On the eve of the third-year anniversary of a proposed illegal immigration ordinance that was defeated in Avon Park, the League of United Latin American Citizens is having a recognition and awards dinner. ...more

July 24, 2009

Patricia Austin hopes the arrest of two Avon Park police officers in 2008 on charges of police misconduct will "open the door" for Hispanic residents to come forward if they are the victim of any type of crime. ...more

February 19, 2009

Patricia Austin, president of the Avon Park chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), thanked Avon Park Police Chief Matt Doughney at Monday's meeting for his quick response to allegations of Hispanic residents being mistreated by two Avon Park police officers. ...more

January 11, 2009

A written plea of not guilty was entered Monday for a second Avon Park police officer charged with police misconduct. ...more

January 6, 2009

Congressional District 9 is a good example of a district drawn to suit politicians rather than serve voters. ...more

August 7, 2008

Voters will decide Aug. 26 which of three Democratic candidates will challenge freshman Gus Bilirakis for the 9th Congressional District, a Republican-held seat since its creation in the early years of the Reagan administration. ...more

July 31, 2008

A local civic activist will host a prayer vigil Sunday at the Avon Park Community Center to commemorate the second anniversary of a vote on a controversial ordinance that would have denied business licenses from the city to anyone that "aid and abets" illegal immigrants anywhere in the country. ...more

July 17, 2008

Democrats are lining up for the chance to unseat freshman GOP Rep. Gus Bilirakis next fall. ...more

January 6, 2008

How to make Avon Park grow has been the single biggest issue city leaders have grappled with for a while. That it will continue to be as important was evident at a recent Avon Park City Council candidate forum organized by a civil rights group –– the League of United Latin American Citizens. Those who expected race issues and the landlord ordinance to be discussed were surprised to instead find candidates being asked their opinion on growth matters. One of the organizers, who is Hispanic, emphasized to Highlands Today that fostering "unity" and growth are two of Avon Park's biggest challenges. He said he wanted to live in a vibrant, growing community where his kids wouldn't have to leave to look for jobs. Another member said he didn't want Avon Park to become another low-income community. ...more

October 8, 2007

AVON PARK — Growth concerns and how to deal with the city's future were the top issues Avon Park city council candidates were quizzed on during a candidate forum Tuesday. Although the forum was held by a newly created Hispanic activist group, race issues did not feature prominently during the discussion organized by the League of United Latin American Citizens, which came to Highlands County in response to last year's stalled illegal immigrant ordinance. ...more

October 4, 2007