Lorie Ayers

The meeting agenda included multiple proposed ordinances related to land development and the Comprehensive Plan, presented by representatives from Kimley-horn. Key items involved rezoning approximately 62 +/- acres from Agriculture (A-1) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) and concurrently amending the Future Land Use Designation from Agriculture (AGR) to Rural Center (RCN). Another ordinance addressed increasing residential density and non-residential intensity within the Rural Center category. A Special Exception request was considered for T & J Dewatering LLC to establish a septic wastewater dewatering and treatment center, which included detailed analysis regarding environmental impact, setbacks, buffering, and traffic generation, with staff recommending approval subject to conditions such as a financial bond and landscape buffering.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda as presented. Public comment was opened, with several individuals addressing the Board on non-agenda items. The Consent Agenda, covering the ratification of the submission and acceptance for the Florida Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School sidewalk program along Rigdon Road, was approved. A presentation was given by the Florida Department of Transportation regarding the U.S. Highway 17 Signal and Lighting Project. In action items, the Board approved Resolution 2026-07, which waived competitive bidding and approved a lease purchase agreement with Community First National Bank for a Demers F450 ambulance. The meeting included a recess for a discussion on BOCC Policies & Procedures before commissioners and other officials provided comments. The meeting was adjourned.

The agenda for the petition hearings included an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, call to order, public comment, and approval of the agenda. Key activities involved the announcement of approved, withdrawn, or settled Value Adjustment Board petitions, including multiple withdrawals and one commercial real property petition hearing for Bowling Hospitality LLC. The board attorney reviewed the prehearing checklist and verification of Florida Statute Chapter 194, followed by administration of the oath of witness. The board also addressed the certification of the Hardee County Tax Roll and concluded with a meeting recess until the next scheduled session.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was approved unanimously. Key actions included the approval of proclamations designating February 2026 as "Public Education Appreciation Month in Hardee County" and February 11, 2026, as "211 Day" in Hardee County. Under the consent agenda, the Board approved an Access, Use and Indemnity Agreement with Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC, for a debris management site, and approved operating amendments. For the Business Agenda, the Board approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-08, which amends the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Series regarding the Mining Overlay District. Commissioner Chancey was nominated and approved as the Board's member of the canvasing board. Resolution 2026-12 concerning the electronic filing of campaign finance reports was also approved. Following a recess, the Board discussed Hardee County Charitable Donations funding, ultimately approving allocations to several non-profits, and approved a four-year sponsorship agreement with GFNY. The County Manager announced an upcoming State of the County Event and a Board workshop regarding utilities and capacity fees. The meeting concluded with a motion to halt all construction on specific pads until further notice.

The session commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. A primary discussion point involved the County Attorney presenting findings regarding the Board's adoption of a Charitable Donation Policy, referencing Florida law requirements for public purpose expenditures. Following this, presentations were given by representatives from several non-profit organizations, including Alpha & Omega Freedom Ministries, Inc.; Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast; Cutting Edge Ministries, Inc.; EPCA Inc. dba. Caring People Recovery Center; Peace River Center for Personal Development, Inc.; Hardee County Ministerial Association, Inc. dba. Hardee Help Center; Nu-Hope Elder Care Services, Inc.; and Rascal's Rescues Inc. The meeting included a public comment portion and commissioner comments before adjournment.