News Update for 6/15/23

New Avon Park Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kamela Long came before the city council to give an update on their activities. Reportedly, the Chamber has sunk some $80,000 into improvements at their Main Street location.
Among the repairs were patching roof leaks, a complete rewiring of the building, the replacement of drywall where mold was found and a new security system. Still on the agenda – improvements to the landscaping.
They also have added two new spaces on the back of the building for rental. One is slated to become the Heartland Pack & Ship. No word on when that will start operation.
Long says her next project will be to assist with the City of Charm’s Independence Day celebration on the shores of Lake Verona this July 4th.

Highlands County School Board members got an update on a College Board conference in Chicago recently attended by a number of administration personnel. Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Danielle Erwin gave the report, saying some of the ideas they gleaned already are being woven into school’s itineraries.
Florida Governor Ron Desantis earlier this year said the state should re-evaluate their relationship with the College Board.

Officials in Polk County have announced they’ve received a half-million-dollar grant to protect lands around the Avon Park Air Force Range. The sprawling facility comprises better than 100,000 acres and covers parts of both Highlands and Polk Counties.
The funding is part of $6.1 million in awards announced Monday to military communities through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program, the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program and the Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant Program.
County officials did not immediately announce their plans for the money.