News Cast for October 15th:
County approves annual budget
Okeechobee County Commissioners finalized the county budget for the fiscal year. The plan includes $193.9 million dollars. The tax rate lowered from 8 mills to 7.9 mills.
The county will collect an additional four percent in property taxes this year mostly due to new growth and rising property values.
Okeechobee fire rescue visited Douglas Park residents and installed smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as part of their efforts to improve fire prevention and safety.
The commission also allowed Main Street to park their vendors vehicles during festivals at the block located between route 70 and the historic court house.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said their powers of regulation will not change if amendment 2 is passed next month by voters. The amendment would protect the right to hunt and fish in Florida.
Mike Elfenbine told the commission that with other states doing away with fishing and hunting, its important Florida takes action now.
There is a lot of noise in the world from people who would like to see fishing and hunting end. They always lead by saying
were not against fishing and hunting. Then you realize the extend to which they go to create stories and lives and nefarious plots to keep this from happening, it is very obvious the threat they pose to fishing and hunting, not only in this state, but nationwide.”
Opponents like Rhonda Roth with the Sierra Club said the amendment is too vague and confusing.
“I do recognize the cultural importance of hunting and fishing and frogging. I see them taking deer for gifts to medicine people at ceremonies. I do understand the importance of that. There is nothing in me or the Sierra Club that would oppose well regulated hunting and fishing.”
Highlands County Commissioners changed regulations for new mobile home and RV parks. They had placed a moratorium on new applications for a time. Mobile home and RVs over 20 years old can not be relocated to another park. There must be at least 15 feet between each unit and the minimum lot size is 500 feet.
Developer Bill Frohm told Highlands Commissioners they propose a project on airport road at US 98.
“We are very excited about this mixed-use project. It will not only provide RV facilities to enhance the nearby Sebring International facility but also serves the public with a restaurant, convenience store and other commercial stores.”
Chairwoman of the Glades County School Board Crystal Drake said repeated training and counseling of teachers on the code of ethics is a way to protect the district from lawsuits.
She pointed to a recent coaches meeting where staff explained to teachers the proper relationship between coaches, teachers and students and frowning against social get togethers.
She said the district has been blessed because they haven’t run into problems like many other schools have.
She said it would be good to keep teachers refreshed and trained about the code of ethics.