Highlands County BCC

We are proud to recognize one of our own, Firefighter/Paramedic Bryan Sands, who was recently awarded the Firefighter of the Year Highlander Award at the Highlands News-Sun Highlander Awards. Bryan joined Highlands County Fire Rescue in 2016 as a part-time EMT and has steadily advanced in his career — becoming a firefighter/EMT in 2018, earning his paramedic credential in 2022, and serving as a member of our Special Ops team. He also helps develop the next generation of responders as a field training officer and takes on additional leadership as a ride-up lieutenant. This award is a reflection not only of Bryan’s skill, but also his leadership, dedication, and commitment to serving our community. Special thanks to Florida Lakes Surgical for sponsoring the Firefighter of the Year category and helping honor the service and sacrifice of our firefighters.

Highlands County Fire Rescue is proud to congratulate Lt. Brad Roberts, who was named Paramedic of the Year at the Highlands News-Sun Highlander Awards. Brad’s journey with us began in 2017, and through dedication, training, and leadership, he has grown into a trusted firefighter/paramedic, field training officer, and now lieutenant. This recognition highlights not only his skill and professionalism, but also his unwavering commitment to serving others. We also extend congratulations to the many first responders nominated for Highlander Awards this year, and we thank HCA Healthcare Florida Highlands Hospital for sponsoring the Paramedic/EMT of the Year category and honoring the work of emergency services professionals across our community.

Every life is precious. 💙 Highlands County Fire Rescue has joined the A Safe Haven for Newborns program, giving parents in crisis a safe, compassionate option. Seven of our 24-hour staffed stations are now designated Safe Haven locations, where an unharmed infant can be left – no questions asked – so that child can have a chance at a safe and healthy future. This program’s mission of protecting the most vulnerable aligns with our own: to safeguard lives and serve our community with compassion, professionalism, and service over self. Signs were installed today at Stations 7 and 19. The remaining signs will be installed in the coming weeks. Safe Haven signs will be posted at: Station 4: 51 Wilhite St., Avon Park, FL 33825 Station 7: 4212 Sun 'n Lake Blvd., Sebring, FL 33872 Station 10: 3517 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872 Station 17: 230 Peach St., Sebring, FL 33870 Station 19: 6800 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33870 Station 36: 12 W. Interlake Blvd., Lake Placid, FL 33862 Station 41: 460 Sun N Lakes Blvd., Lake Placid, FL 33852 ℹ️ Learn more about the program: https://lnkd.in/eTygUjS

Congratulations to our Board of County Commissioners! Three of our Board members were sworn in yesterday for their second terms: Commissioner Kevin Roberts (District 1), Commissioner Scott Kirouac (District 3), and Commissioner Chris Campbell (District 5). We also want to congratulate Commissioner Arlene Tuck (District 4), who was elected the Board chair for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, and Commissioner Don Elwell (District 2), who was elected as vice chair. Thank you to Commissioner Roberts, who served as Board chair this past year. Learn more about your County Commissioners at https://lnkd.in/gfhtD6Gk

James “JD” Langford is the County’s new Assistant County Administrator, and we were proud to present him to the Board yesterday morning! JD began his career with Highlands County in January 2017 when he was hired as the assistant county engineer. He was promoted to county engineer in March 2023. As the assistant county administrator, JD will assist County Administrator Laurie Hurner with keeping the effective operation of the County going, give personal attention to administrative details and special projects, and establish and maintain highly essential and positive communications and working relationships with officials, the public, and County staff. Congratulates JD! We are all excited to see what you will do in your new role!

Today is GIS Day! Over the next month, be sure to visit the impressive Map Expo that GIS staff has put together for our community this year! Dates & Locations: Government Center lobby, Nov. 18-22 (600 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring) Avon Park Public Library, Nov. 25-27 (100 N. Museum Ave., Avon Park) Sebring Public Library, Dec. 2-8 (319 W. Center Ave., Sebring) Lake Placid Memorial Library, Dec. 10-15 (205 W. Interlake Blvd., Lake Placid) The first GIS Day was celebrated in November 1999, and it is traditionally celebrated on Wednesday during Geography Awareness Week, which is the third week in November. At yesterday’s Board meeting, commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing today as GIS Day in Highlands County. GIS Day is a global celebration held each November that highlights the people and technology behind Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It’s an opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals who use GIS technology to solve real-world problems, making communities safer, smarter, and more connected. GIS (Geographic Information Science) is a technology that helps us understand where things are and how they relate to each other on a map. It lets us collect, analyze, and visualize data tied to locations, so we can see patterns, make better decisions, and solve problems in our community. GIS is used throughout County departments for many different types of uses. For example, staff in the Engineering department use GIS to analyze traffic patterns and plan for future roadway growth. In the Road & Bridge department, staff manage their assets like bridges, pavement, and more in GIS. Additionally, Emergency Management utilizes GIS to always monitor the safety and security of our County, and Public Information uses GIS to share information to the public about all the above!