SEBRING — Although funding will not be available for expansion of the Highlands County Jail in the next 10 years, a block of downtown Sebring could eventually by usurped by a detention facility. City Council members had their first look at the jail's plans for expansion at the Jan. 15 meeting during a discussion about the Sebring Parkway, but they had a hard time focusing on that topic and instead discussed the jail. The Board of County Commissioners has been handling the jail expansion process because administration of the sheriff's office is part of the county's responsibilities. City Council members said because the jail is in the heart of the downtown, they want to be involved in the process as well. "I think the city needs to be part of these discussions about the location and the expansion of the jail," said City Council member Jeff Carlson, who added that the jail is in the middle of the community redevelopment zone. ...more

January 22, 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

SEBRING — Despite the sheriff's recommendation to restrict vehicular traffic on Eucalyptus Street to protect pedestrians, Sebring City Council has decided to keep limited access at its intersection with Sebring Parkway. Sheriff Susan Benton said because so many pedestrians cross Eucalyptus Street to access the government center and courthouse, she suggested the possibility of creating a cul-de-sac instead of connecting it to the Sebring Parkway. ...more

January 17, 2008

SEBRING — A traffic signal will be added to the intersection of Scenic Highway and Sebring Parkway within six months. Sebring City Council approved at Tuesday's meeting spending $75,000 for the $150,000 project. Ramon Gavarrete, county engineer, said the county has been considering a signal at the intersection since the Parkway opened in 2002. Traffic is now at a high enough capacity that a signal is warranted, Gavarrete said. ...more

November 22, 2007