[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6340633,"mediaKeyId","2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8","parentId",2259151,"title","Council endorses prioritized sewer projects for DEP grant and approves water extension option for two homes on Tioga Lane","audioSeconds",12418,"startMs",1246000,"endMs",13664000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8&start=1246&end=13664","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8/thumbnail_1246000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6340633/Lake-Placid/Highlands-County/Florida/Council-endorses-prioritized-sewer-projects-for-DEP-grant-and-approves-water-extension-option-for-two-homes-on-Tioga-Lane","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340633-98ef3b4618fe4b64a9cb300a60f3d0bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605596&Signature=MGMx1FnmI0rJk5RSdlZDeSViffonZ2kkvwp9OWfobp4OyDHVt2qNswdF3sR1GQgDHquvcPIqT4s0KVJeB9Daci7nTeV42qmzf8H1~lIiA5Z~VxLMTSx79PajtuahA4~3NDzdp-2vknC84DD38XG~a6TKCfKE7STc~oZsO2Y~MWHu-ax1p7QhVScJcHLgHLZW3IvpVBIDgCjnq~ERk1HMKo7d6Dnx7MH4lDsik1iRgsK2~FaA1uo100PILGf1W4ar1jBFbRsIEyY22k6nrHQTtLa0qlPQ8yAgiW9Qcoj3R9Ft7AMy9h2p-kG5CQ907X62cWnj5hEXtI3Y8pMdOmrR5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Lake Placid, FL","date","2025-02-11T04:58:13Z","article","Lake Placid — Council members voted to prioritize a package of regional wastewater projects for the town’s next Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant application and approved a separate homeowner water‑extension option that will allow two residences on Tioga Lane to receive town water now at the homeowner’s expense.

On wastewater and funding priorities, council directed staff to package projects 1–3 (closing the Tomoka and Lake June Hills treatment plants and constructing a tying lift station/force main into the new central plant) as the town’s DEP grant submission. Council members said the combination reduces pollutant loading to Lake Henry and Lake June and positions the town to use state funding that favors lake‑protection projects. Council also authorized staff to seek a second, separate legislative (congressional) earmark request, tentatively for a portion of the Southtown project, so long as the town can firm up scope and cost figures in time for the federal process.

Town staff cautioned DEP grant amounts are limited; staff briefed the council that DEP awards in recent cycles have tended to range in the single‑digit to low‑double‑digit millions, and that projects may need to be scaled to fit available funding. The council’s priorities were developed in coordination with the regional utility board and reflected engineering updates and bids where available.

Separately the council considered a homeowner request to receive potable town water at 37 Tioga Lane and the adjoining parcel. The owner offered to fund an immediate inch‑and‑a‑half service run from Lake June Road at his cost (approximately $39,000 estimate for the small service), while the town’s preferred solution would have upsized an eight‑inch main and installed a hydrant for future village‑scale service (estimated at roughly $99,000–$138,000 depending on installation method). After discussion the council approved the homeowner’s option: the homeowner may proceed with an inch‑and‑a‑half service at his cost and with the understanding that future main upgrades could supersede and replace that private line. Council members said the town will maintain policy work to create consistent rules for individual extensions vs. developer‑funded main extensions.

In other utility business the council authorized the mayor to execute a water bulk service fee agreement (a financing step) with Southern Florida District Church of the Nazarene for potable service to the Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center, with a requested amendment allowing a cash deposit to guarantee obligations in lieu of a specified bond type; the town attorney and applicant will work on final wording to ensure escrow/holding arrangements are clear. Council approved that authorization by roll call following applicant assurances that their board must sign but asked to proceed to keep the DEP/FDEP financing timeline on track.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Lake Placid Regular Meeting -2/10/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council directed staff to make a DEP grant application focused on three wastewater projects (closure of Tomoka and Lake June Hills plants and construction of a main lift station and force main) and approved allowing a homeowner to install an inch‑and‑a‑half water service at his cost where utility upsizing is not yet feasible.","taxTitle","Lake Placid, Highlands County, Florida","taxId",54067,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6340638,"Council declines to reallocate infrastructure reserve for a playground now; staff to pursue park master plan and site surveys",506,6804000,7310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8&start=6804&end=7310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8/thumbnail_6804000.jpg","/articles/6340638/Lake-Placid/Highlands-County/Florida/Council-declines-to-reallocate-infrastructure-reserve-for-a-playground-now-staff-to-pursue-park-master-plan-and-site-surveys","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340638-e353fe2c278f2c1ffa27119db312a562/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605596&Signature=k-Kq-fI7i6QVSzhtXKVByWJa83R5M8F~nVdk8SJMq8ALYVfufwKt8W3qrSaKLQ9uxcK7yUme6UB01Pxhslhyy0Gp5c6ux5jjU4rHOv1pLtQC3p3MeuHE1AlrPmBRYQSFFWoUMAjAN0bp1fcU~YtzpgGCB2orXydtt0JfYhJJ4T8W5YG0~iqKUdmAJNYtM~SgqLcLfLtqhNAaJc0JPscxR5a5pbgKiTTmD2NPFqu6nY17zRpy64Crln5h5BwjfUnkHcF4t553b20Y3PDEFHGQzcETwTIlMyIvemLxzhZ8eKyyjCXjyukHbaHFI3yp8dppowDkm0bFnRwZWon2chyyFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Placid — Councilwoman Charlotte Charles proposed allocating $200,000 from the town’s infrastructure reserve to replace aging playground equipment at Lake June Park this fiscal year. The motion failed for lack of a second after council members said they preferred to wait for an upcoming parks master plan and to consider funding as part of the normal capital improvement (CIP) and budget cycle.

Charles argued the playground equipment is dilapidated and that construction of a new half‑million‑dollar pickleball complex nearby would make it unfortunate to leave playground equipment unreplaced. She said the town has infrastructure reserves and that families have urged earlier action.

Other council members and staff responded that playgrounds and parks are eligible capital uses but stressed fiscal prudence. Several members urged waiting for the master plan underway through the TDC process and for the related site surveys to be completed so design, ADA issues and maintenance capacity can be addressed comprehensively. The town administrator and staff confirmed there is a new ADA‑compliant playground at Serenity Village and noted over 60 projects are in active tracking by staff.

Council unanimously authorized staff to proceed with surveys and title work for two additional parcels (Dal Hall building site and a Spruce Street park), which will support future grant applications (including FDEP/FIRDAP) and park master planning. Staff said surveys are within the town administrator’s authority and likely modest in cost compared with building projects.

Public commenters, including parents and community volunteers, urged council to accelerate repairs or replacement at Lake June Park, describing rusted equipment and potential safety hazards; staff said mulch and some short‑term repairs had been completed and directed staff to do an equipment condition assessment and report back. Council did not reallocate the infrastructure reserve this meeting.","A motion to immediately allocate $200,000 from infrastructure reserves to replace playground equipment at Lake June Park failed for lack of a second. Council members agreed to proceed with a coordinated parks master plan, to pursue surveys and title work on several park properties, and to evaluate capital needs during the next budget cycle.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6340643,"Developers present concept for covered RV and boat storage on US‑27; council asks for renderings and LPA review",1466,2399000,3865000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8&start=2399&end=3865","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8/thumbnail_2399000.jpg","/articles/6340643/Lake-Placid/Highlands-County/Florida/Developers-present-concept-for-covered-RV-and-boat-storage-on-US27-council-asks-for-renderings-and-LPA-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340643-096768c667e3adcd3461392a333700b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605596&Signature=EeqvHqkYnlqBza04CKgNwcyNMMFQ5RMHqXaJlTdcLuHr7q2iLyxVV-9dV~dTsULPrlBkzQP3SqosOO~XBIsTt82asxlGP0dDGtdMnd~a1y6E3U~lvSzSRhpnFCGT8K15OknHo-x-J1S68PhWMOwxvD1wS9NKnsIEiysv5kxGk3XtKG5y1tHMzPvIowz~xKBIfnm1cggbm8PW1GPlB4cRdg8pYpUX-cT~5KuGzJQ4do0NrDDieAmmgP-zlmxxALw8g9NBquf9tgUN3nrgTT1dfXHssZpTQFcELUFpRIMPP5TJUE-1OhEedakKKjO~IKrcgGfbnrzWhcOKy4AzsBWjgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Placid — Developers of a proposed covered RV and boat storage facility along US‑27 presented a concept to the Town Council seeking preliminary feedback and guidance before submitting formal zoning and site‑plan applications.

Kevin Manning, representing FDM Land Development, told council the project would provide covered parking (not enclosed units) with light maintenance but no overnight stays; three existing small buildings on the parcel would be used for an office, storage/maintenance and an on‑site manager residence. Manning said the project is intended to protect recreational vehicles from Florida sun and reduce local traffic compared with the current medical office trip counts at the site.

Council and residents pressed the applicant for more detail. Concerns included whether to require a frontage road along US‑27 (the town’s growth management plan favors frontage roads and a multi‑use path), visibility from adjacent Tomoka Heights, the visual appearance of covered structures (metal buildings are discouraged in the corridor), retention and coordination of landscaping with the adjacent homeowners association, and whether the Local Planning Agency (LPA) should be the first forum for public input instead of council.

Council members and town staff repeatedly asked the developer to provide 3‑D renderings and a landscaping plan so the LPA and neighbors can assess sightlines, screening and materials. Several council members said they did not want to set a precedent of applicants bypassing LPA and called for a standard review sequence (LPA recommendation before council action). Tomoka Heights representatives said they had worked with the developer on recent fence and transformer issues and expected continued coordination.

The session produced no vote or binding approvals. Council advised the applicant to take the concept to the LPA with renderings, a landscaping plan, and a proposed approach to the frontage road multi‑use path issues for more formal review.","Developers seeking feedback on a proposed covered RV and boat storage facility on US‑27 presented a conceptual plan; council and nearby homeowners asked for 3‑D renderings, landscaping details and clarity about a frontage road and multi‑use path before the application proceeds to the Local Planning Agency.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6340648,"Council moves to permit food trucks with temporary rules; staff to add insurance, permit language",4954,10666000,15620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8&start=10666&end=15620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8/thumbnail_10666000.jpg","/articles/6340648/Lake-Placid/Highlands-County/Florida/Council-moves-to-permit-food-trucks-with-temporary-rules-staff-to-add-insurance-permit-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340648-81315fa00a575d4dd854c6cab87bb6a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605596&Signature=IUUyPJ4s8kgmgNbpFZ2tpLcqfC99D3zBmoadXl43eopBMjZewA0y~Zm9q8JI5cPaCIvP9fyfoY9HAp8sn1r5h6iaYR6LLTlbeg0JMu4YMOLj0CGCEyGRFJWy4zeRSpxtnDZjEAE~vx2KdKVcW0SJ3tEf-fcMKWMH71KNP~vWzCDNnhjxAhF9AKDNHLsv6IT-x84ReHAPjwEi~oxY6iOqbPfyHDQ1T-tGREkK2ylmEPPw6aT0AF0dQq3iaekQJftFYLWQOPr4AChrrsNj6gJTbywxj8Sbzfj~ElJEPUCSn2UdHpLnnWMXln7ZAx0kt52zbko0ElJAwVjNxOtwU1cB0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Placid — After lengthy public comment and divided input from downtown businesses, council members and residents, the Lake Placid Town Council approved a temporary ordinance setting rules for mobile vendors and food trucks on public property, while directing staff to add permit and insurance language and produce a refined ordinance for final action next month.

The motion approved at the meeting allows mobile food facilities to operate on designated public areas (examples discussed included the outside of sidewalks at DeVane Circle and specified public parking areas) and sets operational limits: vendors must serve to the sidewalk (not into the roadway), operate from the sidewalk side, avoid handicapped spaces and hatched accessibility zones, and avoid stopping within 20 feet of a crosswalk. The council amended the draft to require parallel placement (not perpendicular/angled) and to permit up to three parallel parking spaces for a vendor, and it removed the draft clause banning generators after vendors and town staff said generators are commonly used and necessary.

The ordinance was described to the council as an interim or “get‑by” measure while the town contracts with outside planning counsel to craft a comprehensive permanent code update. Town attorney feedback in the meeting emphasized that an effective moratorium or change must be enacted by ordinance; staff framed this document as a stopgap so events and vendors can operate with predictable rules while more detailed code language is drafted and vetted.

Business owners, including Journal Plaza merchants and other downtown operators, voiced both support and substantial concern. Some downtown businesses said food trucks can increase foot traffic and help events; others warned that allowing vendors on public property near brick‑and‑mortar businesses risks diverting customers and invited long‑term conflicts. Several speakers asked that any permitting system require proof of insurance naming the town as an additional insured; council instructed the attorney to prepare that language.

Council also directed several edits to the draft: (1) delete blanket prohibitions on compressors and generators, (2) prohibit parking within 20 feet of crosswalks, (3) restrict mobile vending on public property to council‑designated locations (rather than open lawful parking across the town), (4) require parallel placement facing the sidewalk and allow up to three contiguous parallel spaces, (5) require vendors to cease sales and move within a short, reasonable time if ordered by police for public safety (the council discussed a 30‑minute allowance to secure goods and clear the site), and (6) staff to return with draft permit/insurance language that would require proof of commercial insurance naming the town as an insured party.","After weeks of debate, the council approved a temporary ordinance to allow mobile food vendors in designated public spaces with added amendments and asked the town attorney and staff to return with permit and insurance requirements before final adoption.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6340653,"Town council adopts rezoning for Lake Placid Church of the Nazarene with lighting limits",1179,5619000,6798000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8&start=5619&end=6798","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2259151-23c74d3b9d31e5077ae9fe6968fe24e8/thumbnail_5619000.jpg","/articles/6340653/Lake-Placid/Highlands-County/Florida/Town-council-adopts-rezoning-for-Lake-Placid-Church-of-the-Nazarene-with-lighting-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340653-36b0f4ddc71a6705958094e9c1521f7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605596&Signature=Tj~yBefkPH5-vjANLigYES1SxT4yF0cIrOw7X0nMVsVyt~aPI-qYYfo5NE~PItSnGFLF0iFoG8j99~5KFWQL-HrHnvd4YNYknr4Q8FkiftPU29mOGq~Wy07b8LkSGs2rGkj1hszevI-gD9Ua5HRVfEySmuJgLbRuvUknbeFsIORA0LdkVa0cGv8pbqEep58uyAjsDpkZet1s8CHCyNU4fWguSn2qHR45KgKCmLk5rwcaTlJanKgdoq183CnB4lnkMie48wEhEItzoIGFII5Dj6UZ8a73nF1VS9TETPQibbgd04VIzhb1U5UpCPHgcyxrT7alcF7S2bArziGUcDgJvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Placid — The Lake Placid Town Council on second reading adopted Ordinance 2025‑01 rezoning 512 West Interlake Boulevard from C‑2 (Limited Commercial) to C2PD (Limited Commercial Planned Development) to allow a church and related uses, and attached updated site conditions that require modest new lighting standards for nighttime parking.

The council voted unanimously after brief technical discussion and a clerk‑administered oath for the applicant’s witnesses. Dana Riddell, town planner, reviewed site servicing, circulation and code issues, and said the applicant agreed to the council’s requested changes from first reading.

The ordinance matters to the neighborhood because it changes zoning to allow church activities on a commercial parcel and sets development conditions the applicant must meet at site plan review. Riddell noted the property is served by off‑site potable water and by on‑site septic; the town currently has potable capacity but no immediate connection due to distance, and Highlands County will review off‑site road improvements and permitting as part of later site plan work.

Council members focused on two design conditions that had been added since first reading: tree canopy coverage (to be required but allowed away from vehicular use areas) and lighting. After staff reviewed standards used by comparable Florida communities, council amended the proposed language to require a minimum average of 1.0 foot‑candle across parking areas when those parking areas are in use, and limited lighting to begin one hour before and to end one hour after an evening event in the portion of the site that functions as parking. Council members said the requirement was intended to balance pedestrian safety with avoiding light spill onto neighboring properties.

Mayor John Holbrook and member questions during the hearing also raised site‑plan items to be resolved at commercial plan review: canopy location, parking over grass (the applicant proposed parking on turf in places), coordination on a future multi‑use path and wastewater capacity. Riddell said Central Florida Regional Planning Council staff and Highlands County engineering will be engaged as needed during site plan review.

The council’s motion to approve the ordinance on second reading included the lighting and canopy changes; the motion passed 4‑0 (Council members Worley, Hayes, Charles and Everhart voting yes). The ordinance directs that a final lighting plan demonstrating the 1.0 foot‑candle average and the specified timing be submitted before issuance of any development order.","The Lake Placid Town Council voted unanimously on second reading to rezone 512 W. Interlake Blvd. to allow church uses and added conditions that require a minimum average of 1 foot-candle of lighting in parking areas when in use and restrict lighting to one hour before and after events.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council endorses prioritized sewer projects for DEP grant and approves water extension option for two homes on Tioga Lane

Council declines to reallocate infrastructure reserve for a playground now; staff to pursue park master plan and site surveys

Developers present concept for covered RV and boat storage on US‑27; council asks for renderings and LPA review

Council moves to permit food trucks with temporary rules; staff to add insurance, permit language

Town council adopts rezoning for Lake Placid Church of the Nazarene with lighting limits