City reports Westlake Jackson progress; DOT ordered removal of circle murals

City staff told the Sebring City Council on Sept. 2 that phases 1 and 2 of the Westlake Jackson project have reached 100% deliverables and that staff is progressing on property acquisitions and utility relocations for the project. The city administrator said staff has entered a purchase order to clear a recently acquired property tied to relocation of Public Works utilities and that the council may see an annexation item for that property at a future meeting. Staff also said they met with roofing and interior contractors about work at 126 West Center and would bring recommendations back to council. Separately, staff discussed an FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) road-swap matter and the removal of painted murals on Circle Drive. The administrator said FDOT initially paused removal but then received a directive from higher authority to remove the orange-blossom paintings installed around the circle. “They just got an order mandate. It has to be done tonight,” staff said, adding that DOT characterized the issue as political and social and that the mandate left “no stopping it.” Councilors asked clarifying questions about whether Circle Drive’s local status would change the outcome; staff replied that even if Circle Drive were a local road, the murals likely would not be allowed to remain. Staff said they are investigating state-level and right-of-way implications and would report back. Next steps: Staff will return with contractor recommendations for 126 West Center, pursue any needed annexation steps for acquired property, and follow up on FDOT communications about the Circle Drive murals and road-swap status.