During a recent government meeting in Highlands, community members voiced concerns about the town's future direction, particularly regarding its identity and development. A long-time resident highlighted the need for Highlands to choose between maintaining its elegant, peaceful atmosphere akin to Martha's Vineyard or adopting a more commercial, chaotic vibe reminiscent of Daytona Beach. The resident expressed frustration over the influx of businesses that prioritize profit over community integrity, citing issues with alcohol consumption and public disorder in the area.

The discussion centered around a new alcohol consumption establishment planned for Carolina Way, which the resident criticized as insufficiently upscale and potentially detrimental to the town's reputation. They emphasized the importance of enforcing existing codes, particularly fire safety regulations, to ensure that new businesses align with the community's values.

Concerns were also raised about the growing problem of parking in town, with a suggestion to repurpose the bank building across from the park into a parking facility to better accommodate tourists and residents alike. The resident argued that enhancing parking availability would help maintain the town's integrity and support local businesses.

In addition to these discussions, the mayor provided updates on various town projects, including the ongoing Mirror Lake dredging initiative aimed at improving the lake's condition. The project, funded by the Mirror Lake Homeowners Association, is expected to take several months and involves significant sediment removal to enhance the lake's ecological health.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of an upcoming power outage scheduled for Monday night, as Duke Energy conducts necessary repairs following Hurricane Helene. The mayor reassured residents that the outage was planned to minimize disruption during the busy holiday season.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's desire to preserve Highlands' unique character while navigating the challenges of growth and development.