Glades Fire Chiefs Recognized By Commission

Glades Commission Meeting Approvals This Week

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- At the Tuesday morning meeting of the Glades Commission Chairman K. S. Butch Jones recognized Public Safety Director Jones and awarded him and then each Volunteer Fire Chief with a plaque of appreciation for outstanding service.  A standing ovation was given for Director Jones, District 1 Indian Hills Chief Ricky Constable, District 2 Ortona Chief Jimmy Summeralls and Muse Chief Jason Queen, District 3 Palmdale Chief Jeff Harrod and Lakeport Chief Lawhon, District 4 Moore Haven Chief John Biggs, and District 5 Buckhead Ridge Chief Tom Vallee. 

Commissioner Donna Storter  Long said, "Glades County is dependent on the services of these dedicated hardworking volunteers for all fire and rescue services for which they receive token compensation.  All have exemplified true spirit of community service, especially during the recent 18,000- acres fire in Glades County. The plaques can only begin to honor these men and their crews and show our deepest gratitude."

In Other Actions

In other action the board approved  a request for the Estates At Port LaBelle for an amendment to FLUM land use zoning requirements to allow changing 5.23 acres from Commercial to Residential and 7.24 acres from Agriculture to Residential.  Parcels are part of 252 acres already zoned as residential where the developer is proposing a subdivision to site 91 single family homes near Aspen Blvd. in Port LaBelle.

Also approved was a bid for widening and resurfacing a portion of CR720/731 in Muse, awarded to low bidder Better Roads, Inc. for $1,764,026.05.  Others bids included AJAX @ $2,103,918.27 and Fla. Highway Products for $2,590,101.11.  County Manager Taylor said he would request of DOT that the $527,391.15 SCOP funds remaining on the table be used for enhancing the approach to West Glades School where there is currently no turn lane.

Economic Development Council Executive Director Tracy Whirls requested the Board appoint a planning �team� to begin the process of establishing a Tourist Development Council in Glades County.  The Board appointed Commissioner Paul Beck and approved appointments of David Dannenhauer, Dave Ferguson, Bob Joyner, Bill Redman, Patty Register, Nita Shirley and Bret Whidden.

Citing the need to discuss settlement issues of pending litigation, County Attorney Pringle received the Board�s agreement to convene in executive session August 21 at 1 PM.  He will provide the legal stenographer and advertising.  Issues to be discussed include two cases relative to FPL power park and land development regulations process, Glades County RV Park Owners Association and Coba Beasley, and the Federal case filed on behalf of Billy Thompson and Patricia Brown.