Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, Government

09/09/2026

Here’s what your community recycled last month. ♻

In August, the Skipper Road Recycling Center safely collected:
🎨 140 gallons of paint
⛽ 151 gallons of fuel (gas, diesel, oil)
💻 Electronics & more:
📺 55 TVs
🖥️ 39 computers
💻 32 laptops
🖨️ 22 printers
🔋 191 batteries

These items don’t belong in your regular trash – but they do have a safe place to go.

Got household hazardous waste or old electronics? Bring them in – it's FREE for Highlands County residents.

📍 6000 Skipper Road, Sebring
🕗 Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
📞 863-402-7786

👉 Learn what you can drop off: bit.ly/hc-hhwaste

09/09/2026

Before you drain your pool, check the pH.

Pool water should have a pH between 6.5 and 8.0 before it is discharged.

📞 Highlands County Stormwater staff can test your pool water before you drain it. Call 863-402-6877 to schedule a pH test.

Taking this simple step helps protect our stormwater system, local waterways and aquatic life.

📧 [email protected]
🔗 https://arcg.is/10PGn80

09/08/2026

Every child or teen gets angry, sad, disappointed, anxious.

You know as a parent you want to show up for your child or teen with calm, logic, and as a guide who helps them use their coping skills. But, in the moment, it's not always so easy.

Here are some helpful phrases to try...💗👇🏽

Healthy Families Highlands is here to support you on your parenting journey. If you’re expecting or have a newborn under 3 months old and could use a little extra support, give us a call at 863-402-6628.

09/08/2026

4:43 p.m., Sept. 8, 2026: The Highlands County Landfill is closed until further notice due to unsafe weather conditions in the area. We will notify you once weather conditions have changed and it is safe to reopen the landfill.

09/08/2026

Road Watch: Know before you go 🚧

Several road construction and utility projects continue throughout Highlands County. Drivers and pedestrians should expect lane closures, traffic pattern changes and active work zones.

U.S. 27 near Tower Street
• Daytime and nighttime lane closures continue for paving, shoulder widening, lighting, signalization and signage work.
• Nighttime paving is scheduled through Sept. 2, with additional nighttime paving expected later in September.
• Nighttime curb and gutter work are scheduled Sept. 8-10.
• The northbound lane shift at Dal Hall Boulevard/Tower Street is complete. Drivers should use extra caution as traffic travels on the newly constructed concrete pavement.
• Anticipated completion: late 2026.

S.R. 17
• Intermittent daytime lane and shoulder closures will occur Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., as needed, for signalization, lighting, sidewalk, curb and pedestrian-access improvements.
• Nighttime work is planned at North Lake Avenue during the next two weeks. The median crossover and portions of the sidewalk will be temporarily closed while work is underway.
• Pedestrians will be directed to temporary routes, and drivers and pedestrians should follow all posted signs and detours.
• Estimated completion: spring 2027.

U.S. 27 south of Hammock Road
• Periodic lane closures may occur as trucks enter and exit the work site.
• Drivers should slow down and watch for workers and equipment.
• Expected duration: approximately six months.

S.R. 70 west of U.S. 27
• FPL crews are continuing work on a new driveway connection and shoulder improvements.
• Periodic lane closures and temporary traffic pattern changes may occur during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Work is expected to continue for approximately two more weeks.

S.R. 70 from the Highlands County line to Okeechobee
• Utility crews continue replacing poles and installing new wiring.
• Intermittent daytime lane closures are expected from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will be controlled by flaggers.
• Work is expected to continue through the end of the year.

Please slow down, stay alert and watch for workers and equipment in all construction zones. Allow extra time for travel and follow directions from flaggers and posted traffic-control signs.

09/08/2026

Community Update – Fiber Optic Contractors 📢

Residents may begin noticing construction crews working in neighborhoods as several new fiber providers install residential fiber service throughout Highlands County. 🚧

Contractors will be working within county rights of way and utility easements. Please use caution when traveling through work zones and remain alert for workers, construction vehicles, equipment and materials in the area.

Before installation begins, residents may notice colored utility locate flags and markings near roadsides and easements. These markers identify underground utilities and help crews safely complete the installation process. Flags and markings will be removed, and restoration work will occur once construction is complete.

Current fiber installation providers include:
📍 Clearwave Fiber
Customer Support: 877-293-2973
Construction-Related Property Concerns: 866-861-5597

📍IBT
Call: 1-800-417-0698
Email: [email protected]

📍Lumos
Call: 1-800-905-9017
Website: lumosfiber.com/new-construction/

📍I3 Broadband
Call: 866-259-1590
Email: [email protected]

Residents may also contact Highlands County Engineering at 863-402-6877.
Thank you for your patience as these infrastructure improvements continue throughout the community.

09/08/2026

Garden Week is here!

Explore all the various events that Highlands County has to offer this week.

The wait is over. Garden Week is here!

Six days. Three communities. Countless ways to experience Highlands County.

From the gardens of Sebring to the charm of Avon Park and Lake Placid, there’s a full week of exploring ahead. We can’t wait to see where Garden Week takes you!

09/08/2026

HAPPENING TODAY: The Highlands County Board of Adjustment and Planning & Zoning Commission and Local Planning Agency will hold their regularly scheduled meetings at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the commissioners’ chambers in the Government Center, 600 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring.

To view the agenda packets, click here: https://highlandscofl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1181/files/agenda/3535

https://highlandscofl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1194/files/agenda/3543

The following public hearings are scheduled:

BOA 2014: An approximate 0.49-acre parcel identified by Parcel Identification No. C-21-36-29-170-3870-0120. The applicant is requesting a 1.6-foot variance to allow a 5.9-foot side setback instead of the required 7.5 feet, to add a pool enclosure to the existing concrete deck and pool area.

BOA 2015: An approximate 0.16-acre parcel identified by Parcel Identification No. C-18-34-29-110-0020-0150. The applicant is requesting a 6-foot variance to allow a 9-foot corner yard setback instead of the required 15 feet, to construct a new single-family dwelling.

CPA-26-647SS: An approximate 60.85-acre parcel identified by Parcel Identification Number C-10-35-29-A00-0080-0000. The applicant is requesting an amendment to the Future Land Use Map from Agriculture (AG) to Low Density Residential (RL).

P&Z 2183: An approximate 60.85-acre parcel identified by Parcel Identification Number C-10-35-29-A00-0080-0000. The applicant is requesting a change to the official Zoning Atlas from AU Agricultural District to EU Estate District.

P&Z 2189: An approximate 18.85-acre parcel identified by Parcel Identification No. C-36-37-31-A00-0030-0000. The applicant is requesting a change to the official Zoning Atlas from AU Agricultural District to AU PD Agricultural District with a Planned Development.

P&Z 2195: Two parcels totaling approximately 2.24 acres identified by Parcel Identification Numbers C-16-35-29-010-0000-0040 and C-16-35-29-010-00D1-0000. The applicant is requesting a change to the Official Zoning Atlas to change the zoning designation from B-3 Business District and I-2 Industrial District to I-2 PD Industrial District with a Planned Development.

For more information, email [email protected]

09/08/2026

Still looking for some FREE weekday or weekend fun with a few paid options? HL Bishop Park in Lake Placid is the place to check out!

This community favorite has plenty to do, whether you're looking to play, swim, fish, boat, relax, or spend the day outside.

Here’s what you’ll find:
• Basketball courts
• Boardwalk and paved walkways
• Fishing pier
• Swimming area
• ADA-friendly playground
• Picnic areas, restrooms and parking
• Boat and jet ski rental options
• Kid-friendly private water park
• Clubhouse for rent — call 863-402-6758!

🧴 Bring sunscreen and plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. Parks are open from sunrise to sunset.

📍 10 Lake June Clubhouse Road, Lake Placid



For a list of parks and boat ramps, go to: https://www.highlandsfl.gov/departments/parks_facilities/parks_recreation/boat_ramps.php

For a list of playgrounds in the county, go to: https://www.highlandsfl.gov/departments/parks_facilities/parks_recreation/playgrounds.php

09/07/2026

“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” — John F. Kennedy

Just a reminder that Highlands County government offices and Public Safety administration offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day.

The County Landfill is open, including the Recycling Center on Skipper Road and the Avon Park and Lake Placid recycling drop-off centers. Curbside collection services are operating as normal today.