[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6272467,"mediaKeyId","3027800-f7d70f3a57fc5166b3e0eb3c647b3678","parentId",3027800,"title","Votes at a glance: Lake Placid council approves festival fee waiver, meeting schedule, zoning change and software purchase","audioSeconds",2671,"startMs",5841000,"endMs",8512000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027800-f7d70f3a57fc5166b3e0eb3c647b3678&start=5841&end=8512","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027800-f7d70f3a57fc5166b3e0eb3c647b3678/thumbnail_5841000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272467/Lake-Placid/Highlands-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Lake-Placid-council-approves-festival-fee-waiver-meeting-schedule-zoning-change-and-software-purchase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272467-c2cd570a17775826c55437979d91a9b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175007&Signature=XezOJ7IYEDkm5Sd79ePBIMFoYmSQ7bGLtMsN9c~UHXyNle-MxD5Hxgg6-xBAy~RVi8IzYeHpDu-73jJp5oPx9d7Ikf3HiR9BV6utOeVE0uw2uY6gqWdoOH44sa3UA74c31RnupdI8MpFeQQwTJCBU~833OpttbALR9Uy4mIIxPhcqj5Nzx3VPLvzVeXKMNyynIRzFik47fs9VgdhLGbqb8pkx5rpuN5qc55U1vNas~ruAwI6WUZESi56MViyBbrkz6htMl36lZ1MBkDJj2b-87Vfq01WLpYhFB0s~hHp-f80nxR4512TT66UsYlirW609R66emfG9NIkHJt9m5E9Wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Lake Placid, FL","date","2025-04-17T00:13:21.27Z","article","The Lake Placid Town Council took several formal actions in its April 2025 meeting. Below are the motions, outcomes and key details from the record.

Caladium (Palladium) Festival — fees and town costs
Motion/outcome: The council approved waiving town‑incurred costs for the Caladium Festival in the amount discussed by staff; the motion passed with one abstention. Staff presented police and public‑works cost estimates tied to town services for the event; the amount discussed during the meeting was approximately $10,116 (police services plus public‑works support) and the motion was described on the record as amended to $10,001.16 before the vote. Council member Hayes recorded an abstention and council members Charles, Eberhardt and Worley voted in favor.
Notes: Chamber of Commerce representatives said the event is the organization’s main fundraiser and that absorbing those costs would threaten the festival’s viability; council members asked staff to budget these legacy events more transparently for future fiscal years.

Ordinance 202505 — second regular monthly meeting (first reading)
Motion/outcome: Council voted to adopt on first reading an ordinance (No. 202505) to add a regular meeting on the fourth Monday of each month; the motion passed on first reading. Staff and council discussed how public hearings and planning matters should be scheduled and suggested using the second or fourth meeting for certain noticed items.
Notes: Council asked staff to clarify rules for agenda placement so members of the public know which meeting will host public hearings or land‑use items.

Planned development zoning modification for police station (Ordinance 2025‑04, first reading)
Motion/outcome: Council approved the requested modification to the planned‑development zoning for the proposed police department facility on first reading. The amendment allows deviation from the town’s primary‑facade glazing and porch requirements while retaining standards for exterior materials; staff said the approved exterior materials will meet the town’s finished‑surface requirement and the deviation addresses security concerns for a secured facility. The motion passed on first reading by roll call.
Notes: Town planner advised the PD modification is the appropriate mechanism to authorize the departures; final adoption requires a second reading.

Internal grant software purchase
Motion/outcome: Council approved purchasing internal grant‑management/project‑tracking software to centralize grant administration and CIP tracking. Staff said the tool will help the town manage deadlines, tasks and reporting across departments and could reduce the need for outside grant writing; the purchase will be allocated across departments and reflected in a budget amendment. The motion passed on a recorded vote.
Notes: Staff said training and rollout are planned and that the Florida League of Cities had supported the software vendor as a municipal partner; staff will include the item in the midyear budget snapshot.

Sanitation vehicle repair — budget amendment
Motion/outcome: Council approved a budget amendment to fund repair of Sanitation claw truck #22 after an engine failure; staff reported a rebuilt long‑block quote and a revised estimate of $44,981.28 to replace the engine and related components. The council approved allocating sanitation fund resources to cover the repair; the vote passed by roll call.
Notes: Staff said the quote includes a manufacturer rebuild with a warranty; the vehicle is in active service and the town has other equipment available while repairs are performed.

How to read this list: These items are drawn from the council’s formal motions and roll calls in the April meeting. For text of ordinances, staff reports and the official minutes, see the town clerk’s office.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Lake Placid Regular Meeting -4/14/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the April meeting the Lake Placid Town Council approved a fee waiver for a principal annual festival, set a second regular meeting day on the calendar (first reading), approved a zoning modification (first reading) for a planned development police facility, authorized grant‑management software and approved a sanitation vehicle repair budget amendment.","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},6272473,"Town council approves quitclaim deed to Pfeiffer family for small parcel cut off by Lake Clay Drive",604,5395000,5999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027800-f7d70f3a57fc5166b3e0eb3c647b3678&start=5395&end=5999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027800-f7d70f3a57fc5166b3e0eb3c647b3678/thumbnail_5395000.jpg","/articles/6272473/Lake-Placid/Highlands-County/Florida/Town-council-approves-quitclaim-deed-to-Pfeiffer-family-for-small-parcel-cut-off-by-Lake-Clay-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272473-01852731878868738d959202f1fa14bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175007&Signature=Shes4UcqLpForZ4T6pNJRqAg6cAY6UjeoZFqmA-Ak8kMoT0DkYo4To9uSJywr1XuxksOji2RVCq5gAc5uKNPyVrYEZRas1snxvDHar5PYUyET8j~KgL4lLWANwxzKSOv4Q0phvKjf9tBfv5nWFBOkIlIPFvUFieJwhR4uKUkdvJz1IVVCC2e3dYQbVv5edcGAetOYBZVGhUmVFfzm9fMX28eOA8z~z8LS7N1NH06PaIiHQW7OOn4jX~lJk6Ijo5mS44KVF89ZLRer-2IoRguFsuAWRDl5LJ92WFgJzrSbMBFLmf~0GHAo26tAQ102mmUBQlIEV2hegsITAk1lPAlSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lake Placid Town Council approved on April 2025 a conveyance of a small parcel to PGP Partners Ltd. (the Pfeiffer family) by quitclaim deed after staff reported the parcel had been inadvertently retained on the town’s title when Lake Clay Drive was created.

Town staff presented a title analysis showing the town’s parcel had been effectively divided when Sullivan Shores was developed in 1956 and that the small remnant parcel of approximately 1,271.63 square feet sits northwest of Lake Clay Drive. Attorney Kimberly Sapp (identified in staff materials) provided legal review and advised that town charter Section 4.13(g) requires conveyance or lease of municipal land by ordinance. Town staff said the parcel’s value is “de minimis,” that the remnant has been fenced and assessed as part of the private parcel for more than 50 years, and that PGP Partners Ltd. has been paying property taxes on the land.

Why it matters: Conveying the remnant removes a lingering title irregularity, aligns parcel ownership with current use, and avoids continued taxation and administrative work for the town.

Council action
Council considered a motion to convey the parcel by quitclaim deed, including direction that the Pfeiffer family would pay all costs of conveyance. After a public comment period and discussion, the council approved the ordinance to convey the parcel. The roll call recorded the following votes: Council member Charles — Yes; Council member Eberhardt — Yes; Council member Hayes — Yes; Council member Worley — Yes.

Ending
Town staff said they will prepare the ordinance language and work with PGP Partners Ltd. to complete the quitclaim deed process. The council thanked the family for bringing the title issue forward.","The council approved an ordinance (first step) to convey a 1,271.63 sq. ft. parcel cut off from a larger town parcel after Lake Clay Drive was built; PGP Partners Ltd. and the Pfeiffer family have enclosed and paid taxes on the parcel for decades.",{"_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},6272477,"Lake Placid council hears options to regulate food trucks; state licensing limits local rules",1821,3276000,5097000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027800-f7d70f3a57fc5166b3e0eb3c647b3678&start=3276&end=5097","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027800-f7d70f3a57fc5166b3e0eb3c647b3678/thumbnail_3276000.jpg","/articles/6272477/Lake-Placid/Highlands-County/Florida/Lake-Placid-council-hears-options-to-regulate-food-trucks-state-licensing-limits-local-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272477-47890ef3d767d92858203493d6f77db7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175007&Signature=TfBXYEWTFyyeEhDLA0iY9TH6sUV~bJhz9msPFOdkfbFeattG1xrB3~6nIBxXEYwaj-dNIkzjpORu3XngbHtc1BRiMCy46-aIKXwKxmt8KYtpP0uj4lsBW~m5rYorIcWQstoZTQmV2Gk2kdPMbVT-piAhGgeAUJCw6svMP9PoxucpFEVZhoJA3tMcbsn8-H1J3PyYJ3ZSyiQrZUlVh6Gqmcbf-S7DN~Fa4sCkDfJuoGG3HMqvRnbkV-nLYddBIsvD1r-l-UpvvDE0PX98jKOzMjuKQlymsjpV8v-WEyFno1BGN28VyZ9KTQ7ksvinOfqzjyrgJ2Na6UlbfCTHxjO3qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Central Florida Regional Planning Council representative described regulatory options for mobile food dispensing vehicles — commonly called food trucks — at a Lake Placid Town Council meeting in April 2025, and town staff and council members discussed the limits and levers available under Florida law.

Brenda Torres summarized community feedback from a February workshop and presented four regulatory approaches: allow food trucks by special event permit, permit them as an accessory use to an existing business, allow primary‑use on vacant parcels (food‑truck parks or “pods”), or create an overlay district that designates permitted locations and standards. Torres flagged state law (Florida Statutes §509.1002) that preempts certain licensing, registration and fee authority to the state and noted that full‑service mobile food vehicles that prepare potentially hazardous food are regulated at the state level by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; packaged‑food vendors fall under the Department of Agriculture.

Town planner Dana Bridal and a CFRPC presenter, Jennifer, clarified that while the state issues operational licenses and health permits, the town can regulate locations, public‑property events, required site improvements (stabilized surfaces, ADA access, parking, trash removal) and whether food trucks may operate in town‑owned parks or right‑of‑way. Jennifer said locally the town can require a special permit to use town property or right‑of‑way, and staff advised that private properties must be zoned to permit food‑truck use. The town attorney and planner noted permitting in this context typically means adding text amendments to the land‑use code to allow food trucks as permitted or conditional uses and to require site plans or special‑event approvals; it is not the same as state food‑service licensing.

Why it matters: Torress told the council the community broadly favored allowing food trucks in Lake Placid but asked for local rules that protect safety, parking, neighboring businesses and access. Council members raised questions about town‑property liability, whether the town could charge a fee for use of public property, and whether pods should be near downtown or concentrated in Stewart Park. Council asked staff to draft options that cover (1) town property (including pods), (2) private property accessory uses, and (3) special events, with different standards for each.

Key points
- State preemption: Florida law governs licensing/permits and fees for food‑service operations; towns cannot require state food licenses but can regulate where and how food trucks operate within municipal limits (location, special‑event permitting on town property, public‑right‑of‑way exceptions with town approval). The CFRPC referenced Florida Statutes §509.1002.
- Local control areas: The town can (a) require a special events permit for town property use, (b) amend zoning to permit food trucks as an accessory use to businesses with a site plan and adequate off‑street parking, (c) allow primary use on vacant parcels or create food‑truck parks (pods) with parking, restrooms and waste provisions, or (d) adopt an overlay district that identifies approved locations and standards.
- Community preference: Workshop attendees favored allowing food trucks in the downtown/Stewart Park area and asked that the town require property‑owner permission, evidence of required state licenses, adequate parking and trash removal.
- Implementation: Town planner Dana Bridal and CFRPC said staff can draft text amendments and suggested the council decide whether to allow food trucks on town property outside of special events; council members asked staff to present draft language covering public property, private property accessory uses and special events.

Next steps
The council directed staff to prepare draft ordinance language and options for the May meeting that (a) define where food trucks may operate, (b) clarify the town permit/administrative review process for town property and events, and (c) propose requirements for off‑street parking, ADA access and trash removal. Staff recommended distinguishing town permits for use of public property from state licensing for food service.

Ending
Council members asked staff to return with model language for all scenarios — public property, private property accessory use and special events — and with draft standards for pods and overlay districts so the council can decide where to allow mobile food vendors.","Central Florida Regional Planning Council presented options for permitting and locating mobile food dispensing vehicles. Council, town planner and planning staff clarified that Florida law preempts certain licensing and fees to the state but allows the town to regulate locations, special‑event use and town‑property permits.",{"_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},6272482,"Highlands County Fire Rescue outlines $7 million Lake Placid station plan, eyes 1349 US‑27 site",2007,619000,2626000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027800-f7d70f3a57fc5166b3e0eb3c647b3678&start=619&end=2626","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027800-f7d70f3a57fc5166b3e0eb3c647b3678/thumbnail_619000.jpg","/articles/6272482/Lake-Placid/Highlands-County/Florida/Highlands-County-Fire-Rescue-outlines-7-million-Lake-Placid-station-plan-eyes-1349-US27-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272482-65da6220ce940a8c44e45c1ccb31eeae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175007&Signature=GwGuxBdMyQh6~BRw66-G1jZWi7CbiRgA6RcfCMcq4WxrwedjyzYvv78L9yA4L~yD-WlPVeDxSgM0cBsaXaF0VyWFrLPjQflK4rPtbWNm5deeZOiPduNCxXpGrC93W0EETOpLHUjjE45yGOlW1Zr4FlxrePcRSLcBZqkJFUEfnN-BRsRuAJheUrHWUcA7LNVEEcVqF7Jm5XdaoIExatXvNbOBx3vkzKpw0fxQapIXQtFblfIdgVUvLaap~DAwHBkvC9Ye9Jh3zWm13ju5k-zheRbXXsXGv1buFtF83ynmpbxfIZLVooOjp7g7Zg5ZX4TcJluf4gwESOPwWYcWV14ExA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Highlands County Fire Rescue leaders told the Lake Placid Town Council on April 2025 that a planned full‑service fire station and adjoining training site for the town is moving toward design and property acquisition, with preliminary construction estimates near $7,000,000 and an environmental study under way for a parcel north of Southern Lifestyles Assisted Living on U.S. 27.

The presentation traced the project’s history and why county staff and fire chiefs concluded a new station is needed. Deputy Chief Dustin Fitch and Chief Kelly Dufenthaler told the council the county consolidated volunteer fire districts beginning in 2018 and has repeatedly updated studies and funding plans since then. A most recent county study increased the funding level to 83.75 percent for operations and established a 20‑year capital apparatus replacement plan funded at 50 percent; the new station and training site remain dependent on additional capital funding, the officials said.

County leaders said they have an intent to purchase a triangular seven‑acre parcel at 1349 U.S. 27 that they believe can accommodate a station and training area. County staff walked the site and reported only “a bee hive” during preliminary environmental checks; the council was told an environmental study is in progress. The county’s architect is expected to submit percent‑complete construction documents at the end of the month, which officials said would allow competitive bids and a more precise construction cost estimate. The county has submitted a request for state appropriations but warned that state funding decisions can change quickly.

Why it matters: Highlands County said the countywide consolidation and the station plan respond to response‑time gaps and Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings. Fire Rescue officials described efforts to meet NFPA guidance, adopt a “clean/dirty” design to protect firefighters from occupational cancer exposures, and to secure a training site so local firefighters do not need to travel long distances for training.

Details and timeline
- Funding history: A 2018 implementation plan recommended staged career staffing along U.S. 27; portion of implementation funded at roughly 60 percent then later increased to 83.75 percent with a 20‑year apparatus replacement plan funded at 50 percent. Officials said capital funding remained incomplete and that apparatus replacement needs reduced available implementation dollars.
- Station sizing and site needs: Fire staff said modern NFPA‑compliant stations and occupational‑health design require roughly 16,000 square feet and a recommended minimum of two acres for a single station; larger training sites are often 3–5 acres or more. County staff reported looking at several parcels, rejected an AdventHealth donation due to high mitigation costs from an environmental study (roughly several hundred thousand dollars), and found two large but cost‑prohibitive parcels north of town. The 1349 U.S. 27 parcel was described as a workable option with room for a training pad.
- Cost estimate and procurement: The county’s architect estimated a station plus training site in the neighborhood of $7,000,000; that figure does not include property purchase, a council member confirmed. The county expects design documents late this month, followed by bidding if approvals and the environmental report allow.
- Operations and equipment: Officials said the station will be a four‑bay facility to house the apparatus envisioned in the county consolidation plan; staff said the ladder truck dimensions and turn‑radius requirements were part of site testing.
- ISO and response times: Officials explained the 4‑minute target commonly used for first‑unit arrival in ISO/NFPA calculations (from dispatch to arrival), noted current gaps in coverage, and said the county’s plan aims to improve the countywide ISO rating (the county currently has a 5/5X in places, the county hopes to move to a 3 in the future once stations are added).

Council questions and clarifications
Council members asked whether the parcel is currently zoned for the proposed use; county staff said the parcel’s current zoning is agricultural and would require rezoning. Officials confirmed the $7,000,000 estimate excludes land acquisition. Council members also asked whether volunteer stations such as Placid Lakes would close when the county adds career stations; county staff said no, volunteer stations would remain in service and be part of a combined response model. The county said it intends to seek state appropriations and requested town support for outreach to state legislators.

What’s next
County officials said they will complete the environmental study, finalize 50 percent construction documents by the end of the month, and then proceed to bid if the study and property purchase move forward. Town staff and council members asked for regular updates and copies of design documents as they become available.

Ending
Highlands County Fire Rescue framed the project as part of a multi‑year county consolidation to address coverage gaps and firefighter safety. County officials said design work is advancing and that state appropriations remain an important but uncertain funding avenue.","Highlands County Fire Rescue presented a multi‑year history and current proposal for a new Lake Placid fire station and adjoining training site, citing a proposed $7 million construction estimate, a recently identified seven‑acre parcel on U.S. 27, an environmental study underway and a request for state appropriations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Lake Placid council approves festival fee waiver, meeting schedule, zoning change and software purchase

Town council approves quitclaim deed to Pfeiffer family for small parcel cut off by Lake Clay Drive

Lake Placid council hears options to regulate food trucks; state licensing limits local rules

Highlands County Fire Rescue outlines $7 million Lake Placid station plan, eyes 1349 US‑27 site