Cities Civil and Municipal September 2024

Avon Park, Florida – Highlands County

October 11, 2024

Avon Park, Florida

A Gem in the Heartland

Where History and Revitalization Converge

Founded in 1886, Avon Park, affectionately known as the “City of Charm,” is a picturesque community and a recognized U.S. historic district, where the city’s 13 heritage buildings are a main street attraction, and a draw for residents and visitors.

Avon Park is currently experiencing revitalization as the city unites to envision a community of the future. Many residents have a deep affection for the town and are committed to staying, appreciating its familiarity, authenticity, and sense of home. The downtown area fosters a strong sense of community, with residents and tourists enjoying various activities, visiting shops, and dining at some of the great local restaurants. Momentum is building as these revitalization efforts continue.

The community is being challenged to imagine what future generations will say about the institutions established, the buildings built, parks and green spaces created, the trees planted and businesses established today. These efforts are expected to make a significant statement about the importance of this moment in the town’s history, both now and in the future.

Revitalizing the Downtown Core

Avon Park’s downtown mall, a mile-long stretch with a wide, picturesque median, extends from U.S. 27 eastward to Lake Verona and City Hall. This scenic area, part of State Road 64, a state-owned road, has been central to the town’s history. The mall remains a standout feature in the area, one that is revered as part of a historic profile and looked upon as a beautiful space with the potential to be of great significance for this town that is redefining its role in Highlands County.

The State Department of Transportation held a workshop to discuss potential enhancements to Avon Park’s downtown mall, with a focus on parking, outdoor seating, and infrastructure improvements. A key concern is the disruption caused by trucks passing through the area. Various solutions are being considered, including structural and aesthetic approaches, such as traffic calming features, narrowing roads, and brick paving. There is also the possibility of converting the roads to one-way streets to accommodate angled parking. These changes are expected to manage traffic flow more effectively and encourage drivers to slow down and appreciate the scenic surroundings.

The city is actively engaged in beautification efforts, working with Public Works to introduce a variety of flowers and native plants that support pollinators. With a strong agricultural industry that has been central to the city’s history and remains important today, these efforts aim to honor the city’s agricultural heritage. This unique feature is something the city hopes to highlight and preserve through future initiatives.

The Role of the Airport in Economic Development

Plans are underway to introduce a flight school and hotel accommodations at the Avon Park Municipal Airport. The airport benefits from a strong synergy with the nearby Air Force training site, which has been active since World War II and continues to serve military personnel. Additionally, the airport has seen landings from helicopters and other military personnel, further emphasizing its strategic importance.

Infrastructure Investment

In terms of water and sewer infrastructure, in addition to meeting the needs of Avon Park residents and businesses, the city is the site of one of two septage treatment plants that service surrounding counties. An upgrade of the Avon Park treatment facilities has been included in the budget to make the services more efficient and cost-effective.

The downtown mall continues to benefit from state maintenance, with a contract that was established a century ago and is still in effect. Sidewalks throughout Avon Park are well-maintained, contributing to the walkability of the community and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Many students walk downtown daily to and from school, resulting in significant foot traffic in the area. This adds to the vibrancy and energy of our downtown. There is great school team spirit locally and many of our students, parents, teachers, local businesses and residents participate in supporting team sports. GO BIG RED, is our cheer! Ensuring shaded spaces, well-lit streets and safety are all part of investing in our infrastructure.

Commercial Growth

When it comes to commercial investment, Avon Park is making significant strides. There is growing interest from businesses looking to establish a presence in the city.

HGTV did a Hometown Takeover of our sister city, Sebring in 2024, and once that season airs in 2025, we will see visitors and businesses alike coming to Avon Park and Highlands County. This influx of businesses and visitors will be seen as a positive sign, indicating a lively and active market.

The city has witnessed a variety of new business ventures, including beauty salons, retail shops, real estate offices, nonprofit organizations and more.

We have very well-regarded venues in the city, offering wonderful dining experiences that appeal to a variety of palettes, spanning many cultural cuisines.

Arts and Culture have always been a part of this community. An art museum and a history museum are open to the public and host special events throughout the year. The 100-year-old Head Field was home to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1920’s and the field has been in continuous use to this day. An expansion to the history museum is a major undertaking that will feature the 100-year history of baseball in the city.

There are many commercial improvements slated for Avon Park, these are ground-floor opportunities and can provide a significant market advantage in the near future.

Donaldson Park is home to Lake Verona, a large-scale revitalization is earmarked for this location. The commercial properties in the vicinity will also see marked improvements in their facade once this project is underway. The preservation of historical buildings and sites is paramount, working in tandem with infusing vigor and modern amenities to engage community residents of all ages and interests.

Residential Development and Quality of Life

Avon Park is looking forward to the completion of a large apartment complex, which includes an affordable housing component, being developed on a seven-acre site near downtown.

As an example of what is possible, the historic Brickell building on Main Street has been renovated and is being developed into a mixed-use property.

Regarding affordable housing options, the Avon Park Housing Authority excels in

maintaining well-kept and dignified units, with some even offering views of a lake and nearby park with benches. Additionally, a 55+ RV resort community with approximately 300 units is set to be established within city limits.

Recreational opportunities are being improved and added in various areas of the city through facade grants, gardens, parks, and after-school programs.

There is a growing interest in moving to the area due to its convenience, with proximity to major airports and tourist destinations. Major highways are easily accessible. Avon Park is in the center of the State, an area known as the ‘Heartland’. Avon Park also boasts being part of the Lake Wales ridge, the highest point in Florida. It is home to beautiful and unique flora and fauna.

Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) plays an important role in the training of the men and women that defend our nation. The largest bombing and gunnery range east of the Mississippi, APAFR has approximately 400 square miles of restricted airspace and 1,000 square miles of military operating area. Located in central Florida in Polk and Highlands Counties, APAFR’s 106,000 acres provide an important training facility for active duty, guard, and reserve military units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

The Range is home to other organizations, such as the State of Florida Juvenile Academy, the Florida National Guard, and the Avon Park Correctional Institution. The Range also hosts civilian public safety and homeland security unit training including the South Florida Community College Law Enforcement Academy’s training activities. Other programs that contribute to the economies of Highlands and Polk County include outdoor recreation, cattle grazing, forest management and timber sales. The Range’s environmental stewardship program protects the unique plant and animal habitats and cooperates with The Nature Conservancy and Archbold Biological Station to study and protect the rare plants and endangered species inhabiting the Range.

Many veterans and nature lovers flock to the area for the serene lifestyle. With the abundance of lakes, state parks, RV resorts and picturesque golf courses, it is safe to say, Avon Park is an ideal place to live, work and play.

Partnership and Collaboration

As Avon Park continues to grow, the valued partners who are helping the city to evolve are crucial. The Avon Park Chamber of Commerce is a key entity for the city in orchestrating events, connecting businesses with residents and students, and fostering local engagement.

Avon Park is home to South Florida State College, which provides specialized training for various opportunities in fields such as healthcare, emergency services, and biotech. The college is closely attuned to the needs of the local business community. There are strong collaborations between business groups, community leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, and South Florida State College, aimed at producing quality, motivated workers and nurturing local entrepreneurs who can develop their talents in the area.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the city is actively working to recruit more retail businesses, enhance the façades of existing stores, increase community activities and events, as well as, beautify its historic downtown. Beautiful caladiums also play a significant role in the community as many new varieties and colors are being explored and shipped worldwide from Avon Park. As this hidden gem embarks on an exciting new chapter of revitalization and invigoration of local historic sites, the goal is for the changes being implemented today to have a lasting impact for generations to come. Preserving the legacy of honoring the foundation and footprint of hardworking, community minded individuals is of true importance, whilst moving with the times of modernization and changes that are beneficial to all. Avon Park is looking towards a bright and prosperous future.