Alan Jay Arena

UPDATED 3/25

It is with heavy hearts that we share some devastating news. A little over an hour ago, our employee Stephanie and her family experienced a tragic house fire resulting in a total loss. Five individuals have been displaced and have lost everything.

We are incredibly grateful that, by the grace of God, everyone is safe and no one was injured. While material things can be replaced, the emotional toll and loss Stephanie and her family are experiencing is truly unimaginable.

If you feel led to help support them during this difficult time, we will be accepting donations of clothing and essential items beginning tomorrow at 8:00 AM at the Alan Jay Arena / Highlands County Fairgrounds Office. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.

Clothing sizes needed are as follows:

Men’s:
• Pants/Shorts: 32/30
• Shirts: Large
• Undergarments: Large
•Shoes: 10 & 10 1/2

Women’s:
• Pants/Shorts: 1–3
• Shirts: Small/Medium
• Undergarments: Small
•Shoes: 8

Women’s:
•Pants/Shorts: L/XL
•Shirts: Large
•Undergarments: Large
•Shoes: 9

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support for Stephanie and her family as they begin to rebuild. ❤️

This morning, we had the incredible honor and privilege of hosting the Florida Farm Bill signing alongside Ron DeSantis, Ben Albritton, and Wilton Simpson. This meaningful legislation will help protect farmers and ranchers across the state of Florida, reinforcing the vital role agriculture plays in our communities.

We are so grateful to everyone who attended and supported this event. Your presence helped make the day truly special. To all who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, thank you. This would not have been possible without your dedication and effort.

A special thank you to Ben and Sarah Mayworth for providing two of their tractors, a powerful symbol of the hard work and heart of agriculture here in Highlands County. And to Robins Nursery, thank you for your generous donation of beautiful ferns that helped bring our vision to life.

We appreciate each and every one of you! 🌱🚜

UPDATE: The Alan Jay Arena will be opening at 8am on Wednesday, October 9th!

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT | IMPORTANT SHELTER UPDATE

Another general population shelter has been added to the shelter opening list. All shelters are opening WEDNESDAY at 8 A.M. Only the Avon Park shelter will be PET FRIENDLY.

GENERAL SHETLERS:
Avon Park: Avon Park Rec Center, 207 E. State St., Avon Park, 33825
Sebring: Alan Jay Arena, 781 Magnolia Ave., Sebring, 33870, at the Highlands County Fairgrounds
Lake Placid: Lake Placid High School, 202 Green Dragon Drive, Lake Placid 33852

The ONLY pets accepted at the AP shelter will be cats and dogs. 2 pets per person allowed. If you do not have pets, you are encouraged to go to tone of the other two general shelters.

Pets MUST be crated and be up to date on their shots. Pets will be housed in a separate area of the shelter, and pet owners will have access to their pet throughout their stay.

The pet shelter application form MUST BE printed and filled out completely BEFORE arriving at the shelter. Proof of vaccination MUST BE provided upon arrival, and pet owners will need to bring all food, water, a leash, and sanitary supplies for their pets with them.

To print the application form >> https://cms2.revize.com/revize/highlandscountyfl/Pet%20Friendly%20Application%20and%20Intake%20Form%20-%202020.pdf

SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER:
Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, 33875

The special needs shelter is for all ELECTRICALLY DEPENDENT individuals or persons whose medicines require refrigeration and their caregivers. It is not for general population.

Electrically dependent individuals can be defined as but not limited to those who rely on powered medical devices, such as ventilators or oxygen concentrators, to sustain their health. In the event of a power outage, they require backup power or special assistance to ensure their equipment continues functioning properly.

If you or one of your loved ones are electrically dependent, please register for the special needs shelter ASAP. Call 863-386-6040 or go online https://www.highlandsfl.gov/departments/PublicSafety/emergency_management/special_needs_shelter_application.php

Have your supplies ready if you expect to go to a shelter.