AVON PARK — Early voting for Avon Park's mayor and for one council seat begins Monday, making it the first time in the city's history that it is holding early voting for local offices. Voters will pick between four mayoral candidates and four contestants for Councilman Doug Eason's seat, which he is vacating. Mayor Sharon Schuler is up against RCMA Technology Director Ed Dickerson, Local Advocacy Council Chairman Gonzalo Lezama and former Mayor Gordon Marshall. ...more

October 28, 2007

AVON PARK — John Barben admits the Avon Park Executive Airport is troubled. As it bled more than $3.8 million in state grants since the 2005-2006 fiscal year ending Sept. 30, it generated only about $345,000 in business revenue. ...more

October 11, 2007

AVON PARK — The police chief's position was frozen until the council voted unanimously to thaw it Monday, but also tacked a residency requirement so that Frank Mercurio's successor must live within 10 driving miles of the city limit. ...more

October 10, 2007

AVON PARK — Police Cmdr. Michael J. Rowan, now serving as interim Avon Park police chief after the forced resignation of former chief Frank Mercurio, said Wednesday that he plans to apply for the open position. City Manager C.B. Shirey said he's already received 13 applications for the position. The new acting chief has been busy adjusting to the transition and wants to take his time to submit an application. ...more

October 5, 2007

I would like to thank everyone who attended the POW-MIA in Avon Park, for it was a very spectacular program. Col. Hutchinson, with his JROTC giving tribute on the "Table" of the missing plate. The keynote speaker was introduced by Tom Macklin, and Elizabeth Steward, who is co-author of "An Enormous Crime," Barry and Susan Foster. Barry for all his help and write-up in the paper, and his wife Susan for the pictures she took. The city manager, CB Shirey, with all his help in getting our permits, and just being there for me. Wally Randall, I don't know what I would have done without you. Tom and Tammy Macklin, I know how you went out on a limb for me. David Flowers, I can't say what it meant to have you sing the American Trilogy, and play TAPS, just as the fireworks went off. I have not forgotten the Stardusters, who played patriotic songs for us to dance to before the program. ...more

September 28, 2007

SEBRING — The ruling of a circuit court judge has removed the property tax relief proposal from the Jan. 29 ballot, but the Legislature has time to reverse that action. ...more

September 26, 2007

It seems odd that Avon Park doesn't do annual evaluations of department heads. That's the case, though, and we don't believe it's fair to department heads and it's certainly not good management of people by business standards. Good managers understand that employees need to know where they stand on a regular basis, which means regular communication. Along with that, they should have an accurate evaluation every year. The key word here is "accurate." Glowing annual evaluations sure make everyone feel warm and fuzzy, but they don't begin to identify weaknesses, strengths and areas where improvement is necessary. Sitting down with a good employee and telling them that along with all their positives, they also have weaknesses is one of the toughest things a manager has to do. It's also, perhaps, the most important thing they do. ...more

September 23, 2007

AVON PARK — Outgoing Avon Park Police Chief Frank Mercurio said at a press conference late Wednesday morning that he will turn in his badge Friday, Sept. 28. As he announced his resignation, he also accused the city of "railroading" him at July's budget meeting. ...more

September 19, 2007