News Update for 11/21/23
You may think the rent is too darn high here – but according to a new report from Construction Coverage, rental costs in the Avon Park/Sebring metro area are below the national average.
The numbers show the median average rent here is $1,261 dollars – with an average of $1,198 for a two bedroom unit and $912 for a single bedroom.
That compares with a the national median average of $1,782. Nationally, a 2-bedroom goes for $1,716 and a single bedroom at $1,423.
Overall, Highlands ranked 106th in the analysis of metro areas.
Usually, the Highlands County commission meets the first and third Tuesday of each month – but not this week. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, the session has been pushed back. It will be held next Tuesday – which will be the fourth Thursday of the month.
Thanksgiving is not until Thursday, but local veterans are getting a jump on the holiday. From 11 until 2 this afternoon, American Legion Post 25 in Lake Placid is hosting their sixth annual Veterans free dinner. Guests will include both veterans and first responders.
WWOJ’s Donnie Shaffer will serve as master of ceremonies.
Yesterday, the Highlands County Veterans’ Service office held their 11th annual Thanksgiving meal distribution for veterans. Volunteers handed out Thanksgiving dinners and gift cards as part of the event.
November has been declared Veterans’ Month in Highlands County.
Drugs could be a factor in a high-speed chase involving a Polk County man. FHP says Lakeland’s Larry Marcus took Ecstasy and pain pills before leading troopers on a chase yesterday morning on I-75 North in Pasco County. He allegedly hit an SUV, kept going, got off the highway then back on the highway, this time going south. FHP says he hit another SUV, exited onto CR 577 and came to a stop on a sidewalk. Troopers found the 35-year-old lying down in the backseat and arrested him. They say he showed signs of impairment and was acting erratically. News Channel 8 reports Marcus is facing charges that include reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.