in an additional tax break for Highlands County's 1,500 low-income, senior-citizen homeowners. Frank Parker got the proverbial cold shoulder from the Highlands County Commission in November when he asked commissioners to raise the "Save Our Seniors" homesteaded tax exemption from $5,000 to $50,000 for seniors meeting federal household low-income thresholds. ...more

February 13, 2008

SEBRING — The public can learn more about the pros and cons of an elected versus appointed superintendent of schools today at a 6 p.m. workshop in the Highlands County Commission Chambers. The public's opinion on the issue will also be heard by the School Board. County Supervisor of Elections Joe Campbell has been invited to speak on the election process in changing to an appointed superintendent. If Campbell is attending to matters with the recent election, School Board Attorney John McClure will cover the process in making the change. ...more

January 31, 2008

VENUS — Brad Krohn said it is "really exciting" for his company and it is "tremendously honored" to have received a $7 million grant for a proposed sugar to ethanol biorefinery in southern Highlands County. But Krohn, president of United States EnviroFuels, knows he has to get permits in place from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Highlands County before the first gallon of ethanol is produced. The Highlands County Commission must also sign off on the plant. It typically takes eight to 12 months for permitting, but Krohn is hopeful it will get done sooner. ...more

January 27, 2008

The news that a Tampa alternative fuel corporation wants to build an ethanol plant in Venus is interesting. At first glance, it seems like a good deal for Highlands County by creating more jobs and allowing the county to get more involved in the renewable energy industry. It also could be beneficial to local growers. United States EnviroFuels has been awarded $7 million grant to build the plant that – if it is permitted – would initially produce 20 million gallons a year. ...more

January 27, 2008

We don't blame Sebring City Council members for being upset that they are having no say in plans for jail expansion. Considering that the county jail is located in Sebring, and any growth directly impacts the city and its residents, it's a legitimate issue. That said, there isn't a good answer on how best to proceed. ...more

January 23, 2008

AVON PARK — Jeff Carlson, an incumbent who was expected to run for another term on the Sebring city council, pulled his name from consideration shortly before Friday's deadline. Carlson announced he intends to run for a seat with the Highlands County commission. All three incumbent commissioners qualified last week to seek re-election. A contested primary for county sheriff also became certain when Michael Rowan filed official papers to contest incumbent Susan Benton. ...more

January 20, 2008

SEBRING — At least three candidates are challenging incumbents for Sebring City Council. Dan Andrews, president of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, and Ken Melvin, consultant for recycling and demolition, and Robert Horne, a contractor, have turned in their paperwork for the March 11 election. Incumbents Jeff Carlson, Margie Rhoades and Bud Whitlock are also running for their positions. ...more

January 18, 2008

It sounds like someone didn't do his or her homework regarding Lake Denton. And if that's true, the county is in a bad situation. If it is, it's because too much was done too quickly regarding closing the lake without enough research. Lake Denton has been closed for several months after complaints from residents living on the lake prompted the Highlands County Commission to take action. Commissioners voted to temporarily close the boat ramp and restrict access for scuba divers, boaters, swimmers, etc. Residents complained that the weekend visitors to Lake Denton were clogging the road, stripping off their clothes, openly going to the bathroom, having sex and just about everything else imaginable. Most divers, swimmers and other visitors claimed that was nonsense, that perhaps a few people did bad things, but overall, visitors were well behaved. They argued that it was an law enforcement issue. ...more

December 30, 2007