Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, Government

Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, Government Official page for the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, Emergency Management and all County departments.

Find all our links here https://linktr.ee/highlandscountygovernment The county is divided into five districts so there are five seats on the county commission. Would be citizen-legislators can run for each election cycle. Each commissioner must live in the district they represent and elections are staggered with even and odd number districts up for election every other cycle. The county commission is charged with setting county policy and spending tax payer dollars wisely.

Be sure to visit one or all your local libraries to enjoy any of the many fun and exciting activities planned. Here's th...
06/14/2026

Be sure to visit one or all your local libraries to enjoy any of the many fun and exciting activities planned.

Here's this week's schedule:

• Sunday and Monday, libraries are closed.

• Tuesday, libraries are open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Tuesday: Sebring therapy dogs at 2 p.m. and summer reading program at 3 p.m.

• Wednesday through Saturday, libraries are open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Wednesday: Lake Placid story time at 10 a.m., Sebring story time at 11 a.m., and Avon Park therapy dogs at 2 p.m. and summer reading program at 3 & 4 p.m.

• Thursday: Lake Placid tech help at 9:30 a.m., Tai Chi at noon, S.T.E.A.M. at 1 p.m., therapy dogs at 2 p.m., and summer reading program at 3 p.m., and Sebring book to movie club at 10 a.m.

• Friday, curbside services from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Friday: Sebring tech help at 10 a.m., S.T.E.A.M. at 3:45 p.m., and Juneteenth event all day, and Avon Park tech help at 11 a.m.

• Saturday: Avon Park story time at 11 a.m.

Questions? Call 863-402-6716 or visit myhlc.org

♻️ Recycling in Highlands CountyWe’ve got 3 drop-off sites open for all residents:📍 Avon Park – Mon/Wed 2-5:30 p.m., Sat...
06/14/2026

♻️ Recycling in Highlands County

We’ve got 3 drop-off sites open for all residents:
📍 Avon Park – Mon/Wed 2-5:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (S. Prospect & Eddie Cannon St.)
📍 Sebring – Tue/Thu 2-5:30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Max Long Field, off Westminster Road)
📍 Lake Placid – Mon/Wed 2–5:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (Hickory Ave. & W. Royal Palm St.)

✅ Accepted: bottles, cans, cardboard, paper, glass, and more.
⚠️ Lithium-ion batteries can also be dropped off with attendants.
🚫 No plastic bags in bins — reuse or toss them after unloading.

👉 Details: highlandsfl.gov/departments/solid_waste/recycling.php

Yard waste means decomposable waste materials generated by yard and lawn care and includes leaves, grass trimmings, brus...
06/13/2026

Yard waste means decomposable waste materials generated by yard and lawn care and includes leaves, grass trimmings, brush, wood chips, and shrub and tree trimmings. Yard waste shall not include roots or stumps that exceed six inches in diameter. There is a 2 cubic yard maximum.

Yard waste needs to be placed in a separate container, bagged, or tied in bundles; maximum 50 lbs. per bundle, bag, or container please.

Yard waste and bulk waste are collected on alternating weeks on your scheduled collection day.

For more info, visit https://bit.ly/hc-curbside

To see this year's collection calendar, click https://bit.ly/bulkyardpickup2026

🌳 What Makes Highlands County Special? Tourism isn't just about attracting visitors. When communities invest in parks, t...
06/12/2026

🌳 What Makes Highlands County Special?

Tourism isn't just about attracting visitors.

When communities invest in parks, trails, recreation, events and public spaces, residents benefit too.

The same amenities that encourage visitors to explore Highlands County also create opportunities for families to spend time outdoors, support local businesses and enjoy a high quality of life.

That's one of the most important lessons shared during Visit Sebring's recent Tourism Insights & Awards Breakfast:

Strong tourism and strong communities go hand in hand.

When we invest in experiences that make Highlands County special, everyone benefits.

06/12/2026

How much rain does it take to end a drought? More than many people realize.

According to NOAA data, much of Florida still needs 30+ inches of rainfall over the next three months to eliminate current drought conditions. For Highlands County, that number exceeds 33 inches.

While recent rainfall events have provided welcome relief, drought recovery is not determined by a single storm. Sustained rainfall over time is needed to replenish groundwater levels, restore wetlands, improve streamflow, and support healthy ecosystems.

Recovery from drought takes time, and resilience takes all of us. Local agencies will continue monitoring conditions, preparing resources, and supporting our community. We also need residents to do their part – follow safety guidance, make informed decisions, and take actions that help reduce risk. Together, we build a more resilient Highlands County.

06/12/2026

What does a burn ban mean? 🚫🔥

A burn ban is a temporary safety measure put in place during extremely dry conditions to help reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires.

When vegetation and soil become critically dry, even small outdoor sparks can quickly spread and threaten homes, property and natural areas.

Burn bans may prohibit activities such as:
• Yard debris burning
• Burn barrels
• Campfires and open burning
• Personal fireworks use
• Other outdoor burning activities

Restrictions are based on current drought conditions and wildfire risk – not the calendar.

Even after rainfall, dry conditions can remain beneath the surface for weeks.

Highlands County continues monitoring drought conditions closely and appreciates the community’s help in reducing wildfire risk and protecting our neighborhoods, firefighters and natural resources.

4 p.m., June 12, 2026: The Highlands County Landfill is closed until further notice due to unsafe weather conditions in ...
06/12/2026

4 p.m., June 12, 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.

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, i...
06/12/2026

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, in the commissioners’ chambers in the Government Center.

To view the agenda, click here: https://highlandscofl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1075/files/agenda/3382

Items of interest:
• Employee recognitions
• CompostUSA settlement agreement
• Burn ban discussion
• Discussion on amendments to update the County Code of Ordinances about the Sun 'n Lake of Sebring Improvement District

To view the live meeting, click here: https://highlandscofl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1075/media

Please note: If you click the live media link before the meeting begins, the page will say there is no video yet. The video will appear once the meeting starts.

The meeting is also livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.

Did you know Highlands County Fire Rescue has dedicated staff responsible for training and credentialing future paramedi...
06/12/2026

Did you know Highlands County Fire Rescue has dedicated staff responsible for training and credentialing future paramedics? Meet one of the people helping prepare the next generation of first responders.

Meet Jenna Levine, firefighter/paramedic and field training officer with Highlands County Fire Rescue! 🚑🚒

For the past 17 years, Jenna has proudly served the residents of Highlands County.

She began her career as a paramedic and now serves as a firefighter/paramedic and field training officer, helping train new employees and guide EMTs as they advance to become paramedics. She also plays an important role in the credentialing process that prepares paramedics to serve the community.

One of Jenna's favorite parts of the job is meeting people. Whether she's working alongside a new employee or caring for a patient, she finds purpose in helping others during some of the most important moments of their lives.

She also hopes the community understands that emergency services is both physically and emotionally demanding. While firefighters and paramedics are known for their sense of humor, the work often involves difficult situations that stay with them long after a call ends.

Jenna's path to Fire Rescue began after paramedics responded to a serious horse-riding accident involving her mother. Watching them remain calm, professional and compassionate during a frightening moment inspired her to pursue a career in emergency medicine.

When she's not serving the community, Jenna enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and making new recipes with her family. One recent favorite was a meal she prepared in honor of her late father – fried pork chops with tomato gravy and rice – a way to celebrate his memory while sharing it with those she loves.

Thank you, Jenna, for your dedication to training the next generation of first responders and for the compassion and professionalism you bring to Highlands County Fire Rescue every day.

Address

600 S Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL
33870

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18634026500

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